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Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 3, 2022 0:41:19 GMT -5
The General looked to Bran with a cold gaze. The gaze that she was known for. She didn’t look amused by him at all. Captain. She pressed her lips together as he saluted her. She closed her eyes for a moment. This spiteful little brat. She grit her teeth slightly. She clicked her tongue slightly as he called her captain again and seemingly waved her off. She drew in a breath as she slowly stood. Then he spoke that she could learn. She tilted her head as she looked to him. This prince. This prince. She sat back down on the couch, her ocean hues fixated upon Bran a long moment before she looked to Arvid whom began speaking.
Her expression contorted slightly as she listened to him speak of the ritual. She looked to the prince, he was fully, drunkenly engaged in this madness. She pressed her lips together as she looked to the prince when he began to respond to the description of the ritual. “Passion?” She questioned as she looked to Arvid. The two men were drunk. She could tell. She closed her eyes for a long moment as a sigh came over her lips.
“Your highness...” She looked to him a long moment. She then looked to Arvid. “Your culture is quite different from our own. You’ll have to excuse my reactions. I’m certain you find our own culture to be...interesting as well...or lacking of interest from the sounds of it.” She spoke carefully still. Her eyes looked to the prince she stood and walked over to the parlor and poured herself a glass of whiskey. She came and sat down. “You’ve requested that I drink more than once, my prince.” She raised the glass. “So I shall drink with you as we hear more of these stories from Arvid.” She downed the drink. Without something on her stomach this would affect her quite harshly. Missing breakfast. Not getting enough sleep. It was a recipe for the alcohol to work on her rather quickly.
She walked to the parlor and poured herself another drink before she topped off the respective drinks of Arvid and Bran. The General sat down and drew in a breath. “Also, your highness. With no disrespect, I am a General. Please do not call me a captain. They are beneath me in rank and I worked quite hard to get to this position.” She looked to him a long moment.
**
Evie paced in her room. She’d hidden her new book under her covers. She knew it was about that time. As always. She stared to the door as it rattled open. She looked to the two guards and she stepped forward without a word. She glanced up to the armored men whom paid her no mind. To her surprise...she was walked up the stairs. Fear began to grip her as she was nearly dragged up the stairs now. Her breathing quickened. What were they doing with her? She pressed her heels in the floor and grit her teeth slightly. Bran! She tried to reach out to him. The guards lifted her up to keep her from slowing them down. She was dragged all the way to the throne room where she was brought before the king.
“Ah perfect timing, Evie.” King Alexander looked down to her. He stepped to her and grinned. “Leo can’t seem to figure out the jewel. You wouldn’t know how to access its power would you?” He questioned as he munched on a piece of bread.
Evie gazed to him with her golden hues. She shook her head and then lowered her eyes slightly. She then shook her head again.
The king drew in a breath. “Ah well...too bad I suppose. I was hoping we could go about this an easy way. Like some of the jewels in the past. But none of Leo’s tools seem to be helping. Perhaps I need another elf...drain them of their essence...that might do it. What do you think Evie?” He looked to her again. She merely shook her head to him. He sighed. “You’re right.” He chuckled. “Come along. Have lunch with me, won’t you?” He cupped her cheek. “It’s been quite sometime since we have had lunch together. I have a special friend coming to talk with us. I’ve even sent for Bran and the General. It will be quite the party.” He chuckled as he walked from the room. “Come along, Evie.” He spoke as he walked through the halls and toward the dining hall.
Evie struggled slightly against the men. What was happening? What was the king planning now? Why was he doing this? Bran! She had tears in her eyes. The guards gripped her tightly. She could feel the bruises setting in already.
“This way.” The king led her into the dining hall. Leo awaited them with the injections pre-drawn. “Can’t miss a dose now. Can we?” He smirked and then nodded to the mad scientist. “Go on. They can hold her.”
The guards tightened their grip upon her even more as Leo approached. “How nice that you get to have lunch today? Hm?” He spoked as he injected her with the purple liquid, and then the red liquid. She nearly collapsed in their grip. She winced and breathed heavily, tears in her eyes. “There.” Leo nodded to the king and then left the room.
Evie was placed in a chair, her breathing was quick and short. She leaned forward upon her elbows. Tears rolled down her cheeks. The king stepped forward. “Drink this.” He spoke as he poured her a glass of brandy. “It’ll take the edge off. Hm?” He smiled to her. “You’ve grown so strong. This is just another step.” He nodded to her. Evie looked to him, pain in her eyes. She nodded and downed the drink quickly. “Very good.” He spoke before he took his seat at the head of the table while he awaited the others to be gathered. Evie trembled as she closed her eyes, a bit of blood leaked from her nose. She quickly brushed it away with the back of her hand.
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Post by Raven on Jan 4, 2022 1:03:33 GMT -5
Bran lifted his gaze as the woman finally gave in. He did not expect this. He figured his mockery would run her off, as it always had. Why did he mock her anyways? He took another sip and watched her sit upon the couch. She held herself in a certain fashion, between a moderate woman, and a guard or knight.
Arvid cleared his throat and he stared to Bran for a long moment with wide annoyed eyes. He looked back to Rosalie and nodded his head. “So then…. Hilda did that thin-“
“Not this one, Arvid” Bran held a hand up and then laughed. The turned his gaze to Rosalie as she spoke. He held his glass up and bowed his head “As you wish, Com--- General. Well deserved” he lifted his glass and took a long sip.
“Arvid – tell us about your Seers, how do they work?” he questioned.
“Well… how do I…” Arvid thought for a second, he whispered a few words. As if translating. “There has only ever been one seer at any given point in time. Only one. Can see the future at a flick of their eyelid. Or the past. They speak to the gods, and the gods speak to them.” He shook his head “My baby niece was chosen, but all my people knew it. It was prophesied. It is why the Jarl picked the exact woman he did. To fulfil the tale, give birth to the next Seer. What power it gave him.. he was… obsessed with it” he shook his head. “My brother was always set to make a name of himself. We are ancestors of Rangar Lothbrok – it means a lot, but also nothing. Because we are not him. It does not mean we are great. Instead, we live shaming his name for not standing his height” he scoffed.
“So we changed our names to Vyarson, which… Vyar is the name of Ragnar’s father, my great great great.. grandfather, or so” Arvid shrugged his shoulders slightly. “So my brother created her. Defied the gods…” he shook his head “Or maybe it was meant to be so, he says” he scoffed. “Her mother died giving birth to her, typically a bad omen…” he took a long sip from his ale. His eyes squinted as he looked to Bran…
“The Jarl grew to love the girl, the coward grew a heart – Tora handed it to him. He became a changed man… full of regret and humility. Her path merged, toward Valhalla she went” he smiled. There was a sense of pride there. Speaking her name. “Tora was different though. She refused the Seer books – the ones to train her how to be a seer. No… She wanted to fight, she wanted to serve and be a Shield Maiden. She became unbeatable… fearless. She saw the future” he lifted a brow and smiled. “She saw the world differently, her eye… she said things at such a young age that would shake my bones. Words of utter wisdom, that I couldn’t fathom. She was the beacon of the Gods, they were always so close to us”
He sucked in a breath. He missed her. “She is the only regret I have. When I think about… I left. I don’t care for anything there, not a fucking thing. But little Tora…” he smiled. “I can’t wait to finally meet her” he looked to The Prince, then to the General. Bran! He cracked a grin and slapped his leg “Oh, sorry. I mean, So I can deck her in the face for being so fucking awesome – SKOL” he drank, drinking through his sorrow.
