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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 13, 2021 14:58:23 GMT -5
Lyrei Reinhold-Azureguard (Rei) Kingdom Azuresta - King Arbane and Queen BellalunaKing Artus Reinhold Kingdom Reinhold - King Ivan and Queen LillianBenjamin Captain of the Reinhold RegimentAzureguard Family CrestMain continent: Okor Elven kingdom to the far south: Olaran The day old tale of the elven kind and humans not seeing eye to eye seemed to be coming to a close. The noble king and queen of Kingdom Azuresta, an elven kingdom to the far west of the Okor continent had agreed to marry their daughter Princess Lyrei Azureguard off to the prince of a human kingdom. This was somewhat of a taboo agreement. The wars that riddled the land of Okor held a rich backstory. For centuries it seemed that the humans and elves could not find a common ground. King Ivan of Kingdom Reinhold was the one to suggest the idea, surprisingly. The human king had grown tired of the fighting and he hoped that one day the continent of Okor could see peace. King Ivan reached out to King Arbane of Azuresta in hopes to make these ties. There was much debate on the subject. Another elven kingdom to the far south had already asked for Arbane’s daughter in marriage, the Kingdom of Olaran. Arbane spent many hours trying to decide his answer. He consoled with his wife Bellaluna whom thought that bringing peace between humans and elves was a wonderful idea. This could be the end of the wars, at least that is what she had stated to him at the time. Lyrei was left to the decision that the king and queen would ultimately make. She was to be wed to the human son of the King of Reinhold. It was months of preparation for the grand event. Treaties were signed. This was a new beginning. The king and queen of Azuresta believed that this would be a moment of history that other elven and human kingdoms would follow in. The princess said her goodbyes to her family and soon enough she was sent off in a carriage to make the trek to the far eastern coast of Okor. It took nearly a week of travel but Lyrei arrived and was greeted with a warm welcome by the castle guard. The princess was stunning. She had tasseled chocolate locks with a beautiful silver tiara within her hair. Her tipped ears poked delicately through her hair. Her skin was a flawless ivory complexion. Her eyes were as beautiful as a clear blue sky. She wore a beautiful dark blue dress and a white cloak that had blue accents upon it. The silver clasps held the insignia of her family. Her eyes gazed up to the beautiful castle, she had heard many stories of the Reinhold kingdom, but words did not do it justice. Gorgeous waterfalls came from the walls of the kingdom that was built into the mountainside. Bridges linked towers together with magnificent delicate construction. It was nothing like the elven architecture that the princess was used to seeing. A smile curved up her lips as she took in her new home. “Princess.” A knight clad in intricately polished armor stepped forward. The silver of the armor reflected the sun into the princess’ eyes and she lifted her hand to guard her eyes slightly as she took in the appearance of this knight. His armor had etchings all about it, beautiful designs of gold within the plating. He wore a red cape off of his shoulder. The knight had silvery hair and a clean shaven face. “I am Captain Benjamin of the Reinhold Royal Regiment.” He bowed deeply to her. “I shall show you to your quarters and get you settled in.” With that he nodded and turned to lead the princess into the city. Lyrei gazed about, she was surrounded by a platoon of soldiers that were dressed in similar armor as the captain, though his armor seemed to have much more of a careful polish upon it. She was so enthralled by the city that a smile curved up her lips as they walked toward the main castle entrance. A child rushed through the city and giggled, the young girl pushed her way through the knights and rushed up to the princess. “Princess Lyrei!!” The child looked up to her with big eyes. “You’re so beautiful! Prince Artus is lucky to have you!!” She giggled playfully. “I picked this flower for you!” The child held a beautiful white lily in her hands. “Child that is your future queen, step back.” One of the knights ordered. Lyrei held up her hand and shook her head, “No.” She spoke as she knelt down, a smile upon her lips. “Thank you.” She took the flower and went to sniff it. “Princess.” One of the guards snatched the flower from her hands. “You are not in your own home.” He crumpled it and tossed it to the ground, the child’s eyes welled with tears. “We are tasked with protecting you and getting you to the castle.” Lyrei furrowed her brows. She lifted the crumpled flower into her hands and watched as one of the pedals fell from the delicate flower. “What’s your name?” She asked softly as she looked to the child whom was shaking, on the verge of crying. “L-L-Lana.” The child brushed a few tears from her face. “Ah. Well you know what Lana?” Lyrei smiled, “This flower is not broken.” She gazed to it and a gentle white glow came from her fingertips and encased the flower. Slowly the flower reformed and once again it was just as beautiful as when the child had given it to her. “See?” She smiled. “Now then, where shall I put this?” Lyrei questioned. She carefully took the flower and tucked it into her hair so that it rest just above her right ear tip. “How’s that?” She smiled sweetly to the girl. Lana had a look of awe in her eyes. “You….you fixed it…” She giggled and smiled brightly. “You’re the perfect princess for our prince.” She giggled again. “Princess.” The captain spoke, he had watched this entire event play out, his eyes full of curiosity as to how the elf would react to such situations. She had surprised him greatly. Most humans expected elves to be violent toward them. That was the history at least. “We should get going.” Lyrei looked to the captain and then nodded, “Of course.” She looked to the child. “Here.” She pulled an elvish coin from her pocket and gave it to Lana. “Don’t lose that smile of yours.” She spoke as she stood and brushed a bit of dirt from the front of her dress. She looked to the guard, her brows tugged together slightly, a bit of a worried look in her eyes as she tried to see the man’s eyes behind his helmet. The princess shook her head slightly and then walked forward. ** Lyrei was taken to her private chamber as soon as they entered the castle. Servants were assigned to her and soon enough they had taken all her elvish clothing and replaced it with a beautiful white wedding gown. Lyrei gazed to herself in the mirror, the servants had carefully done her hair curling it and working it into the perfect updo which exposed her ears. She had asked the women to keep the flower, to which they obliged and weaved it into her hair perfectly. Soon enough she would be wed to the prince and she would become the queen of Reinhold. Lyrei was led by two castle guards to the ballroom where music played for her to walk up the aisle to the man that she had never met. Her eyes gazed about as she approached slowly to the tempo that the guards led her at. The eyes of the people of Reinhold were upon her. Not many had smiles upon their lips. Some did. But most did not look happy to see her. She felt a pit form in her stomach as she focused her gaze forward to find her future king. Artus stood upon the alter a smile upon his lips. It was a welcoming smile, exactly what she needed. She felt so exposed, so alone. The prince was dressed in what appeared to be his battle armor. It was carefully polished with plenty of golden embellishments. His sword was hung upon his back, he wore a red cape that hung to the side. His hair was short and well groomed, a sandy brown. He had stubble upon his jaw but it was also well kept, as she would expect from a noble. Lyrei stepped up to him her eyes looking over his face, a smile pulled up the edges of her lips. She wanted to speak to him, to ask him so many questions. But, now was not the time. She drew in a breath as the ceremony began. A man stood with a book to read their vows. This was much different than an elvish wedding, but alas it was easy enough to follow. Lyrei repeated her vows as she was directed. The moment that a question was posed. Were there any objections? Silence fell over the room. Then the man announced that Artus could kiss his wife. She reached up and her hand cupped his cheek as he had leaned forward. The prince grinned and they kissed to seal the deal so to speak. ** The next few weeks were incredibly busy. Lyrei was at Artus’ side for all the events. Celebrations. Dances. The handing off the crown. She now had a beautiful silver crown that she wore upon her head with intricate jewels. She was the Queen of Reinhold. Everything seemed to be going perfectly. The fear that she had had on her wedding day had melted away and soon enough the new Queen felt as though she was at home in her new kingdom. Lyrei had grown a love for Artus that she had not been sure she could hold. The two stayed up late most nights to a glass of wine speaking of their lives. Truly getting to know one another. She trusted him and he trusted her. He was caring and friendly, nothing like she imagined from a noble human. Then again, he told her he had expected her to be quite conceited and hateful. After nearly a month of being a queen a festival of fall was to be celebrated. Lyrei drank with Artus, a smile upon her lips the entire while. She mingled with the humans of Reinhold. The previous king and queen watched with warm smiles upon their lips. Peace had been brought to their people. Their kingdom was foraging a new path. Toward the end of the evening Lyrei felt heavy, as if she had drank far more than she had. She was helped back to her chamber by the captain of the guards and another guard helped Artus back to the chamber with her. Lyrei giggled to herself as she lay on the bed next to him, her vision blurred. “I did not know your people had such strong ales….” She fought to stay awake. Artus turned to his side and kissed her cheek as his arm fell over her. He mumbled something incoherent before passing out for the evening. ** It was the early hours of the next morning that the door to the chamber was forced open roughly. Before Lyrei could blink the sleep from her eyes guards stormed the room. “Queen Lyrei you are under arrest.” Artus lay on his back with Lyrei upon his chest. His eyes opened and he furrowed his brows. “What is the meaning of this?” He exclaimed as he sat up quickly as Lyrei sat up as well. “She is guilty just look at her!” One of the guards exclaimed as he pointed to the queen. Lyrei looked to her hands, blood was dried on her arms and hands, she had blood on her beautiful blue dress as well. “What….” She furrowed her brows. “Look, here is the weapon! She didn’t even try to hide it!” One of the guards spoke as he stepped to the bedside table which a dagger lay upon. Artus was standing now, his jaw loose. “What has happened?” He questioned, confusion in his voice. Lyrei looked to him and shook her head. “I…do not remember…I was with you, Artus.” Her voice trembled slightly. She lifted her eyes as heels clicked into the room. Lilian the previous queen marched right up to her and slapped her across the face harshly, this caused Lyrei to stumble back into one of the guards whom promptly grabbed a harsh hold of her. “Mother!” Artus exclaimed as he rushed around the bed. “Unhand her!” He ordered the knight. The knight did not budge. “Son.” Lilian turned to him. “Do you even know what this witch has done?” She questioned. “They are all the same. I tried to tell your father that. I tried to tell him that the elves were not to be trusted! Just look at her. Covered in your father’s blood.” She scoffed. “She killed him in cold blood. She’s a murderer just like all of her kind.” Her voice was like daggers to Lyrei. Artus froze then, his eyes looked to Lyrei a long moment. “Rei…is…is this true?” He questioned; his voice shook slightly. His eyes had glazed over with tears that threatened to escape. Lyrei shook her head as she struggled against the guard. “No. Artus. You must believe me; I was with you. All night I’ve been with you…” She pleaded. “Don’t let her fill your mind with lies, Artus.” Lilian spoke, her voice harsh. “Take her to the dungeon. We will have her beheaded before the whole kingdom tomorrow morning.” She stepped forward and gripped Lyrei’s chin. “You will not get away with this.” She shoved her slightly. “I knew I should have never trusted an elf within our city walls.” The queen had tears running down her cheeks. Lyrei fought against the knight as he shoved her forward. “Artus!” She cried. “Artus you have to listen to me I didn’t do this!” She pleaded. “Please!” She begged. ** Lyrei was thrown into the dungeon, her dress ripped from the harsh handling of the guards. Bruises formed on her delicate skin. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she stared to the dried blood. She pulled her knees to her chest as she sat in the corner of the damp dungeon. A guard slammed his sword against the bars. “Shut up elf.” He snapped harshly. “You kill our king, you won’t get treated like you have been since you’ve been here.” He snarled. “Artus won’t be so forgiving! How dare you kill his father.” Lyrei shook her head as she sobbed. “I…d-didn’t…..I would never do such a thing…I…have never…” The door to the cell opened then and the guard came in, two other guards with him. He gripped her by her throat and slammed her against the wall harshly. “How dare you continue this lie.” He slammed his fist into her side. “Still want to keep up the façade?” He questioned as he slammed her again, her head bounced off the concrete and her body went limp. The guard dropped her and scoffed. ** Hours later Lyrei felt arms under her body. She opened her eyes to see Artus. He looked ahead as he carried her along. It was dark. She shifted in his arms slightly and the King looked down to her. “Rei…” He spoke his brows tugged together. He walked down a flight of stairs and into a cold dark room. Where had he taken her? Lyrei shivered slightly from the cool air. She felt him set her down on a soft surface as he stepped away. Artus lit a lantern and turned to gaze to her, his eyes were filled with sadness. “You…did not do this, I know…this is all that I could do.” He searched her eyes as he stepped forward. He looked to the bruises upon her arms and the cut upon her cheekbone from the guard hitting her. “I brought you clothing…there is a horse just outside…I’ve packed it with everything you may need to get home…” Lyrei stood slowly. “Artus…” She breathed, her brows pulled together. “I…” She shivered slightly. The king pulled her into a hug and kissed the top of her head. “I will find a way to get you back. We will see each other one day.” He held her tightly for a long moment. “I…will figure out who truly did this.” He whispered softly. Lyrei sobbed in his arms as she realized what was happening. He was risking everything to keep her alive. To allow her to escape. She trembled in his grasp until she finally slipped away from him. “I…will never forget you Artus.” She whispered softly. She imagined that he would never be able to clear her name. Whomever performed such an action…they were professional. They knew exactly how to frame her. Several guards as well as Artus and Lilian saw her with the blood on her hands, the dagger next to the bed. It would be difficult to prove anything other than that she had killed the previous king. “I will get you back.” Artus spoke, as he helped her change. “I promise. I will not give up.” Lyrei stood in riding pants and knee-high boots. She wore a simple tunic and a deep blue cloak. Artus pulled the cloak up over her head and kissed her swiftly. He pulled her into a long embrace once again before he released her. “Goodbye, my king.” She spoke before she rushed down the hall. Lyrei did not look back as she rushed along. She took in quick breaths as she made her way outside of the castle walls. She gazed around for a moment and saw the beautiful white horse, her horse. She climbed upon it and gave a swift kick. The horse reared and then pushed forward; it was just before dawn. The clattering of hooves beating against the cobbled ground gained attention from the guards in the area. Soon enough the bells tolled sounding the alert of her escape. Lyrei rushed through the city, soon enough arrows flew passed her as the guards attempted to strike her down. She grit her teeth as she dodged the onslaught. Lyrei let out a cry as an arrow lodged into her side. She gripped onto the horn as she whimpered. Though with luck, the queen escaped from the city of Reinhold. She rode with speed into the forest. Her blood soaked into the tunic as she rode along. As she attempted to maintain consciousness. Once she felt as though she was deep enough into the forest Lyrei nearly fell from her horse. She staggered as she ripped the arrow from her side and held her hand to the wound. Blood gushed over the spaces between her fingers. She placed her other hand against the bark of a tree as she focused her magic. Lyrei was a healer, trained carefully by her mother. Not many had such skills anymore. She took in shaken breaths as a feint glow came from her hand. She fell to her knees as she tried to remain conscious. Once the wound was closed enough that it had stopped bleeding she shakily climbed upon her horse once more to continue her trek home. ** The sound of bells tolled as an unknown rider came rushing into the Kingdom of Azuresta. It was Lyrei, she was hunched forward, her body weak from running from the Kingdom of Reinhold. She had several run ins with the Regiment of Reinhold that had caused her to run. She was nearly captured at one point. “It’s the princess!!” A guard exclaimed as he caught Lyrei as she fell from the horse. “Get the king and queen!” He cradled her in his arms. She had cuts and bruises about her body, to weak to heal her wounds any longer. It had been several days since she had managed to scrounge up any food to nourish her body. The kingdom of Azuresta was nestled within a mountain valley. It had high reaching towers from the city and sat within a beautiful green landscape. It was unlike any other kingdom on the continent. Snowy mountains looked over the city and an old temple sat upon the icy knoll of one of the mountains. “My king!” The guard rushed into the throne room. Both the king and queen rose from their thrones and rushed forward to their daughter whom the knight held in his arms. Lyrei had fallen unconscious. Bellaluna touched her daughter’s cheek. “Take her to her quarters…I…will see that our apothecary tends to her…do you know what happened to her?” The guard drew in a breath. “She muttered something as I caught her. That the previous king had been slain…she was blamed for it…” The guard spoke as he shifted slightly. Arbane drew in a deep breath, “It seems we were unwise to send our daughter to a human kingdom…” His voice was defeated. “We will ask her more when she is well enough.” ** That evening Lyrei woke. She had several bandages about her body from the apothecary. She winced as she pushed herself to her feet and pulled a cloak upon her body over her night gown for warmth. Tears rolled over her cheeks as she looked about her room. She was to be the first queen…the first elf married to a human to form peace in the lands. She slipped from her room and made her way to the kitchen where she requested a tea and a bowl of stew. The princess sat alone in the dining hall. She pushed the spoon around in the bowl as she thought of the morning that she woke with blood on her hands. How had this happened? She had felt so tired the night before after just a few drinks. She worried that someone had drugged her and the entire royal family. Soon enough Lyrei pushed herself to her feet once she had finished and she lifted her tea into her hands as she stepped from the dining hall. She walked down the dimly lit halls as she gazed about her home. Tears still rolled down her cheeks. She rounded a corner only to be grasped harshly. Her mug of tea fell to the floor breaking in an instant. “Ah just who I was looking for.” A man spoke with a chuckle in his voice. He was dressed in all black leather armor pieces with a black cloak. He looked like a shadow in the night. Lyrei tried to call out but his hand cupped over her face. The smell of a chemical filled her nostrils. “Now, now. We will not be having that. I’ve already killed enough of your guards.” The man chuckled as the world began to spin for Lyrei. “I’m just here for you, Queen….or should I say former Queen Lyrei.” He snickered as he felt her muscles begin to loosen from the chemical soaked cloth. |
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Post by Raven on Apr 13, 2021 16:46:13 GMT -5
In this world of chaos - the threat of monsters, creatures of the darkness, and demons themselves - riddle the lands and suck the life from her flesh. In desperation - an order had formed in secrecy. Young orphans became suddenly adopted in the masses, funneled to the northern mountains for a rigorous training. The ending of this training ended in two paths, death or rebirth. Should one survive it, and the final task - they would rise as Rauka...
The concept that fire could only fight fire was the nature of this order. A demonic and dark infusion of elven blood would result in a force to be reckoned with. Though only a few survived the final test, the ritual of binding... If survived - the new being would take on the world, tasked with cleansing it of the evils, and fighting eternally...
This sacred tradition had been going on for centuries, though their numbers only grew by 2 or 3 a year. Their order was small, but yet feared. They fought for none - their stance on neutral and focused towards the threats that surround the world. Though, if some how a Rauka would join forces - it was certain that particular side would win. Though, many of the Rauka know their power was not meant for the society's consumption, it was meant to keep the balance between the living, to clean the ecosystems of the terrors that threaten and overtake...
The studies of the Rauka were intense, understanding every beast, every power, every horror to face this world. Their powers were unique, and often different from Rauka to Rauka. Some could summon demonic companions, others could manipulate darkness. Though every so often - the combination of a True-blood High Elf and Demon blood would result in a power like none seen. Sometimes the Rauka would seek these true-blood high elves, but swore to never take any other than an orphan. Though some off-organizations would steal children in secrecy.. the concept of this power was toxic to some...
The last High-Rauka to rise had been slain years ago, and it wasn't until years ago a new rose...
Many Orphans taken took one of two paths; they embraced the nature of the way, or they fought it. The High-Rauka to be - took it seriously. From the moment she left the Orphanage, at just 13 years old, she trained and studied as hard as she could. She was the oldest orphan to be accepted... just by pure talent and confidence. The thought of death never came to her, she was sure that she would make it through. She became the first youngling to master the ropes, the fighting and even as just a 'mortal' - she was a challenge to her trainers even alone, they could hardly keep up with her in sparring... It was 5 years that she trained before she finally was tested..
The infusion was swift - she drank and closed her eyes to the dark-sleep that would come. She fought through the slumber, the dream that came upon her, and emerged victorious. Her spirit, mind and body all overcoming the tasks... She shot upward - one eye shooting a white light, her other shooting a dark light - the sign of a High-Rauka, Pure Light and Pure Darkness living in one body...
Her first few assignments - she completed with ease. She'd return with the head of creatures, and after a few years she was allowed to leave the sanctuary of the mountains. To begin her duties as a full Rauka. The first thing on her hit list was to return to her home... to understand what happened.
