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Post by Raven on Dec 29, 2021 19:59:19 GMT -5
Captain Vinelle FrayCorvin O’hareAirship ~ CetusIt was only 500 years ago that the world was molded new. The entire world as a civilization settled after a great Demon war and began to prosper. Kingdoms rose from the crust of the earth. At first it was pleasant, trade was strong, the seasons were profitable. Until remnants of demons were discovered. A great genius – Albroc Windsor – figured how to extract the demonic matter of the remains and harness its power. Industry of invention made a leap – the discovery of tangible power capable of powering weapons for their every need, was made. That very day – Albroc Windsor went from being Inventor Windsor, to King Windsor. He stood over the throne and placed the crown himself, only capable after wielding weapons of mass destruction. What happened after was catastrophe. An entire mountain was blown off the map… resulting in a barren desert of the most horrible creatures. Ancient Elven Cities were leveled and brought down from their mountain tops. The Viking Islands to the North became sunken and lost – the last Ragnar sleeps with the fish. The entire race of Pixies burned alive with their Enchanted Forests. The Fae dwindled, and the world became broken. These Machine Weapons – destroyed everything. Those 500 years have passed. The world had to restart – rekindle and grow. At first civilization was free roam. The burned cities and rubble became covered by earth and trees. Villages erected, and then developed into Towns, to Cities that have walls surrounding it. Until eventually a Kingdom. Things were different this time. The world would have it’s order, the guide to ensure total destruction would stay at bay. With every decade – the world grows closer and closer to its long lost state. Bustling cities, the slow introduction of Machines returned. It started with the farms, and food… Machines to assist with harvesting crops, grinding the grains, churning butter and whatever else. The world did not seem to care – food became more available, the economy saw a rise. This rise then returned the favor – more inventions came. Though, there was the unspoken rule – Machines should never be used for weapons, and should never attempt magic. An Era passed and something happened. It began as a faint glimmering light in the sky, like a reflection from a mirror blinding the eye. It moved slowly and seem to glow brighter. People stepped from their homes and stared to the thick milky river above and spied the fascinating light. As the world stared – it responded. It glowed brighter and brighter, and then it started to move. It shifted to the right, or was it the left? It left a trail of flittering lights in its wake. And then – it was gone. “Captain!!!” There was shouting – thudding of boots rumbled against the oak deck of a decently sized cargo ship. Shouting of all pitches overlapped as the ship scrambled. From the second deck – a door kicked open with strength, the doors cracking as they swung to their max. “Captain – look” a rugged sailor pointed to the night sky. “What, is the moon gone agai-“ an annoyed tone came from the lips of a woman, who kicked the doors open to her name. She was a short woman, no higher than 5 foot 1 inches, maybe 2 with the right boots. With the height – came an attitude, and spicey temper. She certainly looked the part. The woman pulled her boot onto her naked leg, she wasn’t fully dressed. “Well, better fucking grab onto something” she rushed up the set of stairs, to the final 3rd tier deck on the ship. The woman gripped the large steering wheel of the ship, her hands holding onto the large spokes that stuck outward, a smooth oak wood. She looked forward and her brows pulled inward. She watched the huge flaming ball of hell come from the sky. She grinned then – a cheeky side grin, of an over confident child maybe. The woman had short shoulder length plain chocolate hair, but what struck everyone was generally her fierce eyes. Many say they could pierce through the heart of man and kill them standing still. Her cheek bones were just as sharp as her witty voice. The rest of her screamed pirate wench gone Captain. Tribal tattoos down an entire side of her body…A simple blouse and cincher, tight leather pants and knee high boots, a typical Pirate sword and hoops, just no annoying hat or talking parrot… Looking the part – she gripped the wheel and turned it sharply to the right. She let it spin for many rotations before grasping it taught. The ship shifted, the rails of the deck nearly touching the water in the tight turn. As the sails regrouped upon shifting upright – the ship lunged forward. Behind the ship – a crashing sound slapped the surface of the water. It was so loud it pierced her ears and made them ring like the Northern Bells. The Captain gripped the wheel and held on tightly – as wind burst next. It pushed the ship forward with tremendous boost and speed. Just enough speed to ride the huge wave that gathered behind them. The ship lunged forward and screaming echoed past, as men fell into the sea. The Captain turned her gaze over her shoulder. The wave cast a shadow over the ship, it blocked the moon and stars above. She heard her Sailors crying out “Captain!” just as the wave swallowed the ship whole. *** “Cetus is registered for docking, can you supply your registration ID?” A soldier spoke with a chart in his hands. They stood upon the docks of the great scholarly Capital. It was a huge bustling city of knowledge and trade. “Vinelle Fray – okay” he nodded and wrote it down onto his pad. “Okay, well – thank you, enjoy your visit. Make sure to pay before leaving, or face dire consequences” he spoke with a fake smile, and then he stepped away. Vinelle let go of her breath, and she folded the Registration back up and put it into her pocket. She turned and grinned as she stepped onto her ship. She crossed her arms briefly – eyeing the ship as if it was the love of her life. The love of her life she never knew she had, and only just recently acquired. It was the great Cetus ship, the Dread Whale. Once it was the Red Whale, serving in the royal fleet. It was designed to be the fastest ship of the seas, powered with machines and wind power combined. It was captured by the Pirate Klegane, and then the legend says it was cursed. The beautiful red became black and corrupted… the Pirate was never stopped… So it was a surprise to this guard when the legendary Cetus – Dread Whale was being captained by a tiny woman… not Klegane – the massive brute pirate… Vinelle walked down a cobbled street, hunting for good ale, when rattling boots chased her down. Guards with swords and guns surrounded her completely. “Oh, you have got to be kidding me – “ “Vinelle Frey, you are under arrest for the murder of Naval Ships and – impersonation of … Klegane Greyson” the guard spattered. “You’re under arrest!” he grasped her arms. Vinelle thrashed against him as he held her down and restrained her. “You – mother fucking” she thrashed her legs as the soldier lifted her into the air easily. “It’s my fucking ship! I killed the bastard!” she fought against the soldier, but it was all for none. The next she knew – she was thrown into a sweaty jail cell, to await her trial with whoever it was. “Come on” she hit the brick wall of the cell and sunk down to the floor. The ground was moldy and wet, but in a sticky unfashionable way. She tapped the back of her head on the wall a few times and groaned. “Literally bullshit” she kicked the chain about her ankle. “Just wait until Corvin O’hare – the runaway Prince – has to say about this shit!” she kicked again, screaming into the halls. Not that Corvin O’hare had anything to do with the Capitol, but rather an opposing human Kingdom, Alevra, his name meant nothing here. It was a wasteful threat.
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Post by Seaslug on Dec 30, 2021 16:22:03 GMT -5
Alessendrie Morthover of Citrion
Gideon Blackhale
Councilmember Gregor Valendorf
When their cities fell, the Elder Council of High Elves decided it’d be best to separate themselves from humans. Only creatures of true destruction would seek to harness the power of demonic energy — and the Elven race was surely incapable of committing crimes of such insolence. It had been decided then, that their civilizations would remain separate, and the Elves, the Chosen race, would attempt to restore the balance of magic throughout the lands.
But broken does not fix easily, and the world was beyond shattered. A new foundation would have to be built, an honor system that could withstand darkness and sustain light. Only those Summoned forward by the light itself could ever know the depth of that honor, and only they could carry it forward. From the ruins, from the clouds, and from the sea, elves walked forward into the light, and on their shoulders were truth, justice and balance.
For the first hundred years, elves were protective over that light. Those who had survived Windsor’s destruction knew too well the possibilities of the arcane when shaped from a human’s hand or worse — the tip of a warhammer. Even the Elven Paladins were distrustful of humans, despite knowing, by light, that solidarity was needed to achieve true balance. And the humans? Even more distrustful of elves and their pretentious aristocracy. There were those who were anxious, paranoid at the thought of reintegrating magic back into society. But then there were those, the others — the Alchemists — not quite scientists, but believers of fact all the same. And most importantly, they believed in the light.
Only to them, it was known as Aether.
What followed was known as The New Era of Magic, and it arrived almost seamlessly, with alchemists and elves working together to reimagine a world of prestige and knowledge. Castleport Academy of Aetheric Magic was the first of many historical institutions built during the new and golden age of sorcery. Slowly but surely, the world was beginning to heal. Truth, justice, and balance reigned divine, upheld by all those walking in the path of light.
~~~
“I can assure you sir, it won’t happen again.” A tight-lipped apology followed by an annoyed, but still pleasant bow of the head, as a rather regal-looking group stumbled out of a sticky tavern. From her pocket, the tallest of the party produced a velvet pouch full of coins, tossing them in the foot of the doorway.
“Oi! My fuckin’ hand’s right ‘ere!” He was a bulking, boar of a man, down to the way he smelled. Bread crumbs littered his matted beard and his pores were dripping with ale. “Oughta report ‘im to the Council fer all’at commotion he caused wit’is fancy gears! I’ll be having none of it in my tavern!” Turning red in the face, the owner kicked the pouch of coins with his foot.
“Yyyou don’t even know who yer talking to!” Slurred words from an old man, who the party initially thought was too drunk to speak. “On behalf of the-” Interrupted by his own hiccups, the man looked at the tall woman and her companions, before spitting on the boots of the tavern owner. “On behalf of my arse!” A symphony of groans from the party as they moved to shield the drunkard from the offended, who was banging his knuckles together rather dramatically.
Quietly, and without barely moving her lips, Alessendrie Morthover of Citrion recited the incantation for a simple calming enchantment, then whistled in the tavern owner’s direction. She knew the spell would work, yet she watched carefully anyway, smirking to herself when his eyes glassed over with ease. “I can assure you sir, it won’t happen again.” Alessendrie repeated, making a simple motion with her hand and suddenly, the pouch of coins was within his. “On behalf of the Council, you have my deepest regrets for this…commotion.” It wasn’t a genuine smile on her lips but it didn’t matter. What mattered was that as usual, despite the chaos all around her, Alessendrie was perfect.
~~~
Filthy, grayish water sloshed between the cells as the drunkard sputtered and shivered. “Pass me another.” One of the guards on duty instructed, laughing as he doused the old man with another bucket. “You smell like pig shit.” He sneered, tossing the empty buckets to another guard. “Useless fuckin’ tinkerer.”
“Piss off!” The old man retorted, as he began pulling off his top layers. “You couldn’t even begin to understand the depths of-” Another bucket of water assaulted him, and he hunched over, coughing, grasping at the metal bars in an attempt to steady himself.
“Why don’t you explain it to me, hm? Oh wait, no doubt I’ll hear all about it at trial.” The guard leaned in towards the man’s ear. “It’ll be the last shit you ever spill.” From down the corridor, the guard could hear the bailiff’s keys jangling, and he backed away from the cell. “In light, sir.” He quickly fashioned a semblance of professionalism, as the other man walked hurriedly down the line of cells.
“This one…” The bailiff signaled towards the wet old man, who was removed from the cell and pushed against the grimey brick alongside two other prisoners. “And this one.” He pointed towards a tiny woman. This must be the pirate, he thought to himself, noting the tattoos that littered the side of her arm. “Quickly, now.” He motioned for the guards to follow as he led them through the back halls.
