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Post by Blindside Tex on Aug 7, 2022 8:31:03 GMT -5
As Lana called up to the princess, her eyes glanced down to the blacksmith from within the helmet. She received only a nod before she’d rushed off into the arena. Ashlyn glanced to Lana and sighed slightly. “The princess seems to have quite a strong personality. But Everyone respects and adores her.” Her eyes moved back to the field. “We will learn to read her, hm?” She winked to Lana just before the first blow. Ashlyn winced and gripped onto the fence.
At the end of the fight as Ashlyn helped the princess back to her tent she could feel the prying eyes. Those that wanted to know if the princess was alright. If she was injured. Ashlyn watched as the princess struggled with the straps. “Just breathe. Wait a moment. Lana will be here.” Ashlyn spoke.
Vaena grimaced as she tried to work one of the straps loose. The chest piece was crunched together so much that she couldn’t get to the buckle. Her breaths were shallow and quick, there wasn’t much else she could do. Her jade hues lifted as she heard the flap of the tent open and then Lana’s voice. She didn’t protest as Lana sliced through the strap. The princess drew in a breath and winced as pain flooded her body. The compression of the chest piece had overshadowed the true pain. The princess didn’t argue as Lana pulled her along behind the dressing curtains.
“That knight fought dirty.” Ashlyn spoke as she stood. She grasped the chest plate and the back plate. She set them upon the table and her fingertips ran over the deep bend in the armor. “I’d be willing to be he had metal in his lance.” She commented. How did she know that? The Ashlyn of this time knew it. Her brows tugged together. Who was this Sir Isaac?
Vaena coughed slightly, “Okay.” She breathed her eyes on Lana. She trembled slightly as the pain coursed through her. The princess furrowed her brows slightly. “I’m…fine…” She protested but she still didn’t fight against Lana. Her cheeks had a slight pink tint as Lana reached forward and started to undo the buttons. As the woman revealed the deep purple bruising she closed her eyes. She could feel the warmth of Lana’s magic as she inspected the area for the severity of the injury. Her fingertips worked the buttons of her tunic closed as she gazed to the woman. She had a soft smile upon her lips, from the liquor perhaps? Or perhaps it was simply Lana’s presence. She watched as she worked on the perfectly polished silver armor pieces. Vaena placed a hand over Lana’s and gazed into her eyes. “Thank you.” She spoke, her voice soft. She searched Lana’s eyes a moment. Vaena was close, once again just inches from Lana. She could smell the sweet scent of the blacksmith. She cupped Lana’s cheek and a pained smile came to her. “This isn’t fair.” She whispered just as the trumpets sounded.
The princess pressed her lips together as her hand fell away. “I’m certain that these final fights will be interesting.” She spoke as she stepped from the dressing curtain.
Ashlyn glanced to the two. She watched as the princess marched from the tent. A sigh came from her lips. “She, just isn’t as fun as our little white mage.” She winked as she stood and followed after the princess.
Vaena paused as she looked to Leon, the nervous nature about him. Her brows tugged together slightly. She gazed to the board then that showed the match ups of future opponents. Her brows raised – Liam the Giant. This giant of a man always crushed his opponent. It was always a blood bath and there was good reason for him being the last fight of the day. “Lana. Ashlyn.” Vaena looked to the two. “Come this way.” She led them away from the area that the squires and knights stood in waiting for their next match. She climbed up a flight of stairs to a sectioned off area and took a seat. She held her hand to her chest a moment and kept her composure. “I wouldn’t have made it to the final round without your assistance.” She looked to Lana. “Thank you.” She gave a smile then.
“That dirty knight deserved his ass to be kicked.” Ashlyn spoke as she took a seat. She looked around the sectioned off booth. They were below where the king and queen sat with the king of Trent.
Vaena’s eyes were once again fixed upon the field. Her attention was gone from Lana and Ashlyn. Her hand absently pressed over the painful bruise upon her sternum. If one watched closely they could see the slight tremble to her breath when she breathed in. But she was doing quite well hiding the pain.
Ashlyn raised a brow slightly and shook her head. She looked to Lana a moment. “I thought a few drinks would loosen her up.” She whispered with a smirk. “No such luck it seems.” A chuckle came from the woman as she looked down to the field. “This is an excellent view Princess. Thank you.” She looked to the woman.
Vaena’s jade hues looked to Ashlyn a moment and then to Lana. Her eyes stayed upon the blacksmith. “Of course.” She held a smile upon her lips then, a well practiced smile of a princess. She then looked back to the field.
Ashlyn clicked her tongue slightly and then looked to the field. “So.” She spoke, her voice quiet. “I got an invitation to the secret society of mages.” She spoke and looked to Lana a long moment. “I’m not so certain I have a good feeling about it.” The crowd cheered as one of the knights claimed his victory. It was Leon’s turn. “Oh shit…they have him against the giant?” Her jaw dropped as she watched the hulking figure climb upon the horse. “That monster kills his opponent every year.” She looked to Lana and then to the princess whom was focused upon the fight.
“Where is his squire…?” Vaena questioned as she looked about the crowd for the young man. The princess spotted him. Drunk as can be, another ale in hand. Her lips pressed into a flat line. But the fight was underway. She watched as the prince knocked the giant from the horse easily. That was the simple part of the fight. Liam was so large he had a hard time keeping himself on his horse in general. The crowd was a loud roar as the fight on foot commenced. As the blows were exchanged and Leon dodged hits the princess nearly held her breath. A blow from Liam the Giant…well that could easily be a death sentence.
Things went downhill quickly. When the hand was lobbed from the beast Vaena watched with wide eyes, she stood and gripped the railing as Leon was slammed against the side of the arena. There was nothing that could be done to stop the fight. It had to play out. She knew this. The fight was brutal. She could only imagine what injuries Leon sustained. She watched as the head was lobbed from Liam the Giant. Her eyes stared to the pulsating red eyes. She looked to the limp in his step. Her eyes turned to Lana and Ashlyn.
“That was a hell of a fight.” Ashlyn spoke as she looked to the blood soaked Prince. “He’s lucky that he has such skill.”
Vaena nodded slightly. “He is.” She spoke as she walked from the booth.
Ashlyn glanced to Lana and then chuckled, “Always chasing her, aren’t we?” She smirked playfully before she rushed after the princess. “Where are we headed princess?” She questioned.
Vaena shook her head slightly as she stepped to the board. Her eyes watched as they moved names about. She didn’t recognize the knight’s name that she was pitted against. She stood with her arms crossed over the light armor as many of the knights moved about around her. Some congratulated her. Others bowed deeply and smiled to her. She didn’t pay them any attention. “Lana.” She looked to the blacksmith. “Who is that?” She questioned as she motioned to the name that was lined up with hers for the final fight tomorrow.
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Post by Raven on Aug 7, 2022 11:31:10 GMT -5
Lana peered to the Princess This isn’t fair… she smirked and leaned forward and pressed her lips upon the Princess. “It isn’t, but don’t forget that the laws of reality don’t exist to us. We live to bend them, hm?” she smirked and glanced to her as straightened the armor on her shoulders…
Soon enough they made their way outside of the tent, their steps left prints In the freshly plowed sand of their path. Lana watched the Princess as they climbed p a small set of stairs, to a completely remote viewing area. She let out a soft sigh – her hues glancing to Vaena who held her chest gently. She shifted and chuckled slightly “I think we’ll need more than just a few drinks to loosen us up” she peered downward to the Arena, to Prince Leon. She could sense the heat of battle from below. Often times the Arena was masked by show, the fear of death was rare… but here the fear of death reeked, and caused a knot in her stomach…
“He attempts to be honorable” Lana leaned forward as the Prince threw his blade down. The fight would normally end here, after such a wound… but the Giant did not give in. It was not the end for him, death or glory. She winced as the Prince was picked up and watched with fearful eyes. It was a poor sight to see. The crowd was wild though, despite it, the show was a spectacle.
It ended in a finishing blow by the Prince, though he did not celebrate. He simply walked away as the crowd stood atop all feet, arms in the air. Lana stood and followed behind Vaena. “Ah, this is pretty normal – at least” Lana glanced over her shoulder to Ashlyn. Vaena was always from one though to another, rushing around to grab a book that fueled her thought, or silently rushing away to gather paper to scribble her newest idea. That was typical Vaena, not a word as her mind stirred violently within her skull.
