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Post by Raven on Sept 11, 2022 12:32:32 GMT -5
The Prince tilted his head and he smirked “Not serious?” he chuckled. “I’d prefer to have it in peace and quiet, where maybe I can think more deeply of my answers. You deserve that much of me…” he listened to her words about Lady Ira. “You speak fondly of her” he raised a brow. “Tells me you are very aware of the relations of the Crown, I admire that. I will need someone like that at my side, you know. Someone with a… more tender touch than I” he listened as she continued. “I could not agree more… If it were so simple to just declare the answer, I might… but you are right.” He bowed his head as she departed from the table.
Lana snagged the Princess away and they stepped away. “I don’t like that man” she spoke softly. “Baran Liam Wolf? I stood there for a bit, he had no idea I was there… so fixated on you” she muttered as they ushered away.
“If you will not use magic – then I will interject on the fight. If she uses magic – I cannot allow the fight to go on. I will join the fight, but she will be punished… which might add tensions between Trent and us…” she raised a brow. “but we shall see how it goes… the Prince does not feel comfortable, and neither am I. She is apart of an old Assassination Clan… that does not bode well with me..” she looked out to the skies.
When the conversation changed to a lighter note – Lana reveled in the pink of Vaena’s cheeks. It was a glorious feeling to make her feel such a way, and it reflected in her own body in response. She shifted when Vaena mentioned – something doesn’t feel right. “I don’t know that anyone would feel right, or happy, with this moment. Even if we didn’t know… but yes, something is… uncomfortable.” She smirked to the last comment – I’m glad that I will have you with me at least . Lana watched her walk away but she lingered for a moment, she didn’t particularly care to re-enter the festivity of talk.
A guard waved her over as the room sat once more, and she followed suit. As she sat she took in a breath and let it out. “The night is wearing on her, but she is making it through. She had a… interesting engagement of the Baron of Glass Cove – what do you know of him?” she questioned curiously. “And – I have nothing good to report of Maeve, she will be likely a trouble maker. We may need to interject, the Princess refuses to use her magic in the Arena… and I doubt Maeve will respect those rules. The Prince suggests that she will not take losing lightly” she leaned back and a servant placed a beautiful slice of mousse, with perfectly shaved chocolate curls atop.
“I have a question..” her voice grew quiet. “When a decision is made – how swiftly does the wedding typically take place?” she questioned.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Sept 11, 2022 13:45:00 GMT -5
“They are all fixated on me.” Vaena responded softly. She glanced to Lana as she spoke that she would interject. “You cannot.” She spoke her jade hues locked upon her. “There are rules, Lana. We must follow them.” This was Vaena speaking above the Princess. Vaena was always one to follow the rules to the T. “Assassin Clan or not. We must fight within the arena. It cannot be interrupted by you...nor can anyone else step in. If you do the Kingdom will view me as weak...” She pressed her lips together and then looked away. “I am to be their Queen one day. I cannot fail them.”
The princess gave a soft sigh to Lana’s next comment. She was right. Who in their right mind would feel okay with this? She gave a gentle smile to her. “I would rather spend a night with you, Lana.” She spoke softly before she’d disappeared back into the dining hall.
**
Ashlyn lifted her eyes as Lana came back to the table. “I was worried you weren’t coming back.” She winked. “But then I saw the princess.” A light chuckle came from her lips. Vaena had a glass of wine in her hand once again. The red mage raised a brow slightly. “The Baron of Glass Cove...” She clicked her tongue. “I know that the crown gifted him Glass Cove years ago. He is tasked with protecting that region of the kingdom in return. He has a fleet of ships, a small guard. If he is here...then he must believe that the princess’ hand belongs to him.” Her crystal hues gazed to the princess another moment before she looked back to Lana. “He was once a bounty hunter for the previous king. The man is ruthless. I’ve heard about the things that he does.” She shivered slightly and shook her head. “I can’t imagine how he will take it when they announce it is the Prince of Trent that will gain her hand.” She spoke in a hushed tone.
The red mage leaned back as the mousse was set before her. A soft sigh came from her lips as Lana spoke of Maeve. “Vaena would never use magic in the arena. It is a disgrace to do such a thing. Cheating even.” Ashlyn spoke. “We cannot interject in a way that anyone within the arena would know. This is a delicate matter. It would cause a great tension between the two crowns if we were to aid the princess in an obvious way….” Ashlyn pondered for a moment. “I can add protections to her armor with blood magic.” She smirked slightly. “Give her an advantage or two. Is there anything that you might be able to do to help her? Something subtle enough that Maeve will not notice.”
Ashlyn tilted her head as Lana asked her final question. She pressed her lips together in thought. “A week, maybe two. Given that the Prince has traveled all the way from Trent...I imagine it may be more swift than that. He will want to return to his home with his new Queen.” She pursed her lips slightly. “We won’t have much time at all. We need to get Vaena to the Dragon Caves. She needs to find her dragon….perhaps...if she married him before...this is what caused the line to disappear...she was taken away before she was able to awaken her magic...before she created a bond with her dragon?” She questioned this quickly in a hushed tone. “If that were to happen...I can’t imagine what other things will be set in motion...”
**
The princess took a bite of her mousse. She gazed to the prince a long moment before a sigh came over her lips. “Almost there.” She spoke, a soft chuckle came over her lips. She sipped from her glass of wine. “You haven’t had a drop to drink, have you?” She spoke as her jade hues settled in on the prince once again.
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Post by Raven on Sept 12, 2022 17:48:16 GMT -5
Lana sighed as she sat, her dull eyes glancing to Ashlyn. "This sucks, honestly" she chuckled. "I am not sure how you enjoy it so much. Its too much" she waved her hands subtly, indicating the chaos of the room. It was obvious she wasn't used to such activities, in any of her realms of existance. She drew in a breath as Ashlyn spoke of the Baron of Glass Cove. "Seems everyone believes the King owes them something. Its funny... us lowly life feel as though we owe everything to the King, and yet the higher class believe the other way? I suppose... if they invest and such, but. I've only ever known that we are here because of the Crown, and the crown is only here for us..." she took a sip and picked up her fork.
She took a small bite of the rich mousse and smirked to the flavor, it was quite good. It reminded her of a mousse her mother would make for the bakery she owned. The memories of her time past were so distant now, and the memories of this world was more prevalent. She felt as though she had to really reach in the scapes of her mind to draw on those old memories of Lana, the Academy. She wondered if it was part of the magic - the longer they lingered? Would she become this new Lana entirely? The inquisitive Spirit Mage - who asked more questions than she could summise answers - swarmed her head.