“Keep moving,” The petty guard yanked their chains forward, smirking to himself as their feet fumbled along the barely paved flooring. It might have been the Capitol, but jails nowhere were glamorous. And Castleport was no different. The courtroom itself? That was a different story, one that rang with the calls of truth, justice and balance.
It could hardly be called a courtroom, it was more like an amphitheater, encased completely in ornate glass with gold fixtures. A mural of the Great Constellations was painted on the ceiling, with each great giant in the sky erected as some sort of pillared statue along the edge, holding it all together. Everything was either gilded or marbled — a true testament to the New Era. Even the guard found himself amazed, no matter how many prisoners he shoved towards trial.
“If the Gods are truly listening, they’ll scrap that cursed ship for parts!” A slimy whisper from the guard as he shackled the prisoners on the bench. “By light they will.” It was a sort of almost promise, as he bowed in the direction of the now seated Council.
The table itself had been carved from the oldest White Sycamore, the only one that had survived Windsor. It had taken years of botanical magic for cuttings to actual bloom — Alessendrie’s great-grandparents had built the greenhouses, and her grandparents refined and enhanced them. It was large, crescent shaped, with both ancient Elvish runes and alchemical symbols engraved throughout. The chairs, marbled and high-backed, positioned perfectly around it, with the Castleport Council seated and growing increasingly impatient.
“Are these whose cases were sanctioned for expedited tri—no! Absolutely not, Morthover, we are not doing this again!” Ambassador Clemont tossed the folder he had been holding onto the table, throwing his hands up in exasperation.
Alessendrie tried not to flinch at the sound of her own name. Casting a glance across the courtroom she met the drunkards eyes, before quickly looking away in shame. She could feel four of the seven councilmembers glaring her, and the mage tried her best not to glare back.
“No, by light, I’m serious! You can’t keep…this is unacceptable and unjust and — you can’t just keep granting her favors like this!” Clemont spattered on, motioning towards Alessendrie with a gloved hand. “I’m not the only one — Simon, Parsons, tell him!” The other councilmembers exchanged worrisome looks, getting Ambassador Clemont worked up even more.
“Does that conclude your little tantrum?” Councilman Gregor Valendorf’s voice echoed inside of the chambers. The floor beneath them rumbled and Clemont scoffed. “Approach, Morthover.” They all watched as the guards tried to yank the man forward. He was clearly giving them a hard time, and Valendorf sighed heavily, waving his hand to stop them.
“You can’t keep helping a man who doesn’t want to be helped, Gregor.” Monique Portsmith, Dean of Castleport Academy of Aetheric Magic, spoke from his left. “Let us pass judgement on the others first.” She motioned towards the rest of the prisoners. When her old friend didn’t respond, she nodded towards the guards, who pulled forward the next in line. “Due to the nature of your crimes, by light it has been agreed to expedite your trial. In the case that you wish to appeal the verdict, and only under the consideration of this Council, you may be permitted to do such in approximately six months to allot for processing — pending your sentence of course.”
“Can we please get on with it?” Clemont moaned from his seat. The youngest and latest appointed councilmember, it had been obvious to Alessendrie from day one that he wasn’t suited for the job. Even in their schooling he could never be serious, and she was not surprised to see he hadn’t grown at all. Dean Portsmith more than likely agreed, as she continued on, ignoring his little outburst.
“The crimes accused are…” Portsmith looked down at her papers and then to the shackled woman, a bewildered look on her face. “Attempted capture and robbery of a Royal Naval vessel and the impersonation of a…Klegane Greyson? Klegane Greyson of the Dread Whale?” They couldn’t be serious! The tiniest, imp of a woman stood before the council. The crimes of which she was accused seemed…preposterous. The other councilmembers apparently had similar thoughts as they buzzed amongst themselves with amusement. “Enough,” Portsmith held up her hand. “How do we conclude?” She looked around the table.
“None of my men will go near that ship,” The rugged General Parsons shook his head, crossing his arms over his broad chest. “I say we scrap it.”
“Who cares about the ship? What about her?” Simon Beauvoir of Esteria jutted his chin towards Vinelle in disgust. “She’s not even a good enough impersonator to be on my vanguard.”
Alessendrie tried not to laugh. Who would actually want to be on your vanguard? She thought to herself. Beauvoir was anything but something worth fighting over, even if he was on the Council. The thought of anyone willingly dying for him tickled her, and Alessendrie let out a chuckle, before quickly bringing fingers to her lips.
“What was that, Morthover?” Clemont turned to face the mage. “Do you have an opinion? Oh wait — doesn’t matter, because it’s worthless.” The ambassador scoffed before fixing his eyes onto Valendorf. The bastard never missed a chance to publicly embarrass her. “Your advisor doesn’t seem to know her place.” He pretended to whisper, before turning to address the table at large. “No one’s interested in waterways these days anyway. Let’s just augment it — get it into the skies.”
“No way, that…that curse is not touching these clouds!” Parsons slammed his fist on the table. “Who would even get close enough to work on it?” He was incredulous at the suggestion.
“I’ll do it.” Both Morthovers found themselves saying. Alessendrie met her father’s eyes, before shaking her head at him. “I will do it.” She repeated, bowing her head with respect. “Allow me to approach, Council.” Before Parsons or Clemont could object, Monique motioned her forward. “Please, allow me this project. There should be even more of us in the field, in fact. The Seaside Sorcerers Guild has already begun doing amazing work. I’ve actually been writing to an engineer who I think can—”
“You’ve already begun research on this ship?” The thunder of Gregor’s voice shook the room once more. “Under the approval of whom?” The other councilmembers stiffened with unease.
“Only a little! I thought it would be-” Alessendrie attempted quickly, but was immediately silenced by the rise of the dwarven mage’s hand. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she dared not speak again, lowering her gaze to the marbled floor.
Portsmith once again was the warmth needed to cut the tension. “Approved or not, the inevitable is already among us. The future has arrived and we are ill-prepared.”
“Speak for yourself, Monique. I for one, have been preparing my men for another expedition.” Clemont waved away the shock of his colleagues. “If the future is now, we must meet it head on. It is the New Era of Magic, isn’t it?” He looked over at Alessendrie, and nodded slightly on her behalf. Despite their differences, their ambitions were similar. “I say we let her.”
“It is not up to you.” Gregor sighed. He looked from Frederik Morthover, then back to Alessendrie. “My only fear is that we have not yet begun to think of the true costs.” He warned, leaning back in his chair. The rest of the councilmembers fell into a pensive silence.
“We will continue to live in fear, for as long as we continue to avoid the unknown.” Quietly, Alessendrie stepped around to the front of the table. She knew it was inappropriate, and not at all customary, but neither was extreme innovation. She simply had to take the chance. “With the support of this Council, and with the aid of a fine crew,” Alessendrie continued when she realized she wouldn’t be interrupted. “We can discover what we can truly achieve. By light, I know we will.”
The Council exchanged glances, murmuring amongst themselves. “Where will you find a crew?” Parsons asked, though it was clear he wasn’t truly interested. Alessendrie could always tell when someone wanted her to be made a fool. “None of my men would dare it.” He insisted.
“And what of this girl?” Portsmith motioned towards Vinelle. Alessendrie glanced over at her briefly. She hadn’t at all considered the pirate’s fate. Being Valendorf’s advisor meant she’d have access to the finest sailors — she’d have no need for a pirate. As if reading her thoughts, Portsmith motioned towards the prisoner. “Miss..Fray,” She looked down at the casefile again. “Surely you know that all crimes against the Royal Fleet are considered treason, therefore subjected to exile, and even death. However,” Portsmith stopped, closing the file before meeting Vinelle’s eyes. “I refuse to believe that even someone of your…occupation, would be so foolish as to impersonate a man everyone in this room could have smelled from sewers away.” A chorus of snickers from the table. “So you tell us, Miss Fray, what you deserve. How do you plead? And by light, make it good.”
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Post by Raven on Dec 30, 2021 18:51:54 GMT -5
Vinelle sat upward as she heard a commotion from around the corner. She heard the shouting of a man - the words were muddy from the echoing walls. The splashing of water and laughter, the kind of laughter that made her stomach knot up. She leaned back and listened, trying to determine if her fate would be the same. What had she gotten into, it wasn't going to be that simple, would it?
Breaking her thought, the sound of jingling and fresh boots on the wooden floor gave away the bailiff, who scratched a name off his board. By his command a guard opened the metal door, the grinding of the rusted old metal seem to pierce her mind, almost in a stabbing motion. She stood before the guards - who took her metal chains off of her legs. As one guard bent down - she bumped him with her hip "No sniffin' " she grumbled and then shook her ankles when they became free. The guard then cuffed her hands behind her back and shoved her forward. "Gentle--" Vinelle spat and walked forward. "I'll walk" she spoke in a serious tone and lowered her gaze as she stepped forward.
The courtroom was astonishing, she had never seen anything like it in her life. Hell, the ship she now captained was fancy enough as it was. This was an entire new level. The ceiling was so familiar to her - she admired the accuracy in the constellations, the astronomy was perfect. She closed her eyes and could feel it then. The shifting of the ocean, the gentle bob of the floor beneath her. The sound of peace. She opened her eyes and was seated, before an entire crowd of people she had never seen. They wore silks of dashing colors and ornamentation, their noses stuck high in the air, it made her twitch with a level of disgust, maybe.
Vinelle said nothing, she hid her gaze from the ones who stared at her, those who spat aloud in her face. Each statement made her rage, there was visible tension on her face. She postured up, straightening her back - she stared forward then, with some sudden confidence. The words glazed over her... they argued and bantered, like estranged parents argueing over the child. There was always more to those families than the troublesome child, it was always deeper than that.
Vinelle's attention was grabbed, however. She began to tie pieces together, the name Morthover, where had she heard it before? There were two in the room, she gathered. She pretended to not listen, to what was now a rather personal situation. When the man struck Morthover with his words because it's worthless - Vinelle twitched slightly with a preturbed face, she scoffed aloud - the first sound she made since she sat. She felt the gaze of councilmembers upon her, a few whispers... Vinelle cleared her throat and smiled awkwardly...
Ah the breeze...Smell of Salt in the air. The cawing of those bastard seagulls - the ones pooping on her sails and decks all the time... She could hear them now in the faintest reaches of her mind.
As they went on about her ship - back and forth back and forth. Her head lulled to the side as she presented an obviously annoyed, and partially patient attitude. Waiting for them to conclude, until maybe - just maybe - she might be able to speak... though, it didn't sound this crowd was receptive to anything beyond their own voice. Hell, who knew if they even believed in what they were saying.
Finally the question came to her. She watched the woman stand, the woman who was so viciously ignored and attacked, was now standing before the same who opposed her. Vinelle tilted her head once more, studying this woman for a long moment.
How do you plead?
Vinelle shifted her head and gaze, peering to this man - Portsmith. She opened her mouth and thought for a long moment. This was her only chance. She smirked then, a side smirk, devilish and prideful.
"I wouldn't dare personate Klegane Greyson, there is nothing to gain in that" she spoke as formal as she could manage.. which actually seemed decently natural. "I am guilty of only one thing. Killing Klegane Greyson. If you want to lock me away in a prison for liberating this world of a truly digusting person, be my guest. The man had a bounty bigger than the ship itself, and a rappore lasting ages. If anything, I should be considered a War Hero" she chuckled slightly, though it seemed not many were impressed by her dry joke. She cleared her throat and tilted her head.