“Maeve Snow” Lana read the words and she crossed her arms. “She is-“
“My delightful bastard sister” Prince Leon spoke as he walked up from behind, he stood next to Lana, a hand on his rib as he stood. “She was seeded, meaning she got to skip the line as a Guest Fighter. She is a legend, in truth” he glanced over to the Princess and he lifted a brow. “I wish you the best in your fight…” he peered to the Princess.
Lana stiffened and she sighed. “Your help is a few drinks in.. come on, let me assist you.” Lana glanced to the Princess and bowed her head. She did not want to help this Prince, but pity filled her stomach as his armor was battered against his body.
“I will not argue, Blacksmith” Leon bowed his head. “My Ladies” he then turned and limped towards his tent. Lana followed behind and the guards held the two flaps to the tent open.
The Prince stood and Lana unclasped his armor. She had to cut through some pieces as well, but she peeled it from his body. Immediately a wound about his ribs began to leak blood. It soaked through his tunic easily. “Damnit” Lana set the armor down and lead the Prince so that he sat atop a stool.
Lana pulled her own leather satchel out and dug through it. She pulled out some linen strips, for bandaging. The Prince did not speak, he simply lifted his tunic for her to see the crushing wound, he no doubt had a broken rib or two. “Lets get this to stop bleeding, you will need real medical help though” she began to wrap his chest. The linens circled about his absurdly perfect body, though she paid it no mind.
“The Princess looks to you with fond eyes” The Prince spoke as Lana finished, he was sure not to disturb her work.
“She has little else to look at” Lana sighed and she watched the Prince pull on his own attire. A leather vest and such.
“Fair enough…” he glanced to his armor and sighed. “Smith, do you think I could pay you to fix my armor?” he questioned as he lifted his crushed pauldrons into the air, with a wince.
“Of course, I will restore it to its former glory.. You fought well, against quite the animal..” Lana stepped over and took the armor from his hands and she placed it into a crate she located by the door of the tent.
“He lacked honor” the Prince sighed “As many do. I am disappointed, but… It was a thrill, I have not fought in battle in some time” he pulled his sword back to his waist and he dug through a small bag. “Magic seems to be every where” he muttered and lifted a small glowing white vial. “There is much to this mystery of magic. Us Royals have had it for some time, it used to be only the rich could afford it… but some how Magic is flowing to others. Without proper training – we see such Berserkers, who cannot stop the fight until they are dead. Or… worse” he uncorked the bottle and took a sip from it.
A scratch atop his brow began to heal, and soon the crushing wound of his ribs would heal over. He stepped over and handed the remaining of the vial to Lana. “Give it to the Princess. It is Water from The Tree of Life, Yggdrasil, of my people. Enchanted by the Oracles, the Nectar of Life” he smirked and nodded. “Thank you, Smith. I will see you tonight at the dinner” he bowed.
Lana took the vial and slipped it away, she was seemingly not surprised. Though his words – about magic. Her brows pulled together and she lifted the crate, with that she left and made her way to the Princess’s tent, where she assumed the Princess and Ashlyn may have escaped. Despite anything, she would drop the armor off at the tent. Even after all of these festivities – she would be up for several hours to fix both of their armor…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Aug 9, 2022 12:37:30 GMT -5
Vaena saw the smirk and a moment later Lana kissed her. The warmth that spread through her body caused the princess’ cheeks to burn like a wildfire. A smile curved up her lips as Lana spoke to her. The words of a mage that had bent reality. Broken all of the laws that the gods put forth. The three mages within this tent had done just that. “Hm, but we still have to follow some of the rules. Don’t we?” She whispered softly before she slipped from behind the curtain and from the tent.
Ashlyn smirked as she looked to Lana, “Hm. I can arrange for that.” She commented. “I have plenty of drinks that I can share with you two.” She glanced once again to Vaena. “At least she will drink, unlike our white mage. Hm?” She offered playfully. Ashlyn turned her attention to the battlefield below as the giant’s hand was sliced off at the wrist. “Oops…” She leaned against the railing, interested. Though she cringed as the giant threw the prince. “We have to stop it. What if he’s killed?” Ashlyn commented quickly. She only received a shake of the head from the princess. The princess knew very well that the match could not be stopped. They could not intervene. Prince or not. This was his fight.
Soon enough they stood before the board that read out the name of the challengers that would face one another in the final tournament tomorrow. The princess turned her head to the sound of the prince’s voice. “Sister?” Her brows creased together. She looked back to the board. She didn’t know much of those from Trent. She knew even less it seemed than she thought she knew. “A legend truly?” She questioned, her brows tugged together even more. “Surely you are a stronger fighter than your sister.” She gave a weak smile. “You fought honorably.” She commented. She glanced to Lana as she offered her help to the prince. “Thank you Lana.” She truly smiled then. Her jade hues played over the woman a moment before the two walked away.
“Come on. We should celebrate, princess.” Ashlyn grinned as she wrapped her arm around the princess’ arm. “You fought well today. Even against a dishonorable knight.”
“Princess!” A familiar voice called out toward the two.
Vaena pulled her arm away from Ashlyn as she turned. Lily rushed forward with a grin upon her lips. “You fought so well.” She spoke with a cheeky grin. “It was incredible. How you moved. You dodged! Everything. You must have really worked hard over this past year with the Lieutenant.” She took a drink from her mug of ale.
“Lily.” The princess spoke with a delighted smile. “It was luck. Truthfully. It always is. Isn’t it?” She commented as she started back toward the tent.
“No. I think it was skill.” Lily spoke as she followed after Ashlyn and the princess.
“Hm, skill can certainly be a part of it. But luck is also a factor. Even in war.” The princess spoke as she walked along.
“Princess.” Lieutenant Alexander bowed deeply before her. He took her hand and kissed the back of it. “You fought honorably. Your skill was incredible.” He straightened as he released her hand. “How are you feeling?” He asked. He glanced and could see a bit of the bruising that had spread toward her collarbones.
“I’m fine.” The princess spoke her eyes upon the knight. “No need to worry, Lieutenant.” She pulled her eyes from him.
“I’ll keep an eye on her for you, Lieutenant.” Lily spoke with a warm smile. “Don’t you worry. I’ve kept our princess well looked after for years. That doesn’t change now.” She placed a hand upon Vaena’s back and walked her forward. “These men don’t know how to respect a woman that can fight.” She spoke, her voice soft. “Any amount of injury that you sustain they will look at as the end of the world. You didn’t see knights rushing after the prince after his fight did you?” She raised a brow as she looked to the princess. “I certainly didn’t.” She pulled the tent flap aside.
Ashlyn followed the two inside and sat in a chair. “How are you really princess?” She questioned, her eyes watching the woman. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed.” She smirked. She pulled her leather bag into her lap. “Another drink?” She asked with a grin. She watched as Vaena nodded.
“In truth?” Vaena asked her jade hues watched the woman. “I can barely breathe.” She took a glass of liquor from Ashlyn as she offered it to her before the woman sat back down. She swirled it around before she downed the shot. “I’ll take anything to take the edge off.” She spoke as she sat in a chair and a soft sigh came from the princess.
“The dinner party this evening. Princess, if you do not feel well enough…” Lily began, but the look that the princess gave her told her otherwise.
“No, of course I will be there. I cannot have rumors started about injuries that I may have sustained. How am I to be a strong queen if I cannot even participate in a simple tournament?” She questioned with a smile then. “I will be fine, Lily.”
Lily nodded and then glanced to Ashlyn a moment. She glanced back to the princess. “I will prepare your gown for this evening.” She nodded. “When you are ready, I will see you at the castle, princess.” She bowed and then slipped from the tent.
Vaena held her hand out toward Ashlyn with the empty shot glass. “Another please.” She spoke.
Ashlyn grinned and poured another shot for the princess. She watched as the woman downed it. “Careful, princess. This stuff will catch up to you.” She warned with a chuckle. “So, did the Draegon princess marry the prince of Trent in the history books?” She questioned curiously then.
The princess gazed to her a long moment and then a laugh came from her. “If only the books spoke of the family. That is the trouble in all of this. We all seem to have been placed into the bodies of our ancestors…but…” She shook her head slightly. “The Draegon family line died in the Red War…at least that is what the books claim. There is nothing about the princess marrying the Prince of Trent.” She held the glass out. Another shot. She easily downed it. The princess seemed to have an affinity for alcohol that the white mage did not have. She laughed lightly. “If only this could be as easy as we thought it would be. Destroy the Capitol before it begins.” She shrugged slightly. “How can I destroy something if we are so far before it? Does it begin now? These people do not seem to know much of magic at all.” Her words blended together slightly as the alcohol quickly took its hold on her empty stomach.