"Little matters if this Maeve is set to kill the Princess, of which is highly plausable." she took another bite. "Also, isn't royalty usually void of most rules?" she chuckled. "Perhaps I am thinking of... the great ol' council of our time, where rules are to bind the weak only" she shrugged. "My honor matters little when it comes to a life" she finished her plate and sucked in a breath. "We shall see how it goes... but you are right. Perhaps the caves will give us more answers..." the room stood for the final mingling would occur, she hoped.
***
The Prince tilted his head and he smiled weakly, peering to his now stale wine. "Mm - yeah. I don't drink." he pressed his lips together, as if to determine if he would tell why. He let out a soft breath and took a bite of mousse until he gathered the courage to say it.
"I once led a scouting group into the Red Coast, which is uh" he thought for a second. "A part of Trent that is a little more..." he bobbed his head to find the world. "rustic" he smiled and leaned back. "Anyways, I drank a little too much, and ultimately I learned a valuable lesson. I lost my crew and I barely got away alive. Made a utterly stupid call, I was... a little rage filled, I learned that well - alcohol doesn't suit me well" he chuckled and shrugged. "Anyways, since I haven't had much of a will to drink. I just remember the world spinning around me, and my men on the floor too." he finished his glass of water and stood.
"Not to... make this night so grim. Come, let's step out to the balcony, avoid all this stupidity..." he held his hand out to her to guide her to the balcony.
As they walked through the doors he waved to the two guards, who shifted to guard the door, no one would enter.
He walked to the ledge of the balcony and placed an elbow on it, leaning comfortably. "Your city is beautiful, truthfully. I have never actually been here before. I mean... once as a kid. I dont... remember if we ever met then. I think my father dropped me off at the training hall. I remember dueling with a gentleman - Sir Alexander?" he questioned. "He was very wise, taught me a very cool style of drawing my blade" he chuckled. "He said... sometimes flashy is necessary. Threaten your opponent with style and confidence, break them down mentally" he recalled the words.
"Part of me wants to just stay though. Gah" he sighed and leaned back from the ledge and peered out. "My father does not intent on handing the crown down, I will not be King of Trent. I will be Lord of the Tree. In the mountains - the great Tree of Life rests high, the holy city of Lunarth. My job will be to protect that tree, with my life. It is... quiet, and beautiful. My father though - will rule until his last breath, and he... is not exactly the most noble of rulers, unlike your father" he stifled a sigh. "One day when I rule, I will change that persona, which taints my family" he shook his head.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Sept 12, 2022 19:26:17 GMT -5
Ashlyn nearly spit out her wine – she smiled as she held back her laughter. Once she’d swallowed she chuckled as she looked to Lana. “When you’ve been placed in these circles all of your life. It is all you know, Lana.” She smirked for a moment. “Even within the tower I was engaged in circles like this. Just because we are in another piece of time…it does not change it. The interactions of your time have the same circles I imagine. The high class – those that get together to schmooze over one another for riches and fallacies.” She grinned playfully. “I absolutely enjoy the atmosphere. Watching it all play out.” She kissed her fingertips. “It is more delicious than this mousse could ever dream.” She took a bite of the mousse and melted slightly. “Though, it does come a close second.” She winked before she took another bite.
The red mage glance to those that chatted and enjoyed their dinner. She raised a brow slightly to the flat expression on the princess’ face. Lana’s words pulled her back into the conversation. “Hm…yes…those with money and items do believe that the king must do things for them. They are truly selfish by nature. It is no different than the council of our time, love.” She tilted her head slightly then took another bite of her food. “The king spends his days trying to keep all of these nobles happy to prevent rebellion. While his other hand is busy avoiding war. I can’t imagine the stress that the man endures. Now on top of that he has every able man in the kingdom and other far reaches of this world with their hands outstretched with promises of riches, armies, and the like…just for him to hand his daughter over to them. You know why?” Ashlyn raised a brow slightly. “This bloodline. The Draegon bloodline. They are the most powerful mages to have existed thus far. Dragon riders.” She grinned. “Who wouldn’t want to have the hand of a dragonborn?”
Ashlyn took another bite of her mousse. Her eyes wandered to see the Prince speaking with the Princess. Her head tilted slightly. She wanted to know what their conversation was. She watched as the Prince stood in the middle of the dessert – his hand outstretched toward the princess. To her surprise Vaena obliged. Her lips parted slightly – her crystal hues glanced to the king and then the queen whom had their eyes upon their daughter. The queen had a look of worry in her eyes though.
Little matters if this Maeve is set to kill the Princess, of which is highly plausible.
Ashlyn’s hues fell upon Lana once again as she was sucked back into the conversation. She clicked her tongue as she lifted her glass of wine. She cleared her throat slightly. “I would hope that the Prince’s sister would not come across the sea just to kill our dear princess. Especially in a time that he is to be offered her hand.” She raised a brow slightly. “Rules still exist in this timeline Lana. The council is yet to exist.” She finished off her glass and frowned slightly with a sigh. “We have to get the princess to the caves. Something tells me that is our best chance.” She nodded slightly.
**
Vaena watched Leon as he spoke that he didn’t drink, she took a sip of her wine as he stated this fact. “Hm.” She replied simply to the topic, her brow raised inquisitively. It was almost as if she’d asked him to tell the story, but she’d merely pried it out of him without a word. She leaned her head to the side slightly as she listened to his story. Her expression was short of interested and far from bored. It was a strange in-between. Perhaps the amount of wine she’d had was to blame.
She sat quietly as he laid the story out before her, a sip of her wine here, a small bite of the mousse there. But truthfully, she was listening to the Prince. His story of loss. “Not grim at all. It is refreshing to hear anything that falls short of the façade that most put on when they speak to me. The realism that you offer Leon…I can’t say that I am used to it.” She offered her hand forward to him with a smile. Her other hand held onto her glass of wine. Her cheeks were burning pink by this point. Though she walked to the balcony with him effortlessly it seemed.
As he leaned against the balcony the princess stood with her wine held by both hands, her head leaned to one side as her eyes played over him. As he spoke of Luviel she gave him a true smile, a laugh escaped her lips. “I can’t say that I remember you.” She spoke as she stepped to the balcony next to him. She gazed over the flickering lanterns that filled the city below. “But Sir Alexander is our Captain in the guard. He is quite the swordsman. He has tricks of old that are but a flourish of skill to those that practice the art today.” She smirked to him. “He is right though, if you worry your opponent with a flash of skill and get into their mind…get them shaking before you even truly attack…you’ll win every single time.” The princess seemed to relax more now that she was away from the prying eyes and ears of the nobles.