“Oh Arvid” Bran clapped “You are a story teller in truth, her legend lives through you today” he leaned back and smiled. “You are proud of her… you should be. It sounds like she is breaking barriers… doing what no Viking has ever”
Arvid sat forward suddenly “Please tell me” he nodded swiftly.
“General, do you want to share the knowledge we have?” he questioned. Bran! “I believe you are most briefed” he smiled, watching Arvid beaming… There was a tickle in his ear, he shook his head. What was that? he shrugged to himself and took another long drink. His cheeks flushed, the world moved slowly - he man was pissed drunk trying to keep up with Arvid.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 4, 2022 2:03:47 GMT -5
Rosalie looked to the prince, almost as if she was challenging him with the depth of her ocean hues. When Bran interrupted Arvid she tilted her head slightly. Hilda? That was an interesting name. She’d never heard a name like that before. She glanced to him and then smirked slightly, “Ah thank you for getting that right, your highness.” She lifted her glass in his direction. She then turned her attention back to Arvid.
The way that the man spoke of Tora. Her expression softened. He loved his niece. He loved her more than she imagined he would. She glanced to Bran. She understood what the prince meant by viking blood running thick. The whole history that he spoke. Ragnar. She’d never heard the name. It meant nothing to her. But the way he spoke of this Seer Tora. He caused a smile to curve up her lips. “You are doing quite a noble thing then.” She spoke and nodded to him. “You are saving Tora by working with our King. He told me himself that he plans to spare the vikings so long as you can talk sense into her.” She filled her glass again. She had been sipping upon it as she listened to Arvid’s story.
**
Bran, Please…..please help... Evie sat at the table silently. She would brush the blood from her nose as it trickled out. The king drank his brandy and spoke among the knights. He spoke of murdering the elves and taking over their land to take the magic from the dragons. She felt sick to her stomach. Her skin was a ghostly pale. Bran... She leaned forward as her vision tunneled slightly.
“Where the hell is that son of mine?” The king questioned and waved his hand. “Go and get him!” He ordered.
**
Rosalie smirked slightly as she looked to Arvid. “It is quite impressive the things that I have heard at the war table. I’ll tell you of your Tora.” She had a pink to her cheeks. She was loosening up more. She didn’t sit as prim and proper now. She just sat. Her ocean hues glanced to Bran a moment then back to the Viking. “I have heard that she gave strength to the elves. The way that the soldier that came back from the failed strike spoke of her...” She let out a laugh. “Tora rode upon the back of a great white horse with eight legs. I’ve searched the texts for it. But I’ve yet to find anything in our books. I imagine this has something to do with your Gods.” She nodded. “I heard of the princess Amara fighting alongside the great Seer. They destroyed three of our camps. With ease. Only one man was sent back here to the capitol. He was sent with a message from Tora.” She smirked and took another swig. “She sent him to tell the king, ‘Tora says Fuck you.’ You should have seen the look on King Alexander’s face when the soldier said it.” She laughed, the alcohol was taking it’s grip upon her since she hadn’t had any food or sleep.
The General smirked slightly and tilted her head. “The man was utterly terrified of her. Oh...and...our scouts...yes...we had a few scouts that were sent to assassinate Queen Raenisa. They were performing in a tournament...one of the scouts managed to escape. He saw something...terrifying really...I attributed it to madness...but perhaps it is indeed true. He spoke of lightening coming from Tora, striking down her enemies that attempted to kill the queen. He said a huge ball of energy surrounded her and a pure white dragon came from the skies to save the elves and the vikings...” She paused a moment and shook her head slightly. “The stories that those two soldiers told sound like ramblings of a mad man. But I imagine...there must be some truth behind it. To think...they have summoned Bahamut. The great dragon king...I thought that an elf that claimed it was bluffing. But when I returned to the kingdom...I heard of the three fallen camps...I heard of the destruction that was caused by the great dragon king...” She shook her head slightly. “She has great power, and seems to be a strong leader, Arvid. A force to be reckoned with.” She finished her drink. Her words slurred slightly toward the end of her stories. She poured another drink and looked to the prince. “Are you happy, my prince?” She held her glass up and then chuckled lightly. “You finally got me to drink with you.” She smirked and then giggled. It was truly a sight to see. The General looked stunning as she smiled to him.
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Post by Raven on Jan 5, 2022 22:17:55 GMT -5
Arvid turned his bulky head when Rosalie spoke Tora’s name. He leaned in to listen to the stories of her, his smile growing brighter with each moment of praise. He glanced over to Bran and slapped his thigh “Aye – you should be smiling and laughing, this is a great moment” he growled and then laughed, a slap upon Bran’s back.
Bran had gripped his head with a single hand, his brows pulled tightly. He tried to drown out the sound of the brute, to focus in on the tiny scratch in the back of his head. It poked at him like a needle through his eye. He sucked in several breaths and let it go slowly, trying to calm his mind.
“A horse with Eight Legs? A White one?” Arvid suddenly stood “By the GODS! She is gifted by Odin, he chose her” he slung his mug into the air happily. Ale sloshes all over. He happily stomped to the other side of the little coffee table. He laughed and slapped his hands. “That horse is THE very personal steed of Odin, our uh, supreme God” he shook his head. “Unbelievable” he set his mug down and nodded. “Go go, more”
As the story continued – Arvid burst into a fit of laughter. “That is like her, Fuck you. Yes” he was pissed drunk. Every word was a shout. But it had energy, fire, passion. He smirked “Lightning huh? By Odin’s son – Thor too?” he nodded his head. “She was always a force to reckoned with” he laughed “I’ll have to share more stories, the next we drink…a tease to bring you back, hm?” he nodded and then glanced over to Bran, who stood and stumbled to the side.
Bran took several steps and stumbled once more. His head felt like it was being squeezed then. “Evie” he called out. “I’m coming for you” he stumbled again, falling to ground. He reached outwards mid fall to grasp onto a nearby chair. His armor clinked and clanked with the tumble, until finally he had a single arm on the chair’s arm rest.
“Whoa – you okay? Light Weight?” Arvid questioned and quickly stood. He stepped over and peered to the small man. He didn’t touch him – no, not until he knew Bran really needed it. Bran slowly stood and took in a deep breath. “What’s the matter, Bran?” Arvid questioned with cautious hands, as if to catch the man.