“Now may be the perfect time to stop the Capitol. Before magic becomes the enemy.” Ashlyn spoke as she drank her own glass. She smirked to the princess as the woman seemed to finally relax. “Perhaps, you are a Draegon and you never knew it.” She grinned. “Could you imagine? A tie to the strongest bloodline of mages in the history of this world. You? I could see it. Your magic is quite impressive.”
“It is only impressive because of the hours that I spent before books in the library. The hours that I spent studying instead of living.” Vaena responded, her brows tugged together. “I am not a Draegon.” A sigh came over her lips. “Besides, the dragons were killed in the Red War. All of them. Remember?” She shook her head slightly. “Perhaps we can save the family. Maybe that is the point of all of this…” She whispered softly.
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Post by Raven on Aug 9, 2022 20:06:26 GMT -5
"Is the Princess inside?" Lana questioned with the wooden crate in her hands. The wood splintered slightly against her finger as she awkwardly hauled the thing around, the pieces of armor poked out and threatened to scrape her chin. The Guards pulled the flap back to the tend without a word, to reveal the dimly lit room.
Lana stepped over to the table she had used previously and set the crate down with a thud. The armor within clanked and she gave an exhausted sigh. "Ladies" she smirked, as if wiping the feeling away with a blink of her eye. She came over to where the two sat, she overheard the sentence - I am not a Draegon. Lana stepped over and placed a hand on the back of a decorated chair, leaning against it slightly with a brow raised.
"After the Red War - magic became a blood hunt. The late relatives of the Draegon family were hunted and murdered. But - no one knows if they actually were. They say they just.. disappeared from the world, no trace. Now, in the archives of Velmore - I saw something in the collection of scrolls. I couldnt find the scroll itself, but it was one volume of Red War Record of Payments log. I imagine - a list of people whom delivered the heads of mages, for a price, and such. Taxes, you know" she shuffled over and grasped a glass herself. She waited for the fresh pour and she took a long sip.
"I dug through that entire place trying to find that scroll. Back when you were digging around about Dragon Magic in general. But - I always wondered, why? Why did you care, it was a dead and forgotten thought in the dark shadows of the world. But it called to you" she finished her shot and cleared her throat roughly.
"There is tale of mages who learned to repress the magic, a curse really. Generations skipped, void of this magic, and then it returns after a spell." she set her drink down, half full and pulled out her pack. "Anyways, I wouldn't dismiss the idea. This... is my ancestor. I always knew my name was linked back to Highland Steel, my family actually started here. Only a few generations old, truthfully. I am not Lana Highland, I am Lady Laylani Eve Highland, the Master Obsidian Smith, first to be." she let out a soft sigh. "So, I am sooner to believe that you are. And that is why Light magic is so strong within you, Light magic was born of the same radiance as the Dragon kind, one step from the God's stream itself" she pulled out a small vial and turned it in her fingers.
The vial had a glowing white liquid, she could feel its magic that tickled over her finger and thumb, through the tempered glass. "Seems here though, Magic belongs to the wealthy. The Prince, and his family - they are experienced mages... and he has an offering for you" she stepped over and held the vial out to Vaena.
"The Waters of Yggdrasil, the tree of life... from the Isles of Trent. I watched him drink half, his bruises and cuts faded away. This - doesn't exist in our time. Yggdrasil... a myth" she chuckled. "Another story - the Fountain of Youth... also known as the tree of life...another myth" she returned to her drink and held it to her lips for a second, before taking a sip. "I think this world is... not what we thought it is. We have a lot to uncover and learn" she finished her glass.
"but... We're alive, and you're not a melting brain zombie, so... we get another chance, hm?" she smirked and sat down finally. "Drink it, lets see it"
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Post by Blindside Tex on Aug 9, 2022 22:48:59 GMT -5
“I’m sure in time we will begin to understand the reasoning. Hm?” Ashlyn smirked as the flaps of the tent opened up. She pulled out another glass for Lana with a smile upon her lips.
The princess gazed to Lana as she began to speak about the blood hunt for the mages. It was written well within the history books. How all of humanity had turned against anyone with the capability of magic. They saw all magic as a crime. It was part of the reason that the Capitol came to be in the future. Something to control the mages. To reel them in. “I could never find anything on the Draegon line. It just stops.” Vaena spoke she swirled her liquor in its glass as she seemed to think deeply. She sat forward, listening intently to Lana as she spoke of the log book that she’d found. Her lips parted slightly.
The princess had a curious look in her eyes as she listened to the blacksmith. Generations that magic had skipped. Yes, it was a thing. Something talked about in their time. That was why the academy was created. To help guide young mages. At least...that is what she was told. Vaena never really could explain why she wanted to know about Dragon magic. And on top of that her father would scold her for wasting her time if he ever found her with an old tomb from that time period. She should be focused on her studies he would say. Her brows rose slightly as Lana spoke of the woman that she truly was in this time. She’d read of the name while searching for dragon magic. “Dragon magic is dead in our time. All of the dragons were hunted and killed...because of their magic. Those that didn’t have magic wanted to use the dragons scales...their bones...it...really is a horrible thing...” A sigh came from her lips. She’d read several different incantations that were once used to draw magic from the remains of a dragon.
“But you use your light magic much like that of a Dragon Mage.” Ashlyn butted in, a grin upon her lips. “You use light magic so smoothly. Much like Lana and her use of spirit magic. It calls to you, Vaena. Don’t push it away because you are afraid of what you might find. This. Right here. Now?” She poured three more glasses for the trio. “This is our time.”
Vaena gave a bit of a drunken chuckle. She shook her head and downed the shot. Her eyes then drew to the vial of liquid that Lana pulled out. “What is that?” She questioned softly. She could feel the magic that radiated from it. “Magic is not a thing of wealth...” The princess spoke and shook her head. “It is not a thing to be owned.” She scoffed slightly. She listened to Lana as she spoke of Yggdrasil, the tree of life. Her lips parted. “All of this is merely a fairytale in our time.” She smirked slightly. A wry laugh came over her lips as Lana mentioned that she wasn’t a zombie. “Oh, I’m certain we still have time for that. Don’t we?” She questioned as she took the vial and turned it over in her fingertips. The power within the glass vibrated to a different tone than any magic she’d ever felt.
“To think this world was once full of magic like this. What happened to it?” She questioned as she uncorked the vial. Vaena lifted it up to her lips. She paused a moment and then smirked to Lana. “Here’s to hoping I don’t become a zombie. Hm?” She downed the glass then. Her face relaxed as she leaned back against the back of the chair. Her eyes took on a white glow as the magic melded into her body. Her breath caught in her chest slightly.
“Vaena?” Ashlyn questioned, a look of concern. She glanced to Lana. “How did the prince react?” She questioned.
The princess drew in a breath as a bruise upon her jaw began to disappear. Then the deep bruising that reached her collarbones melted away. The pain that racked her body from the fight completely disappeared. Vaena let out a delighted chuckle. She pulled at her tunic and glanced to her fair skin. Unmarred by bruising. “That. Truly is incredible.” She chuckled and lifted her eyes to look to Lana. “The tree of life...is real.” She shook her head and laughed. “I thought all of these things. These….things that didn’t exist...it was made up...but perhaps they all existed at some point.” She rambled on, some of her words slurred together. The pristine accent of the princess had melted away into the accent of the white mage. It still held a posh nature to it, but it was not nearly as polished. “Can you imagine all of the things that we have yet to see?” She questioned as she stood. She clasped her hands on either side of Lana’s face. A grin spread upon her lips. “This world...it is exactly what we were looking for when we were searching for the scrolls. But...it...it’s all right there.” She motioned toward the flap of the tent. A giddy laugh came over her lips as she sat back down heavily in her chair. Her eyes glowed slightly, the amber glow of her magic within. The princess’ magic.
“Vaena are you alright?” Ashlyn questioned as she sat forward slightly.
Vaena could feel the room spin around her as she gripped upon the arm of the chair. She shut her eyes and sucked in a deep breath as her magic surged within her. These were the power fluxes that the princess had been having. Just like the night in the tower that Lana had witnessed. She would get a surge of magic that was nearly uncontrollable. Her breathing quickened as she squeezed her eyes shut. Vaena knew how to control the magic. How to taper it down to a level that it wouldn’t create a blast wave. She spoke softly to herself, the old tongue. A spell that she’d learned when she was quite young. A spell that her mother taught her.