Vaena’s jade hues looked to the prince as he spoke the next line. She was in the middle of a drink of her wine when Leon announced that he was not to be king. She nearly choked. Her eyes widened slightly and she turned as she coughed slightly. “Wh….what?” She asked. Her brows pulled together. Her expression was of complete disbelief. There was a cold silence that settled between the two heirs then. The princess downed her glass of wine swiftly before she gazed over the city. “You. You aim to take me away from my home – a Draegon….away from my home.” Her voice shook. “You aim to take me away from any chance of having a bond with my dragon…and you will be nothing but a Lord of a tree?” A wry laugh came over her lips then. “What other calculated plans does your father have?” She asked with a pointed tone. “You think keeping me from my dragon will destroy Luviel. Is that it?” She asked, her words slurred slightly from the wine. “I am not leaving my home to become a lady of a tree.” She pressed her lips in a flat line. Though it wasn’t her choice at all and she knew it. A disgusted scoff came over her lips before she stepped to the doors and pushed around the guards.
**
Ashlyn glanced to the balcony doors as they opened swiftly. Her brows furrowed slightly as she watched the princess enter the dining hall swiftly. She watched as Vaena made her way to the stairs that spiraled up and out of the dining hall. “So what do you think the Prince said to the Princess?” She asked in a curious tone. Ashlyn watched as the queen quickly rose from her chair to rush after her daughter. It wasn’t but a few minutes later that the king stood to dismiss everyone. He thanked them for coming and announced that the betrothal would be announced tomorrow at the conclusion of the tournament.
**
“I’ll not even be queen…mother do you not see the problem with this?” Black lines ran down Vaena’s cheeks as she stood within her room.
“Vaena…darling…” Queen Elaine stepped forward and pulled her daughter into a hug. “It is political. That is all my dear. You will be queen of Luviel one day.”
“Not if I am far away in Trent busy tending to a damn tree.” The princess quipped back swiftly. “There is more to it than this, mother. Something is wrong. Terribly wrong.” She shook her head and fell back upon her bed. Her eyes glowed amber as her magic surged within her.
The Queen let out a long breath as she watched her daughter. “I will speak with your father…but…Vaena dear…please…just breathe…” She spoke before she left the room. The queen rushed down the stairs from the princess’ room. She entered the dining hall just moments after the king made his announcement. Her hues searched the crowd, her lips pressed together. She slipped through the nobles and came directly to Lana. “Miss Highland.” She spoke as she caught the woman’s hand to stop her. “I know that you are terribly busy.” She spoke her voice soft. “Vaena…needs a friend…could you spare your time?” She asked as she searched her eyes. “Lily can show you the way.” She spoke as someone called her name. Lily was at one of the tables picking up dishes and glasses. She was awkwardly carrying the items back toward the kitchens of the castle.
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Post by Raven on Sept 12, 2022 20:11:34 GMT -5
Lana turned her gaze as the Princess rushed from the balcony, many had seen her usher away. That act alone is what caused the King to end the night. A thankful speech from his lips - and people began to gather. Though the night would go on - a celebration outside of the castle, of more chatter and ale. This just meant the end of the royal expedition of the evening... Lana pulled her brows together as her hues stared to the Prince.
The man stood in the wake of the Princess. He let out a sigh and turned back to the balcony, defeated no doubt.
"Anything could have set her, this is a... volatile time" she muttered and stood. It was then that the Queen came through the crowd, a simple hand upon Lana's shoulder. Lana bowed her head to the Queen and her brows pulled together, her eyes catching Ashlyn's briefly.
"Yes, of course... I'll go to her" Lana bowed before the Queen. "Ashlyn, I bid you a farewell, enjoy the festivities.." she placed a hand upon her back and then retreated away briskly. Her booted steps lead her around the people, she caught up to Lily in a brisk second.
"Lily-" Lana reached forward and grasped a teetering glass. She took some of the ware from her hands and followed along her. "The Queen has asked you to escort me to the Princess's room.. it appears she is in distress... as is expected from such an evening..." she pushed the doors open to the Kitchen with her back, holding it for the servant. She gently placed the glasses upon a huge pile that gathered near the washing basin.
"Maybe something for her spirit, her favorite treat - beyond wine, perhaps?" she smirked "Of course, in a little... please, take me to her room." she followed along Lily.
***
The Prince turned about after pacing briefly, his mind deep in thought. Several woman watched him from afar, nobles questioning the actions. Did he blow it? Leon pressed his lips together and stepped back into the dining hall, where conviently the Queen was retreating.
"My Queen-" Leon called and rushed to her side. "Might I... get a moment of your time?" he questioned with his pearly eyes peering to her. "A moment alone, if you do not mind..." he nodded. They broke off into a room about the halls, which ended up being a comfortable study, the walls lined with bookshelves and trinkets.
"I am not sure if you aware... but my father has no intention of stepping from his throne. He has spoken that I will become Lord of The Tree." he nodded his head slightly and thought of his next words carefully.
"I want to propose something to you..." he peered to the city outward through the crystal glass of the room.
"The Tree is already occupied, my lordship there offers no true value other than the sake of this marriage agreement..." he peered to the Queen then with sincere eyes. "Does Luviel have anything to offer, of which my Lordship would be keen? I want... to provide use, and... the Princess was very defeated to learn that she would be torn from her lands... I do not know of the Magic of Dragons, but she accused me of intently dividing her from her Dragons..." he crossed his arms.
"My father will not depart the throne, and neither will you. Meaning - we are burning time for the sake of a political bond. I do not see the need to rip away her future as a Draegon. I would serve your crown directly as Lord, and my father would likely enjoy the concept of having blood over here... considering the distance is quite the ways...Will you present my request to the King?" he questioned.
It was quite the role reversal, something the lands had never seen before. Typically the Princess was offered to the opposing lands, not the Prince. Under Luviel Banner - it would be the Princess with the upper hand in this setting. "I would rather... be married to a happy wife, if I am not to be King for some time either. My father is healthy, and has no intention of riding into battle... the Throne will be occupied for some time" he sucked in a breath. "Then of course... If she is to produce Draegon heir, then your homely rituals and practices can still remain." he tilted his head. "Anyways... that is all I wished to ask. Her... outburst is in reaction to this, and I cannot blame her... I can feel her power swelling within her... I do not want to take that away from her" he bowed his head then. "Fare evening, my Queen" he spoke and left for the door.
***
As they came to the Princess's room - Lily knocked on the door and opened it slowly. Lana stepped inside as Lily closed the door, leaving them to their peace. Lana glanced to the door and then to the Princess...
"Vaena" Lana muttered and she shuffled forward. She pulled a hankerchief from her pocket and approached Vaena. She placed a thumb on her chin, a finger about her jaw as she peered to her with a smile. She dabbed the dark lines of her makeup away. It certainly wasn't the first time she has wiped Vaena's tears away. It was not uncommon for Lana to enter her room and find her curled up on her bed. Sometimes all she would do is crawl in next to the mage and lay quietly. They both would pass out, not a word shared, not much was ever needed.