"The thing is, you can't kill me." her voice was serious once more, her face equally so. "That ship is cursed, it is true. I am bound to it, as it's captain. Without a captain... you do not want to know what that ship will truly do...And don't even think you could scrap it" she chuckled and then she lifted her gaze. "My crew is equally as bound... but.. this ship is the perfect vessel for flight, you know this as much as me. The first ship with a magic embued engine..." she clicked her tongue and shook her head with a grin. "If you want to be the first to push the limitations of the unknown, grasp true Knowledge and better this world, this is your best shot" she leaned back.
"She knows it" Vinelle nodded her head to Alessendrie. "So, unfortunately... offing me for being a dirty little pirate girl, will land you a bigger problem than you can imagine. I hold this burden now. So" she sat upright and placed her cuffed hands onto the table. The metal chains of it clinked slightly while she clasped her fingers together.
"You can kill me and deal with that. Or, I captain this ship for Morthover. Either way, Klegane is dead, and I'm rather proud of that." she leaned back. "The bastard deserved it" she looked then to Alessendrie, her bright amber hues locked onto the womans...
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Post by Seaslug on Dec 30, 2021 19:59:10 GMT -5
A symphony of murmurs from the table in response to the little pirate. Alessendrie found herself…impressed by her speech. She raised her eyebrows in shock as Vinelle spoke of her conquest. Her silver eyes twinkled with curiosity, feigned neutrality for the Council’s sake.
“A pirate would never be considered as such!” General Parsons spat at her claim to be a war hero, and the rest of the Council rolled their eyes. The man was so easily worked up, and no doubt he wasn’t exactly thrilled by the idea of a Royal Naval Vessel being repurposed into some cursed, flying contraption.
“Is it true, Alessendrie? The curse?” Portsmith asked, clutching onto her collar. Nervous whispers from around the room. But the poor mage was too busy glaring at the rusty metal chains Vinelle had plunked onto the table. The beautifully, crafted table that took decades to even be imagined…
“The girl has her head in the clouds! Can we please vote so that I can get on with my day?” An exasperated Parsons slammed his fist onto the table, shaking the young mage from her thoughts.
“I cannot know until I observe it up close.” Alessendrie pulled her eyes away from the table, and up towards the pirate’s. Her instinct was to cast a quick enchantment to sense Vinelle’s true thoughts, but magic was forbidden in the courtroom. Clearing her throat, Alessendrie turned back to the Council. “With a combination of a Legend Lore spell and Arcanic Eye, I believe I can—”
“Arcanic Eye? Are you fucking mad?” Beauvoir couldn’t contain himself at the mention of such a spell. “She can’t be seri— Clemont doesn’t even know…Arcanic Eye?” He repeated incredulously as the Council buzzed amongst themselves once more.
Alessendrie looked towards Gregor, who refused to meet her eye. She turned and glanced at her father, who looked as if he might burst with excitement. When did everything become so backwards? She thought to herself, frowning. She looked the pirate up and down, who was eyeing her rather closely. The young mage had never been around many pirates — most she saw on their way to the chopping block, so she never made an effort to remember their names or their faces. Vinelle however, was quite striking, and Alessendrie found herself wondering about her tattoos.
“Silence.” Gregor commanded, waiting until the room had fell into a hush. “As my trained apprentice and advisor, you know it is my deepest wish to offer support as you walk the path of light.” But Alessendrie knew in her bones it was coming.
“But I feel, as this project might be better suited under the supervision of the Academy.” Portsmith interrupted the dwarven man, much to his dismay. He tried to speak and was silenced immediately by her hand. “Such innovation deserve the proper guidance and resources. You’ll find no better than Castleport Academy, as you know. I’m sure Ambassador Clemont would agree.”
Ambassador Clemont flushed strawberry-pink, before reluctantly nodding. He was bold, but not enough to challenge Dean Portsmith. “Yes…I agree, Morthover.” Portsmith shot him a look and he cleared his throat before correcting himself. “Miss Alessendrie Morthover of Citrion. On behalf of the Academy, we’d be more than honored to fund this project.” Portsmith motioned for the guards to approach, as they began to unshackle Miss Fray.
Alessendrie was determined to get out of there before the Council could change their minds. She knew Gregor would be giving her an earful, as well as her father. But she couldn’t think about that now. Turning to the guards, “Please escort Miss Fray to her chambers at Magnolia Estate. She’ll be staying in the Cerulean Room.” She requested, before turning towards the pirate.
“There should be a sprocketcar waiting for you out front. It’ll take you to Magnolia Estate, where you’re welcome to a hot bath and fresh linens. Over dinner we can…” Alessendrie looked the woman from toe to head. “Discuss quite a number of things.” She motioned towards the guards, who moved to make way for Vinelle. “I would join you in the car, but first I have to take care of...something.” She stole a glance to her father before settling her eyes back on Vinelle, hoping she wouldn’t read too much into it.
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Post by Raven on Dec 30, 2021 21:46:37 GMT -5
Vinelle's brows pulled together and she turned her gaze from person to person. The exclamations of energy made her jump slightly in her seat. This was certainly not ever what she expected from the aristocratic society, but what did she actually know of it anyways? Vinelle's brows lifted and her mouth dropped ever so slightly - did she just... A guard stepped over and unclasped her shackles. Vinelle looked around for a moment, the mummering's of the room filled the tall halls. She cleared her throat and rubbed her wrists slightly as she listened to Alessendrie, as she was spoken to directly. She nodded to the woman and said nothing, after the speal - the guards lead her out of the courtroom. They walked through a huge and elegant hall. Vinelle stepped out of the double doors and stood at the top of a set of dramatic marble stairs. A familiar man stood at the bottom, his arms crossed. He wore a red flared jacket, to Vinelle it was tacky and obnoxious, but it was his style. His unique blade rest upon his back, just above the grip there was a red eye embedded in the steel of the blade. It moved slightly, as if it was truly watching...Vinelle stepped down the stairs with a plodding step, she bounced slightly with each step - a wild smile lit her pearly teeth a bright white. The guards reluctantly followed behind her - they spoke to her, but she didn't even hear what they had to say. She simply barreled forward. "Corvin, how dashing of you to be standing at the base of these stairs, awaiting my certain release" she spoke with a dramatic voice and then she stood before him, her arms crossed and standing to a single hip. She came to maybe his collarbones, maybe. "Captain" Corvin tilted his head and laughed. He had a deep and soothing voice, with a dash of elegancy. "What, do you think I can walk in there and demand you to be released?" he questioned and scoffed. "How did you manage to get released?" "She is property of the Academy now, and she is to report to the Magnolia Estate.." A guard spoke and approached the two. "Oh, is that so? Magnolia estate, yes... I think I will come along" he nodded and held a hand out. "Lead the way, sir knight " Corvin spoke with a grimacing voice. He followed behind them. "Don't mind him, he is my servant. A little sassy.. I'll need him. If this Alessendrie wishes to work with me, she will work with Corvin too" she spoke to the guard, who sighed in response and nodded. "Go ahead, enter" he nodded. Vinelle looked to the sprocketcar that sat before them. It was a sleek black design with beautiful bronze engine exposures in the front. It was clean and polished.. Vinelle reached for the cabin door, which opened into a velvet bench in the back. The bench circled the cart. Corvin stepped inside and sat across from Vinelle. "The 3041 series" Corvin touched the interior ivory leather, it had perfect red stitching in it. "Absolutely gorgeous. I haven't been in one of these in some time" he spoke with a soft tone. "Right, because you actually have to have Gold to own one.. which, we would have if-" Vinelle spoke with a frustrated tone. "Listen, I get it. I'm sorry. I told you I would repay you." he looked to her with serious eyes, he leaned his head back with a touch of a snarl. "We have bigger thing to focus on now. Like your new sponsorship with the Academy" he spoke as the cabby bobbed over the cobblestone pathways. "It could be a good thing" Vinelle spoke with hope. "Think of it as protection..." "Assuming you can keep your blade to yourself" Corvin replied and crossed his arms. "It also means we are stuck now, and I can't pay you back -" "I didn't see you doing shit when they dragged me away" Vinelle spoke now with a bit of anger. She leaned forward and gazed him directly in his stupid beautiful blue eyes. "No, I saw you. Watching with your arms crossed from the dock. Do you think I'm some idiot?" she shouted now. The driver upfront cleared his throat "Please tone it down back there..." "Fuck you-" she blurted and then looked to Corvin and her lips pursed together. "No, you hoped I'd get axed, and you'd be out of the deal. Running back to Mommy and Daddy because you are - ugh, fuck you Corvin" she leaned back and took deep breaths. She shut her eyes - the bobbing of the car turned into the slow eb of waves. She floated upward and then down slowly. She heard the chirping of dolphins, jumping in the wake of their ship. "We have arrived" The driver spoke and stepped out. He approached the cabin door and opened it. Corvin stepped out and straightened his jacket, he offered a nod to the driver. Vinelle stepped out, her boots stomping onto the cobble at first. She turned and peered to herself in the window of the car. She adjusted a few strands of her hair and then she turned around. Another car drove up and parked - two guards stepping out of the car... "I'm still going to honor the deal. We're here now..." Corvin spoke softly as they walked side by side, up the steps into the huge manor. Vinelle had written him off by now. She pulled something from her pocket and held it to her lips, she then lit it with a match, and took a long drag. It was a cigar of unique varity, rolled with Jade Tree blossom petals. These particular petals were very sweet, used often in syrups and honeys, the flavor is some varity of cherry like, but with something else... One might imagine a something else - which could not be explained... Enchanted trees growing only under the Northern Lights...might just have such a unique flavor. The scent it gave off though was gentle and sweet, not a harsh and brutal scent of the typical. Vinelle did not pause to light this, she walked perfectly fine. Generally if Vinelle was found idle, it was with one of these in her hands... Vinelle paused and the group continued walking forward, until they realized she stopped. They paused and turned, glancing to the woman. She was enamored by the Mangolia estate. She stood before a bush of blooming flowers, they were of all kinds of colors. She puffed on her cigar and touched a sparkling blue flower. She turned it from side to side as she observed it. "Vinelle" Corvin called out. He crossed his arms and then sighed, he approached her. "What are you doing?" "Admiring a fucking flower, By the Gods " she took a long drag and let it go. The breeze wafted by... Salt in the air. Seagulls... She continued forward, her hues looking to the gorgeous design. Vinelle continued forward then, not speaking anything else. She idly gazed to the left and right - taking in the walk through the courtyard. Her eyes played to the architecture, it had many tall and arched roofs, rounded structures.. it was a hodge-podge of work, yet so perfectly designed it complimented itself from any angle... They came to the door and Vinelle stepped inside, her fingers still holding the cigar. She took another drag and released a puff of smoke into the crisp room of the foyer. "Uh- Vinell-" "Captain Vinelle" she corrected. The Guard cleared his throat. "C-Captain Vinelle, you cannot smoke inside of the Estate" he reached forward to take the cigar. Vinelle moved her hand away from him briskly, she eyed him up and down like he was absolutely insane. The scoffed and then stepped back outside.. the crew waited in the huge Foyer while she finished. Corvin stepped inside and took large slow steps as he impatiently waited. The Foyer was a very large room. They passed a proper coat stand and bench.. Carpet led them to a large set of stairs that went upward. The stairs were perfection, the railings were hand carved. Every piece of the estate was