While in the Orphanage - the King and Queen had taken pity upon her. She was allowed to enter the castle and help the staff clean. She had grown close to General Yovan.. they initially had began their conversation in the sparring court, where the little girl had asked to spar. The General laughed at her initially, but her persistant glare - he gave in and handed her a wooden sword. They began a tradition of sparring every evening, after she had finished her duties. When the Rauka commision came through - it was the general who had suggested that Ellie should go. At first the order was hesitant - but Yovan had promised it would be worth their time...
Though, learning of her true nature - being a High Elf, of pure blood - this struck curiousity within her. She did not know why she was an orphan, what had happened? She was so young - her mind blocked all memories of it. All she knew was she was an orphan... why did the King and Queen take so kindly to her, why did Yovan help her? Questions swarmed her, as she went from being a nobody, with nothing, to someone of power and greatness... though, it did not take long for her to realize - not many liked the Rauka. They saw them as 'tainted', 'cursed' and often treated poorly... though, this was not much a bother to her...
Her ride to the great castle was smooth. She had arrived an early morning, the gates opened to her and dismounted, leaving her horse as the local steedhand. She walked up to the castle and hummed softly. It had been so long since she had been here again - her home. The birds were whistling in the air happily.. the cobbled path made a deep clicking sound to her boots.. She took in a long breath and let it go slowly.
"You have hardly changed" a friendly voice came to her. It was Yovan, he walked up to her, meeting her in the courtyard before the castle doors. "Well, you are still the same height.. but this" he reached forward and touched her cheek where a deep scar crossed her face.
Ellie grinned and jumped forward, giving him a massive hug. The old elf laughed and pat her back, avoiding the two swords on her back. "I am happy to see you too, young one" he stepped back, grinning wildly. "So, a full Rauka now hm?" he smirked as he looked to her eyes - which swirled with a faint darkness... a sign of the Rauka, the moving liquid like eyes..
"Aye" Ellie smirked "Thanks to you" she punched his shoulder slightly and looked about to the castle. "Nothing's changed huh?" she questioned and let out a small sigh of happiness.
"Hmm, for the most part.." He smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder. "What brings you home? Shouldn't you be out saving the world?"
"I wanted to... understand more about myself. I discovered - I am a pureblood highelf.. and.. the news of that is unsettling to me." her smile faded to a thin line and then she let out a sigh. "So I thought I'd start here..."
"Hmm, well. You should go see the King and Queen then, maybe they might have a lead for you. At a minimum - I know you could make a few coins, there are some threats on the borders, a few monsters that need a good Rauka to slaughter.." she slapped her back "Let me finish my duties, and then - a good ale, hm?" he slapped her back. "I will catch you soon, young one" he nodded and then rushed off.
Ellie raised a brow and glanced to the huge gates of the castle. She stepped forward and two guards waved for the doors to open.. she stepped inside and made her way down the old familiar corridors. She adjusted the white tunic and brushed a bit of dirt off her gloves.. She turned the corner when she heard a rustling. Though - the rustling was a hallway over, she ears caught the noise. She pulled her brows together - the muffled cry of a woman..?
Ellie quickly burst into the door next to her. "OYE!" A man shouted as she ran right into him. He dropped a plate of food on the ground.
"Sorry--!" Ellie ran through the kitchen. She could hear the dragging of feet on the ground.. she burst out of the kitchen and rushed through the next hallway. She rounded a corner and saw a man in dark clothing - dragging a body along. The man turned and glanced - seeing Ellie, he scoffed.
"Leave us be, bitch. Or you'll be next!" He shouted and began to ran forward, but carrying the woman was holding him back.
In an instant Ellie vanished into darkness and reappeared infront of him. She grasped his throat with ease and pushed him forward. He let go of the woman, who landed face first on the tiled floor. He pulled a dagger and thrust it forward. Before he could - Ellie vanished again and appeared behind him. She pulled at his arm and yanked it behind his back - breaking it with ease. He cried out in astonishing pain. Ellie then shoved him down and slammed his face into the floor, pulling his other arm back.. She had a rope on her hip - which she tied his arms back with. "Who are you!" she shouted.
The man groaned "Fuck off bitch!" he shouted.
Ellie grabbed him by the back of the hair and slammed his head back into the ground. "So be it" she turned her gaze - the man from the kitchen had rushed into the hallway.
"What - is happening?" The man spoke and rushed forward. "By the gods - that's the Princess"
Ellie glanced over - her mouth dropped. Was it really? She bit her lip and looked back to him. "This man was kidnapping her... Get some help already!" she shouted. The man beneath her still writhed and fought her, but with her knee on his spine, and hands on the back of his head - he wasn't moving any where...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 13, 2021 17:55:25 GMT -5
Lieutenant EnriThe chef from the kitchen seemed to freeze for a moment, “Where are all the castle guards?” He questioned. He rushed forward to Lyrei’s side and hesitated a moment before he rolled her to her back. Her nose from bleeding from the impact her face had made on the marble flooring. “Gods…” He pulled a rag from his back pocket. “This man was kidnapping her?” He questioned as he adjusted the princess when she started to choke from the blood draining from her sinuses into the back of her throat. “Guards!” He called out as he heard the clanking of armor down the hallway. Seconds later the alarm bells began to toll, one of the knights had found a dead body. A platoon of guard came rushing down the hallway then led by the lieutenant of the guard, Enri. “The princess…” She gasped as she rushed forward. Her emerald hues looked to the woman that held the strange down. A bit of a crooked smile curved up her lips. “Ellie. It’s been awhile.” She spoke. “She claims the princess was being kidnapped by this miscreant.” The chef spoke as he continued to hold Lyrei’s head carefully. Enri picked up the cloth on the floor and nodded, “It would seem that way, yes….but she has only just arrived…we must alert the king and queen.” She nodded to the guards. “Take him to the dungeon and ensure that he does not have any means of escape.” She then nodded to another guard. “Please take our princess back to her quarters…get the apothecary…the poor dear has been through too much…” Her lips pressed into a flat line. Soon enough it was just Ellie and the lieutenant standing in the hallway. She had intricate armor with a polearm and shield upon her back. Enri was known as one of the most skilled warriors of the Azureguard castle. “Ah, a full Rauka now hm? I can see it in your eyes.” She spoke as she drew in a breath. “I am glad to see you alive, I didn’t doubt you…but I wasn’t quite sure how the process would agree with you…I’ve heard the horror stories.” Enri looked to the woman from behind the shadows of her helmet. “I should catch you up to speed, hm?” She turned as she walked down the hallway, “Come along, we must meet with the king and queen…” She glanced over her shoulder and paused a moment to wait for Ellie. Enri drew in a breath, “We have not gotten a chance to truly speak to the princess on what happened. She showed up late afternoon yesterday…she was wed to the prince of Reinhold…” She paused a moment to let that sink in. Information involving an elf being wed to a human always seemed to shock many. “It was a peace deal…but evidently that is not the case…the princess was quite wounded…weak…frightened…she collapsed from her horse into the arms of one of my guard…” Enri let out a long sigh. “He said that she stated that the previous king had been murdered…and that she was blamed for it…” She shook her head then. “I…do not know much other than that.” Enri paused at the doors of the throne room. “It is truly good to have you back.” She gave a friendly smile. “Your smile was always welcomed around the castle.” She then turned and pushed the doors open to the throne room. King Arbane stood with Queen Bellaluna upon the throne. He stepped forward as Enri entered, his brows were tugged together. “The alarm lieutenant. What is it about?” He questioned quickly. “Ellieandra.” The queen spoke as she stepped forward. “Sweet child, you have returned.” She grinned as she looked her up and down. She pulled Ellie into an embrace and then stepped back to look to Enri. The queen had always been quite fond of Ellie. She treated her more life family than any of the other servants. “Ellie saved your daughter.” Enri spoke. “A man got in through the castle walls, he killed several of our guard and had nearly taken Lyrei…” “What?” Arbane questioned, his voice full of anger. “She’s not even been her a solid day….they must have sent an assassin after her…” He grit his teeth and his hands balled into fists. Enri drew in a breath, “If it was not for Ellie I am certain that this man would have succeeded in whatever task he was sent to complete…she even kept his life…” The lieutenant glanced to Ellie a moment before she looked back to the king and queen. Arbane seemed to ponder for a moment. “It seems you have returned as our kingdom falls into a dark time, Ellieandra.” He gripped his chin a moment in thought. “We must speak with Lyrei…this pieces will not fully come together until we are about to ask her what has happened…the mutterings of one just before a loss of consciousness isn’t something that I want to go upon…however it does seem that our dear daughter has done something to cause an upset of some sort…even if she did not…perform the deed…” Bellaluna drew in a breath, “We must question the man. Find out what he knows…” She looked to Ellie. “What brought you to the castle dear?” She asked with curiosity in her tone. “You must certainly be busy as a Rauka hm?” She questioned with a soft smile. Though it was clear that the queen was quite disturbed by what was happening. She held her composure quite well. The doors pushed open and the apothecary came walked in chasing after the princess. “Apologies my queen I tried to stop her! She needs rest!” The elf spoke as he juggled different potion bottles and shoved them into his bag at his hip. Lyrei stepped forward her eyes very tired. She gazed to Enri and then to Ellie. Her eyes stayed on Ellie a long moment, as if trying to remember an old friend. She’d seen her in passing but she’d never truly had interaction with the woman. Bellaluna stepped forward. “Lyrei darling…are you alright?” She questioned as she cupped her cheeks. “You look exhausted.” Lyrei gazed to her mother with her crystal blue hues, “Mother…” She spoke, her voice cracked slightly. She seemed almost confused. Tears welled in her eyes. “The kidnapper drugged her, my queen.” Enri interjected. “She might be….not herself just yet.” The queen drew in a breath as she pulled her daughter into a gentle embrace. She held her there for a long moment. “Arbane…we must get to the bottom of this…our sweet girl could not have harmed a soul. She is a healer…she’s nearly incapable of killing.” She kissed her daughter’s forehead. “They chased me…” She spoke, her voice quivered. “For nearly five days I fought for my life…until I reached the edges of our kingdom. I was hunted…” Her lower lip shook as she fought back tears. “I woke the morning after a celebration…with blood on my hands…blood that I had not spilled…” She shook her head as the tears began to roll over her cheeks now. “They were so certain that I killed him…” She began to sob more now, her words began to become incoherent. The queen merely pulled her into a tight embrace once again. Her own crystal hues gazed to the king whom gave a nod before he looked to Ellie. “It’s good to see you child.” He gave a squeeze to her shoulder. “I apologize for the circumstances, but I must go lead the questioning of this assassin.” The king then stepped passed her. “Enri.” He called over his shoulder. “Come along.” Enri drew in a breath, her eyes were locked on the princess. Her lips pressed into a flat line. “Of course my king.” She spoke and then followed him from the room. Bellaluna held onto Lyrei as she sobbed, she closed her eyes a moment. “Come child. Let us make you some tea? Hm?” She looked to Ellie. “Come along, we can speak upstairs.” She then wrapped her arm around her daughter’s hips and walked her along. They moved through the corridors of the castle and up the stairs and finally into the princess’ chambers. The queen prepared a tea and brushed hair from the princess’ eyes. Soon enough Lyrei was tucked into her bed. The queen let out a long breath before she looked to Ellie. “Alright dear…” She nodded. “I’m sorry, but we must stay here…I do not wish to leave her side if we now have assassin’s coming for her…she needs time to recover…” The queen sighed softly. "So...what brought you to Azuresta?"