"Some things don't change, hm?" she smirked and slipped the small cloth away. "Come on... lets get you out of that" she reached upward and plucked the crown from her head and gently set it down on one of the many stands, which held glittering crowns of choice. Lana peered to them for a long moment and returned to the Princess's side. She didn't say anything, not much was needed.
Lana stepped behind Vaena and her finger stroked the intricate laces that lined the Princess's back, sinching her into her dress. She worked them loose until the dress released its grasp about the Princess. She let her fingers stroll up the shoulders of the Princess, until her thumbs pressed into her shoulder blades, massaging them as they stood. "Tense" she chuckled.
"I miss my music" she whispered and guided Vaena over to the bed to sit, so she could continue massaging her shoulders. "And... TV, ah fuck. To just melt away and watch something dumb... I miss... the Libraries and listening to that flick of a rusty page..." she sat with a leg on one side of the Princess, her fingers still massaging her. "I miss my bike, and the wind" she let out a sigh. "but... I love the flowers here, the smell of campfire smoke in the air constantly, I love... the kindness of people, and the care of placed words..." she trailed her fingers down the spine of the Princess, her dress inching further downwards.
"I love the bang of my hammer on metal. I love the heat of the forge, and the sizzle of perfectly tuned metal. I love the dance of the fight, and the heat of the sun. How... spoiled we are by air conditioning" she chuckled. She just spoke. Something she always did before. It always worked for Vaena, like putting her into a rhythm, drawing her from whatever it was that was bothering her.
"The food here tastes... brighter, I feel - just a little more alive. Raw, almost. But - the gourmet soaps, and highly conditioned wine... shoot - extra soft toilet paper and a good Calvin and Hobbes read on the toilet..." she chuckled and finally pressed her forehead on Vaena's shoulder. "Does it feel like the moon is closer here?" she questioned as she placed her chin on Vaena's shoulder and peered out to the beautiful glass french doors. The moon was almost aligned with her balcony, as high as they were in the sky it seemed...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Sept 12, 2022 21:15:57 GMT -5
Ashlyn spun around when she heard the Queen’s voice. She bowed her head and watched in awe as the woman asked Lana to spend time with the princess. To be her friend. A bit of a smirk curved up her lips. “Do enjoy your evening as well, Miss Highland.” She spoke in a whisper with a wink at the end.
Lily nearly dropped the glassware on the floor. She gave a weak smile to Lana. “Thank you…um…” She looked to the haphazard way that she’d stacked the dishes. “Oh yes…of course…just…” She smiled as Lana held the door open. “Thank you.” She bowed her head and stepped into the kitchens where another servant took away the glassware. “The queen asked you to check on the princess?” She looked at Lana for a long moment. She then gave a smile. “She likes wine.” Lily spoke with a soft laugh. “Especially when she’s distraught. Maybe a bourbon. But food won’t be something that is on her mind. She barely touched her meal this evening.” She commented as she led Lana through the castle.
Lily paused as they stood down the hallway from Vaena’s room. “She’s…quite fragile…” She spoke as she searched the woman’s hues. “I don’t think I needed to tell you that.” She turned and led her to the room. As she knocked, “Princess…I have a friend for you.” Lily spoke softly. She stood at the door as she watched Lana rush forward to the princess’ aid.
**
The Queen was in the middle of a conversation with another noble. Her eyes fell upon the prince and she offered a friendly smile. “Yes of course, Prince Leon.” She followed after him. The king glanced to the two as they departed the room, his brows tugged together slightly.
Elaine drew in a breath as she looked to the young man before her. She held the same jade hues as her daughter that seemed to search into Leon’s soul as she tilted her head slightly to listen. She was a truly beautiful queen. “Vaena might have mentioned that just now.” She replied with a forced smile. “She was not enthused to become a lady of a tree.” The queen gave a soft laugh to lighten the mood. She stepped over to a bookcase and glanced over the books within it. As the Prince spoke of a proposal the queen brought her eyes upon him once again.
Her brows rose slightly as he asked of a place that he would be needed in this kingdom. He wanted to be useful. Elaine drew in a breath, “The magic of dragons is quite unique…you would be taking my daughter away from any chance that she may have of bonding with a dragon. This is true…” She tilted her head slightly as she watched him. He continued on – he wanted Vaena to be happy. He did not want to snuff out her light. An honorable thing. Many of the men that vied for her hand did not see her as such. They saw the princess as a prize and power. That was all.
“I will speak with the king for you, Prince Leon of Trent.” The Queen spoke as she watched him. She caught his shoulder as he made to leave. Her eyes locked on his. “This.” She spoke and searched his eyes. “What you’ve said to me. It means more than you realize.” She nodded and then held a book forward to him, a gentle smile upon her lips. “A book of dragons for you. Perhaps it will help you to understand why Vaena is so distraught.” She nodded as she placed the old leather book into his hands. The front of the leather book held the Draegon family crest upon it.
**
Vaena’s breaths shuddered. She stood at the balcony, her eyes overlooked the city. When the door opened she glanced over her shoulder and as Lana came across the room her lips parted slightly as if to speak, but not a sound came from the princess. She closed her eyes as Lana brushed away her tears and cleaned the make-up from her cheeks. It was a silent agreement between the two. A silence that had always calmed Vaena – the white mage. She brushed away a few tears as Lana worked at the lacing of her dress. Her eyes gazed to the assortment of tiaras that would go with any occasion.
The princess drew in a deep breath as she was released from the grasp of the corset. A sigh of relief came from her lips as Lana massaged into her shoulders. She didn’t protest as Lana led her to the bed and she sat down. Her hands idly held the front of the dress in place. Her jade hues gazed to the woman a broken laugh escaped her. Of all things she missed television. Vaena never had time for television – she didn’t miss it really. Vaena melted to the touch of Lana, her eyes closed slightly. A chuckle came from her when she spoke of her bike. “I miss that death trap too.” She whispered softly.
Vaena let out a shaken breath as she felt Lana’s hand move down her spine. Her eyes watched the woman for a moment. Her tears gone as Lana continued to speak. Another laugh escaped her. “God and corsets are worse than prison.” She giggled drunkenly. Her distress was slowly beginning to melt away. A distant thought in the back of her mind. As Lana pressed her chin against Vaena’s back a soft sigh escaped the princess. She gazed outside to the moon. “Hm. The moon is more beautiful here because it is not blotted out by pollution or tall buildings.” She whispered.
The princess drew in a breath as she shifted slightly. She turned so that she was facing Lana, her jade hues bore into hers a long moment. “I miss the things I never had.” She whispered softly. “The things that were right in front of me…so painfully obvious but I was so busy I couldn’t stop a moment to see. To smell. To taste. To feel.” She pressed her lips together. Vaena’s breath trembled slightly. “There is so much that I wish I could have told myself to open my eyes to.” She brushed her thumb along Lana’s cheek and then traced along her jaw, down her neck and to her collar bone.