“Evie – she keeps calling to me” he touched his forehead, as if pointing to his mind. “She’s … I saw the dining room, she’s in…” he grunted. Arvid pulled his brows together, his huge forehead furrowing. He grasped Bran’s arm and lifted him, nearly off the entire ground. He then rushed off towards the dining hall. Though, he wasn’t all sure where that was.
“Rosalie” he turned around. “Are you coming?” he questioned loudly, shouting through the halls. Arvid practically dragged Bran now. Soon they came to the doors of the dining hall. Two guards stood – he held their hands out. Arvid set Bran down – who stood but was a little wobbly. Arvid placed a hand on his shoulder calmly, and then looked to the guards. “We will pass, the Prince demands it” he nodded.
Bran whimpered slightly. What was this pain. He gripped his head. “Go – leave!” he shouted the guards.
Where the hell is that son of mine?” ---- Bran’s hues lit up and he took one final large breath. He shoved the doors open and stepped inside. “I am here, father” he lifted his hues. Though moments behind him – Arvid stepped in as well. He stood behind Bran with his arms crossed. “My… personal guard, father” he nodded with a smirk. “Rosalie is also with me” he held his hand out. “We were discussing my route tomorrow, heard you calling through the door there…”
Bran looked to Evie then and then titled his head. “What exactly is going on here, father?” he blinked slowly. His hues dashed to Evie for a second, and then back to the King…”Do you intend on torturing her publicly?”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 5, 2022 22:48:31 GMT -5
Rosalie smiled as she looked to the two. Arvid’s responses to the stories only made her smile widen. He was so passionate. He loved this girl named Tora. She hadn’t noticed Bran grip his head as she continued story telling. When Arvid spoke of what the horse was her eyes widened. “Gods...really?” She questioned, a smirk upon her lips. “I thought the man was mad! Going on about an eight legged horse. I wouldn’t want to confront that.” She took a long drink before she’d continued her story. She giggled when he agreed that the statement sent from Armalon by Tora sounded exactly like her. And when he spoke of another god. Was this Seer really gifted by so many of the Gods? How could they compete with that?
The general smiled and chuckled. “Yes I would love to hear more of your stories. Perhaps more of your stories of your niece even.” Though her smile disappeared as Bran stood and stumbled. She stood swiftly and teetered slightly but she caught her balance just fine. “Your highness?” She questioned when he called out to Evie. She glanced around the room. “Evie?” She questioned and her brows knitted together tightly. “What...are you going on about?” She questioned and looked to Arvid as he too had his questions.
“You saw the dining room?” She questioned. Bran told her that Evie spoke to him...but she could show him what she saw too? Could he feel her feelings? She blinked a few times. She was stuck, frozen almost as she still held her whiskey in her hand. It wasn’t until Arvid called to her that she quickly set the nearly empty glass down and she rushed after them. “The dining hall is this way.” She spoke as she led them forward swiftly. What was the king doing?
Rosalie paused as they stood at the door. She gazed to Bran with worried hues as he whimpered. What was going on? She winced slightly as the prince shouted to the guards. She watched as he shoved the doors open. She followed in slowly behind the two, she bit her lip slightly. She could feel the alcohol in her system. This was not the best place for the General to be...not in this condition.
“Ahhh my boy!” The king spoke with a hearty chuckle. He looked over his glass before he took a long drink. “Come, we must have lunch. Oh and you’ve brought the other two. I asked for all three of you. How funny that the Crimson Guard could not find even my own son.” He shot a glare to the guards by the door whom seemed to shrink from the look.
Evie had her head lowered, she brushed away a trickle of blood from her nose with the napkin and flattened it out on her lap. Her fingers curled around it. She was in so, so much pain. Her golden hues lifted to her brother. Do not challenge him, brother. Her voice pleaded.
The king looked to his son as he questioned him. “What do you mean, son?” He chuckled as he stood. “I wanted Arvid here to meet our mage. She’s a busy girl. So I arranged time for him to meet her. I fit it in her schedule. Isn’t that right Evie?” He questioned and looked to the mage, she nodded slowly as she tried to hide the pain from her expression. “See?” He grinned. “Come! Sit! We have much to discuss.” He swirled about the liquor within his glass.
Rosalie let out a long breath as she looked to Evie, she could see the pain. It seemed as though it radiated from the girl. She grit her teeth slightly as she walked forward. She took her seat, across from Evie. Her lips pressed into a flat line. Evie gazed to her, the deadpan expression of someone that was void of all emotion. Rosalie took in a breath as she tried to focus. She’d much rather return to the sitting room. To the laughing.
“General.” The king spoke, a clever smile upon his lips. “Are you drunk?” He questioned. He could see the pink in her cheeks.
Rosalie’s lips parted for a moment. She drew in a breath before she looked to the king. “I had a drink at the request of the prince, your highness. I do apologize for my condition.” She spoke her words carefully. It took a lot of focus to do this. It was sobering just to see poor Evie like this. She’d never seen the girl in so much pain.
The king chuckled, “Ah well at least we are all enjoying ourselves.” He then looked to his son. “Did you call Arvid your personal guard?” He grinned. “Good. I want to try to bait out this Seer. Arivd. You need to tell me how to do this. How do we get her so that she may meet you to talk some sense into her?” He questioned. “You see...there’s something that Armalon does not have.” He grinned as he stood and walked over to Evie. He placed a hand upon her shoulder. “They do not have the lovely mage that I have. Have you heard of her work?” He questioned and pat Arvid’s back. “It is really quite exhilarating. She can level cities with her magic at the flick of a wrist.”
Leo is trying to figure out the jewel...Bran...please...please don’t let him do this to me...it will bring the end of the elves….the end of us as well... Her eyes pleaded as she looked to her brother.
“Wait.” Rosalie spoke up. “Your highness, no disrespect. But you want me to take your only heir, and this viking...to meet with another viking? Do you not see that going poorly? My king at least send us with the mage. For protection sake. If she will not listen. Then...at least we will be able to defend ourselves. The stories that I have heard. Arivd has confirmed. That man was not mad. This Seer is gifted by the Gods themselves.” She spoke carefully, precisely. “Unless you plan to lose your only heir and your general to a poor chess move. If that is the plan, then by all means, your highness.” She stared to the king a long moment before her eyes looked back to Evie, whom seemed confused. What was the General doing?
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Post by Raven on Jan 5, 2022 23:08:23 GMT -5
Bran grit his teeth and sat down next to his gather. He reached forward to the glass of water that sat before him. “So father” he spoke after a sip. He turned and listened to the King speak, he grimanced by the man. He thought he was a gift to man….
Arvid looked to the Mage, he kept a flat face of no emotion. He gave a gruff hmph and then tilted his head back to the King. As if waiting for him to say something that peaked him. It was a good show, at least.