Vaena’s eyes opened. The amber glow remained. “My mother.” She spoke, her eyes looked to Lana as the glow began to fade. “My mother’s bloodline...it must...it must have been Draegon...my father didn’t have an ounce of light magic in him. He seemed jealous that I could control it so easily. But my mother...” She stood and paced slightly. Thinking deeply. “She taught me my first spells. She taught me how to control...this...” She staggered slightly from the alcohol. The princess sat back down after a moment. “She must have been the connection...” Vaena whispered softly. Her mother had died when she was quite young, 4 years old. She didn’t remember much of her. But she did remember each and every spell that the woman had taught her early on. As she thought back to it, she had taught her much at a young age and Vaena never understood why. But now...perhaps her mother had taught her these things to protect her.
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Post by Raven on Sept 2, 2022 23:26:48 GMT -5
Lana peered to Vaena as the drank the water, the odd gift from the Prince. She wondered much about him, he seemed mysterious, in a way that bothered her and enticed her in the same way. The Lana of old would have easily toyed with him, seduced him nearly, until she unraveled all of his secrets. That same Lana would find a way to use them… though the thought of swooning some one else made the pit in her chest cringe. She couldn’t find that want in her any more, that Lana of old – who would do anything to get what she needed – was gone. Perhaps she found something she needed? She downed her drink quickly at the thought and stood up.
It was then that the Princess had stumbled her way and placed her delicate fingers upon her own face. Lana smirked as the alcohol wafted from her beath. Though as she admired the woman’s eyes and her soft features – and then Vaena was drunkenly stammering off towards the tent door. “Right?” she chuckled and lifted her own glass up in the air, as if to cheer to the statement. The world they were studying so hard, trying to understand and grasp – they stood within it. Though she was even more lost being here than any, but it was as if the whole world was under her fingertips, at the same time.
Lana quickly stood as she felt a swell of power, it was familiar. “Hey – “ she stepped over and placed a hand on her shoulder, right when Vaena whispered her spell. “Seems like those flashes happen a lot… Wonder if its anything to do with that dragon-magic… you should meditate tonight” she spoke after Vaena mentioned the blood light, the Draegon line. “Perhaps in this world the magic is more prominent. They say when you are around the source of a magic, or others with similar magic, it can pull on your own. When I visited the ley-lines, where the Spirit world connects with ours – I always felt a huge pull within, I certainly was stronger there” she bit her lip slightly. “We have an advantage, we have knowledge that these people do not. Thousands of years of research – we have studied. We can’t forget that now, we should use it to our advantage…” she smirked and stood.
“Well, I am certainly not going to bang all this freakin’ metal out manually, not tonight. We have a big ol’ feast, where you get to banter with all your suitors… and I will pretend like I don’t care anything of it” she chuckled stepped over to the box of armor. With a single wave of her hand – the armor was repaired. “Lets just say I spent the whole evening over it” she smirked and came back to the group. She grasped the glass out of Vaena’s hand and set it aside. “And you’ve had enough to drink, my sweet Princess. You’ll have to show face soon” she smirked.
“In this world, you truly are Draegon descent, which means – all of the things you always wanted to study are here. You just need to ask… I say, you spend some time the King and Queen, see what you can learn. Maybe – if there is some temple? Some where – where that magic festers, if you call to it – maybe you can figure out how to actually use it. What did they call it again? When you ignore your magic – and then it swells? I forgot the term, but if you don’t use that magic within you, you will regret it. And I know you know that, my Vaena knows everything” she smirked and downed the glass that was Vaenas.
“How long before someone comes to fetch the Princess, you think?” she smirked, challenging the others to take a guess. Though it was then that the flap of the tent opened and a guard stepped in.
“Excuse me, my .. Ladies, my Princess” he bowed deeply. “The King has requested your presence, a small speech for the winners, before we retire to prepare for the evening banquet” he bowed once more. “He is center arena” the guard then turned around.
“Not enough time to even bet” she smirked and held a hand outward to the Princess. “Come on then, let me guide you there?”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Sept 9, 2022 21:42:22 GMT -5
Vaena gazed to Lana as she spoke of the ley-lines. Her breathing began to slow – a calm washed over her from the gentle touch of her shoulder. Lana’s touch was a welcomed comfort in a world that was full of confusion. A smirk came from the princess, that drunken smile of the white mage whom had drank too much. “Meditation does sound nice.” She spoke with a smile. She leaned her head back. “This pull. This magic here. It feels so much stronger than anything I’ve ever witnessed. Even within the temples of old in our time.” She opened her eyes and looked up to Lana with her jade hues. A chuckle came from the princess. “Perhaps we shall go and visit the dragon caves?” She questioned with a smile. “The closer I am to the source. Perhaps the more I’ll be able to understand this magic.” She leaned her head back again and let out a sigh. The world was spinning.
Ashlyn pressed her lips together slightly. “The dragon caves.” She spoke the words. “Have you ever been?” She questioned.
Vaena looked to her with a drunken smile. “No, not yet. I’ve yet to truly unlock my magic.” The princess spoke. “But maybe I can...if I’m there...” She smiled then. “Perhaps I can find my dragon. The princess has been afraid of her magic. The swells of her magic are overwhelming...I can’t say that I blame her.”
“Hm...sounds like we need to go to these caves then.” Ashlyn grinned playfully.
“Hey!” Vaena whined as Lana drank her glass that Ashlyn poured for her. “That was mine.” She spoke with a smile.
“You are already quite toasted, princess.” Ashlyn chuckled as the tent flap opened.
Vaena looked to the young man as he spoke of the king’s request. She stood and stumbled slightly. Her hands grasped onto Lana. A giggle came over her lips and she leaned against her heavily. “Hm I’d rather stay here.” She spoke, she pressed her lips against Lana’s cheek for a moment.
Ashlyn grinned from ear to ear. “Does it just take alcohol to get you to show emotion, princess?” She questioned as she stood easily. She was no where near drunk. Her tolerance was quite high compared to Vaena.
The princess glanced to Ashlyn and giggled before she shook her head. “I’ve been summoned. Let’s go.” She marched toward the flap of the tent. She leaned against Lana for balance several times as they made their way back to the arena. The king was waiting for her with the queen at the edge of the arena. She smiled and another giggle came from her.
The king raised his brows slightly. “Vaena.” He spoke, his voice a bit cross. “You have a dinner after this.” He pressed his lips together. He gave Lana a pained smile. “Thank you for watching after her. I know she can be quite a handful.” He took Vaena’s arm gently and led her out onto the field.
The queen remained. Her eyes gazed to her daughter as she was led into the arena. “She fought quite well with the sword that you gifted her, Miss Highland.” The queen spoke with a gentle smile. “We will compensate you for your hard work today, as well as the repairs of her armor, and of course tomorrow’s final tournament joust.” The queen smiled and then hushed as the king began to speak.
“Lords and Ladies. You’ve come from the far stretches of the lands, and even from over the great expanses of the sea. This is a special week, I know we do not need be reminded of that.” The crowd cheered. “Tomorrow will be the final day of the tournament. We will have a few jousts that will lead up to the finale. My daughter Princess Vaena Draegon will face Maeve Snow of Trent.” The crowd roared once again. “Thank you all for coming today and enjoying the festivities. Tomorrow is sure to entertain!” The king had his arm wrapped around his daughter’s waist. Mainly to keep her standing. The alcohol was running rampant through her veins.
Vaena gazed about the stands to those that cheered. Her eyes found the prince among the crowd and her jade hues stayed upon him for a long moment. A laugh came from her as her father moved her along. “I’ve heard Maeve is quite the fighter.” Vaena spoke in a drunken slur to her father as they walked from the arena.
“Yes, so I have heard. I do hope that my daughter gets enough rest in order to fight well against her.” The king spoke as he looked to her with a bit of a cross expression.
Vaena giggled as she paused and looked up to her father. “Would you expect anything less, father?” She questioned then with a playful smirk.
The king stopped before the queen. His eyes looked to the blacksmith and then his gaze fell upon Ashlyn. “Ah Miss Brighten.” He spoke as his eyes played over Ashlyn.
“King Martin.” Ashlyn bowed her head. “Your grace, it is as good as ever to see you.” She smiled.