simply magnificent. The place smelled of Juniper and berries... even the rug seemed to be a tapestry of its own art, meticulous weaving and sewing... Vinelle stepped back inside and sighed. "Okay, show me to this blue room" she waved her hands to the guards, who finally gathered themselves. No one thought to rush her, it really wasn't an option. They climbed the decorated stairs and entered a string of hallways. They passed large open sitting rooms. In truth it was distracting, Vinelle wanted to split away and wander the place. She was counting fireplaces already, and was up to 12... A guard cleared his throat as he stood before a single oak door. "This way" he nodded, he opened the door to reveal a large octagon room. There was deep blue lush curtains covering the windows, which lined the every other wall, except the inside facing interior walls. There was an interesting design in the paint of the walls, some kind of optical illusion of octagon patterns. It was wild to stare at for too long. Vinelle stepped inside and turned about. She ran a hand over the huge King sized canopy bed, with yet more sky blue curtains. She smirked as she circled the room.. Unnecessary couches, a huge fireplace, shelves and gorgeous Greywood chests and dressers... "Hmph" Vinelle turned and clasped her hands together. "Sponsorship isn't so bad, hm?" she smirked. "A servant will be tending to you, Jeniva - " he held a hand out. A fine young dwarven woman stepped into the room, her head was lowered and she courtseyed. She had thick red hair that was braided to the side, she was kept to some manner. "Okay, nice" Vinelle nodded and smirked to Corvin, with approving eyes. "Hello, Captain Vinelle" Jeniva spoke softly. She was short and sort of stocky, she wore basic attire, and was just that. A basic servant of no extra significance. "I will assist you with your bathing, and prepare you for dinner. On behalf of the Academy, there has already been a delivery of clothing that will.." she looked her up and down ever so slightly "maybe fit" she smiled professionally and bowed. "Right, and where I might stay?" Corvin questioned. "In the brig, of my ship. Tending to it, making sure it doesn't get stolen. You will report to me every evening" she turned to him, her voice hinting a bit of that angry twinge. "Sure I am" he nodded and then looked back to Jeniva. "Great, I'll take that couch then" he stepped over and placed a hand on the back of the couch. He then stepped to the front of it and sat down, he leaned back with a sigh. "Go on, wash up. You smell like... straw and piss" he waved her off. The servant went to speak but she cleared her throat. "Okay then. Um, Captain. Right this way to the bathing-suite" she bowed her head and lead Vinelle away. "Don't go any where, Spa day for Capn' " Vinelle spoke and the door shut behind her... The moments from there were actually enjoyable. Vinelle bathed in a large tub, that she would equate to a small pool. The dwarf massaged soap into her scalp and rubbed her back with a heated linen cloth. Their conversation was actually pleasant, Vinelle enjoyed making the short woman laugh. Jeniva had this sort of hearty laugh, but yet with a feminine squeak to it. The combination just absolutely tickled her. "This?" Vinelle stood in a changing room behind a folding curtain. It was golden with swirling designs, posh and pretty. She stared to a gorgeous floor length blue dress, there was just the perfect amount of lace tracking from the shoulder to waist. "Ugh" she flicked the dress "Am I getting married or something? I am no royal princess" she scoffed. "Get me a tunic, and - I don't know, pants!" she shouted from behind the dressing wall. "Right - Right away, I'll uh.. I'll check" Jeniva rushed out of the room. Vinelle stepped out from behind the curtain, she wore a simple undergarment set. She moved over to a desk, where a bunch of clothes were laid out. She kicked them into a pile and then sat on the desk, her legs crossed as she fiddled with a pendent. She broke from a train of thought when the door opened once more. Jeniva stepped in and quickly shut it. "Well..." she stepped over with a fresh tunic, and leather pants. "I can't say if the pants will fit..." she handed them forward apprehensively. Vinelle pulled the tunic on - it was baggy, and the long sleeves were huge. She groaned and pulled a knife from her own gear. She cut the sleeves off and nodded "Nice" she pulled it back on. She then sifted through all the clothing on the table and pulled out a wide belt. She synched it down to act as a sort of corset, it looked good enough and styled the tunic. She then pulled the pants on - it wasn't terrible, just 4 inches too long, and baggy. "No.." she shook her head. In truth she was only a few inches taller than the dwarf. She looked at the dwarf and glanced to her brown leather pants. She pressed her lips into a thin line and then Jeniva sighed, slightly broken. The servant took her pants off and handed them to Vinelle. "Thanks" Vinelle spoke and pulled them on with ease. They fit snug, and ended right at the middle of her calves. "No worries -" she pulled her boots on, which easily came to her knees, covering the fact. I think I look rather cute" Vinelle stood in front of a mirror, admiring her self. Meanwhile, the dwarf constructed a pair of pants from what she had on hand. Soon enough Vinelle entered her room, Corvin was standing by a bookshelf, thumbing through the selection. "What do you think?" She questioned. Corvin glanced over "Did you change?" he questioned, confused. "Why - yes, I did" she quipped and then sighed. "Learning anything?" she questioned to him. "Not really, just adventure and romance novels. Not what I really expected to find..." he set a book down and crossed his arms. There was then a knock on the door, the servant returned. "Please, gather yourself for dinner..." Jeniva wore a proper pair of pants now, having gathered herself. "If you are ready now, please follow me" she bowed her head. Soon enough they were brought into a large dining hall, which had many tables presented. Only one was set though... Vinelle glanced around and then sat down awkwardly at the table. Corvin sat down properly, he arranged a napkin perfectly on his lap and set his forks and spoons. "Are you serious?" Vinelle questioned and sighed. She glanced down and then she bit her lip slightly. She glanced to his set up and mimicked it, though not to the perfect degree that Corvin did...No, no one could quite master the skills of being trained professional, a Prince and all. His story was well known - The Prince who ran from his duties to his Kingdom Alevra. The Kingdom itself was not a terrible one, it was considering lower in ranking of sophistication. A city of industry, working class and poverty. Factories littered about in their walls, smoggy air and a lot of yelling in the districts. No real confirmation of his purpose of leaving was ever disclosed, but rumors speak that his bride to be gave him cold feet... |
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Post by Seaslug on Dec 31, 2021 14:24:12 GMT -5
Alessendrie found it hard to maintain her composure as she was escorted out of the courtroom. Luckily for her, Portsmith’s generosity had landed her an illustrious endeavour — and most importantly, an out from under Gregor’s overbearing eye. There had been two other prisoners present for expedited trial, so Alessendrie took the opportunity — and Gregor’s soft spot — to confront her father, knowing there wouldn’t be much time. She was at last led to him through a small corridor, and found him waiting outside Gregor’s chambers.
Frederik Morthover practically leapt up with excitement when his daughter rounded the corner. He still looked a bit damp, and smelled like the soil. “First thing’s first, Lessie — y’need blueprints for some pistons. I know I’ve got some in me workshop somewhere! Let’s take a car and—” Frederik began to babble on, as he reached for his daughter’s hands.
Alessendrie instinctively recoiled, and frowned at the aged nickname. “You’re not coming.” She interrupted the old man, sighing as she watched his face fall flat. Motioning for the guards to give them some privacy, she sat down on a bench and crossed her legs impatiently.
“Oh, come on, Lessie!” Frederik threw his hands in the air, kicking his foot towards the guards with irritation. “You fucking heard that bastard, Parsons! No one’ll go near that damned ship! And you’re not just going to trust that little imp, really are you? She’s a pirate!” He questioned.
The mage waited for her father to sit before she continued. He reluctantly joined her at the bench, and leaned up against the stone wall. “You embarrassed me today, Dad. If it weren’t—”
“For fuck sake, Less—”
“Let me finish!” The volume of her own voice surprised her, and she quickly cleared her throat, lowering her eyes to the floor. Focus, Alessendrie. You only have one chance at this. She looked up at her father sadly, knowing he had no idea of the true fate they lay in store for their relationship. In her eyes, all the man had ever done was fail their name — Alessendrie was sure he would just drink himself to a metal grave, and even then, he’d still find a way to place the blame on something else other than himself.
“I already got Gregor to deal with.” The drunkard muttered, holding his hands out to her. “Cut your old Pa some slack, won’t you, Lessie?”
Alessendrie had spent her entire life so far cutting everyone slack. Where had it gotten her? So far, nowhere near the top, where her rightful seat at the table was. She would have to pull herself up higher, climb higher, and faster, to make up for lost time. She turned to her father, locking her silver eyes onto his chestnut browns as she took his hands in hers.
By the time Frederik realized what was happening, it was too late. “Don’t…don’t do this, please, Less-” He tried squeezing at her fingers with his clammy palms, but every fiber in his body wanted to recoil. Her touch wouldn’t let him, and he grunted in discomfort.
“Inceptotum ligharo.” Alessendrie whispered as she traced the final symbol into his palm. A bolt of energy passed through them and every flame in the corridor extinguished, a cold gust of wind sweeping through the passageway. Her silver eyes took on a tinge of magenta, then violet, her pupils emblazoned with energy.
The heavy footsteps of the guardsmen were steadily approaching, and the young mage pulled away from the man, her hands numbing as she withdrew. “My name… is Alessendrie Morthover of Citrion, and you will never speak to me again.”
“Miss Morthover, is everything alright?” One of the guards called as they approached, clutching the swords at their hips. To them, nothing looked amiss — just a darkened passage and an awkward father-daughter bonding session.
Alessendrie pulled the turquoise lenses that were resting on her head over her eyes as she shook her head. “I’d like a car to Magnolia Estate, please.” She patted the man’s shoulder softly before she stood, walking towards the exit. “Oh, and when Councilman Valendorf gets back, please give him my condolences.”
~~~
By the time her sprocketcar pulled away from the High Court, Alessendrie was trembling all over. She ran her slim fingers over ruby-red stitching, tracing the lines trying to calm herself. Her pupils felt as if they were on fire, but she dare not close them — she needed them open for at least eleven more minutes or all she’d done would have been for nothing.
“Captain Frey has arrived at the estate, Miss Morthover. However, she broug—”
“Silence, please. I need to focus.” Alessendrie interrupted the driver, digging her nails into the ivory leather.
The driver stiffened, but focused back onto the road. James St. Clair considered himself loyal to Magnolia Estate, just as his father was before him, and him. And because of this, he considered himself to be privy of both the young mage’s ambitions and her annoyances. He suspected the surprise waiting for her at the estate would be the latter. But James also knew better than to disturb her, especially when she was in the state that she was.
They arrived at Magnolia Estate in ten minutes flat, and James hurried around the side to open the door for Alessendrie, who was statuesque in the backseat. To James, she appeared to be vibrating and he almost reached out to touch her. Before he could even clear his throat, Alessendrie held up her hand before she sighed deeply and stepped out, walking hurriedly inside the grand entrance.
“Miss Morthover! There’s still a matter of Captain Vinelle’s com—” James shouted at her backside, but the mage did not turn around.
“Good evening, Miss Morthover.”
“Hello, Miss Morthover! Court go well today?”
“Good evening, Miss.”
Alessendrie didn’t have a reputation of being rude, but after a show of ignoring everyone, people might start to talk. They’re probably talking anyway, she thought to herself as she closed the door to her room. What had she gotten herself into? What would Gregor say? Stumbling forward, she collapsed onto the couch, and burst into tears, clutching at the pillows. For the first time in what felt like hours, she closed her eyes, weeping into the tangerine griffin-feathers.