Bran glanced to Evie, her words piercing his mind. He lowered his gaze from her and then back to his father. It was surprise to him when Rosalie spoke up. He nodded as she spoke, in agreement. “That is actually a brilliant idea… Tora will not come alone, the Queen will to. I will represent you as Royalty, she will respectfully see me. Tora will respectfully see Arvid – since they are Kin. If you sent just any squire – they would be killed”
“Oh yeah… It is our culture to speak face to face. The leaders stand before, chest forward” Arvid pat his chest and then glanced to Evie. “They have Dragons… and the Gods” he looked to the King. “So, we will borrow your God, to do your work” he nodded.
“If it goes terribly… then she can at least get us out there… “ he crossed his arms. “Risky journey, but if they surrender…” he nodded slightly “It would save us a lot of money… I was with our Treasurer…” he sucked in a breath. “The winter was hard on the mines” he stared to his father… If this works… Evie…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 5, 2022 23:41:15 GMT -5
The king smirked as he looked around the table. He grinned even larger when Arvid referred to Evie as a God. He lifted his glass to his lips and pressed his lower lip to the glass for a long moment. Thinking. He glanced to Evie whom lifted her eyes to look to her brother as he spoke to her. It has to work...but... She reached her hand up and brushed away a droplet of blood and brushed it onto the napkin on her lap. This damn collar, Bran.
“What do you think Evie. Would you like to go and represent Alexander?” He questioned as he looked to the mage. His puppet. That is all he looked at her as. She wasn’t a God. She was his puppet. To do his bidding. To destroy what he could not. Evie froze for a moment. “Evie. I asked you a question.” He spoke before he took a long drink. “You’ll answer me. Yes or no. Since that is all you are capable of answering.” He laughed then.
He’s a wretched human being. Tears welled in her eyes. She looked to the king and gave a single nod. She gazed into his eyes a long moment before she reached forward and took a sip from her brandy. She needed something to calm her down. Outside rain fell. Thunder rumbled. Her emotions. Her power.
The king chuckled and raised his glass. “Ah yes! I knew she wouldn’t let me down.” He grinned to Arvid. “You’ll talk to that niece of yours then? Get her to understand that surrendering is in her best...options….hm? I’ll save her for you. Don’t you worry.” He chuckled as servants brought food to the table. He took a bite of his meat. “So tell me Arivd. How do you plan to convince this niece of yours? Will she listen to you?” He ate another bite.
Rosalie let out a breath, she’d been holding her breath since she spoke the idea. She gaze to Bran next to her, a bit of a smirk curved up her lips. But only for a moment before she looked across the table at Evie. She nodded to the girl before she lifted her glass to her. Her ocean hues locked upon Evie. This was their chance. They could get her away from the castle. Hopefully they could figure something out in the time it would take to travel to where they would choose to meet Queen Raenisa and Seer Tora. The good news was. They had time now.
Evie took in a breath that shuddered slightly. She gazed to her brother. Her eyes then locked on Roaslie as the woman gave her a warm smile. She brushed a tear away from her cheek as she looked to the woman. She then looked to Arvid. The viking man. Did Rosalie and Bran trust this man? Was he in on the scheme to get away from the castle? She had to get away before they forced her to accept the power of that jewel. She couldn’t handle it. It was too powerful. If it didn’t kill her...she knew that when he forced her to use it...everyone would die. Oblivion. There would finally be silence....she would no longer feel pain...
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Post by Raven on Jan 6, 2022 22:24:02 GMT -5
Bran shifted his gaze to his sister and nodded his head. His hues glanced to the gentle glowing collar about her neck, a horrid choker. He took a sip of his drink and grimanced as the King pestered Evie, forcing her to decide. As if she had the choice. His gues glanced to Rosalie, who seemed obviously a little uncomfortable.
Arvid cleared his throat and nodded. He was halfway through his meal, giving not a single care to the conversation. He swallowed and then took a long swig of wine. After a smack of his lips he chuckled. “Well, many things” he rubbed his hand on the perfectly white linen cloth on his lap. His effort to be polite. “She is my Niece, we are blood. There is no greater sin to our gods than to hurt your blood” he tilted his head “It happens, but… there is respect, and pride. She will hear me out, just as I would her” he tilted his head. “And… she is Tora, she is a Seer – our Shaman and Alchemist. Despite fighting in a war – she seeks peace always. Sometimes it means fighting to get it…” he nodded then “So, an attempt to peace will be ideal… and she will trust me.” He took another bite then. “That’s all I say on that” he spoke with a full mouth.
Bran cleared his throat and stood. “Well… father” he smiled. “I humbly accept this challenge, and see that we are dispatched immediately. I will have a raven send a note, hopefully they are able to be prepared for the greeting” he stepped from the table. His meal was untouched. “We will leave in the morning…” he quickly walked away.
He found himself in his room, packing a back for such an occasion. They would leave in the morning and begin the ride across the plains, into the hills – until it became the mountain. North was the direction and that was all that was needed.
In the morning they would all meet at the city gates. Four horses were saddled for them, Bran’s was of course the all black with red and gold armor. The only one that was also armored, like the Prince he was. There were a set of guards that followed, he looked to them. “No – no guards.”
“M-lord, you cannot go unprotected” one feverishly shouted.
“I have the greatest mage of all time with me…” he bowed his head. “We must honor our agreement, no guard” he then slapped his reigns and rode forward.
Arvid had the largest of the horses, a great Clydesdale, chestnut brown with white spots about her face. As he climbed upon the horse he groaned. “Not a ship… but it will do” he pat the horse and then rode forward behind the Prince.
“So, Arvid – when did you come to Alexander?” Bran questioned as they bobbed gently next to each other.
Arvid grunted “It has been about 10 years, I wandered the forests for a long time until I came upon the Kingdom. Though, never to the capitol. Just working odd jobs” he chewed on a sugarcane stick between his teeth slowly. “That’s all I’ve ever been. I train warriors, do mercenary work, and fuck a lot” he spat a piece of the cane out to the ground.
“Hm… Can’t say I’ve done much of any” he chuckled. He glanced to Rosalie and smirked. “What about you, when did you become a General, what was life like before that?” he questioned with a smile. “All I’ve ever known is being a Prince, can’t say I have any perspective outside of that” he reached over and Arvid offered him a sugar cane stick. “You’re right, this is a great travel snack” he chuckled. He glanced slightly at Evie, smiling. The sun was upon them, blue bright sky and puffy clouds. If anything, she would get a break. A sense of peace…. He may not be able to free her yet, but this would be a gift alone. That was his wish, at least. He prayed… that their plan might work.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 6, 2022 23:27:04 GMT -5
Rosalie was silent she took a bite or two of her meal. But. She didn’t feel hungry. Her eyes just looked to Evie. The pain in the mage’s eyes. She could only imagine the pain that she must be in. She watched as Evie brushed away another bit of blood. The mage didn’t touch her food. Arvid explained how he would speak to the Seer. But Rosalie barely heard a word from his mouth. She seemed deep in thought. Which she was. How would they go about this? Could they really turn the tides with this move? Would the guards allow just the four of them to go? The questions were endless. It wasn’t until she heard the prince speak again that her eyes looked to him. Immediately? Her brows raised slightly.