“Yes, of course. Are the drinks arranged for the dinner this evening?” He questioned.
“Yes, of course.” Ashlyn replied. Her eyes gazed to the queen a moment and then to Lana before she gazed to the drunken princess. “It shall be a dinner to remember, I imagine.” The red mage spoke.
King Martin cleared his throat slightly. “That it will be.” He spoke as his eyes found Lily. “Lily.” He called her over.
The young servant smiled as she approached quickly. “Your grace.” She bowed.
“Please, take the princess and ready her for the dinner this evening.” The king spoke as he turned his attention to Lana once again.
Lily smiled, “Of course, my king.” She took Vaena into her care and walked her off. Vaena giggled drunkenly as the woman balanced her.
“Miss Highland.” The king motioned for her to follow him. “This Maeve Snow. Find out about her for me. I do want to ensure that my daughter wins the tournament tomorrow. Her losing would certainly make her statue look compromised...” He glanced to the blacksmith a moment. “I want to know everything that you can tell me about her. Whatever the cost.” He grasped her hand and filled it with a bag full of gold coins. “I’ll see you at the dinner this evening. You deserve it for your hard work today.” The king spoke before he walked off.
Ashlyn soon found Lana and a sigh came over her lips. “The queen wants me to keep alcohol away from the princess this evening.” She smirked and then rolled her eyes slightly. “Can’t Vaena just enjoy herself? Hm?” She questioned with a laugh.
**
The afternoon was filled with a hot bath within the steam room of the castle. Lily prepped the princess for the evening in a deep red dress with black lace garland upon it and black lace gloves. It was a gorgeous dress that only added to her beauty.
Vaena stood upon the balcony of the castle. She overlooked the city as the sun dipped beneath the horizon. The sound of music played beyond the doors behind her. Her fingertips curled around the smooth stone bannister. Her mind played over the words that she’d had with Ashlyn and Lana. Was she truly a Draegon? A descendent of this great bloodline? Lost in the future. Could they save this world? Or would anything they do just end with the same outcome? The weight of the world felt as though it was pressing upon her shoulders. The amber glow came to her eyes as her power surged once again. The princess squeezed her eyes shut as she gripped more tightly upon the bannister. She spoke in the ancient language to control the magic as her breathing increased. This lasted for a few minutes until she was able to finally breathe once again. She opened her eyes, the amber glow remained.
A white dragon flew through the skies and roared – the great roar echoed off of the mountains in the distance. Her father’s dragon. It flew toward the dragon caves. As if beckoning her to follow. She felt the pull and a sigh came from her lips. “Not yet...I can’t...” She whispered to herself. She had too much to be responsible for here. She couldn’t just leave the dinner. Nor could she abandon the tournament tomorrow. But her magic – it called to her more than ever. She grasped the silver pendant of the dragon around her neck and turned it around in her fingertips as a sigh escaped her lips.
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Post by Raven on Sept 10, 2022 0:06:41 GMT -5
Lana welcomed the gentle leaning of the Princess, it was a part of Vaena that she had never seen before. In the past – if Lana placed a hand upon Vaena; the mage would subtly shift away. As if touching was voodoo, and it was rare if they ever did. Though that was normal to her, Lana was always a hands on person – and Vaena was always… well, Vaena. She never thought to think anything of it, but now she wondered… “You are… quite toasted.” Lana chuckled and turned towards the front of the tent. The messenger came and went, and now it was time to resume her Royal duties. “Then it is settled, after all of these games – we shall sneak away to the Dragon Caves” she smirked and reached for her sword, that rest on a table. It was seconds later that Vaena stumbled into Lana’s arms, her supple lips upon the Smith’s cheek. She felt a rush of heat rush to her head, a wave of pink flooding over her own cheeks. “We best show face, lest you make a mistake” Lana grinned, if they stayed any longer – Lana would have to kick Ashlyn out of the tent. There was something undeniably attractive about the Princess, her confidence – her smile, that warm aura that invited her in. They made their way out of the tent, her hand upon the Princess in a steadying fashion. Soon they came to the Arena, to which Lana released the Princess to stumble to the King and Queen. She bowed deeply before the crown and turned to the Queen, who approached. “My Queen” Lana tilted her head and smiled to the compliment. “It is some of my best work, fit for your daughter’s hands only” she bowed her head once more. “I will not say no to your generous offer, though – I would do it a hundred times again in the name of the crown” she knew how to turn her words, what was appropriate and honorable to say. It was not a thing the Spirit Mage would have done naturally, she might have scoffed. This Smith was quite the honorable one, she could feel the lost dream of even being a Knight in the far reaches her mind. Though it seemed the smith settled on more tangible opportunities… “In truth – my Queen” she called to the woman just as she hooked her arm with the Princess, to tow her to the King. “I have grown fond of your daughter, dare I call her a friend” she smiled and bowed her head. “I have enjoyed my time with her, thank you – for allowing me this opportunity.” She watched the two step away towards the King, who awaited them before his speech to the lingering crowd. Lana stood next to Ashlyn, her arms crossed as she listened to the speech. “Vaena is so different here” she spoke softly, with a slight chuckle in her voice. “I wonder, in some way, if this is the person she wished to be. I know – part of the Lana of old always dreamt of being some kind of honorable, kind – good doer. Like my father once was” she tilted her head and scoffed slightly. “Or perhaps we really are coexisting with a completely different soul?” she raised a brow, it was rhetorical question – for now. Lana bowed before the King as he mentioned her name. “My King” she replied, he lifted a bag of coins to her. She took it and lifted a brow inquisitively. “I have already met the Prince, and agreed to tend to his armor as well. Leverage to learn more… I will see that it is done.” She bowed her head and soon the entirety of the stadium dispersed. “Well, she is the Princess – after all” Lana chuckled and lead Ashlyn away. “Come on, lets prepare for the evening”. Soon enough they stopped by the Smith, where she grabbed her outfit for the evening. She followed Ashlyn to her home, so they could prepare together. Lana came out of the spare room after dressing. She wore something more feminine than normal, for her. Though it screamed Lana the Mage, definitely something she would wear. It was a leather coat with a large buckle about her waist, which turned into a black lace tail that lingered downward. Beneath she wore a pair of white leather pants with knee high boots, and even a slight heel. At her hip she strapped a short sword, which followed along her thigh, visible of course, but discreet enough. She wouldn’t ever present an image that was any less than a warrior, even when attempting to be courtly. “Will you help me braid?” she questioned as she ran a comb through her thick brown hair. She sat before Ashlyn and tilted her head as the woman’s fingers weaved her hair. “You think I could swoon a Princess with this?” she questioned with a grin. “As if” she stood and observed her hair in a mirror. “Beautiful, thank you” she smirked. “I suppose then, you are my hot date for the evening?” she smirked and held her arm out. “Shall we?” she questioned as they made their way to the streets. Soon enough they entered the castle, without having to even check in either. The Guards knew them at this point, and their presence was very much expected. As they entered – Prince Leon was just standing infront of them, waiting to enter the Dining room. They were doing formal introductions as pairs entered. “Prince Leon” Lana bowed her head to him. The man turned and flashed a dashing smile. He wore a perfectly hemmed vest – with golden chains connecting from one side to another. He had a lion brooch that pinned a short blue and gold cape onto a single shoulder, in Trent fashion. The rest was average, but he certainly looked the part. A perfectly kept beard, hair that was combed and tidy, a smile even with two perfectly aligned dimples. “M’lady Blacksmith” The Prince nodded his head. “I am glad to see a familiar face” he smirked and turned towards the two doors, he would be up soon to enter. “I must thank you again for coming to my aid today. How embarrassing that my stable-hand found himself.. overly entertained…” “It is easy to do within these Kingdom walls, we pride ourselves in the joys of festivities” she smirked and shrugged slightly. “It is the least I could do” “The least you could do, hm?” he cracked a devilish smile. “Do you mean that now I might owe you something?” “Little is free in this world, is it not, my Prince?” Lana tilted her head to him, his banter was silly – but enjoyable. “I am beginning to like you, Smith. You are too true… so, what can I do to repay you?” he questioned with curious blue eyes. “Perhaps some of your time at dinner will suffice. I am… all too curious of you, and of course this mysterious Maeve fighter” Lana took a step forward as the line moved. “You wouldn’t be the hand to the Princess, if she had not sent you to snoop her