A soft laugh escaped the princess. “While you miss your entertainment. I dream of what could have been.” She searched her hues once again. “I was too busy to see two inches in front of my nose…” She whispered softly as she leaned forward and pressed her lips to Lana’s. Her hand fell to Lana’s cheek and her fingertips slipped to the back of Lana’s head. Vaena kissed her with a passion that she’d never showed the spirit mage.
This lasted for a long moment before the princess pulled back and searched her eyes once again. Her cheeks her flushed a hot pink color. A laugh escaped her. “This world is so much worse than the world we lived before. Because my eyes are finally open…and there is nothing I can do about it.” She whispered. Her fingers trailed along Lana’s collar bones once again, and then her jaw and down her shoulder to where the princess’ hand rest upon her hip. “I don’t know which is truly worse.” She gave a broken laugh as she pressed her forehead against Lana’s, her lips pressed forward again briefly before the princess pulled back to search Lana’s hues once again.
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Post by Raven on Sept 13, 2022 10:27:55 GMT -5
Her fingertips played over the free curve of her spine, massaging gently until the Princess turned. Lana shifted her head and even her body so that she placed herself upon the side of the woman. Their gazes met in a long embrace that their distance had called for. The instinct was released in a gentle gasp as their lips touched. The kiss was like no other that she had experienced, there was a raw energy that pulled at her every string of her soul. It was so powerful that even her magic responded, fluttering over her bare flesh and shocking the every atom that was her own body.
Lana's fingers slipped into the hair of the Princess, getting lossed in the thick cover of her beautiful ashen hair, and their souls mingled over the rolling hills of their lips. They took, and gave, and offered all within in the single motions of simplicity. When the Princess broke their kiss to speak once more - Lana felt a swelling tear on the brim of her lid. She huffed back the sensation, as it was sorrow and joy at the same time. The true balance of life - she was so aware of her joy simply because she was swarmed by such sadness at the same time. Jumping in and out of a flaming patch and into the coldest of springs, a revitalizing feeling.
They kissed again and their eyes locked. It was then that there was a knock on the door. Lana smirked and stood - Lily creaked the door open and held a silver platter. It was finger foods, and two bottles of wine. "For your evening of relaxation..." she stepped inside and set it down upon the table. Lily's hues glanced to the Princess, who sat with a dark blush over her cheeks, and a dress half undone. Though, the woman did not speak a word.
Lana crossed her arms and raised a brow, she followed the servant to the door and she stood at it for a long moment. "Not a word, hm?" she whispered and covered her lips with just a finger, a shushing motion. Lana smirked as the door closed and she locked it from within...
Lana stepped forward and popped the cork on the wine bottle, she brought it to her lips and took a long sip and then handed it over to the Princess. As she did - her own fingers worked the buckle about her waist, a jingling of metal, and it was released. With a simple shrug her blowse fell to the ground in a puddle by her feet. She stepped over and took the wine bottle from the Princess and drew a long sip from it and placed a hand upon her shoulder.
What would partake that evening would be full of breathless words and countless whispers. A heaving of chests into the night, and two bottles of wine to rest on the bed side table. She explored every facet of Vaena's body, in every way she had dreamt night after night. It was slow at first, hesitant and almost fearful - but Lana introduced the confidence. The ownership of each other's minds and souls. In some manners of their most intoxicating moments - it felt as though their magic weaved together more intricately than their own bodies about the bed.
The world washed away in the music of their essense and only in the morning - when the sun peaked through the curtains; did she realize the night was not a dream. Her eyes fluttered open, as she held the bare woman in her arms. She drew in a breath and let it out slowly, contently.
"Good morning" she spoke softly and planted a gentle kiss upon Vaena's forehead. When the Princess stirred - she sat for a long moment, taking in the woman, taking in their night. She then slowly slipped from the bed and began to retrieve her clothing. She neatly stacked the Princess's own clothing upon the table, her fingers plucked at the untouched fingerling platter and she smirked, a cracker between her lips.
She plucked a tunic from the Princess's collection of clothes, hanging about in the open closet. Lana returned and slipped it over her chest, her own leather pants would do - which were strolled over the edge of the bed, where it was kicked off freely. Soon she was dressed and she sat on the edge of the bed, admiring her. "We'll make it work, hm?" she smirked and slipped her boots on.
"I better leave for now... you have a fight to prepare for, I will see you at the tents in a little" she stepped over and placed another kiss upon her lips as a farewell. She unlocked the door and opened it - just as Lily stood, waiting patiently to enter.
"Good morning" she smirked, the devilish smirk that belonged to the Spirit mage. "A lovely morning.." she spoke chipperly. As she stepped out she peered to the Guard that stood at her door. The Guard simply looked to her and offered a similiar smirk, it was a secret that they would all keep, surely. She gave another shushing motion with a single finger and then bound for the steps...
Her chipper skip lead her down the streets and she eventually came upon the beautiful Manor that was Ashlyns, she knocked on the door and was greeted by a servant.
"Ah, Ashlyn was awaiting you, breakfast is served..." The servant bowed and lead her into the lavish dining room...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Sept 13, 2022 13:19:26 GMT -5
Vaena only smiled to Lana as she searched her hues. She was lost in the lust of the moment. The overwhelming sensation that she’d yet to allow herself to be lost in. Though as the knock came from the door the princess gazed to Lily. Their eyes met – it wasn’t a look of embarrassment upon her face that one would expect. It was a look of curiosity. The princess smiled with her rose colored cheeks as she held the front of her dress in place. Lily’s own cheeks had flushed pink as her eyes looked to the finger that was held to Lana’s lips. She gazed once more to the princess and then gave a silent nod. The kingdom would fall apart if they knew that the princess partook in such an endeavor so close to the day she was to be announced to her betrothed.
The princess giggled as she reached for the bottle of wine. She glanced to the crystal glasses that Lily had placed upon the tray among the finger foods. She didn’t care for a glass. Not in this moment. She took a drink from the bottle before a chuckle came from her. The princess’ jade hues played over Lana as she removed the layers of her clothing. Her breath hitched within her chest, her heart began to bound.
The night was like a dream. Better than a dream even. Vaena melted to Lana’s will. She pulled the woman closer to her in the tangle of sheets, a grin upon her lips. She allowed Lana to carve out a confidence in her that she never knew existed. Their movements were like a sweet duet that was written only to exist together. The hours of the night drew on and the princess gave in to each desire as easily as the next.
When the morning sun cast over her bare form the princess was curled against the blacksmith. The warmth of Lana’s kiss caused the princess to stir. A tired mumble came over her lips of incoherent words. Her fingertips curled into the sheets that were tasseled about as Lana slipped from the bed. Vaena gazed after her, a sweet smile upon her lips. “Good morning.” She whispered as she looked over the woman before her. As Lana placed the tunic over her the princess sat up and pulled it on. The smile never left her. She was high on the emotions from the night before. We’ll make it work, hm? The words wafted through the air and filled Vaena with hope.