The king grinned as he looked to his son. “That’s my boy! Look at how eager he is to carry out this important task.” He lifted his glass and chuckled lightly. “Rosalie, I’m not certain what you have said to the boy, but you must have given him the lion back in his chest.” He grinned to her. “I know that you will lead him along the right path and bring him home with the elves surrender.” He nodded, confident.
“Of course my king.” Rosalie cleared her throat. “Might I be excused?” She asked as she set her napkin upon the plate. “I’m not terribly hungry. I have platoons to lead as well. Much to do.” She gave him a soft smile.
The king chuckled and waved his hand to her. “Why don’t you take Evie with you. I’d appreciate a good story session with Arvid here. Can’t have the boys talk with a lady in the room.” He chuckled and turned his attention to Arvid.
Rosalie was surprised. She looked to Evie a long moment. She then nodded to the girl and stood. “Come along.” She spoke as she gently grasped her arm and walked her from the room. The guards moved to take the girl. “No. I’ve got her. Thank you.” She spoke to the two guards as she walked Evie through the castle. “I know...this is frightening...” She spoke her voice soft as she walked the halls with the mage. She was taking her time. She didn’t want to return her to the underbelly of the castle. She carefully caught Evie as the mage stumbled, weak from the injection. Rosalie brought her to the library of the castle and she sat her down upon the couch. The king would have her head if she was here and Evie’s eyes said just that. “Don’t worry.” She gave a soft smile. “The king never ventures into the library. No one really does.” She looked around at all the books. “Here.” She pushed a parchment forward. “You like to read, yes?” She asked, Evie nodded. “Write down a few things. I’ll grab the books for our trip. It’ll be our secret.” She smiled. “I’ll bring them with me in the morning for you.”
Evie looked to Rosalie a long moment, a small smile curved up her lips for a moment. She nodded then and began to write upon the parchment paper. She wrote several books down. At the bottom of the note she wrote, ‘Thank you Rosalie’. Her writing was beautiful. As good as any noble might have. Evie gazed about the massive library. She wanted to stay here. She never wanted to leave. It was beautiful. The books. The smell. The silence.
“We should go.” Rosalie spoke after a few hours of sitting and allowing Evie to peruse over the books a bit. She led her through the halls and down the dark stair case. She shuddered slightly as she felt the temperature change. The damp air caught in her lungs. Rosalie glanced to Evie and gave a gentle nod as she approached her door. “Tomorrow. You’ll have some freedom.” She nodded and smiled to her as she pushed the door open and walked her into her prison like cell of a room.
Evie looked to the general and she nodded. She stepped forward and pulled the general into a tight embrace once again. She held her there for what felt like ages. Until Rosalie awkwardly tapped her on her back. “I’ve got to go, Evie.” She spoke and looked to the girl. “Tomorrow morning, hm?” She smiled as she turned and then left the room. She locked her away and sighed as she leaned against the wall slightly. Tomorrow.
**
As the morning came. Rosalie was up and moving about the castle. She had the books that Evie requested. She had her things packed and she was already upon her horse before Bran even came out. Not long after him the guards brought Evie out whom climbed upon her horse. Then they were off. Just like that. Bran had called off the extra guards. Having the prince around seemed as though it might be helpful.
Rosalie glanced to Evie several times as the mage simple bobbed along, without an expression to share. When the general was questioned by the prince her eyes looked to him. “Your highness?” She asked a moment. She looked to him with almost confused eyes.
Evie had glanced over to her brother, This...feels like a dream. She finally smiled as she looked to him. Her eyes moved to Rosalie and Arvid. His stories were something else. He was from a whole different world that she didn’t know.
“Becoming a General was a lot of work.” Rosalie finally spoke after a moment of thinking. “My father is the commander of the Crimson Guard. So naturally, he started me young with a sword.” She talked and looked ahead of them, her brows scrunched slightly. “My mother passed away when I was very young...I don’t even remember her I’m afraid. So my father turned that into a reason to push me to be the best I could in the Guard. So he did. He even enrolled me into the junior guard. I excelled at it. I enjoyed it. I wanted to serve my king, my kingdom. I wanted to protect the royal family and all those within the kingdom of Alexander.” A sigh came over her lips. “I joined the guard officially when I was old enough, the young age of 18. I had a difficult time of course. It was a long road. But it didn’t take me long to start climbing the ranks. I was promoted by the king nearly 5 years ago.” She spoke and then glanced to him. Her ocean hues watched him carefully. “Just...a lot of dedication. That is all it took. I know nothing...at all outside of being in the guard for Alexander...” Her voice softened slightly at the end. This was true. She didn’t know anything outside of being a soldier.
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Post by Raven on Jan 9, 2022 15:19:40 GMT -5
Bran glanced back to his sister and he grinned. “You are right Evie..” he bobbed slightly. “We haven’t left the castle together, ever. It feels good, it feels right… Now.. we just have to figure out that collar…” he shook his head. “I can only hope we strike peace with these people… I have studied a lot, as much as I can. The Elves had ancient mystical magic, and they have had hundreds of years to master it. If anyone can get that collar off your neck… I think it will be them.” Bran turned his gaze to Rosalie. They continued onward a very traveled path. The sun was rising slowly, melting the snow that lingered from the previous day. He listened to the woman’s words, how she became the General, her legacy of her father. “Right… your father is an honorable man” he smirked. “I have this memory of him…” he looked forward now, eyes on the hills that came before them. “As a young boy – I” he chuckled slightly. “My father never really… well. You know, he is a forward man, a little ruthless” he shook his head. “One particular night – I did not make him very happy, I don’t remember what happened really. My mind is fuzzy. But… I was out in the gardens, sitting on a bench – crying. Dead of an Autumn night. Your father was patrolling… which was unreal to me, because he is the Commander, but… he was filling in for someone who was sick. Very admirable…” he sighed softly, remembering the fond memory. “I was.. maybe 8. He made me walk with him, I followed him on his patrol. He was the first person to actually ask me how I was doing, and what I wanted to do, and become. And I told him – I wanted to fight with a sword, and be a Knight. My father at the time had argued that I didn’t need to learn, that a Good King has a great military to fight for him… but” he chuckled. “Your father took me to the training grounds and gave me a wooden sword, and he gave me my first lesson. We were up until… midnight at least. After that – he set me up with one of the Guard” he shifted slightly, his great sword was sheathed in a large scabbard, which hung against his back… “I never trained on the grounds though. Actually, the pool in the basement of the castle was drained, a leak and never repaired. So we would meet there and train. But I remember – looking down upon the training fields and seeing you” he laughed then “I’d see your father, and then you…” “You only started training at 8?” Arvid scoffed. “Weak” he laughed then. “Viking begins the moment we can walk. By the time we are 10, we are capable of hunting and surviving on our own completely.” “You lie” Bran laughed then, his hues glancing over his should to Arvid who rode his giant steed. He towered over the group as he lingered behind the group. “Do you take me for a Liar, Little Prince?” he questioned and then laughed. Arvid pulled a flask from his fluffy leathers and popped it open, he took a long swig and then let out a good sigh. “So, what does our path look like?” he questioned, ready to discuss business, it seemed. “We will ride until we can’t and make a camp. After that we should come up on the hill city – Hillgarde. It’s pretty much occupied with military, since it is basically the only major city from here to the Elvish territories. We can choose to go in, or avoid it. It depends on the tactic we want to take…” Bran glanced to Rosalie. “What do you think, General?” he questioned. |
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 9, 2022 15:51:53 GMT -5
Evie’s smile seemed to brighten, such a gorgeous smile for one that never seemed to have expression before. She looked as though she’d laughed, though of course merely silence came from the mage. I used to imagine it when I was younger, you know? She gazed about the beautiful plains as they rode along. I used to sit in my room and imagine what it would feel like to leave the castle without shackles. Without an army behind me. Free. With you, my brother. The only one whom seemed to see me for more than just a tool of destruction and war. She paused a long moment, her smile was soft now. General Feir is the only other one to have ever treated me as though I am more than an object that belongs to our father. Her smile had fallen away completely then as she looked back ahead.