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Post by Raven on Apr 13, 2021 18:26:41 GMT -5
Ellie turned to the captain who stepped upward, she drew in her brows as she figured out the woman. "Enri!" She suddenly gasped and stood from the man. As she stepped forward she kicked the mans head slightly. She held her hand forward and grasped Enri's - in a warrior's greeting. She turned and glanced to the man, who the guards lifted upward. His face was bruised, nose broken from Ellie...
"Ah.. um, yeah" Ellie spoke sheepishly, a slight pink flush came over her cheeks, to the comment of becoming a Rauka. She had always admired Enri - who was a few years older than her. Though they both had sparred in the past before, and Enri had a habit of beating Ellie when they were younger...
She followed behind Enri as they traversed the hallways, listening to the tale of the Princess. "Sounds like a good deal... its a shame it went south..." she sighed softly. "That guy nearly got away.." she sighed and stood at the door. Her eyes searched Enri's and then she flushed once more as she complimented her smile. "Ah.. um, It's really nice to see you again too" she cleared her throat. They turned towards the door and entered the throne room.
As Ellie approached the King and Queen - she bowed her head to them. It did not take any time at all before the queen had made her way over to her and gave her a hug. Ellie chuckled slightly and hugged her back. "Hello, my queen" she smiled even bigger now, her hues looking to the woman - who she admired, and saw much like a sort of mother to her.
As Enri spoke once more - stating that she saved the Princess, Ellie glanced to the Queen - who was taken back, but the Queen's hand squeezed Ellie's, in thanks. Ellie bowed her head once more and turned her attention to the King - who was in outrage. She was going to answer the Queen - but the Princess had entered the room.
Ellie turned to look to her - her eyes glancing over the battered woman.. She pulled her brows together with a bit of sadness, she felt pity for the woman. How much she had been through in such a small amount of time... and she didn't even know the full details. She stepped back as the Queen went to embrace her child...
The next few moments went swiftly, the King left - Ellie nodded to Enri, who left with him. She turned to the Queen "Yes, let's get her to her room..." she walked beside the Queen and Princess... her eyes glanced about - she was on full guard. There was a stale taste to the air, a sort of gut feeling that things were just not right.. she was ready for anything..
They made way to the Princess's room.. Ellie had never been in this room before. She turned about slightly as her liquid eyes moved over the room. It was tidy and well kept, with a bit of feminity... she watched the queen gently place her child into bed, tucking her. Ellie bit her lip slightly and moved to the window... She peered outward - admiring the view of the entire city the Princess had...
"Oh.." Ellie turned towards the Queen and lowered her gaze slightly. "I have no issue staying here..." she cleared her throat as she moved to a lush reading chair. She sat down and crossed her legs briefly and looked to the Queen. "I um, I returned to maybe.. understanding something. Up in the mountains - we discovered I am a High elf, of pure blood..." she pressed her lips together, thinking briefly. "Which.. was a shock to me. And.. when I was up there, I had plenty of time to think... I - I just wanted to understand more about myself. When I think back to my parents... I can't imagine a face, I don't even know names.." she shook her head. "I was hoping if I returned - I could dig up some information. Who I am.. where I came to be.." she lifted a brow. "My order says that my history means nothing, who I came from - now meaningless. If anything, I should divert away from my past... but more than ever, I find myself wanting to understand it... I cannot pin why, but there is this void in me that wonders and it eats my thoughts... but perhaps, just fate guiding me to your door step..." she glanced to the Princess. "It seems my home is in need of me. You - helped me more than i can ever say, I wish, first, to repay whatever I can. My blade is yours, my Queen..." she bowed her head once more...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 13, 2021 20:56:24 GMT -5
Moracai - The Apothacary Vanya SalingorinAiraden OlamerPrincess' DressFaelyn - Lyrei's servantBellaluna moved to a stand and brewed up another batch of tea, though this was not the magical tea that she had used for her daughter. She came and sat in the other chair that was on the other side of the chair the Ellie sat in. She set down two mugs that steamed, the scent of oranges filled the air. “Orange chamomile.” She spoke with a soft smile. “I know that used to be your favorite.” She then leaned back in her chair as Ellie began to speak. The queen bit her lower lip slightly. She took a sip from her mug as she allowed the woman to get through her entire monologue. “And…I thank you for that, Ellie…it seems that dark times are in our future…we may need someone of your skill to survive this.” The queen seemed to think a moment, “You were quite a young child when you lost your parents. I would not expect you to remember your mother…” She drew in a long breath. She knew this day would come that the child would ask just where she came from. “Are you familiar with the city of Aelsonour?” She questioned softly and gazed over the woman’s expression. Not many knew of this city. It was an ancient elven city that had crumbled to the ground years ago. She took in a breath, “It is in ruins now, but 50 years ago, that was not the case. It was the center of those that would seek to strengthen their magic. The Grand Magister had a school there for those gifted enough to attend.” She stared to Lyrei as the woman moved slightly in her sleep, troubled dreams no doubt. The queen fell quiet as she waited for the princess to settle once again. “I attended such school. My father, the king of Azuresta at the time, he believe that I would only benefit from it. That I would find the power within my soul if I attended such a grand school.” A chuckle came over her lips. “I’m not certain if you know, but I am far from a great mage…” She gazed to Lyrei, “My daughter however gained the gifts of our ancestors.” She nodded. “Lyrei has always had such a natural talent, I could barely teach her a thing…and here I am the one to have attended the School of Magi.” A warm smile curved up her lips. “Your mother attended that school with me. She was lucky to get in, she wasn’t from a royal family like myself. The Grand Magister saw something special in her, she had a mind much like yours, Ellie.” The queen gazed to her once more. “She would never give up, no matter what happened to her. She refused to stop.” She nodded slightly before she took a sip of her tea once more. “Your mother’s name was Vanya Salingorin…” She paused a long moment to let the bit of information that she had given to Ellie to sink in. “She did not wish for you to mourn over her death…she had hoped for you to be just as strong as her…which…if I am not mistaken you are much more than that Ellie.” The queen’s gaze fell upon her for another moment. She then looked to Lyrei as she shifted in the bed again. The queen stood and stepped to her daughter. “Shh dear.” She placed her hand upon the princess’ forehead and a gentle glow came from her hand. It was one of the few spells that the queen had mastered over her years. It gave a dreamless, weightless sleep. “Vanya and I grew quite close while we were in school together. 5 years, actually.” She smiled softly. “I was there when she fell in love with your father.” The queen paused another moment. “His name you may know, he was quite important to our kingdom. Airdan Olamaer. He was the captain of our guard.” She searched Ellie’s eyes. “Airdan went into battle in the north against a terrible demon that had been summoned by the humans to destroy our kind. It was a war that we feared we would not win…we lost several great soldiers to that war. Airdan sacrificed himself by doing the only thing that could be done. He pulled the demon into the portal from which he came…a huge explosion followed…the king…he knew your father quite well.” She gave a weak smile. “I’m sure he could tell you of all the great things that Airdan did for us.” She paused once again in thought. “I reconnected with your mother not long after you were born, you’re just a few months younger than Lyrei…the two of you actually played together quite a bit as toddlers.” Bellaluna drew in a breath as she thought of her friend’s demise. “Vanya helped cleanse demonic portals. In fact, it is her that closed one of the largest portals that the human mages opened…you were…” She thought for a moment. “3 or four…far too young to remember.” A sigh came over her lips. “Your mother fell quite ill. A poison ran through her veins. After she lost your father, she took so many risks in closing the portals. She wanted to rid this continent of the evil that the humans brought to the lands…she wanted the world to be…peaceful for you…” Bellaluna finished her tea and set the empty mug down on the small coffee table. “You see, she only cared to make the future better for you…but the darkness of this world…” She shook her head and let out a sigh. “I brought her into the castle. Our apothecary did his best to cleanse her…but it is as with the Rauka…only few can survive the tainted nature of demons.” The queen lowered her eyes slightly, “She begged me to watch over you…how could I not?” A weak smile curved up her lips. “Gods…I nearly had Yovan’s head when he told me that he had sent you to become a Rauka. That was the opposite of protecting you.” She let out a weak laugh. “Yet here you are, as strong as your mother. Stronger.” She paused a moment. “I have…several of her journals…her work…it’s in the guest room that she spent her last days in…” She drew in a long breath. “I’m…sorry that I did not tell you of her…but I did not wish to cause you pain child…you’ve always had such a sweet smile…but I do understand that…sometimes that is not what it is about, hm?” The door pushed open, “Luna.” Arbane stepped into the room. He looked to Ellie a moment and then to his own daughter. “Our guards have reported movement to the east.” He drew in a breath. “We must meet with the war council before it is too late…” He turned slightly. “Ellie…thank you for saving our daughter.” He spoke before he slipped from the room. It was clear that the king was full of many emotions, but fear seemed to be at the top of that list. Bellaluna drew in a breath. She stood slowly. “You said…that I have your blade…” She spoke and fumbled with her hands slightly. “Could you watch over Lyrei…?” She questioned. “I will answer any questions that you have of your mother…but right now it seems war is marching upon our kingdom…the one thing that we tried to prevent.” She let out a shaken breath before she stepped from the room. Silence fell upon the room then. The sun was peaking up over the mountains and peering into the valley. Lyrei muttered in her sleep as she stirred every now and again. Several hours later she woke. Her eyes fluttered open. She drew in a long breath as she sat up slowly and brushed her hair from her face. She pushed herself to her feet before her eyes fell upon Ellie. She paused, her brows trembled slightly. “Apologies…but I do not know your name…” She spoke just as the door pushed open. The