opponents” the Prince smirked. “Lucky for you, I would sooner see my sister fall on her face than anything. Consider your request granted…” he turned then as it was his turn. “Enjoy the festivities” he stepped forward as his named was called. Not much longer and they were next. A man stood at the two large open doors and called outward in a loud voice. “The Grand Master Blacksmith Miss Lana Highland, and the Exquisite Brewmaiden, Lady Ashlyn Brighten. You should know that it is your wine she tastes tonight” he tagged on, and held his hand outward for their entrance. Lana lead Ashlyn into the grand hall, which was decorated with many tables. They had expensive clothes over the top, with golden etchings and designs. Piled high with food and beautiful décor, flowers and candles burning brightly. They were lead to a table near the Royal chairs, but they did not share the table with the family. This was customary, no doubt. Much mingling would occur tonight, very little folk would remain in their chairs… A quartet of strings played near the royal table, and there was chatter about the huge room. Clinking of glasses and humble laughter, muffles and quaint. “How delightful” Lana found herself saying. She sat down at her chair and glanced about. To her luck – the Prince was only a few seats away. There was a winding set of stairs that led upward to a second floor, for more chatting and relaxing, and a balcony to see one of the best views of the city. Lana glanced upward, and then she was interrupted as a servant placed a glass of wine before her. She nodded her thanks and peered to Ashlyn. “So, Lady Ashlyn” she leaned on the word Lady. It was obvious that Ashlyn was at least part of the higher society. Meanwhile Miss Lana Highlander – indicated that she was of lower status, though still welcome in the party. Those of even lower stature would receive no pretense at all… “How do these dinners typically go?" she questioned, as this was her first. |
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Post by Blindside Tex on Sept 10, 2022 11:40:22 GMT -5
“Princess or not, Vaena should be allow to indulge a bit.” Ashlyn grinned. “Besides, I like this new Vaena, she doesn’t seem as afraid.” She followed after Lana. “The royal dinner is unlike anything you can imagine. You’ll enjoy it, Lana.” She spoke as they walked to the smith shop to gather Lana’s things. Once Lana gathered her outfit Ashlyn led her to the upper districts of the city. Lavish homes with hedges and beautiful gardens. Ashlyn had money. That was for certain. Her home was nothing short of a mansion that sat upon a hilltop with old oak trees in the front yard. She climbed up the stone stairs into the foyer and smiled. “Guest quarters are over there. There is a bath if you’d like to wash up for the evening, and a rune to heat the water.” She winked as she ascended the stairs to her own bedroom. Ashlyn dressed in a beautiful evening gown. One that was both stylish and enticing. Nothing short of Ashlyn’s style. It was a silky red material with black lacing. It was dark and alluring – gothic in a way. She even wore a necklace that held a ruby red stone within the intricate silver that held her house design of a raven. She turned as she heard the footsteps that ascended the stairs. Ashlyn grinned in a giddy manner. “Oh Lana darling.” She stepped to her and took her hand. She lifted her hand and spun her around to get a good look at the outfit. “You look lovely.” She smirked before the woman asked her to braid her hair. “But of course. Come, come.” The red mage combed through Lana’s hair and smiled as she did so. As the question was posed a playful chuckle came over her lips. “You could swoon the princess quite easily, yes. You might even have trouble keeping others away from you dressed like this, love.” She gazed over the braid and then chuckled. “Me?” She questioned as she fixed her small feathered hat upon her head. “Why, I would be honored.” Ashlyn slipped her arm through Lana’s and smiled playfully. “You know, you’re quite the catch. I’m a lucky lady.” Ashlyn winked as they walked through the cobbled streets of the upper district. Ashlyn gazed about to the other nobles and royalty that came to attend the evening celebrations. She stepped aside to Lana to bow to the prince, a curtsey of her own to him with a smile before her attention was grabbed by one of the nobles for a moment. ** The princess stood upon the balcony a breath escaped her as she heard the announcements of the arrival of nobles and royalty. She heard a set of footsteps behind her. “Princess?” Lily questioned. “I have a few roses for your hair.” Lily stepped forward with beautiful red roses to fix into the tasseled locks of the princess that had been neatly tied into an up-do. She smiled to Vaena as the woman turned. “You look lovely.” She offered with a gentle smile before she fixed the roses into her hair. “You should come inside, hm?” Vaena gave a nod, “Yes of course.” She stepped into the hall. The princess stood upon the balcony that overlooked the dining tables below. Her jade hues played over everyone that entered. As the announcement was made her eyes fell upon Lana and Ashlyn. A soft smile upon her lips. She had come down from the drunken state that she was in earlier that day. Her eyes found the prince and a sigh escaped her lips – he had been placed across the table from her. Of course. Her parents were truly pushing for her to marry Leon. There was something about him though, something that didn’t quite bring her a sense of comfort. “Vaena.” The queen stepped up next to her daughter. “You look gorgeous, darling.” She brushed a piece of hair from her daughter’s eyes. The queen was dressed in a beautiful blue gown that had silver roses along it. “Red is a nice color on you.” She smiled. Vaena looked down to her dress a moment as a sigh escaped her lips. “Thank you mother.” She spoke as she gazed over the crowd once again. “Must I sit across from him?” She questioned and then looked to the queen. The queen gave a chuckle to her daughter, “Hm, you know your father believes that the Prince of Trent is one of the best matches for you. Do you not agree?” She questioned curiously. “Dragons do not play well with Lions.” The princess replied with a smirk. The queen laughed once again, “Ah yes, but even dragons can be tamed my dear.” She spoke and then turned. “Come, do play nice with our guests, Vaena.” She spoke as she descended the stairs to join the king at his side. Vaena remained upon the balcony, her eyes played over Lana, a soft smile upon her lips. King Martin gathered everyone’s attention and he began to speak a speech about the festival, the Solstice. Her jade hues turned to her father as she listened to him. Though she found herself looking back to Lana once again. The nobles clapped to the king’s speech and he introduced the princess. Vaena smiled as she descended the stairs with her hand in the palm of a knight. Her eyes looked to the knight briefly before she stepped to her father and gave him a kiss to his cheek. The royal family then took to their seats at the table. Vaena reached forward and grasped her wine glass. She took a long drink from it. The queen gave a nervous look to her daughter and shook her head slightly, but then smiled. Vaena smirked to her mother and took another drink. Her jade hues then settled in on the prince whom sat across from her. “Welcome Prince Leon of Trent.” She spoke. “I do hope that you enjoy the provisions that have been prepared for this evening. Lady Ashlyn has quite exquisite wine.” She held up the glass and took another drink as salads were served as the opening food. ** Ashlyn gazed across the table at Lana, “Hm...these dinners?” She took a sip of her wine. “Well, they are more of a dance than even a ball can be. Politics are something that play a heavy role in dinners like these. We won’t be seated at the table long. Just long enough to eat, then we will mingle. Then the next course will be served.” She smiled, delighted. “I do enjoy a good dinner party.” A chuckle came from Ashlyn. It was then that her eyes caught the princess upon the balcony. “She’s watching you.” She smirked playfully. “Perhaps you have already swooned her.” A wink came from the red mage. As the princess descended down the stairs she watched her carefully. “There will be little time to speak to the princess this evening. Many of her suitors will garner her attention. She will be exhausted by the end of this, I’m sure.” Ashlyn took another sip of her drink as she watched the princess sit down and drink the wine almost immediately. “At least she has wine though.” She chuckled lightly. She watched Vaena carefully and tilted her head. “She doesn’t seem to fond of the prince. Do you think?” She questioned curiously. “My favorite thing about these dinner parties is watching the interactions between the royal family and those that are here to impress them. The princess – well she is the most interesting to watch. She knows how to dance her way about. She’s quite good at politics. Even better than her father I believe.” Ashlyn looked to the salad in front of her. It held fresh berries and segments of oranges. “Ah, delicious.” She took a bite. “Did I mention that the food is always excellent?” She smirked to Lana then. |
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Post by Raven on Sept 10, 2022 20:15:09 GMT -5
Lana peered about the room as it filled, soon enough all of the seats upon the various tables were filled. The hats of the wealthy were gently removed and placed upon a tray, which a servant carried about. It was disrespectful to wear a hat at dinner. The servants, with their red coat tails, wafted away and returned with more wine. Some were already on their second or third glass. It was sure to be a long evening.