The choice she made was not a light one, but she felt as if she had no other. Now, as she lay on the couch, trembling after the absorption of her father’s memories of her, she finally began to see from his eyes. “Dad…why?” Alessendrie’s tiny voice cracked, before she drifted off to sleep.
~~~
“Miss…? Miss Morthover, wake up.” A dwarven servant with a mess of brown curls gently tapped on the mage’s shoulder. “Miss Morthover, your bath is ready.”
Startled, Alessendrie jumped from the couch, her eyes blurred over with alarm. Relieved that it was only Elanie, she clutched onto the dwarf’s arm softly as she continued to come through. “Is everything prepared for tonight?” She asked, standing to be led towards the bathing suite, a celestially decorated room with many different pools.
“Yes, Miss. Dinner is just about finished, and your guests.” Elaine reported, helping Alessendrie into the steaming tub.
“Did you say guests?” Alessendrie asked, but Elaine was already pouring warm soapy water over her head. She allowed the dwarf to clean and massage her, grateful to be under a gentle touch for a while.
When they were done, Elaine helped situate Alessendrie into a cream flowy blouse, cinching it together with an emerald corset, fashioned with copper embellishments. She slipped into the skirt next, an emerald and cream fabric with a slit going up the right side, exposing a pair of sheer, lace tights. “You look beautiful, Miss!” Elaine smiled as she watched the mage slick her inky, black hair to one side. She held up a small hairpin, a cluster of gears, and fashioned it to her head. “Absolutely perfect.”
Walking towards the dining hall, Alessendrie found herself quite nervous. “And are you sure she was able to get those plums I love? Oh, and the crème pudding?” Alessendrie checked and tripled-checked with the acolytes trailing behind her. “Alright then. Wish me luck?” She nodded at her envoy for some privacy, before pushing open the grand doors to the dining hall.
“Prince Corvin O’hare of Kingdom Alevra, and his Captain Vinelle Fray of The Dread Whale. Presenting, Alessendrie Morthover of Citrion.” The guard announced as the mage sashayed through.
Did he just say Prince Corvin O’hare of Alevra? Alessendrie stopped halfway to the table, the sound of sudden silence filling the air with tension. She was stunned. She hadn’t seen the Prince since…Alessendrie frowned as she met his eyes. “You?” The mage couldn’t control herself as she slowly approached the perfectly set table.
No, the last time she’d seen him, he had a fiancé, a rather beautiful one in fact. Beautiful, and from Lunestra, an ancient Elven city rich with colorful history. They had perfected teleportation magic, and Alessendrie had been promised to it’s princess as her advisor, the honorable Selenia Kliengard of Lunestra. The arrangement had been everything Alessendrie wanted; she ached to learn the secrets of Lunestra, and knew a position in Princess Selenia’s court would be one of her only ways in. A position in Princess Selenia’s court would have been the perfect stepping stone towards a seat on the Council. But alas — Alessendrie had no seat and Corvin had no bride — and obviously not the decorum to have even sent a messenger, or at the very least, a letter.
“You fire me without reason, not even grant me the decency of a letter, or an apology,” Alessendrie recalled, her brows furrowed, lips pressed into an irritated line. “Give me one good reason I shouldn’t ship you back to Alevra myself?” She asked the young man, her nostrils flaring.
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Post by Raven on Dec 31, 2021 18:05:52 GMT -5
Vinelle stifled slightly over her presentation, her fingers touching at her spoon and fork for minor adjusterments. No, no not quite like that. This. She leaned back and let out a gentle huff, she was impatient and in no mood to talk to O'hare. When the door opened and the loud voice of an annoucer jumped through the room - Vinelle jumped slightly, a gentle gasp of a breath in her bounce.
She smirked when she heard her name... Captain Vinelle Fray of The Dread Whale. She leaned her head to the side and ever so slightly bit her lip. She came to and smacked her lips together slightly. Her brows pulled together when the engagement was about... Corvin. She turned her head and peered in a curious and enamored fashion.
Corvin crossed his legs and leaned back in his head - his eyes stone cold looking to Alessendrie. "Oh, my lady" he shook with a royal tone. "You confuse me for a decent human being" he quirped with a salty face. He uncrossed his legs and leaned back as servants began to set plates down. "You know that what I did had nothing to do about you, and you know I am truly sorry of what you could have had..." he shook his head "I don't think it would have worked even if I played it through..." he smiled weakly and then he sucked in a long breath.
"I'll tell you why, sure" Corvin nodded, he ran his hand through his thick black hair, it was perfect formed - the length just a little long that the tips curled slightly. He had a dashing smile and stupid charming face. Corvin cleared his throat just as he took a sip of tea. "You need a project, Vinelle needs well... we need an engineer, ship is damaged, and I - owe a debt to the pirate. So, to me it sounds like we have a common goal..." he set his mug down gently. "How can we better ourselves, hm?" he smirked.
"Speaking like a true pirate, no no - you're too white, Corvin" Vinelle spat and scoffed. "That poor boy has his wad so tight and far up his groin that he wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a nursey rhyme and a declaration of the queen" she rolled her eyes. "I'll tell you why you need us" she smirked "You have no choice" she tilted her head back. "Don't worry, I'll play nicely" she smiled cheekily, in a nearly cute fashion as she could manage.
"So you two got beef then?" Vinelle sighed and leaned back, she had a fork full of steak and a spoon of mashed potatoes. "You really are fucking things up for me" she spoke to Corvin and then put both utensils into her mouth, chewing happily. She cared not of anything. Was she being loud. Kinda rude. Yeah, so. What of it. She took another bite and then paused. "You ain't the one he was supposed to marry, right?" She questioned with a fearful face.
Corvin leaned back in his seat dramatically, he cleared his throat and shook his head. "No, no..." he looked to her for a long moment, as if flashes of her face in the past drove by him. He saw Alessendrie - smiling and wave, standing next to a bush of golden roses. An archway above, vines of white and yellow little trumpet flowers. The birds.. they sang this tune that was sort of like... he hummed slightly, a gentle dancing of pitches
Corvin cleared his throat and looked to Alessendrie and then he looked down "It's more complicated than you think, maybe some time - I'll tell you" Corvin spoke with a soft and defeated tone. He took a bite of his dinner and grew to a cold quiet.
"Oh yeesh, you broke him" Vinelle slapped Corvin's shoulder. The man just glared at her briefly and then resumed scooping at his peas. "You have to be careful with him. Like a machine you know. A little bit too much oil and it gets all clunky and gross, too little oil and its grinding up like a dry lady over the couch" she clicked her tongue and shook her head several times.
"So what is next then, your Highness, Princess Alessendrie, whoever" Vinelle held a fork up, a piece of ham stuck at the end of it, flipping slightly and flicking juice. "What's next, you got some kinda project plan, blueprints, I don't want to sit around in this dump for too long" she shook slightly and then plopped the fork into her mouth.
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Post by Seaslug on Dec 31, 2021 19:38:50 GMT -5
The mage reluctantly sat at the head of the table, refusing to take her eyes off Corvin’s as she settled into the seat. Alessendrie was regretting the dismissal of her envoy, but as the mysterious Prince charmed his way towards peace, she relaxed into the tranquil ambiance of dinner. Plates of food began appearing before them, carried by servants and maids alike. Flankenport steak, roasted wild duck, Jade Tree dragonberry pudding from Osteria — not to mention the assortment of meads, nectars and wines.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to being quite miffed about the whole situation,” Alessendrie said quietly, watching Corvin squirm around in his chair. Luckily for him she felt drained, and wouldn’t be able to cast a proper truth-telling spell. Taking in his dark locks and intense eyes, she figured it’d be for the best. She had no idea that he was connected at all to Miss Fray, and Alessendrie wasn’t sure whether it was a good or bad thing.
She could tell the pirate hadn’t been served a decent meal in quite a while, by the way she scarfed down the various meats. Alessendrie tried not to twist her face in disgust, and opted to focus her eyes on the purple risotto in front of her. “I don’t need anything from either of you.” Sure, Corvin was annoying, but his presence shouldn’t have been that unsettling. Alessendrie tried to cast away the lingering memories from her father, bringing her eyes up to Vinelle.
“And I don’t want you to ‘play’ anything,” she was beginning to feel on edge, and like Gregor and Parsons was right — she wasn’t ready. Alessendrie sighed, reaching towards the glass of rose mead in front of her. “If I would have known…I just assumed…” After a sip, Alessendrie tried to fill the air, and failed. She looked back up at Corvin’s annoying face, pangs of guilt radiating from her body. You can’t go there… She thought to herself, shifting her eyes towards Vinelle, minding the pools of grease at the corners of her mouth.
Alessendrie couldn’t at all decipher the pair’s relationship, and mysteriously, she didn’t feel at all curious. She felt blindsided; unprepared, foolish…
I don’t want to sit around this dump for too long.
“You are sitting where others have fought to die.” Alessendrie said sharply, her silver eyes beginning to frost over with a ghostly white as she dropped her fork, the clang of fine silver echoing throughout the hall. “I am not a Princess — I am a Mage, and I could zap you both into bits before your next bite hits your tongue, by light I would!” Alessendrie was bluffing, and maybe Corvin knew, but she did not care. She already didn’t have a plan, and with each moment, it was becoming more and more unclear. Taking a deep breath, Alessendrie closed her eyes, opening them to her regular silver hue. She picked up her fork, ate a bit of risotto, and washed it down with mead before she addressed them again.
“First, there is the matter of the curse,” Alessendrie breathed, addressing the pirate. “As I said earlier, with the combination of two spells, I could perform a thorough investigation of your vessel. The Council will not approve a departure from the docks without it. The first is a simple Legend Lore spell— I could touch just about anything on the ship and internalize the story of its conception.” Alessendrie paused, wanting to make sure she explained clearly. “The other half…Arcanic Eye, is not as simple. The foresight that comes with such a spell is a huge risk, not just to the caster, but to everyone who appears in the vision.” She said the last part rather quietly, waiting for the brash reactions she knew would come.
Taking another sip of mead, she looked at Corvin. “This foresight..it has been corrupted before. During Windsor.” Alessendrie admitted sheepishly, running a hand through her thick, black hair. “Captain…Prince O’hare…I’m afraid I have not been completely honest about this project. With you or with the Council, if I were to speak frankly.”
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Post by Raven on Dec 31, 2021 19:59:18 GMT -5
Vanille pulled her brows together "Sure, people have fought to die - but that ain't me." she scoffed and eyed the woman, noting the frosty gaze and the shiver that crawled down her spine. She raised a brow and slyly took a bite of a biscuit. "Nah" Vanille shook her head. "I don't believe you could hurt us, mhm no, you're so sweet" she took another bite. "No, I'd be in a brig eating slop and pissing in a bucket if you were anyone other than Alessendrie" Vanille took a sip of her ale and hummed gently.
"What will you do with what you learn? What if the ship, and it surely does, has an absurd background of chaos and evil?" she laughed in a joking fashion. "What is the point of all the snooping? The Curse?" she blew through her lips and waved her hand. "So you'd do all of that, risking yourself, for what. Hoping to save a wretched ship, run away across the seas and fulfill your every dream?" she picked up her mug. "Makes two of us" she drank again. She drank until her mug was empty and refilled once more.