apothecary walked into the room. “Oh up again I see. You don’t know what the word rest means do you dearie?” He chuckled slightly. “Sit, sit.” He began to tend to her wounds. He grumbled to himself. “You know? You would think those humans would have a bit more respect for a princess. Their queen.” He rolled his eyes slightly. He continued to work for several more minutes. “Drink up.” He handed her a thick green tube. “What…is this?” Lyrei questioned as she sniffed it and her nose wrinkled. “It’s good for you. Pain reliever. A very potent elixir. It’ll even help your wounds heal.” He grinned. “Tastes horrible though.” A chuckle came over his lips. Lyrei looked to him. “Moracai why does everything that you make taste terrible?” She questioned with a slightly raised brow. She then downed in and coughed as her body tried to make her expel the horrible liquid. “Ah, ah don’t you dare spit that back up.” He held a finger under her chin as she fought to keep it down. When the princess that relaxed once again he grinned. “Not everything that is good for you tastes good. You ever think of that?” He pat her head. “Alright child, you should be well on your way to recover.” He glanced to Ellie. “Oh. Didn’t see you there.” He chuckled as he rummaged through his bag for something else. “Here you are princess.” He handed another vile. “In an hour. Drink this.” Lyrei lifted the milky liquid up and swirled it around. “Why do I have the feeling this is also going to taste horrible?” “Oh that one? No. Not at all. It tastes like a warm summer day.” Moracai grinned playfully. “The sun is nearly at noon child.” He spoke before he turned. “Come get me if you need more pain medication.” He then was gone. Lyrei lowered her head slightly. She let out a long breath before she set the vile on her bedside table. “You…” She spoke as she had stepped over the Ellie. “Your eyes.” She tilted her head slightly. The princess had never seen a Rauka. “They’re pretty.” She complimented with a soft smile. “I…suppose my mother has tasked you with protecting me…?” She questioned. She felt her nose, a bit of dried blood still clung to her skin from her bloody nose that she’d gotten when she was dropped to the floor. “It seems escaping isn’t going to be the worst of it…” Her voice was a whisper. She drew in a long breath as she placed her hand over her sternum and closed her eyes. She had just enough energy to heal herself. The princess’ head lulled forward as the white glow came from her palm. The bruises upon her skin began to disappear, the cut on her cheek slowly closed. Lyrei collapsed into the chair next to Ellie as she took in slightly quick breaths. She kept her eyes closed. “I can heal…so many things…yet to heal myself…” She shook her head. “It…is far more difficult.” She breathed as she leaned her head back to relax slightly. The princess was quiet for several minutes. Soon enough though she opened her blue hues as the door pushed open once more. Her servant stepped into the room, a beautiful young blonde elf. “Lyrei. It is so good to see you.” She spoke as she stepped forward. “Faelyn.” Lyrei spoke with a smile. “I’ve missed you.” She stood, though she staggered slightly. She regained her balance. Faelyn looked to Ellie and bowed her head slightly. “Give me a moment to get the princess ready for the day.” She spoke as she led Lyrei into another room. Soon enough Faelyn came back into the room and made the bed before she took her leave. Lyrei walked back into the room, her hair tasseled about the sides of her head, her makeup was done expertly by Faelyn. She wore a beautiful ice blue and white gown. It brought out the color of her hues more than anything. The beautiful silvery garnishes upon the dress were stunning. She stepped to the balcony and gazed over the kingdom. “I took this for granted.” She spoke, her voice soft. “The view…this castle…I never knew what life was like outside of these walls.” She gave a soft laugh. “The prince, he treated me well…but many of the humans did not want me in Reinhold….I could feel it in the way that they looked to me…but I…I never imagined this would happen…” She gripped onto the balcony railing. “He…freed me from the dungeon…he doesn’t believe it…but…” She scoffed slightly. “How could anyone believe anything else? They saw me with the blood upon my hands…” She shook her head and fell silent then.
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Post by Raven on Apr 13, 2021 22:54:45 GMT -5
Ellie looked to the Queen as she spoke... She leaned forward in her seat - her eyes recreating the scene before her.. The concept that the Queen and her own mother having gone to the same school? She felt a sickening pit in her stomach as she thought - this entire layer of history, so thick, having been omitted...
Ellie's brows pulled together - it began to make a lot of sense... but a little bit of anger filled in her chest. Why did they sacrifice themselves like that, why did they just leave her behind? Why did they leave her nothing? She sat back and looked away from the Queen as her mind became filled with questions, confusion even. It was releiving to know the answer, but even more frustrating to know it. Ellie stood then and looked to the window as the Queen finished.. a stray tear skipped from her swirling eyes and dripped from her chin...
Ellie brushed it away and turned around, she nodded. "I'll stay here... yes" she spoke and sat down in the Queen's chair, next to the bed. She was silent for a long while - and didnt really move when the Princess stirred. It was the words of the Princess that snapped her from her thoughts.. she simply glanced over and smiled. "Can't imagine you recognize me... it's been nearly 13 years" she smirked "Ellie, at your service.." she bowed her head and then jumped slightly when the door swung open.
Ellie stood with a hand on the hilt of her sword about her back.. though she relaxed as the man approached. She slowly sat back down and watched him swiftly take care of the Princess, it seemed he was in quite the hurry, or perhaps that was just his nature...
"You should - take it easy" Ellie spoke as she watched Lyrei stood. "Oh, um. Thank you" she chuckled slightly. "I've never heard that before.. interesting, odd, different - sure... but, thank you. It took a lot to get them" she chuckled and pulled her brows together as the Princess struggled to heal herself. Though watching the power itself was a feat - the power of healing was extremely rare, nearly god-like. She lowered her gaze - she wondered then, if only Lyrei was there to heal her mother, maybe she'd know... maybe she'd...
"Yes - of course" Ellie stood as the Princess was ushered away to get ready... Ellie waited and not long she returned, full dressed.
"Wow.. you clean up nicely" Ellie grinned and bowed her head in respect. She followed the Princess to the Balcony and gripped the railing. A breeze wafted by - tossing Ellie's hair slightly, though she had it pulled back loosely... "Hmm..." she glanced out. She could see the orphanage in the distance, and the training grounds - Yavon sparred with a few.. "You can see everything from here.." she chuckled "It's nice" she looked out further, the city seem to go on and on...
"People fear what they do not know..." she sucked in a breath. "You being there - people feared you...I live that every day, these days..." she let it go slowly. "I am truly sorry... You were very brave to go over there, despite having known the reality. You... tried to make a difference, change the world - and the worst of it stabbed you in the back.." she leaned forward and glanced downward - they were so high... it almost made her dizzy.
"I know your wounds are still fresh, but the time to make a difference isn't over. Maybe... people will learn you are innocent.. maybe you can return - when the time is right" she nodded her head. "For now... I suppose we have to deal with whatever they throw at us..." she looked over. "But you're safe now..." she smirked then, looking to the Princess with a hopeful gaze. "I mean, mostly cause I'm here" she let out a slight chuckle.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 13, 2021 23:21:36 GMT -5
Lyrei gave a defeated laugh as Ellie complimented her appearance. “I’ve lots of practice at it.” She commented as she gazed over the city. “Hm almost everything.” She commented. “The temple, it’s hidden by the castle towers.” She pointed to the tower that blocked the icy temple upon the side of the mountain. It was abandoned, no one had entered it in years. Long ago the temple had been used for rituals, but the magisters that frequented the temple had passed on. Either in natural ways, or by the wars that their people endured. Lyrei glanced to Ellie as she spoke of the fear that people had, she gave a pained smile and nodded. “Yes. Fear is something that unfortunately this world does not allow to be released…my mother speaks of the constant war that raged the lands when she was a child. I could only hope that by my actions of marrying Artus that…perhaps that fear would slowly begin to…” She paused thinking of the word. “Dilute…one day I had hoped that it would be something that the world knew nothing of. The war between our kind and theirs…” She sighed softly.
The princess gazed to Ellie, a defeated look in her eyes. “Return?” She shook her head and let out a soft sigh. “My innocence will be something that is only of a dream. Whomever performed the actual assassination on the previous king…it was well thought out, well planned…” She shook her head. “To think I did not suspect any foul play to become of me. I had gotten quite comfortable at Artus’ side…” She bit her lower lip. “I can only hope that he did not fall for aiding me in my escape from the city…it was very brave…if not ignorant of him to do so.”
“Thank you…” She spoke to Ellie’s comment about her being safe because of her. “I am not the best warrior unfortunately.” Lyrei then gazed to Ellie, she seemed to be thinking deeply as she took in the features of the woman. “13 years…” She spoke remembering what Ellie had spoken. “That is quite a long time.” She gave a bit of a smirk. “I was but a child, hm? Not even a teen yet….as well as you, hm?” She chuckled lightly. “Those were the years weren’t they? Filled without a care in the world. I learned much from my professors….I played within the gardens.” Her smile was bright as she thought of the past. “But…I don’t remember you…or those eyes.” She gazed into Ellie’s eyes once again. “You said…that some call them strange?” She questioned as she leaned a bit closer, curiosity peaking. “I do not see it that way. It is a beautiful combination of color…and the way it moves as if it is a liquid…much like a stream of water…” The princess drew in a breath and then realized just how close she had gotten to Ellie. “Apologies.” She spoke as she took a step back and grasped the railing once again to overlook the city.
Her sky blue eyes gazed up and she furrowed her brow slightly. “A raven?” She questioned. The bird flew directly toward the two. As it drew closer it slowed its flight and cawed as it landed. A letter was rolled up tightly and attached to the raven’s leg. Lyrei hesitated a moment, she glanced to Ellie before she stepped forward and pulled the letter from the bird. To which, the raven cawed and took flight once again, having completed his mission. The princess looked to Ellie once again, “Come on.” She spoke as she stepped inside. She turned and closed the doors to her balcony. Lyrei sat upon the edge of her bed as she unfurled the letter.