It was then that the clinking of glass filled the air and the room hushed silent. King Martin spoke of the festival, as required of him. Many of the high society clapped, and every head turned in the room as the Princess descended down the winding banister. Lana’s lips parted, along with the entirety of the room. The Princess was as beautiful as ever, and there was not a word to define it. If she wasn’t worth the Gold of an Entire Kingdom – she would still call for the same level of attention surely just for her beauty. Lana glanced to the Prince, who was leaning back in his chair – admiring her with his own crystal hues.
It was a dreadful quiet and there was a scuffling. Prince Leon stood from his chair, and he slowly walked over to the Princess. No other suitor dared to do this, and disrupt the peace, but he was bold and fearless. He simply stood behind her chair and when she made it to her place – he pulled it back for her and awaited for her to sit. “I hope you enjoy the evening, My Princess” he bowed his head and returned to his seat across from her.
Lana scoffed slightly and took a sip of her wine. With that the music began once more and chatter rose swiftly. She turned her gaze to Ashlyn who responded to her question. “Hmm… Seems her life as a Princess is exhausting as it is” she took another sip and leaned back as a refreshing bowl of salad was placed before her. “Swooning the White Mage of late was a task that took me 10 years to do. I had my eyes on her for so long, and even at one point – I had forgotten how much I enjoyed her. She was an impenetrable wall, and of course – just before the end of times, I had broken her barriers. You and I both know – that until we ever… potentially return… I would be a hushed thought and a quiet sigh” she stabbed into her bowl. “I think that fact eats us both up.” She whispered under her breath and took a bite.
“I don’t think she is fond of anyone. It is a duty, that is all it is. Marriage for the sake of the Kingdom, a trade piece for wealth, for an army over the sea. That is her role here… when we know she is capable of much more than that.” She sighed softly. “But there is a war brimming, I am forging more swords than I can keep up with, shields too. If the King can acquire a great navy? This entire show is a façade, when the answer is before us. It sounds like… Trent wasn’t going to show up though, that their presence was a surprise. Which means to me – like there is a mutual need for each other. It makes me curious, truthfully”
***
The Prince accepted his salad, though his glass of wine remained untouch. He preferred the water with lemon over it. “My Lady Princess” the Prince leaned forward slightly. His stubble was darker than before, he had not shaved it yet – though this was his preferred look. His hair was combed neatly and he had a kept smile. “You rode well today, it was a pleasure to watch you fight. I can tell you have trained more than most Knights I know, I am impressed.” He leaned back and took a bite of his salad. “I unfortunately have not had as much training as I wish I could have recently. My father has been preparing me for this monumental moment for some time, so rather than my hand wielding a sword, he has been teaching my tongue to do the same” he scoffed slightly and glanced to his father, who sat across from the King and Queen.
“My studies find that the most powerful woman of history are those who wield a blade… the oppression of our time states that you have a singular duty. The line must continue, hm? But the woman who shaped the earth did so with a blade, because she had to. The only way the world would listen is if she cut their tongues out so that she could speak” she took a sip of his water. “An independent force to be reckoned with, I’d say a woman who wields a sword is better than the King who sits lazily upon his throne. So, know this My Lady – there is a part of me that fears you, to a degree.” He smirked “as a Lion should fear a dragon” he took another bite.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Sept 10, 2022 21:15:57 GMT -5
Ashlyn raised a brow slightly as Lana scoffed to the prince whom was trying terribly hard to get the attention of the princess. She chuckled before she took a sip from her glass of wine. “Being royalty is exhausting in its own capacity. But being a princess that has been opened to the masses for courtship? That is a whole different scale of exhausting.” She grinned and poked her salad with her fork. “Hm, Vaena is a different soul. Unlike most – she does not focus the same. Her mind seems to wander quite a lot. She worries about things that most do not. She keeps herself busy...in other words...I agree with you...” She then sighed softly. “There is no one that I believe she could be fond of. If it is not you. You’ve spent more time than anyone could possibly imagine. Hm?”
The red mage took another bite of her salad. “I am curious to see what is happening beneath the surface. Even in the higher circle I’ve not heard of a war. Nor have I heard of any threats to our kingdom. This worries me quite a bit...the king hasn’t participated much in war in his time upon the throne. In fact, there has not been a single war in nearly 30 years. The peace that has reigned over the kingdom from the last marriage has allowed such. But with anything, it all must come to an end I imagine.” She watched as the prince attempted to speak to the princess, the gaze that Vaena gave him across the table was one of apprehension. “We will get back to our time, Lana. Once we fix everything. We will return to a new world.” Ashlyn spoke as many began to rise from their chairs. “Now we must mingle.” She winked to Lana before she stepped away and entered a conversation with one of the nearby nobles. Her laughter carried across the marble floor, her smile was as perfect as it could be. She captivated many it seemed.
**
The princess lifted her fork and took a bite of her salad. She sipped from her wine once again, the glass nearly empty. As the prince spoke to her, her jade hues met his gaze. She looked over the stubble upon his face a moment before she raised her brows slightly. “Prince Leon.” She spoke as if to tell him to continue. The queen watched her daughter from a few seats away, the woman sipped upon her own glass of wine. The princess sat quietly as the prince spoke. The way he weaved his words. He complimented her and spoke of his own training in the art of speaking. Her jade hues never left him. But her expression wasn’t quite interested or bored. It was somewhere in-between.
She drew in a breath as he spoke it – the line must continue. That was the nagging thing that the princess hated the most. She’d heard the words from her own father lately. She must continue the Draegon line. A bit of a smile tugged at the edges of her lips as he spoke of the woman that wielded a blade and cut through those so that she could speak. She finished off her glass of wine and grasped another from a passing tray. She’d barely touched her salad. “At least you are smart enough to fear what should be feared.” She spoke. “Unlike the vast majority of this room. I am nothing more than a trinket in their eyes. A trophy prize that comes with a seat upon the throne and the riches of my kingdom.” Her words sliced through the air. “But what you have, Prince Leon of Trent, is a fleet that is worthy of our kingdom. You do not seek riches, but an engagement that is nearly equal. Our army and your fleet. It is truly a force to be reckoned with. Is it not?” The princess sipped upon her glass, a pink had stared to spread across her cheeks already. “Besides, you also know how to handle yourself within the arena. Even if you’ve wasted your time on the art of speaking.” She smirked then.
As everyone else began to stand, Vaena did so as well without skipping a beat. She grasped her glass of wine and offered a smile to the Prince. Her lips parted to speak but someone spoke her name. She rolled her eyes slightly before she turned her attention to the young man that approached her. The princess walked into the crowd with him offering idle banter. Nothing of importance as the young noble complimented her beauty. To which she cringed on the inside. Just as she’d said to Prince Leon, she was a prize to them.
The king came to the prince’s side, his eyes watched his daughter within the crowd. “She’s difficult to crack.” He spoke with a smile. “You’re doing much better at keeping her attention than most. Don’t worry, Prince Leon.” He clasped his shoulder. “If you want her she’s yours.” He pat his back before he walked off. What deal had the king made with the king of Trent? It sounded like it was already decided. That was for certain.
The queen on the other hand moved throughout the crowd. Her eyes glanced about and she found Lana, a smile curved up her lips. “Miss Highland.” She spoke as she searched her out. “You spoke something earlier at the arena.” She motioned for Lana to follow her. She gazed across the crowd to Vaena whom was being torn between all the nobles that wanted her attention. Her jade hues fell upon the woman, she offered a warm smile. “Vaena does not have friends.” She spoke and searched her eyes a long moment. “You said you’re fond of her...that you think of her as a friend?” She asked and focused upon Lana. “You offer so much to our kingdom. I do feel as though asking more of you is...quite a lot.” The queen paused a long moment. She cleared her throat slightly as if she was about to speak something that she should not.
The queen stepped out onto a balcony with Lana and motioned for her to follow. The sounds of the music from within disappeared as the doors shut behind them. She gazed over the gardens of the castle. “Miss Highland – I need someone that I can trust at my daughter’s side.” She spoke as she looked over the gardens. “Someone that I know will look out for her best interest...when she is away from the kingdom.” She cleared her throat once again. “Miss Highland...” The queen looked to Lana and searched her eyes once again. “I wish to offer you something. If you do not wish to take the offer I understand.” There was a long pause then. “I wish to knight you – and when Vaena leaves to Trent...I wish for you to go with her on her voyage. To protect her and ensure that she is well taken care of.” The queen spoke in a hushed tone as if someone was listening. It hadn’t been announced that the king had decided that the princess would marry the prince from Trent. But it was clear that, that was the final decision. “Would you do this for me?” The queen took both of Lana’s hands into her own. “I...truthfully worry for this arrangement...the House of Trent was not announced...they were not coming to the Solstice. I fear there is more happening than we could possibly imagine.” The queen released her hands and gazed to the gardens once again. “Do not speak of this to anyone else, Miss Highland.” She tagged on the end as she clasped her hands in front of her. “Do you accept?”