Vanille glanced to Corvin, who returned the glance. One of confusion. Corvin cleared his throat and his elegant and deep voice caressed through the air. "Well, this is the part where you come forth with the .. honest truth... then?" Corvin spoke with a near question. He rolled his fingers on the table in anticipation.
Vanille smirked "Again, make's two of us" she held her mug up and smirked a toothy grin. She was slightly buzzed, her tan cheeks a gentle pink and flushed. When pulled out of her sassy attitude - Vanille sported an infectious smile, and her laugh was known to lift spirits. In this moment she shared little care, her cheeks bubbled with energy. "What is it then, what is you covet - my lady the Pirate spoke with a smirk, she drank once more. Sipping at the last drops as she finished the mug once more. "Another-" she held her mug up. Corvin reached over to wave to her - to stop, she pushed his hand away and grumbled, ignoring him as she held the mug upward. A servant made her way over and refilled her. "Cheers" she spoke with chirpy tone and took another healthy swig.
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Post by Seaslug on Dec 31, 2021 22:55:21 GMT -5
“Half of you would be hanging from the Capitol dome, the other half would be in the scrapyard with your ship.” Alessendrie remarked into her wine glass, pulling her silver eyes away from the pirate. Her arrogance was falling on the mage rather sharply, and as the meal dredged on, she found herself liking Vinelle less and less. Every little quip, every jeer was just adding fuel to the fire, and by the the time she had dessert, Alessedrie felt as though she were on fire.
“What I want, is rather simple,” she began, twirling her spoon around a gelatinous mixture. “I wish to embrace the future, as it quickly embraces us.” Alessendrie looked between the pair, unsure of whether she could fully trust them with her deepest desires. “I risk myself everyday by walking the path of light.” She said towards Vinelle, narrowing her eyes at the servants who kept refilling the pirate’s tankard. “As long as there’s light, there’s darkness. All I want—excuse me,” Alessendrie paused to backtrack. “All the Academy wants, is to find a balance. You forget it was a Royal Vessel before it was contaminated.”
Alessendrie scooped a bit of pudding into her mouth, humming softly at the taste of fresh berries. Late nights in the planetarium meant a usual dinner of toasted almonds and fiddleleaf tea — so tonight, she was grateful, despite the rugged company she found herself in. The servants began clearing the main dishes from the table, and brought out small cups of coffee and sorbet. Motioning towards a servant, she whispered in their ear before they removed the coffee from in front of Vinelle, returning with a chocolate wine. Despite their differences, Alessendrie still wanted the Captain to know she was valued, given she’d be the only one qualified to commandeer the cursed vessel.
Sliding from her chair, Alessendrie offered her arm to Corvin — an aristocratic habit she found herself embarrassed by. It had been quite a while since she was informally ‘dismissed’ from his fiancé’s future court, and even longer since she’d been close enough to smell him. She quickly rescinded the offer, tucking her arms behind her back as she began walking towards the planetarium.
“There had to be hundreds of ships out to sea when the asteroid reached our atmosphere.” Alessendrie pushed open tall, golden doors with constellations carved throughout the frame. The planetarium had been built by her mother’s family, many moons before. “They have all either vanished…or turned up as driftwood.” The sounds of her heels echoed as she glided slowly into the ornate room. “All, but four ships. You can guess which was one of three.” She smirked at the Captain, watching as she took in the entire room. “This is only the first floor.” Alessendrie whispered, walking towards the center, where a huge copper model of the universe hung from the ceiling. Underneath was a table made from prismatic ore — crafted exclusively for scrying and other divination.
As Alessendrie approached, the table began to shimmer with colors that even Alessendrie had no names for. She ran her fingers across the smooth surface, inhaling sharply as she made contact. “It has been that said that the Seers of the first army to defeat King Windsor used a table like this to predict his fate.” Her voice was quiet, gaze fixed on the shimmer. “I believe it can do much more.” Alessendrie confessed, pulling her gaze up to the pair. “I also believe it holds a key to learning Arcanic Eye. I’ve been speaking with an engineer who I believe can not only provide the blueprints, but a map to retrieve the ore necessary.”
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Post by Raven on Dec 31, 2021 23:33:52 GMT -5
“That is your ultimate secret?” Vinelle laughed out loud, her chest heaving slightly with the cackle. “No, it can’t be that easy. There is an inner desire there some where. Embrace the future” she held a hand up. “Prove yourself worthy among the court” she spoke in a royal tone. mocking her. “The Academy awaits you” she sat down in her seat and scoffed. Vinelle accepted her chocolate wine and drank it with joy. “Sooner you accept the truth, the easier it will be to achieve that goal” she spoke in a serious tone. “That is what it means to be a pirate. I’m free of your burdens” she set her glass down. “And now I am chained like a puppy, to serve you in your path of light, for in truth - doing nothing wrong.”
Vinelle grew quiet after her small outburst, she held her wine glass to her lips and took small sips. It was evident she was deep in thought. No doubt the dinner had gone off at a bad start, but there was something that rubbed Vinelle the wrong way. She couldn’t piece it together just yet, why she was so angry…
Corvin had not said much, though in the newfound silence he took in a breath and slowly it go. “She is annoying at first.. but then you grow to love her. You’ll see” he stood from the table after finishing his tea. He folded his napkin perfectly and set it on top of his plate – he was very specific about making it look right. He turned after and looked to Alessendrie and to her hand that held outwards…
Corvin stepped forward and reached for the hand that she swiftly tucked away, he grasped her as a gentleman might and lead her forward. He held an arm behind his back – a practice he was taught as a Prince to do. His boots clicked on the surface of the shining floor, his pace was rhymical and even, almost too much so… His hand, however, fell away as Alessendrie opened the doors to a huge room. Giant bronze planets were lifted upward. The sheer size of the room was overwhelming... He slowly paced forward as his eyes took in the display before him, though his hues were analytical and full of admiration. Those stupid blue eyes.
Vinelle rushed forward to one of the planets. She placed a finger onto the round orb, feeling the texture of the planet on her fingertips. She dragged the finger along as she circled the orb– her head turning all the ways as she observed. She zig zagged about the sculpture, trying to see it from every angle, even admiring the detail of near by asteroids. As she stood behind one planet – several moons lined up and Vinelle began to chuckle. “This is the Blood Moon Conjunction – yeah. A few hundred years ago – all of the moons lined up with our planet. The same year Mt. Gyadrum erupted, that string of disasters” she rambled briefly. She continued to weave around, climbing about the sculpture with illregard, though she couldn't weigh more than 120 pounds, as if she could break the thing...
“The way the light reflected off of the surface of the moons actually made the 2nd moon – of Planet Gaia glow bright pink” she chuckled. “Anyways, they said it was considered one of the most harmonious days, where magic flowed like rivers down a mountain”
Corvin listened to the pirate ramble, he was always fascinated in her love for Astrology. Though, one might assume a pirate would have to for their navigation. In truth, it was no simple task to be a captain. Corvin had not rode many ships but Vinelle was the best captain he had seen. No one really mentions how one becomes a good captain, it is not like there is a Royal Academy for it, available to all.
Corvin turned to the tall woman, there was a certain way about how she presented herself. How she held her hand upward in the air when she talked. He could see her gears turning like that of a well oiled machine. He approached the table that she stood before and admired it. “Wow…” he reached a finger down to touch it. It reacted to his touch, the colors gathering and dancing in the wake of his fingertips. He chuckled aloud, like a small boy might when stirring a pond with a muddy stick. He glanced up to the mage “Tell me more of this Arcanic Eye, what is the significance? What do you wish to do with it, how...?” he questioned curiously. He gathered this suave sort of side glance, he would make this particular face when he was digging for information. Only for the sake of having it, and just to know it, it was his own wish. Like it was some delicious gold, this knowledge.
“Well, Cetus is capable of much. She’s a special ship she is” Vinelle stepped up to the stable. “Hmm..” she looked to it with dull eyes. As if she had no idea what she stood before. “This thing will tell you the future?” she scoffed. “No shit huh? How Is this just chillin’ here? This – is worth a freaking fortune. How do you not have 50 guards protecting this thing. If I was going to steal anything it would be – this” she pointed down and shook her head. “Well, make it do something. Make me want to steal it more” she grinned and crossed her arms.
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Post by Seaslug on Jan 1, 2022 13:24:56 GMT -5
Alessendrie wasn’t at all worried, watching the pirate scramble and crawl around the sculpture like a squirrel. In fact, she found herself quite impressed with Vinelle’s seemingly in-depth knowledge of Astrology, nodding in agreement as Vinelle rambled on. “My great-grandparents spoke very highly of that time.” Alessendrie remarked to no one in specific.
Corvin’s excited tone broke Alessendrie’s gaze from the pirate and she turned back to the Prince with a soft smile. She had to admit, he seemed quite boy-ish and innocent as his eyes gleaned the room, the blue pools twinkling with fascination. Corvin had always been interested in stories and myths; Alessendrie recalled quite a few times the annoyance of his father and fiancé, when the young Prince found himself enamored by tales from bards and paladins, rather than chatting business with others of the Royal Court. She watched his fingertips glide across the prismatic surface, smirking at his questions.
“You’ve always been quite the curious cat.” Alessendrie teased, the first hint of playfulness she’d shown all evening. Being in the planetarium always relaxed her. She had always felt as if her rightful place was amongst the cosmos anyway. She turned at the sound of Vinelle’s indifference, and rolled her eyes, hint of a smile still on her lips. “You wouldn’t be able to steal this table if you tried,” Alessendrie teased the pirate next. “Even if you had my help.” She herself had to laugh at such a thought. At least Vinelle was honest, no matter how crass the statement that followed. “Wherever built, these tables are energetically bound to that area specifically. Moving the table is impossible…unless of course, it was broken.” Alessendrie narrowing her eyes at the pirate.
“We all know the First Army didn’t really defeat King Windsor — only began to slow a destruction that had already been happening.” Alessendrie picked up where she had left off with her story, pulling her eyes back towards the table. “When King Windsor learned of the Seer’s table, he commanded every single one be destroyed, and every Seer murdered. Except one. This Seer would build him a table such as this, and would only be allowed to predict his victories.” She paused for a moment before walking towards an enormous bookshelf. She fingered the spines lovingly, finding what she needed before returning back to the pair. With a gentle thud, an enormous red-leather bound book was placed. In the center of a book, a lock shaped like a cluster of crystals glittered in the candlelight.
“Evicerio aviendius,” Alessendrie’s voice was like the crackle of a fire, sudden smoke wafting from inside her mouth. “Imperium tormectus.” A jolt of energy flew from Alessendrie’s tongue as she spit towards the lock and it cracked open, pages fluttering as if a gust of wind passed between the parchment. “That Seer was Leonidas of Kalestrom and for years he fed the King false prophecies. When the plot had been discovered, King Windsor demanded the Seer present the truth…or be torn in half by warhorses. But Leonidas however, refused to bend towards the King, and denied him the chance of killing the last Seer.” Alessendrie paused to flip through the pages, stopping at the section of Ancient Seers.