Rosalie listened to the prince as he spoke out loud about the collar and the magic that the elves had. She’d glanced to Arvid slightly. Though her ocean hues fell upon the prince once again. “We will get it off of her, your highness.” She spoke in response to him. His response to her story caused the general to give a smirk back. Honorable, yes. But foolish for following the king so closely and performing his every command. Rosalie on the other hand had been slowly defying the king for years now. She’d held her people back long enough at times for some of the elves to escape to Armalon. She knew it. But no one else knew that this was her tactic. She’d even seen the scouts on her patrols. But she knew that if the scouts saw her...they would warn the cities and lives would be spared.
As the prince began to speak about her father a soft...yet sad smile curved up her lips. All those nights, Rosalie had spent alone. When her father patrolled late into the night Rosalie found herself practicing in the backyard of their estate with a practice target that her father had made for her. “It is more admirable for a king to fight alongside his people.” The general spoke after a long moment. “I would rather follow a king that knows more than simply tactics of war. What good is that?” She seemed less tense today outside of the castle walls. Perhaps it was the crisp air of the winter. When he spoke of the training grounds Rosalie glanced to the prince. He saw her? When she trained? Her ocean hues stayed upon him a long moment before she’d looked back ahead. “I spent many hours upon the training field.” She looked to the beauty of the land around them, the melting snow that seemed to glisten in the morning sunlight.
Is this the girl you spoke to me about, Bran? Evie raised a brow slightly as she looked to her brother. The one that you could never draw the eye of but you’ve always admired her from afar? Is it General Feir? She had a bit of a smirk for a moment before she looked back ahead.
Rosalie chuckled as Arvid scoffed. “My father believed in teaching me from the moment I could hold a sword as well.” She looked to the viking. “The younger they start, the stronger a soldier will become.” She said it in a slightly deeper voice, trying to impersonate her father. Rosalie then laughed lightly. “Though, I do believe my father’s advice was correct, hm?” She glanced to Evie whom was watching her carefully now. Evie’s golden hues looked to her brother and back to Rosalie.
“Hillgarde.” The general spoke and nodded. “Your highness, I would advise that we still travel along the path that was planned by your father. If we deviate from such plans I would worry that your father will either assume that we have been derailed by some form of foul play or perhaps he will think ill of us.” There is was again. Her leadership shining like the morning sun. Rosalie looked to him a moment. “It would also be ideal for us to gather more supplies. It is quite the trek to get into the elvish kingdom and the mountains are unforgiving. We can get a good night of rest in a bed before we make the push into the elvish kingdom. We will need to be on alert from there forward as we will not be within our own kingdom. Even if we are pushing for peace there are many elves that have a great distain for Alexander...you were the red of the Crimson Guard, as do I...and Evie.” She glanced to the mage whom had a red cape off of her right shoulder. “It would prove wise for us to be prepared for any retaliation. We should also prepare for the chance that Queen Raenisa does not want to accept any form of peace...I can’t say that I would blame her. With the destruction that we have caused, the countless lives that we have taken. Those things can never be returned.” Rosalie looked to the prince a moment. “We must follow the path that your father has given. Closer to the elvish territories we can deviate, but while we are still in this kingdom, we must follow his order. Have no idea of the eyes that may be upon us. The ears that may listen. So we must be careful.” She looked back ahead. “Does that sound fair enough, your highness?” She questioned then after a long moment, her ocean hues finally fell upon him again.
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Post by Raven on Jan 9, 2022 21:17:34 GMT -5
Bran glanced back to Evie, his cheeks flushed slightly. “Uh-“ he ignored her questioned and swiftly turned his gaze forward. There is no room for romance, Evie He spoke in his mind, though his voice in his own mind could not be controlled by himself. There was a small tint of sadness in it, but he shrugged it off quickly. You know I can’t he grasped his reigns.
Arvid smirked “I cannot wait to see you fight then, if you are as good as you say you are…” he adjusted himself. “Despite all differences, we are all equals on the battle field. The only thing between you and me – is the blades in our hand” he smirked and stroked his beard slightly.
Bran looked to the general as she spoke of her plan. “I think you are right” he nodded. “We will need to align with the plan The King has before us. If we deviate, he will be notified…” he sucked in a breath. “If we’re in Hillgarde, then we should also see if there is anything we can do to help the city” he glanced back to her briefly. “The city is basically occupied by the King, I am sure… the people will have much to say to me. I have no doubt that the military is abusing the kindness of the people…” he sighed deeply. Every time he arrived to a new town – people would crowd. Shout and spit. Others were happy. It was tough, he could never arrive quietly.
“Tell me about your Seer…Arvid, does she really see the future?” he questioned curiously. “Really gifted by your Gods?”
“You people might call it magic… well, our culture is magic-less, only one of us holds all of the magic of the people into one. She carries our burdens and guides the people. Yes, she can see the future. I can’t say how well, it has been a long time. The Seer’s take time to master their craft, by now.. I can imagine she would be quite talented” he smirked. “I have no doubt she will be truthful and honest with me… So, do your best not to piss her off” he laughed heartily.
“How should I… approach her?” he questioned.
“Hmm…” Arvid thought for a moment “She is likely much like her father. So.. with honor, and honesty. She will be able to see through a façade, she is a smart girl” he nodded. “But simple though, no fancy words… no bullshit. Just like in the battle field – we are all even. Jarl, Seer, Shieldmaiden to baker” he beat his chest just once. “No matter the case. I will not be returning to Alexander” he looked to Bran then with serious eyes. “I hope you understand this”
“I understand, Arvid. No matter the case, you deserve to be with the people of your desire. Fate, the Gods, however – They put you here. If in the end you are unable to assist in anyway, I can leave knowing I was able to help you. At least” he smiled “This war means nothing to me, I care not to fight it. The lives around me are far more important.” He grasped the reigns then and urged his horse forward, he was done with the conversation… for now.