Rey,
I have done everything in my power to find the assassin of my father. Everything has led directly to you. I know this is not the case. I will not give up until I have the truth. You are too kind of a soul to have performed such a malicious deed. His heart was carved from his chest. I could not imagine you doing such a thing, even if under a sorcerer’s spell. You are too true of heart.
Unfortunately, I am writing this to inform you that my mother has reclaimed the throne. Or at least for now she has deemed me unable to perform my duties as king. She has launched our troops to your kingdom to find you and bring you back for your execution. I will do everything that I can to stop this. But I fear that we may never see one another again.
Please be safe,
Artus
Lyrei’s eyes welled with tears as she read over the familiar handwriting of the prince that she had married. A month’s time and she had given so much to that kingdom. Now she was the scapegoat for whomever truly wanted to kill the previous king. Perhaps they were angry that he had made the decision to form the peace between the kingdoms and marry his son to and elf. She knew that there were plenty of humans that were not aligned with this dream of peace between the races. She drew in a shaken breath. “We…must warn my father of this.” She brushed away a tear that slipped from her eyes. “If an army marches for our kingdom…war will soon follow…” She lowered her eyes as she gazed over the words once again, she trembled slightly.
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Post by Raven on Apr 13, 2021 23:39:33 GMT -5
Ellie leaned against the railing now, her head turned to look to the Princess as she talked. "Well, good news - All I've ever known is the warrior life" she chuckled and glanced back out. "13 years, yeah. Thats when I left this city..." she looked down to the training area, Yavon was tutoring a young man, who wore heavy padding... "I stayed at the orphanage" she pointed down to the building - a few children played outside on the bit of green, near an apple tree... "I'd march up to the castle and help tend to the castle, I actually - helped in the kitchen, and gardens frequently... and after I was done working - I'd spar with Yavon, every evening. Until my hands hurt.." she chuckled.
"I'd go home beyond the sun, crawl into bed after sneaking a bit of bread.. wake up before the sun, and do it again..." she chuckled. "I am not surprised you don't really remember me, you were very busy... I remember - seeing you running through the castle, wimpering 'I'm late I'm late!' You studied a lot, I know that..." she smirked as she remembered it.
"But a lot has changed since then... I was recruited into the Order of the Rauka... It's uh, magic has altered me. My eyes at least... before then - I had green eyes.. like an olive" she smirked. "I suppose - we were on other paths of life. You - studious, becoming quite the lady... and I - a warrior, and brute" she laughed then.. she sucked in a breath now as the Princess as quite close - so close she could smell her perfume. She cleared her throat and stepped back slightly "It's alright... I should add... studios, curious - and quite the lady" she smiled then.
She turned her gaze as a bird approached - the letter detached. Ellie followed Lyrei into the room. She watched her read it - the Princess's eyes swelling with tears. Ellie cleared her throat "Uh - yes. Agreed.." she placed a hand on her shoulder and lead her out the door.
They climbed down the stairs, as they moved swiftly - her head would glance back to ensure the Princess was still with her. They approached the throne room - where the King's voice could be heard through it. "You ready?" she questioned. She paused as she glanced to the Princess... She dug through the pouch on her hip and pulled a clean cloth. "Here.. wipe those away, hm?" she spoke softly, waiting for the Princess to wipe her tears away. "I know a lot has happened.. it's natural, to be sad... but now is the time to show us the strength that you have. For you, and your people.." she turned and glanced to the doors - which opened as she nodded.
Ellie stepped forward, the Princess in tow. She cleared her throat "My King" She bowed deeply and glanced to Lyrei...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 14, 2021 0:00:55 GMT -5
Lyrei had listened to Ellie as she spoke. “The orphanage…” Her smile softened slightly. She wondered what life as an orphan must have been like. A bit of a chuckle had come from her lips. “You sound like you were quite determined. Yavon is one of the best we have. Next to Enri of course, she is quite impressive to watch.” She grinned slightly as she gazed to Ellie’s smile once again. A laugh had come over her lips when Ellie mentioned about her rushing through the castle corridors. “Oh dear…yes…I barely had time to sleep. To be honest I would bring my books in here.” She giggled slightly, “I studied late into the night, and I would wake before the sun would rise.” She smirked. “Sounds a lot like you training to be a warrior, doesn’t it?” She had focused in on Ellie as she spoke of the Order of the Rauka. Her brows pulled together slightly. “Ah yes, that does make sense, hm…” She hummed slightly. “I have not read much on the order…but it is quite famous for the formidable warriors that it produces…” The princess had not noticed just how uncomfortable she’d made Ellie. A giggle had come over her lips when Ellie mentioned curious. “Oh. Quite. It has gotten me into a bit of trouble over the years. I don’t know just when to stop asking questions. My professors hated it I believe.”
Soon enough the events of reading the letter had passed. Lyrei took in a breath as Ellie placed her hand on her shoulder. She gazed to her a moment, feeling a sense of safety with the Rauka at her side. She stood and brushed at the tears upon her cheeks as she fought to calm herself. She’d moved a bit slower than Ellie because her vision was blurred by tears. Lyrei gave a nod, “Y-yes.” She stuttered through a sob that she held back. “I’m…ready…” She sniffled. Her eyes focused in on Ellie as she spoke of the strength that she had to find. She took the soft cloth and brushed away the tears. “Thank you.” She whispered softly.
Lyrei walked into the throne room her heels clicked against the floor and echoed off of the walls. “Father.” She spoke as the king approached her. He pulled her into a tight embrace. “Father…I have word from Artus.”
The king pulled back and took the letter into his hands, he read over the writing quickly. “And you trust him?” He questioned curiously.
The queen stepped from the throne, her eyes looked to Ellie a moment and she offered a warm smile. She then looked to her daughter. She reached up and brushed a tear from Lyrei’s cheek. The princess gave a weak smile to her mother before she nodded. “Yes. Artus is the only reason that I am breathing…he took me from the dungeons…and he tacked a horse for me to escape on. Without that I would not be standing before you father.”
Arbane nodded and drew in a breath. “Well, word of troops moving toward our land has reached us. Our scouts noted the troops two days ago crossing into our kingdom. A good 50 or so soldiers. I will not allow them to take you. They will have to fight their way into this castle and kill me before they can have you for their execution when you’ve done nothing wrong my child.” His eyes then looked to Ellie. “I’ve heard that you have offered your sword to aid our kingdom. That is a noble deed, Ellie. Thank you.” He bowed his head slightly. “I have already ordered the troops to bolster their defenses so that if there is another assassin that gets into the city they will be stopped…as for the assassin…” He shook his head. “I did not manage to get any information from him…” His eyes looked to Ellie. “Do you believe he will have any information that will be notable?” He questioned.
Lyrei glanced to Ellie she found herself gazing into the woman’s unique hues once again. “We already know that the former queen of Reinhold seeks my death…perhaps it was her who sent the man?” She questioned. She gazed to her mother and father. “I will do everything in my power to prove that I am innocent. Our vision of peace will be had…I will not let my people down…” Her voice sounded strong as she spoke, confident.
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Post by Raven on Apr 14, 2021 0:28:44 GMT -5
Ellie bowed her head "I owe you much more than my blade, but it is the best I can do..." she replied to the King and sucked in a breath. "I may.. be able to retrieve some information from him..." she spoke. She glanced ot the Princess - who caught her own gaze. She pulled her eyes away and stepped back, just as Enri had entered the room.
"Go with Enri to the assassin, see what you can retrieve from him..." The King nodded, dismissing them both to go together. Ellie caught up to Enri as they head for the corridor... she cleared her throat as they walked. "Enri" she smiled as they began winding down a set of stairs to the dungeons...
Soon enough they walked towards the gate where the man was chained up.. Ellie sucked in a breath and glanced to Enri. "Okay... here we go" she spoke softly and opened the gate. She stepped inside and peered to the man. He was stripped down to just a pair of pants. She circled around him briefly and then stopped back infront of him.
"I'm not telling you anything..." he spat and pulled against his chains.
"No.... you won't..." Ellie spoke and looked to him. "Look at me..." she grasped his jaw and lifted his eyes. The man peered to her - her eyes began to swirl with intensity. "You'll show me" she spoke through her teeth, her hand's gripped his jaw harder. Her eye's changed color suddenly - one was dark like space, the milky way of colors swirling rapidly - purples, blues, black and speckles.. The other was a glowing milky white. She sucked in a breath and let it go - a deep rumble shook the castle walls...
Glimpses of a vial appeared, drips of a dark liquid plopped into several goblets.. Ellie saw through the eyes of the Assassin... The scene faded and the Assassin stood - wearing a butlers diguise, he delivered the drinks to the royalty. He paused before the Princess and smiled - bowing his head he set the drink infront of her. "Enjoy" he then stepped away to the next.
The next scene faded - he watched as the room slowly disbursed - the royal family had dismissed everyone as sleep tugged at their beings. The Assassin had checked on the King and Queen, his head poking into Lyrei's room - the two love birds sleeping soundly...
Ellie gripped tighter - a glowing black essense flood from her body, the temperature of the room was dropping degree by degree, until their breath could be seen before them... her eyes remained locked on the assassin as she dove into his mind...
The retired King - an old man - struggled against the grip of the assassin. The Wife - no where to be seen. He was held against the balcony railing - he shoved a dagger into the man's rib cage, twisting with ease... the man slumped to the ground...
The next scene was the assassin walking into the chambers of the two lovers, a jar of blood in hand - he splashed it over Lyrei.. a dagger covered in blood placed next to the bed..
The next face seen was the Queen's - she was laughing, holding a glass of wine up. "To a new beginning" she spoke, grinning.
Ellie stumbled backwards and hit the gate. She breathed heavily and stared to the assassin - who was crying out in pain. He struggled against his chains as blood leaked from his eyes - his nose bleeding heavily now. It leaked over hips lips as he sobbed now, and dripped off his chin. All the while she dug for his thoughts - he was swarmed with demonic power, which pulled at his every sin and fear and revealed it before his eyes. He felt every ounce of pain he had inflicted, over and over.
Ellie opened the gate and stepped back - her eyes training on him. "Shall you suffer a thousand times over.." she spoke and then looked to Enri "I have what I need...Let us go.." she spoke and rushed out of the room...