It was when Lana spoke of the fight that the princess drew in a breath. Reality came crashing back down. The kiss broke the princess from her mind, her eyes focused upon the woman. “I’ll see you then...” She managed to whisper as she lay back within the silky sheets of her bed. The memories of the night flooded her and a smile once again curved up her lips. “We’ll make it work...” She muttered to herself as she lay with her eyes closed.
Lily gazed to Lana – that devilish grin. “Lovely morning...indeed...” Lily spoke as she glanced to the knight whom held a smirk that nearly mirrored that of the blacksmith. Lily watched after the woman as she made her way away from the princess’ chamber. Her eyes fell upon the knight once again. “Not a word of this. Not even a whisper.” She spoke, her eyes watched him carefully.
The knight smirked to her, “You don’t think anyone else knows?” He asked with a raised brow. “It wasn’t like it was kept secret.” He chuckled as he watched her.
Lily stepped to the knight, her brows tugged together. “Not. A. Word.” She spoke before she slipped into the chamber of the princess. The young handmaiden took in the smile upon the princess’ lips. She looked to the two bottles of wine that lay upon their sides. The untouched platter of food. A chuckle came from her lips. “Good morning, princess.” She spoke as she grasped the platter and moved it to an end table by the door. She looked to the neatly folded dress that sat upon a chair.
“Good morning, Lily.” Vaena replied, her eyes still closed. Her body still filled with the ecstasy of the night before.
“I have your wears for the day. This morning you have breakfast with the king and queen.” Lily cleared her throat. “I won’t speak of it...just so you know...” She said then.
The princess sat up slowly, her hair a disheveled mess. A giggle came over her lips. “And what if you do?” She asked as she walked across the room in the long tunic that covered her to her upper thigh. She began brushing through her hair before her mirror.
“It was...Miss Highland whom you left to see the other night. Wasn’t it?” Lily pressed, a smile upon her lips. She stood behind the princess and combed through her hair. “You have that same smile...that you did when you came back from the church the other evening.”
Vaena let out a soft laugh once again as she closed her eyes. “Hm...I did meet her. Yes.” She raised a brow as she gazed then in the mirror to Lily’s expression.
The handmaiden blushed slightly and then smiled to the princess. “She’s quite alluring.” Lily spoke, “And more kind than many of your suitors, I’d say.” She braided the princess’ hair carefully. A warrior’s braid that would easily fit within the confines of her helmet later this afternoon.
“She is.” Was all the princess responded with, a light blush upon her cheeks.
**
Ashlyn stood at the top of the foyer – a grin upon her lips. As if she knew when Lana was to arrive. “Miss Highland. What a pleasant surprise on this lovely morning.” She hand her hands upon the balcony. She was dressed for the day in a fine corset that hugged her body – a white tunic beneath that had frilled ends that fanned out at her wrists. She wore a fedora upon her head that held a thick leather strap that matched her corset. A thick belt clung around her hips that led into the wavy nature of her skirts that were flirtatiously hiked up in the front to show of her beautiful black leather thigh high boots that held silver embellishments. “I was beginning to wonder when you might show up.” She spoke as she leaned forward slightly, her crystal hues played over Lana. A knowing smile upon her lips.
She descended down the stairs that wrapped down either side of the foyer. Her fingertips grazed along the deep mahogany handle until she stood before Lana. “Come on in – we’ve just finished breakfast.” She winked as she turned and walked into her home which smelled of freshly cooked sausage and egg, bread and the like. “Have a seat, Lana.” She pulled out a chair at the large table of the dining room. The table held two plates that were filled with fruits, sausage, eggs, and freshly baked bread. Two cups were steaming and brimming with coffee. Ashlyn took her seat and took a sip from her coffee. She eyed Lana and tilted her head slightly. “So, how’s our white mage?” She questioned with a grin.
**
Vaena sat down at the table within the dinning hall. She wore black leather boots, black pants, a deep blue corset and a white fine noble tunic that held embellishments of her house seal upon the sleeve cuffs. Her make-up was pristine as she sipped upon her morning freshly squeezed orange juice. The king ate a croissant as he gazed across the table to her. “How are you feeling this morning, Vaena?” He asked.
The princess gave her father a smile, “Well. Thank you.” She spoke before she took a bite of her fruit.
“Your mother spoke to me of some surprising news.” King Martin glanced to Elaine a moment before he looked back to the princess. “The Prince of Trent is to not be the king once you are wed.”
The words, even though she knew them to be true...it still hurt. “Ah yes, he is to become a Lord of a tree...and I the lady to it...” A sigh came from the princess.
“That will not be. You are a Draegon. You will not be turned to a mere lady...” King Martin spoke he glanced to Elaine. “Prince Leon seems quite interested in you – the political gain of the marriage is the best that we have been offered. So you will wed him. But you will not leave Luviel.” The king raised a brow slightly. “I must speak to the King of Trent on this – but I will not give him an option. You will not be made to baby sit a plant. You are a Draegon.”
The weight of the world seemed to press upon the princess. Yet it lifted slightly. She gave a nod to her father and a soft forced smile curved up her lips. “Thank you father.” She spoke, her eyes moved to her mother. This had to be the Queen’s doing. The queen reached out and gave a gentle squeeze to her hand. The rest of breakfast was spent speaking of the dinner party the evening before and the tournament. The three spoke of the competition. Soon enough – breakfast had ended.
**
The tournament stands filled with the crowds of the city and those that came for the festival from near and far. The princess stood within her tent with Lily tending to her. She drew in a breath as Lily loosened the corset and replaced it with a leather protective bodice that didn’t hug the princess nearly as tight. She stared into the mirror as Lily began to fasten the pieces of armor upon the princess. As set that her father gave her this morning. It was a fine set of armor, even better than her armor from the day before. The king imagined that her armor had been ruined and he’d had this armor made for such an occasion. The princess closed her eyes as the polished silver, gold and black armor was placed over her body. The red garrison from beneath added to her look. Lily tightened the straps and looked over the pieces carefully.
“Thank you, Lily. Go on and enjoy yourself. Miss Highland will be here to squire for me the rest of the day. I’m sure she’ll be here any minute.” The princess spoke as she turned to her handmaiden.
Lily offered a warm smile. “You look stunning, princess. Your opponent stands no chance against your skill nor your beauty.” She bowed her head before she slipped from the tent.
Vaena was left to stare at herself in the mirror. She ran her fingertips over the dragon that was edged into the chest piece. Her eyes glowed amber as her magic swelled within her. She could only think of her need to find her dragon. This tournament did not matter. Not if she was unable to find her dragon and bond with it. What sort of Draegon would she be without a dragon? The weight of the world once again pressed upon her.