“The monastery Leonidas lived in was destroyed in the attack, including the last table of its kind — or so they thought.” Alessendrie’s smile got brighter as she traced the painting of Leonidas, running her finger over his purple cloak and silver hair. “Prismatic ore is rendered useless if it is shattered, which is why it makes mining it not only extremely difficult, but a huge financial risk as well. Which is why Leonidas the Great Seer of Kaelstrom shoved the last in-tact, unshattered piece of prismatic ore into his eye.” Alessendrie said the last part rather dramatically before looking up into Corvin’s eyes before she continued.
“Those who witnessed the King’s attack on the monastery reported a swirling vortex of light and an unfathomable energy radiating from where Leonidas was believed to have died. 13 virgin women gave birth to Seers the following year, who at 33 years of age returned to the site of his death to absorb the energy only they could feel. The rest…well I’ve only been able to piece together bits and bobs of it all.” Alessendrie was beginning to speak excitedly now, thumbing through more pages as she shoved the book closer to the pirate and the Prince.
“It has been said that they channeled that power into a talisman of some sort. That talisman is a key to learning Arcanic Eye.” The mage spoke quicker, more animated than ever, pointing at symbols and small maps on the pages. “Six of the those Seers…were captured by Klegane Greyson. Which leads me to believe that it might be on your ship!” Alessendrie finished, quite pleased with herself.
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Post by Raven on Jan 1, 2022 15:36:45 GMT -5
“It’s not”The pitched words of the small Pirate rang in the room echoed off the huge bronze orbs in the air. She spoke of the artifact that Alessendrie was after...There was silence as the sound faded. Then the clicking of heels broke the silence – the sound drifted until two doors opened, and closed. The short woman left. Corvin took in a deep breath and then he let it go slowly, he still stood over the table. He placed two hands upon it and leaned over the structure. His blue hues traced over the sparkling surface and finally he stood upright with some found energy. “Ignore her...." he cleared his throat. "The story is… fascinating. How...” he spoke and he crossed his arms, brows pulling together as he obviously worked through the details. Just before - he watched her cast spells, opening a locked book it seemed. He finally stepped over slowly to observe, glancing at the page from the side as he watched her. “A lot has happened since…” he turned from her and scoffed slightly as his steps led him aimlessly forward. He chuckled slightly “Gods, those days seem like so long ago” he sighed and stopped. He looked up to the huge sculpture and appeared to be admiring it. In reality, he was long lost in his mind… “Do you remember” he cracked a smile. “Do you remember the Solstice Ball?” he questioned and then smirked more as he remembered it. “God, what a show…” “Are you nervous?” An older woman peered to him with a smile. Maeve O'hare, Queen of Alevra... She had long black curly hair that fell to her mid back. It was tediously done with product and pins. She wore a long blue and black dress, and upon her head as a perfectly fitting crown. Though her outfit did not shout beautiful and glorious – it shout power and strength…
“Mother – I am fine” Corvin spoke and chuckled. He wore a matching all blue suit suit, his tail coat was perfectly pressed. It had silver embroidery, which everything would of matched perfectly with the Queen – except for this fine detail. He even wore a silky white scarf that tucked into his jacket, to match the white rose pinned to the Queen's shoulder . Corvin reached forward and grasped the woman’s cheeks with two hands, he then leaned forward and kissed her powdered cheek. “It – will be fine” he shook her shoulder just gently, and then smiled for her.
“It’s just a beautiful day” he spoke softly, her voice cracking slightly as she fought to not cry.
“You will ruin all your make up” Corvin pat her shoulder. He stepped over to the horizontal dresser. He lifted a decorate royal sword and buckled the straps about his waist. He turned then and worked on his right cuff, he struggled at buttoning it. The Queen stepped forward and gave a gentle sigh, she smiled as she buttoned it for him. She grasped his left hand and did the same.
“I’m just proud of you, that’s all” She looked up then, smiling – the crows feet in her eyes were thick and detailed. From many years of smiling, no doubt. She sucked in a breath, another tear. “I don’t say it enough” she spoke and pat his cheek. “I love you” she kissed his cheek. “I will go check on your father, the doors open in just an hour. You should grab a glass of wine dear you’re wound up tight” she pat his cheek with her hand and then picked up her dress and hurried away.
Corvin smirked, he turned towards the door and left his personal chambers. His servant came rushing up behind him, a lanky tall thin boy. “Sire – can I do anything to prepare for you?” he questioned as he fought to keep up with Corvin’s pace.
The Prince adjusted his cuff and snapped it slightly. “I told you, I have no need for you today. Please, just partake in the festivities and enjoy yourself. For once, Pabs” he held a hand up to dismiss the servant. Pablo stood for a long moment, and then swiftly turned around and stomped away.
The ball took place on the Winter Solstice, celebration of the new year to come. The days would grow longer and longer from here, the mines would warm up enough to resume work, crops planted eventually. The beginning of the next prosperous season, they would drink and pray for its kindness. Though, what the rest of Alevra did not know is the Prince intended on Proposing on this day…
Corvin made his way to the ball room. Two guards stood at the door. “My Prince” they bowed their head and allowed him to enter. Typically no one was allowed early, unless you were of royal stature. He looked to the ballroom and nodded slowly. There was a huge decorate bar, three bartenders stood – cleaning glasses and preparing. “Whiskey – please” Corvin held a hand up as he approached.
“Right away, sir”
Corvin stood at the bar, with an arm on the marble table. He turned and admired the ball room. It had a huge rounded ceiling. There were giant 10 foot tiles each with a unique engraving in the stone. The lights were light and bright. There was even a balcony of a second tier that looked to the huge open floor. By one wall was a small lifted stage with curtains, the band gathered and prepared. There were roughly 10 musicians, there were many instruments on stands. A brass band, a few wind instruments, a piano, violin, cello, bass… just a clutter. People moved around each other – tuning and setting up, music stands and such.
Then to the right was a huge collection of tables, servant set down plates and glasses. A giant round buffet table was in the corner of the room, more servants prepared it.. He sucked in a breath and then let it go slowly.
There was a rushing of boots – the doors opened once more. “My Prince, the Princess has arrived” a guard stepped in and bowed before Corvin.
Corvin swirled his glass of whiskey slightly and then quickly finished off the last quarter of it in one large sip. He then reached forward to a bowl of mints and grasped one, plopping the candy into his mouth. It crunched and broke into pieces as he chewed it – just as swiftly as he walked out.
The ballroom was one of the first rooms upon entering. He stepped out onto a red carpet, which led either to the Throne room, or out of the castle. He came to the gates – which where down, he stood on the center of its wooden platform and watched with a smile on his face. Several carriages were lined up. *** “When we first met, you remember?” *** Corvin placed a single hand upon the hilt of his royal blade at his side. He watched as the carriage sputtered slightly, and then the parking break was engaged. He felt a swelling feeling in his chest. The last he had seen the Princess was just 3 months ago, and before that they had only met a few times. They had been writing this entire while. The agreement of marriage had been made by the King and Queen, but as far as Corvin knew – the Princess did not know. No, Corvin did not want to burden her with the thought. He wanted to prove himself to her – that he was worthy of her.
As the door opened – a woman stepped from the carriage. She was tall, with smooth skin of color and life. Her eyes were full of wisdom and knowledge, her attire shouted Scholarly Mage and.. Corvin sucked in a breath and bowed his head as her gaze met his. Who was this woman? He shifted his step, breaking his perfect stance. The Princess stepped up behind the woman. She placed a gentle hand upon the dark skinned woman, stabilizing herself as she fixed herself. The Princess.
Corvin stepped forward confidently. As he stepped before them – his Adam’s Apple shifted, as he swallowed his nerves. He bowed deeply before the Princess. “I am so very glad you made it” he approached her with a smile. He grasped the Princess’s hand and kissed the back of her knuckles. “You have brought an associate?” he questioned with a charming smile. He looked to the mage and bowed his head to her “It is a pleasure, my lady” he took her hand and also kissed the back of her knuckles. “May I show you both in?” he offered both of his arms outward to the women, to guide them inside…
As he lead them forward – he passed the ballroom. “The Ball is not quite ready, we shall sit in the Common Area” he nodded. He opened a basic door, which opened up into a large room. It had book shelves lining the walls, and a huge 10 foot fireplace burning brightly. Just out the window – the moon began to rise. Though it was hard to see through the shifting clouds, which dropped gentle wafting flakes of snow from it's being.
Corvin released the two arms at his sides and held the door. After they entered – he walked to a small shelf. There was a collection of velvet couches that sat before a coffee table. “Please, take a seat” he stood before a small bar. He popped the glass decanter and poured himself a glass of Whiskey, he then plucked a bottle of red wine from the wine wrack above his head. He popped the work with a mechanic device, it whirred slightly and he set it down. Two glasses of wine..
“Princess” he bowed his head and handed her the glass. “And her friend” he smirked to the Mage. “Introductions then, you paid no mind to let me know you had a date for this ball” he lifted his own glass of whiskey and took a sip. “I suppose that is what I get for making assumptions, perhaps you may reconsider. Though, I would never wish to oppose your wishes. If she desires another” he glanced to the mage and then smirked playfully. With a hand in a single pocket, he stood before them and took a sip. After a slight pace he finally came to sit on the opposite couch of the two. “I am… very intrigued”
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Post by Seaslug on Jan 1, 2022 19:12:41 GMT -5
“But she can’t just—you can’t lea—where do you think you’re going?” Alessendrie called sharply after the pirate, letting out an exasperated sigh when her objections simply landed on Vinelle’s retreating figure. “I would ask how it is you tolerate her, but I don’t think you’re quite much different,” It was a rather pointed remark at Corvin. “At least…not these days.” The latter was said quietly as the mage watched him circle the room, the sound of his boots echoing throughout the chamber.
“Do you remember the Solstice Ball?”
Corvin was not a mage, as far as Alessendrie knew, which wasn’t truly much, but enough. But his tongue was a spell all the same, transporting the half-elf from the planetarium, and back to that night. “You’re asking me if I remember the moment I—” Alessendrie trailed off, pausing where she stood to think of that exact divot of time.
~~~
“Listen to this — “At night I sigh at thoughts of thee/Come morn’ they’ll be two dozen, three/Fresh roses sent upon your door/For beauty not wasted, in the presence of yours.” Princess Selenia recited from memory, touching the golden rose necklace that sat perfectly in the center of her collarbone. “Gods, he’s just so romantic, isn’t he?” She exclaimed, turning to gaze dreamily out the carriage windows.
“An absolute prize.” Alessendrie made it sound genuine, though she was lying through her teeth. She had never met the Prince before, and she honestly wasn’t interested in doing so. If it were up to her, she’d be knee-deep in the Kliengard library, devouring knowledge the way a castle rat might devour scraps after a great feast. “Do you believe it’s getting serious?” Alessendrie asked to appear less bored than she was. It’s only for the night, she thought to herself.
“Do I believe it’s getting serious?” The Princess repeated, her voice dripping in desire, as she turned to clutch her future mage’s hand. “And to think, I didn’t even need a love spell or anything!”
Alessendrie tried not to roll her eyes, instead smiled and squeezed Selenia’s hands gently. It’s only…for…the night, she thought again to herself, trying not to wince. This was not at all what Alessendrie had imagined, especially not as a Royal Advisor, to an Elven princess, at that. Well, she wasn’t exactly…officially… a Royal Advisor, she was still on trial period. But accompanying Princess Selenia throughout various social and political engagements was proving to be utterly boring, in Alessendrie’s mind. The only thing on her mind was gaining access to the Kliengard library — a vast and prestigious conservatory engorged with ancient Elven knowledge — and Alessendrie was intent on ingesting it all.