"He will live - but his mind will thwart him into a bit of insanity, which might be enough to scare him.. perhaps.. he can admit to the truth..." she grinned devilishly... "Though, it is as we fear..." she spoke and then nodded. "I must tell the king, let us go" she spoke and they hurried back to the throne room.
As she returned - she bowed before the King once more. "I was able to retrieve some... information..." she smirked. "A bit of a Rauka trick... He murdered the King on his balcony, spread some kind of blood over the Princess in her sleep.. all on the former Queen's demand..." she crossed her arms. "How we can prove it? Well.. all I can do is hope a bit of reliving his biggest regrets, feeling all the pain he's caused.. will scare him into submission to admit it..." she shook her head. "but they may cast him aside, a lowly assassin is but a pawn in the big scheme... If I may speak freely, my King...?" she paused and waited for him to nod.
"If the King, Lyrei's betrothed... truly did her justice - then his heart is good. He would find the actions of his mother to be.. suspicious, even wrong. Even in taking the throne, as he investigates - maybe even he will discover the truth. If the Queen would kill her husband, she would kill her son too.. if he rebelled. If the people saw the evil of this Queen... they may believe the innocence of Lyrei... I think, this could possibly work..." she shrugged then "but how to do that, I... do not know" she shook her head. "but if they want a war - we will need to work beyond just the front lines to end it..."
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 14, 2021 10:06:00 GMT -5
Lyrei gazed to Ellie with curious eyes, she wondered what exactly this woman would do to the assassin that her father could not. She’d read stories of the Rauka but…it was still a mystery to those outside of the order. She glanced to Enri as her father tasked the lieutenant to go with Ellie. The queen stepped forward and placed a hand on the princess’ back. “Come dear.” She spoke as she led her from the room.
**
Enri walked forward swiftly toward the dungeons. She glanced over her shoulder as Ellie cleared her throat, “Ellie.” She returned the smile; a slight chuckle came over her lips. “Even in the darkest of times your smile seems to light up the room.” She commented as she made her way down the winding staircase. “He um…wouldn’t speak to the king, not one bit. Even after the king poked and prodded at him…he used the usual…tools…though most would at least give a word or two, this man did not.” Enri spoke as they walked toward the cell that the assassin was held in.
The lieutenant stepped forward her eyes gazed to the man from beneath the shadows of her helmet, her lips were pressed into a flat line. She listened to Ellie as she spoke to the man, it was a confidence that she’d always known her to have. Enri furrowed her brows though as she watched Ellie’s eyes change colors, her jaw loosened slightly. As the rumble shook the walls Enri gazed up as a bit of dirt fell from the ceiling. “Ellie….” She spoke, her voice sounded uncertain. Though she did not receive and answer from the woman.
As the man began to scream Enri took a step forward, she hesitated as her hand stopped just inches from Ellie. She bit her lip slightly as the chill set in the air. A frost formed over her armor. She looked to the Rauka with a bit of fear in her eyes. The lieutenant grit her teeth slightly as the man continued to scream in agony. It was worse than listening to the king torture a prisoner. She had never heard such cries of pain. As the blood began to leak from every orifice of the man Enri felt her heart begin to beat more quickly. Her father had told her stories of the pure Rauka that had died years ago, he had fought alongside the elf that held the pure power…but this was unlike anything that her father had spoken of. Though as Ellie stumbled backward Enri quickly rushed to her and gripped her shoulders to steady her. “Ellie?” She questioned; her voice full of worry.
Enri rushed after Ellie. “What….was that?” She questioned as they rushed down the hall. “Ellie I’ve…never…” She shook her head. “What did you do to him?” She stumbled through the questions, her voice shook. The devilish grin that Ellie held upon her lips didn’t seem to help with Enri’s unsettled expression. As they entered the throne room Enri stayed at Ellie’s side, she bit her lip slightly as she looked to the woman as she explained what she saw.
Arbane stood with his own arms crossed over his chest, a look of dismay in his eyes. “I had always wondered if sending her to Reinhold was a poor decision…I wondered if in fact it was a trick…” He sighed softly. “Clearly Lilian does not think as fondly of our kind as Ivan did.” Her voice was soft. “Yes. Speak freely Ellie, you don’t have to ask permission.” He chuckled lightly. His eyes looked to Enri who stood in silence, he then looked back to Ellie. “Finding a way to prove that the queen has malicious intent will be quite difficult…especially from the angle that we are working. We are not within the city of Reinhold. Our kind would be killed on sight with this war looming over our kingdom. Perhaps Luna will have some ideas…she did attend the magi school when she was younger.” He gave a soft smile. “She may have a few tricks of the trade…”
The king shifted slightly, “Lyrei seems to trust her king…she has not doubt in her mind that he would in fact be involved in this mess. If he sent her a letter. Perhaps we can send a response to him via one of our snow owls.” He seemed to think deeply a moment. “But if the response is caught…that could pose even more trouble for us. They would know that we know the truth…there must be a way to get around this…” His eyes fell upon Enri then. “Enri.” He spoke and she stood a bit more at attention.
“Yes, my king.” She bowed her head slightly.
“Enri I would like you to lead Ellie to the scroll vault. That is where Luna has taken Lyrei. In hopes of an answer to this mess…” The king spoke and drew in a long breath. “May the gods protect us.” He looked to Ellie. “Thank you, Ellie.” He pat her shoulder and then walked back to his throne where he sat in contemplation. He had quite the amount of work to do with the impending war.
Enri glanced to Ellie and gave a weak smile, “This way.” She spoke as she turned and led her swiftly from the throne room. She was quiet as she walked along, though after a few minutes of traversing through the corridors Enri stopped. She turned to Ellie, “Do…you think that it is even possible to correct this?” She questioned. “You seem so sure of yourself. As sure as you were 13 years ago when we used to spar…even when I would beat you each time. You were certain that you would win…” She had a soft smile upon her lips. “Apologies…” The lieutenant turned a quarter turn away from Ellie and huffed slightly. “It’s just…I wish you had returned during better times.” She spoke and then continued to walk. “The scroll vault is perhaps one of the few places you never saw.” She filled the void of silence with words as she stepped up to a statue.
Enri reached up to the statue and around the back of a sword where she depressed something. There was a grinding sound and the wall moved to the side. “The royal family doesn’t allow just anyone inside the vault.” She spoke and then stepped behind the wall. She pressed a button upon the wall and it slid back closed. The lieutenant walked down a winding staircase, lanterns seemed to be lit with magic as they descended. The closer they got they could hear the voices of the princess and the queen. Enri smiled as she made it to the bottom of the staircase, “My queen. Princess.” She bowed deeply. “Ellie has some news…for you…perhaps it may help.” She then glanced to Ellie.
Bellaluna had a warm smile upon her lips. “I wouldn’t doubt it for a moment.” She spoke as she moved and grabbed two more mugs. “Tea?” She asked as she poured the mugs for the two. “Enri come, sit. Take a breather for just a minute child, you never rest.” She walked Enri forward and took her shield and polearm from her back and rest it against the wall. “Sit.” The queen spoke and pushed the mug into her hands.
“Thank you, my queen.” Enri bowed her head slightly.
Lyrei was sitting at a table with a book open wide, she hugged a mug in her hands as she read over the pages. “What about the temple mother? The ice temple…it says in here that…”
“Lyrei…if we do not have to go that route, I would prefer to not.” Bellaluna spoke as she gazed to her daughter. She then returned her attention to Ellie as she handed her a mug of tea. “What information did you obtain, child?” She asked as she searched Ellie’s eyes.
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Post by Raven on Apr 14, 2021 10:26:23 GMT -5
Ellie followed the Captain through the corridors. She paused as Enri did - she thought for a moment and then smirked once more. "Erm.. Well, I've never had much but my own courage and humility. Am I sure? In truth.. no. But there is nothing else to lose but hope, hm?" she smirked once more and followed behind her as they walked.
"It has been an interesting turn - going from a servant to now.. someone of importance, someone who could provide something to her people... the feeling is exactly as I dreamt it.." she smiled then. "If this were to be the end, I can say at least I made it further than I thought I ever might..." she paused. "I thought, when I became Rauka.." she paused, watching the door slide open with a grinding sound. "I thought I'd die then, but..." she smirked and followed behind her, obviously - she did not die...
Ellie bowed to the Queen and Princess... she walked into the room and then sat down at a chair before the table, though she did not take her weapons off... "The assassin..." she told them of what she had found. How the assassin was the one to kill the King.. of the dreams.. "Part of being Rauka means.. some capabilities to.. invade the mind of one. He sits reliving his sins, agony of his guilt and the horrors he commited will overwhelm him.. he will survive but likely will be um..." she paused, thinking of the word. "Distraught..." she smirked then briefly. "The lingeage of my power comes from those who specialize in punishing the most evil - so, naturally" she cleared her throat then.
"We may be able to get him to speak, testify - perhaps, but I doubt that it will go far. A lowly assassin's word means little... As I told the King; I think the only hope we have is exposing the corruption of the Queen infront of her people.." she sighed then. "But first we have to deal with the armies approaching..." she sighed softly. "I am not equipped for this sort of scenario, I swing my sword at monsters, rarely people... I am happy to lend my hand, but the politics of outing the Queen for the truth is beyond me.." she crossed her arms briefly, her brows pulled together in thought..
"Are you finding anything useful in this.. library?" she questioned as she looked around. The room smelled like old paper, a sort of musk to the scent.. there was an abundant of knowledge, history, piled atop each other on the shelves and tables...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 14, 2021 12:03:17 GMT -5
Enri had glanced to Ellie and gave a soft smile, “Well…you’ve always been important, even if you didn’t realize it. I’m glad that you pulled through.” She spoke before they had entered the chamber with the queen and the princess.
The queen watched Ellie closely as she spoke of the information that she discovered from the assassin. Lyrei’s expression turned into that of defeat, pain and sorrow even. To be betrayed by Artus’ mother…to learn that his mother had called for the assassination of her own father. Bellaluna drew in a breath, “It seems you’ve learned quite a bit while you were away. I wouldn’t expect anything less. Your mother was very talented…” She gave a smile. “I could see Reinhold claiming that we forced this man to confess to a crime that he did not commit. Perhaps there is a letter that was written in secret that he has? Or something tangible with the queen’s penmanship upon it. That would give us at least a bit of a leg to stand on…” She sipped upon her tea as she seemed to think.