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Post by Raven on Sept 13, 2022 20:23:46 GMT -5
Lana tilted her head with a grin about her lips as she stepped into the manor. She came into the perfectly placed Dining Room, where Ashlyn sat. "Oh, for me - you shouldn't have" she mocked a victorian accent, which at this point didnt technically exist. She sat in the chair before her and made her self at home, piling her plate with the assortment of perfectly crafted food.
"The white mage is...." he raised a brow. "Sated" she chuckled "this mage too" she poked into a fresh fruit and plopped it into her mouth with ease, a slight crispness to her action. "It was as I ever dreamt it to be" she gave a sigh of joy. "but... she is distraught, of course. Much going on... i did my best to take her mind off of things.." she let out a soft sigh.
"So.. I shall tell you what the Queen said to me... I didn't want to say, lest it be overheard..." she took another bite of her food.
"I said to the Queen just after the tournament that I was fond of the Princess... she returned to me at the feast. She wants to Knight me and make me Vaena's Royal Guardian" she lifted a brow. "For me to travel with her to Trent... and of course. I requested your presence as well, and she agreed" she lifted a brow. "I figure you will likely be more free than me, giving you an upperhand in the political nature of this future. As that is not my strong suit... but of course - you can decline, but... we do have an ultimate goal, I figure it best we stick together" she took another bite.
"The longer I am here - the more I love it so. As... raw and unfiltered it is - I like this world more. I struggle to presevere in our original mission, to stop the chaos and give our world a fighting chance... who knows, if we.. ever get home - maybe that will be a better place?" she shrugged. "Free like this, but with modern technologies?" she raised a brow.
Lana finished her plate and stood. "Thank you for breakfast, my dearest. I need to prepare for the tourny, will you meet me at the tent?" she questioned, folding her napkin neatly atop her clean plate.
She bowed then and smirked to Ashlyn "Until then, Lady Ashlyn" she turned and the servant escorted her out. Soon enough she bound for her home... she pulled her gate up to her forge and she stepped inside. She peered to her order book and sighed - she had so much work to do. An entire batch of military grade swords, she had to finish that piece for the Knight... she bit her lip and glanced to sun just outside the gate of her smith. She had a little bit of time.
Lana stood in the middle of her forge and held a hand up - the fire kicked on and grew hot instantly. The Lana before didnt have gifts like these... and she stood - fingers wiggling as she contemplated. She could... cast a spell and forge these weapons immediately... but she knew that wasn't right. Who was to tell if the blades were tempered perfectly... she paced a moment and then sighed. She had to do it right.
Lana poured metal into several molds and pulled the unshaped sticks of metal out and stuffed one into the coals. She had poured 10 blade, and she would do the initial shaping, and allow the weapons to cure over night. The timing was perfect. She had roughly two hours - and she worked swiftly. She used a bit of magic - to enhance her swing, and her speed. The pressure of her swing was calculated and perfect, allowing her to shape a blade in 10 minutes, a record. Often to get it just right it would take her at least an hour. And of course - the longer the metal was hot and shaped - the weaker it would steadily get. This would mean an even better blade... the idea of the mastership of her craft enhanced by her magic - it made her even more proud.
After laying out the shaped swords - she powered down her forge with a single wave of her hand. A blast of ice shot forward and the forge sizzled down swiftly. Her boots clattered up the steps to the door of her home and she swiftly changed.
This time she decided to go for a more fighter look, and begin to present herself. The idea that she was catching the eye of the King and Queen drew her closer to her ultimate dreams. She knew she was close to achieving them, though in truth - never how she expected it to go. She always imagined that she would sell some blades, duel a few knights, impress the commander - get audience... that was her only hope, in truth.
Lana sucked in a breath as she strapped down a shining shoulder piece and gauntlet, of which she crafted herself. It was simple with some design, but it was perfectly crafted with the smoothest of transitions, the edges were crisp and fine. Lana didn't make armor often, she was a sword smith - that was her passion.
She pulled a vest on over, though it was a corset style to enhance her feminine features. She then pulled a gorgeous carved clasp onto her shoulder, hooking down a slender cape. The clasp was of an anvil and hammer, as if no one knew who she was. She pulled her several belts on and then a pair of white leather pants, a sheath on her thigh for her dagger, and boots.
Lana braided a single braid from the right side of her head and pinned it back. She brushed a bit of soot from her cheek and hurried out. She bound down the city and came to the huge arena. She stepped around back and made it through a set of guards that allowed her into the tents.
As she made her way to the largest tent - she paused as someone came out. "Um.. Good morning Lily" she bowed her head. "Is she in good spirits?" she questioned. "Oh" she dug through her pocket and pulled out 5 gold coins. "I'm not... trying to buy you off, but please - take some time to enjoy the evening. I know.. you probably havent had much time for you, and you've done so much - okay, I'm going to shut up now. Have a great day" she quickly stepped into the tent after the coins fell into her hand, forcefully no doubt.
Lana was quiet as she walked up - she simply placed two hands on each of the Princess's perfectly crafted shoulder-armor pieces. She let her arms slide forward and hug the Princess, her lips pressed against her temple. "You're doing that thing" she spoke softly and slipped from Vaena. "Where you're all concentrated, and your lip twitches a little" she smirked and walked over infront of her, crossing her arms with a grin.
"What ever it is your thinking... just let it go with a breath, hm? You duel this duel, you celebrate, we go to the caves, we go to a springs?" she questioned, her voice rising with curiousity, teasingly. She placed both hands on hers and squeezed them "Lets get your gauntlets on, and your sword ready" she spoke and brought her gauntlets over from a table, which had all of her armor previously laid out.
The tent flap opened and Lana turned her gaze, it was the Prince of Trent. "Forgive me Princess" he bowed his head. He wore only his leather pants and a tunic. "Lana... you have my armor?" he questioned.
"Ah - my Prince. I am terribly sorry, I got wrapped up and didn't have them sent over. You have my most gracious apology" she made a 'oh shit' face, a famous one of hers, and then rushed over to her crate.
"Here we are" she pulled his armor out. It was perfectly fixed, and shining ever so brightly. A wave of her wrist the day prior fixed it in a blink...
"It is alright, Smith. I owe you" he bowed his head and peered to the Princess. He smiled weakly - "The best of luck to you, my Princess.. I shall see you out on the red clay" he bowed and then swiftly turned on his heels and left in a hurry. He was the first fight and yet he wasn't dressed yet...