They rode for some time, even stopped once to sift through rations for lunch. Then back to ride… The plains turned into long rolling hills, and then growing heights. Hillgarde sat atop the largest hill in the zone. They wind up a long path up the side of the mountainous hill. The city walls could be seen in the distance now, towers and buildings were erected and touching the skies…
As they came to – guards stood at the gates. “State your purpose”
“I am Prince Brandon Jay Alexander the Fourth, I am accompanied by General Rosalie Feir, Evie Winter and Arvid Vyarson. By the King’s orders, we proceed North to the Elvish Kingdom to discuss their surrender…” he spoke with a royal and deep voice, a little different than just moments before…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 9, 2022 22:51:42 GMT -5
Evie had a smirk upon her lips as she gazed to her brother. The blush upon his cheeks told her all that she needed to know. If I am able to escape from the castle. Perhaps you can change something for your life too. She replied to him as her eyes looked to Rosalie whom still stared forward. The General was a focused woman, she hadn’t noticed the prince’s flushed cheeks at all. Lucky for Bran. To Arvid’s remark Rosalie looked to him, she gave a nod. “I am quite interested in seeing you fight as well. Though hopefully we do not run into any trouble along the way.” She spoke and then looked to the prince. “It is my job to protect the royal family.” She raised a brow and looked to Evie without another word before she looked forward once more. She then listened as the prince replied to her. “We should help the city, you are right. I can only imagine what it is like for them.” She glanced to him, Rosalie seemed to know something about Hillgarde. Though she didn’t speak her mind on this subject. It was time then for Arvid to speak of Tora the Seer. Thankfully. Rosalie fell quiet as she listened to the men speak. It was interesting the way the viking people held themselves. The customs that they seemed to have. The General wanted to know more about them. She wanted to learn about their ways and their Gods. Just as she had learned in secret about the elves. Her father caught her with an elvish book once when she was nearly 20. She thought she would never see the light of day again when he found the book. But he’d merely burned it in the fire and told her how much of an idiot she was for even possessing something that the king had banned. How interesting that the king banned things that he kept in his own castle. But that was the king, a hypocrite. It was quite sad that she didn’t see it until the past few years. How clouded was her vision? Was it because of her father? Soon enough they had made great progress and they stood at the gates of Hillgarde. The guard saluted to Rosalie as well as the prince. “Your highness.” He bowed deeply as he looked to the man. “General Feir.” He looked to Rosalie. “What a pleasure it is to see you here.” He motioned above and the gates were pulled to the sides to allow their access to the city. The town was the last before the mountains. The last before their trek would become more difficult and barren of life. From here to the elvish land there would be no other human settlements. Evie looked about the city, This place is so beautiful. She looked to the wooden architecture mixed with stone foundations. The tall steeple of the church in the distance. I’ve never really been to any other cities. She spoke, a bit awe struck. She’d only seen Alexander. And with that...she’d only seen very little of the city. She’d never seen the low town of Alexander. Brother...you’ll end the war right? You have to stop the war... She looked to him. “Fucking prince.” A man walked out from one of the taverns, a mug of ale in his hand. “I heard the clink of the armor on your horse. Why don’t you go back where you came from? Or have you come to impose more taxes on us?” He chucked his mug forward. Rosalie reacted swiftly. Her hand bat the mug down and it shattered upon the cobblestone streets. She leapt down from her horse and had a hold of the front of the drunken man’s tunic. “That is the prince you are speaking you.” She spoke, her voice commanded respect. “Would you like to go in the lock up for the evening?” She questioned. The man’s eyes widened as he realized just who it was before him. “G-General.” He winced slightly. “No...no...” He looked to the prince. “Y-your highness. My prince. Apologies from a drunken man.” He held his arms up. Rosalie released him roughly and the man toppled to the ground. He scrambled to his feet and bowed deeply. She climbed back upon her horse and glanced to Bran. “Taxes?” She questioned and raised her brow to him. How did she move so quickly? Evie questioned, her eyes one the General. The woman always seemed to be able to block any attack that was made toward Evie. Where as with the other Generals she’d been hurt a few times because they were nothing like Rosalie. “My prince.” A woman stepped forward. She bowed her head. Rosalie was already tense with the arrival of someone else. “I beg of you...my family...we cannot afford our food...we can barely make it by.” The woman was thin, skin and bones. War. It was expensive. The king had to make his money from something. Rosalie looked to the woman with sad eyes. “Your highness. Allow me.” She climbed down from her horse once again. She stepped to the woman and pulled several coins and placed them within the woman’s hands. “This should help, m’lady.” She spoke. Just then she heard someone crying from up the road. Rosalie’s eyes looked to see two of the Crimson Guard pulling a woman by her hair. She grit her teeth and without a word she took off. It seems the guards are really doing as they please in this city aren’t they... Evie spoke as she looked to Bran with sad eyes. “Enough!” Rosalie called to the guards. As they turned and realized who she was they released the woman from their grasp. “We are the Crimson Guard. We are sworn to protect the people of the kingdom of Alexander. That includes all cities and people within this kingdom.” Rosalie stepped to them. “This is not what you should be doing. You will show up to your officer in the morning and explain to your officer that I sent you. You will be punished accordingly and sent to another post. For the time being. Get out of my face.” She didn’t even allow the men to speak. Rosalie carefully helped the woman to her feet. “Are you alright?” She questioned. The woman had bruises and scrapes, she threw her arms around the general. Rosalie let out a soft breath as she held the woman for a moment. “Where is home?” She questioned. The woman merely shook her head. |
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Post by Raven on Jan 9, 2022 23:26:45 GMT -5
As they came to the gates – they opened upon their wishes. The city was bustling, military presence was easily 3:1. The Knights were sprinkled in like white in ashes. Bran stiffened upon his horse as a man stumbled forward. “Sir-“ he called out and halted his horse. He went to shift off his horse but Rosalie was already on the ground. He sat back with thin lips – his brows watching her. After a moment he chuckled, his hues glancing to Evie. She is so good with people… he scoffed and then nodded. “Thank you, General” he bowed his head.
He sighed as Rosalie questioned the Taxes. “Yes… The King claims that the proposed income ratio is going to be higher due to the higher traffic… of people. There for more Taxes were seized in efforts of the war. So essentially… the same money he gave them – he took back for his military to give it back…. The city has been declining…” he sighed deeply. “I sat over their financial record of the previous quarter for about a week to figure it out… My Father calls me a fool, but…” he sighed.
“If this war continues on for even 10 more years – this city will collapse…” he straightened upon his horse. “And I can do nothing’ he spoke through his teeth. He glanced to Evie and smiled weakly “I suppose, I can end the war then” he nodded to her, agreeing.