She took a centering breath as the carriage stopped in front of the castle, locking her eyes with the Princess. “You look beautiful.” Alessendrie assured, squeezing her hand once more before the guards pulled open the doors.
“Princess Selenia of Kliengard, and her acolyte, Alessendrie Morthover of Citrion. Presenting, Prince Corvin of Kingdom Alevra.”
Though it was customary, Alessendrie found it annoying, having to step out of the carriage first. She was but only an advisor-in-training, wouldn’t it make sense for her to trail out behind the Princess? Begrudgingly, Alessendrie exited while moving her silken skirts out of the way, grasping at the hand of a guard as she descended. A jade green dress fit on her curves stunningly, a sheer shawl wrapped around brown, perfectly poised shoulders, though she kept her eyes averted until the felt the hand of her soon-to-be Princess.
“Prince Corvin…I’m rather pleased to be in your company.” The Princess said softly, allowing his lips to grace her hand. She fought back a toothy-smile, opting for a gentle parting of her lips, followed by a quick glance back towards the mage. “My apologies for the late addition to our party. This is Alessendrie Morthover, my acolyte and perhaps, future advisor.” She nodded gratefully towards Alessendrie, watching as she got acquainted with Corvin, before following behind her once more. “It’s actually quite scandalous— she’s only part elf.” Princess Selenia chuckled slightly, as they were led into a lavish-sort of parlour. She sat first, and moved away her gown, to make way for her acolyte.
“I am growing quite fondly of her,” Princess Selenia remarked, allowing the chalice of wine to be placed in her hand. “She’s always got her head in a book. I’m sure you’d like that, no less.” She took a dainty sip before turning to Alessendrie, her emerald eyes twinkling with pride. “She’s scryed beautiful images for me. Dashing, extravagant…romantic.” Selenia couldn’t help but giggle. “Tell him what you revealed to me on the last quarter moon.” Princess Selenia commanded, taking another sip of wine.
~~~
“She was so in love with you.”
~~~
It was…his lips, Alessendrie realized as she traced the recent introduction back in her mind. It was his lips, she repeated as her knuckles radiated with energy. The Princess’ voice was but an echo, as she struggled against her heart, grounding herself back in the present. “I don’t wish to bore the Prince with such mystical ambiguity…” Alessendrie sheepishly looked up, locking eyes with the Prince. His icy blues…they seemed to create blizzards within her own silver pupils.
“Oh, there's no use in being modest, Alessendrie.” Selenia barked out a laugh before motioning for a servant to refill her glass. “What other reason would I buy you, if not to show you off in front of others?” An electric blue wine sloshed around in her chalice before she inhaled sharply and took a sip. “I absolutely adore Crystal Fruit wine! Prince Corvin, you are so thoughtful!”
Bought…me? Alessendrie’s eyes were snatched from Corvin’s as she directed a gaze to the Elven Princess, holding her breath until she felt grounded again. Is that all she thinks of me? Alessendrie wondered, as she turned to her future Queen.
“Ivory and marigold flowers of sound, archways of light…quite beautiful and profound…” The mage recited, just as she had to Selenia in front of the hearth, moons ago. “Locks of dark and eyes as pale…pure heavens is where this love shall hail.” Alessendrie finished, her eyes looking between the eyes of her future Princess and…her soon to be husband.
Princess Selenia’s voice was like a harp, melodic and intense, the way it drew everyone’s attention. “Does that satisfy your inquiries, dearest Prince?” She quipped towards the dark-haired man, batting her eyelashes so.
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Post by Raven on Jan 1, 2022 20:49:47 GMT -5
Corvin sipped his glass and crossed his legs, hues orbs moved from one woman to the next. He looked to his beloved, in the flesh. Her voice was full of energy, even her hair bounced with joy. Then his hues would looked to Alessendrie. There was something there. Energy. No. Tension. It was tension as thick as honey, it called to him like a hummingbird to scent. He drew in a breath and let it go slowly.
“Please, bore me to eternity” he smiled to her, he leaned forward until his elbows pressed on his knees, glass in hand between his legs. He hummed softly “Hmm….” He pondered and smiled once more, dashing – charming. Toxic. “I suppose you don’t know me all too well yet, hm?” he took a sip of his whiskey and swirled the glass gently. “Mystical Ambiguity is a great passion of mine” he smirked. Selenia backed him up, which made him chuckle gently.
“Oh my dear, of course. You know – actually” he held a finger out as he pointed to the glass of wine. “You can only make that wine a few weeks of the year, when the cold is just right, humidity is perfectly peaked. The berries picked at its maximum possible state of sweetness, texture and mm – “ he kissed the rim of his glass. “It doesn’t end there. The fermentation is done outside, and the weather has to be perfect… how the earth warms slightly, the mash is held accountable by nature itself. The two bond, creating the greatest wine you’ll ever have, a touch of nature in every sip” he smirked and sipped again. “Mystical ambiguity, my lady”
As Corvin took a sip of his whiskey – he choked slightly as the Princess coined at Alessendrie. He cleared his throat “Wrong pipe, go on Princess” he nodded, though his gaze shifted to Alessendrie, his hues studying her. The way she crossed her legs, the ever so small quiver of the corner of her lip. Corvin set his drink down and then stood, both hands shifted into his pockets. He walked very slowly, a slight pace in the room, a sign of discomfort or thought. Selenia finally finished speaking and the mage’s silky voice danced through the air. Poetry.
Corvin paused in his walk and turned, looking to the woman with interested hues. He listened to her words, poetry from her lips. He shifted forward quite suddenly, until he stood next to Alessendrie, he studied her eyes for a moment, holding a perplexed face. Corvin chuckled from the chest, just once – like a huff.
“Should the Gods bar the path… with burden-full shoulders…distraught and broken…” he whispered to her, the mage, soft and breathless. “succumb to the inner darkness… where hell drags my insufferable soul” he finished with a bite. “The Balance of Wonder” he spoke and then stepped away to refill his glass.
*** “She was in love with the thought of being in love”
Foot steps moved swiftly. Clacking loud sounds. Silence. Then breathing. He could smell her breath. He willed himself to stand before her. It smelled the same… ** “Well, Selenia” he held his glass up, a hand in his pocket once more. “I don’t think you know just what you’re graced with, my love” he smiled to the Princess, he loved to watch her squirm. “Your Inquistor is well educated, I can tell - by that glance of her eye – she’s judging me, but not in a harsh way. She’s watching my movement, the way I stand with my hand in my pocket, the inflection of my voice. She’s listening not to my words but to my soul. She see’s” he stepped towards the Princess and placed a hand upon her shoulder. His thumb massaged into her shoulder gently, in a caressing manner.
“She see’s…” he looked to Alessendrie, his head flicked to the side slightly as he looked to her. His head shaking slightly. What was this. “She protects you, Princess. She watches me, to make sure you are safe” he looked to Alessendrie once more. Then he broke it with a smile… but not the same smile he had before, it felt. Forced. He turned to Selenia and grasped her hands, he assisted her up to stand next to him. “I hope she protects you better than I ever can” he whispered softly, is eyes looked into hers. Somethings…
“Because I never want to lose you” he whispered, and then he kissed her. The kiss had some energy to it, but was cut short as the Prince pulled away. He smiled and stroked a lock of her hair. Outside of the door – clamoring of people and boots could be heard. Corvin pulled from the Princess and lifted a brow. Different....
“I am very happy you both could come. I suppose – if I have to share my date, I wouldn’t mind it with such a presence” he bowed his head to them both. “Let me check to see if they are ready… hold on just a moment, my Princess… my lady” his voice paused just before my lady, and his voice dropped just a little… he bowed deeply and slipped out into the hallway.
He was gone for almost 10 minutes, leaving the two women to their peace. Before he returned he knocked on the door several times before cracking it open. “Ah, very good” he clasped his hands together. “It is time” he held both arms out once more and led them briefly down the hallway.
As they came to the door his arms fell. “You both will go first.. but wait” he whispered. Someone stood infront of the door, they could be heard clearing their throat.
“Ladies and Gentleman, people of the Royal Committee and beyond. I welcome you. We shall honor the Royal Families and their entry” the sound of trumpets began to play, the band struck a perfect tune.
“Go on” he shoved them forward.
“Princess Selenia of Kliengard and her Acolyte, Alessendrie Morthover of Citrion!!” The room burst into an abundance of claps as the two women made their way down the rolled out red carpet, which led to a slightly lifted area of the ball. It had a specific table, for the Royal Ensemble.
“Prince Corvin of Kingdom Alevra!” The room cheered even louder, many women whistled and shouted. He stepped forward, a hand on the hilt of his sword as he walked with immense Princely swagger. He paused and even gave that annoying gorgeous and handsome head nod. Girls swooned. He approached the two women, he bowed before them and held out both of his arms, leading the Princess and Mage to the Royal table. He held a chair outward for Alessendrie, waiting patiently for her to sit. And then he held out Selenia’s, once she sat he placed a kiss atop her head after. He then walked around to the otherside to sit across Selenia.
“The King and Queen of Kingdom Alevra” The Trumpets blared a unique song, they fanfared and sang as the King and Queen both walked down. The Queen waved her hand, but yet the King seemed unimpressed. As if this was the last thing he wished to do. The Queen was as beautiful as can be – she had a chiseled jaw and cheek bone that was fierce and powerful. Her hair was pulled up and she appeared as a Raven Queen. Her black hair pinned back with a raven pendant. She appeared youthful and full, a beautiful and true woman. Her Husband, the King, he appeared tired and aging. He stood average height with a lack luster body. His hair was thinning, but he had a salt and peppered beard. He was not nearly as lucky as his wife, though in his age he was once striking.
They both sat in their seat, the King at the end of the table and the Queen on his right. Then the Prince next to the Queen, who sat across from Selenia. The parade continued until the table was full. The Aunts and Uncles of the family…
The King slowly stood and approached a marked point on the stage, he glanced down and situated himself. Corvin sat upright, his head tilted as he waited for his father to speak.
“My people of Alevra” he spoke, his voice was humbling and thick. “I welcome you on this joyous day, the end and the beginning. Yuletide” he raised a hand upward. The room raised their glasses and nodded. “So today – we feast, and dance. Dance of the year to pass, and the year to come. Drink with me, my friends, my dearest family” he bowed his head. “May the music play” he waved his hand.
As he made his way back – he groaned as he sat in his chair. “And may we eat, hm?” he nodded and began to load his plate before anyone could answer.
“An Excellent Speech my love” Queen Maeve placed a hand upon her husbands. The King placed a hand upon his wife’s and he nodded, but he did not reply, he simply took another bite of food.
Corvin cleared his throat and smiled “Mother” he cleared his throat once more.
“Oh yes, of course. Selenia, my dear – I am so thrilled you could make it. I do hope the travel was bearable” The Queen reached forward and took the hand of Selenia’s, she gave it a small squeeze and smiled.
“And have you met Selenia’s assistant, Alessendrie Morthover of Citrion?” Corvin introduced her and nodded in approval. “You know how I’ve said before – mother – I would love to visit Citrion” he mocked gently, smirking like a young boy…
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