"He doesn't seem... all too bad. I suppose... things could be much worse" she muttered and she presented the Princess with her sword. "What did you think of him, you got some time with him last night..." she raised her brows curiously, when deep down - she had a raging jealousy that made her fingers tremble at the thought...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Sept 14, 2022 6:10:25 GMT -5
Ashlyn's outfitAshlyn grinned to the spirit mage, a playful smile. The flirtatious smile that she always seemed to have. “Hm, I knew you would be by...besides...I couldn’t live with myself if you were to squire for our lovely princess on an empty stomach.” She winked and then chuckled lightly. The Victorian accent caused Ashlyn to chuckle. She took a sip of her coffee as she awaited in careful anticipation what Lana might say. Had the spirit mage spent the night with the princess? A devilish grin came to Ashlyn at Lana’s words. “Mhm...you finally cracked her hm?” She chuckled as she took a bite from her own food. “I imagine you kept her mind off of a lot of things.” She winked. Ashlyn took another sip of her coffee as Lana began to explain what the Queen had requested. Her brows rose and a look of surprise came across her features. She gazed about her fine home in thought a moment. “If I were not here for the greater good, I would tell you no.” She smirked. “But we do have a task at hand...” A chuckle once again as she took another bite of fruit. Ashlyn nodded in agreement. “This world is far more malleable than our time. Even more so than yours I imagine. The people here are different. They do not hold the hate and greed of the people in my time. It feels free.” She spoke and raised a brow slightly. “We can only hope that if we do return to our time...everything that we do now is worth it. Hm?” She took another bite. “But I agree with you. This world...I could stay here.” She drew in a deep breath, “But the longer we are here...the more distant our future seems to feel...the memories that I have of my time want to vanish into thin air.” She commented and took another sip of her coffee. “I imagine you’ve felt the same. Perhaps that is the draw back to such magics.” She glanced to the empty plate that sat before Lana. “Hm...yes I’ll meet you there.” She spoke and then watched as Lana left her home. She sipped upon her coffee as a sigh escaped her. Were they doing the right thing? Were they truly fixing the future timeline? Or was this where they would remain? ** Lily gazed to Lana as she nearly ran into her. “Miss Highland.” She responded, her eyes played over the woman and her fine attire. It was fitting for her and she looked almost as if she belonged within the ranks of the knights. The handmaiden glanced over her shoulder toward the tent, “Princess Vaena is focused on her fight to come.” She replied. “But her spirits are high, yes.” A bit of a smile tugged at the edges of her lips. She was staring into the eyes of the woman whom had spent an entire night with the princess in ways that many could only dream of. Her brows tugged together as Lana pulled out coins. “Miss Highland it is wildly inappropriate for you to---….” She stared to her hand that Lana had forced the coins into. Her lips pressed together before a sigh escaped her. She glanced over her shoulder as Lana hurried to the tent. Lily closed her eyes a long moment. This secret. It would eat her alive. ** The princess' armorThe princess did not move as she stood before the mirror. She half expected it to be Lily that had entered her tent. When she felt the weight of hands upon her shoulder pieces her eyes shifted in the mirror to find Lana’s hues. As Lana came before her a soft smile curved up the princess’ lips. She went to speak but Lana filled the gaps. “A springs?” She questioned as Lana took her hands. The smile widened upon her lips. “I’d say that sounds quite lovely.” She admitted as she gave a squeeze back to Lana. “What do you think of the new armor?” She asked as she gazed to herself in the mirror once again. “My father had it made for me...he said he anticipated the day that my previous set of armor was damaged beyond repair. I don’t think he gave you enough credit.” She smirked slightly as she held her arms in the proper position for Lana to attach the gauntlets. She fell quiet once again after this, her eyes focused in on the mirror. Her mind churning. When the flap opened this time Vaena turned her jade hues to find the Prince. Her lips parted slightly as if she aimed to speak but she returned her gaze to the mirror. She listened to the two as they exchanged words with one another. The princess turned her eyes to the crate as Lana handed it over to the prince. The armor within shined brightly. Her eyes found his as he wished her luck. “May luck be with you as well, Prince Leon.” She spoke before she looked away once again. Vaena let out a sigh once he was gone. She gazed to Lana as she held her sword forward. The princess slipped it into the sheath at her hip. “He will not be a king.” She spoke, her eyes lifted once again to meet Lana. “He revealed to me that he is to become a Lord of the Tree back in his home of Trent. That his father will not relinquish the title of king. This is a political affair more than anything.” She huffed slightly. “Though this morning my father stated a proposal to me that he aims to propose to the King of Trent...that Prince Leon stay here in Luviel so that I am not taken away from the Draegon lineage.” She sucked in a sharp breath and shook her head. “Lana...” She turned to her and grasped onto her tunic slightly, a soft smile curved up her lips. “If I could choose you. I would.” She whispered softly and leaned close. She could smell the sweet scent of the blacksmith’s perfumes. The tent flap opened and suddenly the princess turned away and gazed into the mirror once again. The King himself walked into the tent. His eyes gazed to Lana. “Miss Highland.” He spoke with a warm smile. He then looked over his daughter. “Vaena.” He stepped to her and searched her eyes as she turned to him. “I know that you know this. But all eyes will be on you. Hm?” He watched her carefully. “Perhaps this win will give you the spark that will call to your dragon.” He spoke as he placed a hand upon her shoulder. “Fight well my dear.” He leaned forward and placed a kiss upon her forehead. King Martin then gazed to Lana. “You’ve dressed well today, Miss Highland.” He complimented. “Do be sure to be around after the final fight.” He spoke before he stepped from the tent. Vaena let out a breath that she was holding. She closed her eyes and shook her head slightly. “I just have to make it through this duel.” She whispered. The flap opened once again and Ashlyn walked in with a bright smile upon her lips. “Princess, good morning.” She turned her crystal hues to Lana, “Miss Highland, good to see you, love.” She spoke as she set a bag down on the table. She clicked her tongue. “Now, I know you’re going to say no. But I’m not giving you a choice.” She spoke as her eyes turned to the princess again, a serious look on her face. “I can’t have some assassin from Trent harm my white mage.” Ashlyn spoke as she pulled out a few tools. Tools that she could enchant the armor with. “Magic is forbidden within the arena.” Vaena protested. “Well it isn’t your magic. Is it?” Ashlyn spoke with a sly smile. She sliced into her palm. “Just hold still and let me help you, Vaena.” She spoke as she began her work. She drew intricate runes in blood upon different pieces of armor before she began to speak in the old tongue. Her eyes flashed a reddish glow and the runes took on the same coloration before they seemingly burned away. Not a trace was left on her armor. Ashlyn smirked as she stepped back over to her bag, “They don’t even know what blood magic is yet.” She winked. Vaena pressed her lips together as she looked down to her armor. A sigh escaped her. “Lana...do you really think that Maeve is here with intent to harm me?” She asked, her tone worried. “I’m to be married to her brother...would that not stop her?” The sound of the trumpets resounded over the tents. The first fight would be underway shortly.
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