Then a woman approached, and again the General tended to her… he would note this moment in his head and see that she receives a bonus for her efforts. But.. who knew if that day would even come. They put it all on the line here… Bran nodded his head to the woman and smiled “Farewell…” he spoke softly and then sighed. Evie spoke once again, the Guards were doing whatever they pleased…
Rosalie hurried away then to the seemingly next issue that presented itself. She had a very kind heart, that was for sure. Bran might have continued walking, even though he saw it in the corner of his eye… He slipped from his horse and then sighed. “Rosalie-“ he called out. He looked to Evie and then gathered both Reigns and handed them to her. “Hang on just a second, okay?” he then hurried over to the General.
“General –“ he stepped up and stopped swiftly. His voice lowered quickly as the two exchanged words. “You don’t have a home?” Bran looked to the woman, his blue hues searching hers. “What happened?” he reached forward and took her hand in his. The woman seemed struck, she knew it was the Prince that stood before her…
“My-My Husband died… he owed money to the Guard… and so..” she huffed a breath, keeping a sob down. “They took my home, my money…” she shook her head and cried.
Bran’s lips pulled together and he sighed, he reached forward and pulled the woman into a hug. She cried softly into the shoulder of the Prince. Once she finally gathered herself – he stepped back and nodded. “Hang on… just a moment, okay?” he questioned and hurried to his horse. He pulled out a journal and a quick quill, it still had a bit of fresh ink in it. He scribbled onto the page and then signed it, he tour the page and came back to the woman.
“Take this, and … this” he pulled several coins from his pouch. “This will see that you are compensated, given a new home and assistance… and this” he handed her the gold “Will get you to Alexander” he stepped back and sighed. “We must go… General” he bowed his head slightly and then moved to his horse.
“General, we will stay an extra day… Could you please see that the Guard is addressed for their manor of behavior?” he questioned as they climbed upon their horses. They head towards the Inn, in the upper district of the city – of course…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 10, 2022 0:10:24 GMT -5
Bran wait! Evie had both the reins in her hands before she knew it. She huffed slightly and looked to Arivd. Her golden hues studied the man a long moment before she looked back ahead to the scene as it played out. This city was falling to pieces. Some of the homes in this area were in such disrepair that she wondered how anyone lived in them. It was horrible.
Rosalie took a step back as she watched Bran take over the situation. She bowed her head slightly as she listened to him speak to her. She gazed to the woman when the prince left to his horse briefly. She gave a gentle smile to her and a nod. Then she was given the order, they needed to go. “Good luck, dear.” Rosalie spoke as she turned and followed the prince back to the horses. “Apologies, your highness. This is completely unacceptable.” She spoke as she came to stand in front of his horse. But Bran spoke it before she could. He wanted her to address it. She bowed. “Yes of course, your highness. I will ensure that the guard is addressed properly and those that do not wish to comply will be removed from the guard.” She climbed upon her horse.
He was nothing like his father. The king would have laughed to the situation of the people. They paid him money. Evie looked to her brother with sad eyes. We have to end this suffering, brother. Not only do your people suffer, but so do the elves. The king may not be sending me to kill these people. But he is killing him with his own policies. Her voice was sad.
Rosalie huffed slightly, “You say you can’t do anything.” She spoke up as she looked to Bran. “You can.” She looked about the slums as they left them and made their way into the upper districts of the city. “You can change everything if we can end this war, my prince.” She was speaking quickly, frustration in her tone. “Your people should not suffer for a war that never should have been. The elves wanted peace.” She muttered the last bit and shook her head.
As they arrived to the inn Rosalie slipped from her horse. “I will tend to the horses, your highness.” She spoke as she took the reigns to the horses and led them around the back to the stables. Rosalie smiled to the stable boy. “Would you see to it that these four are fed and watered. Give them a good brush down and apples.” She spoke as as offered him several golden coins.
The stable boy nodded, “Yes of course General.” He hurried about. He rushed back to her. “General?” He questioned. He was young. Just a boy. Rosalie turned to look to him. “General I want to be like you one day.” The boy smiled. “You keep us safe. You do everything you can to help us.” The young boy bowed deeply. “Thank you, General.” He spoke before he slipped back into the stable to care for the horses.
Rosalie stood for a long moment, her eyes stared to the stable, a warm smile upon her lips. Though in this moment she didn’t believe what the boy said. It still warmed her heart. It was the reason she wanted to be in the Crimson Guard in the first place.
**
Evie walked into the inn. It was absolutely gorgeous. She gazed up to the chandelier. It glistened in the light of the room. She could hear the sound of several people laughing and carrying on from down the hall. Though her eyes were drawn to the young woman at the counter. The woman was busy reading a book. “Welcome to Augustus Inn.” She spoke her voice not too enthusiastic. She had fiery red hair that was pulled into a messy bun. The woman still hadn’t looked up. She’s distracted huh? Evie spoke with a bit of a smirk upon her lips. “The tavern is just down the hall if you...--” The young woman had finally looked up. Her eyes widened slightly. She dropped her book and it thudded off the counter and to the floor. “P-Prince Brandon. Your highness.” She stammered. “I-I its….it is a surprise for you to grace us with your presence this evening.” She had brilliant evergreen hues. She shifted and knocked a file of papers onto the floor. Her face flushed pink. “Apologies, your highness.” She quickly gathered up the papers. Rosalie walked in through the front door then, her armor clanking. “The tavern is down the hall to the left.” The young woman called from behind the counter.
Rosalie stepped up to the counter and looked over it to the woman, she cleared her throat then. “We aren’t here for the tavern...we would like a room.”
“General...” The woman was absolutely flabbergasted. “Of course. Yes.” She looked to the prince once again. “A room then.” She quickly gathered a set of keys. “The royal suite, sire. It is on the top floor. I do hope you enjoy it. It was built for the king.” She smiled awkwardly to him. “I apologize for everything, your highness.” She curtsied once again.
Rosalie glanced to the prince a moment before she turned and walked up the stairs. Five flights of stairs. She came to the door and waited. When they walked into the room it would feel as though they had entered an entire estate. It was absolutely beautiful. Several bedrooms, a sitting area, with alcohol. Rosalie looked about a moment. “I’m going to get this armor off.” She spoke as she carried her bag into one of the rooms and disappeared.
Evie found herself a room and set her bag down as well. Though she eventually came back out and found herself a seat on the couch in front of the fireplace. The door to Rosalie’s room opened much later and she walked out, she wore black pants and a deep maroon tunic with a cincher around her waist. Her eyes looked to Evie and she gave a soft smile. She had boots that were normally worn beneath her armor, the cuff of the boot reached up her calf to her knees. She looked much more feminine like this. Her hair was let down even. She was relaxed it seemed. “Are we drinking? I need a drink after all of that.” She poured herself a glass of whiskey and downed it before she leaned back against the couch. Evie had a smirk upon her lips. Bran have you seen the General outside of her armor? You might not want to. Since you don’t have time. Her voice was rather playful. She tilted her head in his direction, the smirk still upon her lips. Rosalie was busy looked to the flickering flames of the fire.
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