The princess sat with furrowed brows, her expression hadn’t changed much. She seemed to be holding back her emotions. She pressed her lips into a flat line before she pushed the book across the table to Ellie. “What information that I did find we aren’t allowed to use. It’s too dangerous.” Lyrei scoffed slightly.
“Lyrei…” The queen spoke as she looked to her daughter. “The magi of the temple are long gone…we do not know what dangers remain in the temple…I do not see the sense in you dying in order to retrieve an artifact that may not even exist.” Bellaluna looked uncomfortable with the conversation.
“What dangers are you expecting in the old temple?” Enri spoke up her eyes lifted to look to the queen. “Perhaps between Ellie and I we could protect our princess well enough for her to retrieve the artifact.”
Bellaluna drew in a breath as she glanced to the old book. “Years ago there was a scrying orb that would show ones memories as if it was happening right before your eyes…but it is a dangerous art…Lyrei…” She glanced to her daughter with worried eyes. “If you do not harness the power of this artifact correctly…” She shook her head and bit her lip slightly. “The artifact operates by means of the magic within the spirit realm…it is incredibly unstable…”
Lyrei stood from the table, “If there is even an inkling of a chance that we can save our kingdom and thus save Reinhold in the process…” The princess drew her brows together, “Then why would we stand by idly? If this can be stopped…” She shook her head. “The artifacts within the temple are capable of many great feats…”
“Lyrei.” The queen held her hand up. “A great feat comes at an even greater cost. Do you not stop to think why the magi of the temple are no longer with us? When I even grew up with a few of them…” Bellaluna watched her daughter carefully.
“If it takes my life to end a war, then so be it.” She spoke as she briskly walked from the room.
“Lyrei!” The queen called after her. A long sigh came over her lips as she heard the sound of the princess exiting the hidden passage. Bellaluna stood in silence then her eyes stared to the book upon the table.
Enri stood slowly, “My queen, if I may…” She pulled her shield and polearm from the wall. “The princess is determined to stop this war…I believe she feels quite responsible since the blame was pinned upon her…she’s your child…I understand your fears…but…fighting with her over it may not stop her…” She glanced to Ellie then. “What…do you think, Ellie? Does that sound like something that would help the cause? I…” She let out a slight laugh. “I am more of a warrior…” She smirked, “Politics is not my forte either…” She raised a brow and looked to the queen once more.
Bellaluna sighed softly and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Lyrei…when she sets her mind to something is an unstoppable force…” She lifted the book and looked over it. “Funny enough…this was her grandfather’s journal…my father…” She drew in a long breath. “He was lost to the spirit realm while trying to use this artifact that she wants to retrieve. I watched it happen. He disappeared before my eyes…and he never returned…” She held the book toward Ellie. “I know I can’t stop her. But the least I could do was try.” Her eyes were full of sadness. “With you on our side…perhaps we can make it through this war, Ellie. Lyrei is quite powerful as well…I know that she has yet to unlock many of her gifts…unfortunately without a magi circle and without my father to teach her….many of the great mages have fallen to the wars…” She shook her head slightly. “There is so much that I do not even know about my own daughter’s powers…” Bellaluna gazed to Ellie and then to Enri. “I imagine she has run off to the gardens…that is her usual spot to think…”
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Post by Raven on Apr 14, 2021 12:53:26 GMT -5
Ellie took in a breath as Lyrei left the room in a hurry.. She looked to the Queen briefly and listened to Enri and the Queen speak. She was silent for a long moment as she thought deeply. "Well..." she crossed her hands on the table before her - her fingers lightly touching an old scroll.. she relaxed her posture and then smiled.
"When I drank the tonic.. the night of my transformation. I learned something more valuable than anything before..." she looked to the Queen then. "Magic - in all its different forms and varities reacts in the same way to the beholder. It listens to the nature of the heart, the will of courage, and the spirit of the soul. It trusts us as we trust it... It is not about... if the stars align, who was born with certain luck.. It is about the inner strength to connect to magic, to speak to it. Any amount of doubt, any amount of fear - will strongly influence the outcome of the event... When I faced the demon in my dream state. I did not fight it. I stared him right in the eyes..." she stood then.
"My point, I believe...Is that... If Lyrei is true to her nature, and she believes in herself - she can accomplish anything." she smiled then. "Any ounce of doubt we offer her mind makes her weaker by the minute..." she crossed her arms. "I suppose - it is difficult to let her go off on her own, to potentially sacrifice herself.. but you can never know what would come it. That is the reality of the Rauka. You never know what will come when you drink the tonics. You have to trust in yourself, believe in it - and face the outcome head on..." she smiled weakly. "Obviously.. you can see that I am likely in favor of using the magics that surround us, if an advantage can be found - we should take every avenue of persuing it.. otherwise - if not the artifact, then perhaps the armies would take us first" she bowed then and left the room.
Ellie found herself in the gardens - which were much taller than she remembered. The rose bushes were taller than her - and trimmed to perfection. She walked slowly on the cobbled path - admiring the blooming flowers. Soon she winded through the path and came to the gazebo, where the Princess stood. Ellie slowly approached - clearing her voice as she stepped up.
"There used to be that old swing bench out here..." she smiled as she walked up. "I'd come out here with Ma'dam Terra and trim the rose bushes... well, she did most of the work. I'd sit on that swinging bench... I'm sad to see it's not here any more... a lot of fond memories. She loved to sing.. had the sweetest and silkiest voice.." Ellie smiled as the memory played over her mind.
She cleared her throat after a moment and then she looked outward... "So..." she cleared her throat... she wasn't exactly sure what to say. "Ehm.. I'm not really good at this sort of thing" she chuckled. "...are you alright?"
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 14, 2021 14:23:23 GMT -5
The queen’s troubled gaze faded into a gentle smile as Ellie smiled. She had always had such an intoxicating smile, even as a child. Whenever the queen had a hard day, she had watched Yoven training with the young Ellie, and the smile that the girl had then was just as infectious as it was now. Bellaluna loosened slightly as she listened to Ellie’s story of her transformation. She slowly nodded as the Rauka finished with her story. “You are right, I am not helping the matter along.” She glanced to Enri whom nodded as well. “She is my little girl…it was hard enough for me to allow her to be taken away to Reinhold…and now this?”
Enri placed a hand on the back of the queen, “I believe in Ellie.” She gave a warm smile and then gazed to the Rauka. “I will stay and aid the queen in looking through the scrolls…thank you.” She spoke before she began her search as well.
**
The princess had swiftly walked her way to the gazebo. Her hands gripped onto the bannister as she leaned forward slightly staring into the calm waters of the koi pond. The large koi fish swam about without a care in the world. Her breathing was slightly quickened as she fought back the urge to cry. When she heard the sound of someone clearing their throat, she shook her head slightly. “You’re not changing my mind.” She spoke without even looking to Ellie. “The sacrifice of one life is nothing compared to the lives that will be lost if this is allowed to get out of hand. I am the Queen of Reinhold; I do not want to see the people of that kingdom harmed over a fallacy that was created out of a betrayal.” Her words showed her royal tone quite well in that moment.
It was not until Ellie started to speak of the swing that the princess drew in a breath. The person that had approached her was not Enri and it was not the queen, it was Ellie. She turned slightly and bit at her lower lip, she had not meant to snap at Ellie in the way that she did. “The old swing.” She spoke as she looked up to the gazebo ceiling where the two hooks remained. “They took that down nearly 10 years ago…” She gazed to Ellie as she told her story of Madam Terra. A slight chuckle came over her lips. “She had the sweetest voice that I have ever heard….so you were in the gardens quite a bit…” She leaned her hips against the bannister as she watched Ellie. Her smile caused Lyrei to smile as well, though it was a weak smile as she thought of the predicament once again.
When Ellie cleared her throat once again the princess’ smile faded away. She let out a forced laugh, “You’re not good at this sort of thing? Hm, well at least I do not have to play games with words in order to get you to speak your mind.” She sighed softly. “So many that grow up in royalty learn to play the game when they are quite young, it is taught to us. I’ve a word for everything.” She shook her head then. She pondered a long moment. “I’m not alright, to be truthful.” She turned and gazed into the koi pond once again. “To learn that Lilian betrayed me…that is not the worst part, to know that she is betraying her own son and that she thought that the life of her loving husband was worth all of this.”
Lyrei lowered her eyes slightly, “Ivan would not have started such a war. Believe it or not it was he that contacted my father about the idea of bringing peace between our kingdoms. The idea was to bring out kingdoms together in unity to show the other kingdoms of the continent of Okor that it is possible for us all to live in unity…to respect on another and to thrive together. Ivan spoke to me often when I was in Reinhold. He told me of the future that he imagined. Elves living among humans.” A smile crept up her lips. “Even dwarves, fae…there isn’t a place where we all have collected as one…” She sighed and shook her head. “Do I blame the humans for this? No. It is not one race entirely that is to blame. We have all failed somewhere at some point….for example my grandfather…if he died from using the artifact…perhaps he did not use it with pure intention?” She questioned and looked to Ellie.
The princess smirked slightly, “You know…” She stepped a bit closer, once again in Ellie’s personal space just like she had been before. “I do think I remember you.” She inspected her face carefully. “I think that your eyes threw me off…because I do not remember your eyes…because they have changed…” She seemed to focus in on Ellie carefully looking her over. “I spent quite a bit of time in the garden to not remember you. Especially if you were with Madam Terra.” She grinned slightly then. “I remember you, yes.” She gazed into Ellie’s eyes curiously again. “Your eyes are like a galaxy…” She mused. “Apologies…I get…lost in them.” She then stepped back as she realized that she had encroached on Ellie’s space once more. “I sat at the bench on the other side of the garden most days…sometimes I found myself on the swing…but I enjoy looking into the koi pond much more than I’ve ever enjoyed time on a swing.”
Lyrei fell quiet then, her expression softened, the smile disappeared. “Would you accompany me to the temple? I do not know what to expect…it has been sealed for several decades…but…even if my mother does not believe that I can wield the artifact…I must try…in hopes that something may be done.” The princess looked to Ellie once again, her eyes almost seemed to plead for help.
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