**
“Princess.” Ashlyn linked her arm with Vaena and smiled as she led her up the winding staircase to save her from those that were courting her. “Need a rest?” She asked with a gentle smile. She led the princess out on the balcony and held a fresh glass of wine toward her. “Your mother will kill me, but it is all worth it.” She winked.
Vaena leaned against the balcony and let out an exasperated sigh. “Thank you.” She breathed as she took a long drink from the glass of wine. “At least with the ball they focus on dancing...this...is exhausting.” She frowned as she took another drink.
“Just enjoy yourself, Vaena. Hm?” Ashlyn chuckled lightly. “They are here for you, not the other way around. It is you who decides whom you want to marry. Don’t forget that.” The red mage sipped upon her own glass of wine.
“I do not get to make the decision, Ashlyn. If only it were that simple.” Vaena replied, her eyes searched the woman’s crystal hues a long moment. “This is more of a game than anything, you of all people should understand that.” Vaena spoke before she sighed softly. Her eyes caught a glimpse of the Queen and Lana upon the balcony below. Her brow raised slightly as she watched her mother grasp onto Lana’s hands – in almost a plea it seemed. She then turned her eyes to Ashlyn again. “If I hear how stunning I am one more time tonight.” She rolled her eyes and then laughed lightly. She downed her glass and reached forward to take Ashlyn’s from her hand.
Ashlyn pulled her hand back. “You know your mother told me to keep the wine away from you.” She smirked before she offered the glass forward. “But you know I couldn’t fathom dealing with these men that are pining over you like vultures. You need the wine to make it through the evening, love.”
Vaena laughed lightly as she took the glass. “You are not wrong, Lady Ashlyn.” She spoke as she turned and gazed over the city once again. She glanced to the balcony below to find it empty once again. The roar of a dragon in the distance caught her attention. “I want nothing more than to go to the dragon caves and...I find myself here at a dinner party.” She gave a wry laugh and shook her head.
“Well love, soon enough we will be there. Hm?” Ashlyn spoke as she turned. “I’m going to head back in. You take your time.” She walked back into the dinner party and down the staircase. Ashlyn slipped through the crowd and grasped a new glass of wine. Her eyes gazed about until she found Lana. “Miss Highland.” She spoke and linked arms with her. “Was that the Queen I saw you speaking to?” She smiled brightly.
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Post by Raven on Sept 10, 2022 21:46:35 GMT -5
Prince Leon smirked to the Princess – to the reality of the truth. They were an exchange of power, and that was it. “You are correct, my lady” he leaned back. “Then, I will be brief with you. Our fates are decided, this banter is only that. I hope then, that you have a relaxing evening. Knowing the decision is out of our hands may allow you a greater chance, perhaps to chuckle at the mockery of the flock who pick at the future Queen…” he raised a brow. As the room stood he did the same “I would…” he paused and looked to her, his eyes catching her. “Like to truly get to know you, despite the circumstances. This Lion, while buckling with fear, admires from afar…” he tilted his head a good bye and shifted away.
The King came to him not much longer and he bowed his head to him. “King Martin” he raised his glass of wine, but he did not sip. “The Princess is extremely wise, my King. She is beyond the folly” he tilted his head slightly. “If I may – my King” he stepped before him, just before he walked away. “Your daughter… she is not for anyone’s taking…” he lowered his gaze, and the King made his way.
***
Lana turned about – she was suddenly left alone to this crowded room. It was bustling with people, with voices. She looked about to find a familiar face, only to have the Queen weave through the people to her. “My – My Queen” she stammered slightly, surprised that she was sought out by the crown. She followed behind the Queen as they exited the crowd, entering the peaceful balcony. She cleared her throat and peered outward. The moonlight cascade over the two as they stood in the quiet.
“My Queen – it is a honor to craft for you, and the Kingdom. You ask nothing of me, I offer it” she bowed her head and smiled. There was a bubbling feeling in her chest, she hadn’t ever imagined a private engagement with the Queen… but she was quite close to the Princess. It was a matter of time until they noticed, perhaps.
The words that came from the Queen stunned her, so much that she had to clear her throat for fear she might choke. When the Queen took her hands – she realized how personal this had become. It was not a decision of a Queen, it was the decision of a mother. Lana glanced down to her perfect hands, beautifully crafted nails that sat within her own palms. “My Queen” she bowed her head. “It is a dream to serve you, and your family in such a way…” she smiled brightly. “I wouldn’t know who to tell, my lady… but” she hesitated briefly. “I have one request, if I may?” she peered to the Queen.
“Ashlyn, myself and Vaena have become a dynamic trio. I can’t say… how exactly our friendship has kindled, but I know we are quite a team. Ashlyn would be a great political advisor, she hears things – and can spin words like no other royal. While, I am mostly brawn” she chuckled slightly. “I… never learned how to be a Lady, a Knight is more fitting for me… if Vaena is to succeed, she will need aid from every perspective” she turned back out. “Do you… accept my request?” she replied and looked out to the moon. “Besides… The more friendly faces she has, the less lonely she might become. Trent is… very far from home, their culture is different… I am sure you know”
After the Queen’s response – she left her to consume this knowledge, as the Queen surely had to return to the show. Lana peered outward, her beating heart that had thud away in her chest was beginning to slow and she relaxed. She could not imagine this ever happening, truthfully over a single sentence she muttered to the Queen just a few hours prior. It only proved how important it was to present yourself, as her father had always said to her. Never leave an opportunity open, always leave an impression. His teachings, so long ago, had brought her to the cusp of her dream…
Lana turned to find Ashlyn bounding towards her. She chuckled and linked her arm with her as they stepped towards the door. “I have been told to keep an oath” she bowed her head slightly. “But, know that good things are coming, for the both of us” she smirked and lead her back into the crowd. “I would typically tell you, but when the Queen demands it, I suppose I should respect that wish” she plucked a glass of wine from a moving servant and took a sip. “Is it time for the Entrée?” she questioned as many people returned to their seats…
As Lana found her way to her chair she sat down and downed her glass of wine with ease. The nerves of the request ate her, but the excitement did even more so. She let out a sigh and caught the eyes of the Queen upon her, which she simply bowed her head in response. “It is not everyday a lowly Smith receives the attention of the Queen, hm?” she cleared her throat. “How is Vaena holding up? Maybe this next mingle I can squeeze a moment with her next. We can trade off” she smirked, her eyes searching for the Princess – hoping she might look up and catch her gazing.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Sept 10, 2022 22:18:04 GMT -5
Vaena glanced to the prince a bit of a smirk on her lips. She knew that their fates were decided, just as he did. A slight chuckle came from her, “Hm if only I could avoid the vultures as it were. But unfortunately unlike you I seem to be the prize that is held up for all to see.” There was a hint of sadness in her voice as she spoke this. Her brows furrowed slightly to his next comment. He wanted to get to know her? Truly? Her jade hues played over him a moment. Her response was merely a smile before she was torn away.
The king watched his daughter within the crowd as Leon responded to him. He gave a chuckle, “I raised her to be quite bright, she is also very independent because of this.” He chuckled, “You are wise to realize that she isn’t for taking.” He spoke before he was called off by another within the crowd.
**
The queen smiled to Lana as she spoke. The honor that the woman held to serve the crown. It was admirable. She tilted her head to the words of a request. “Go on, Miss Highland. I value your words more than you know.” The queen spoke with a gentle voice. As Lana spoke Ashlyn’s name the woman listened to her. She watched over Lana carefully as the words spilled from the blacksmith’s lips. Her head tilted to the side a moment before she looked over the gardens and to the large moon overhead. “Your request must come with stipulation, Miss Highland.” The queen spoke as she gripped onto the balcony. “Lady Brighten is as you say well versed in politics. This is know quite well. She is a valued member of the society here. I’ve even gone to her in the past to speak with her on more delicate affairs.”
The queen drew in a breath as she seemed to mull over the request a bit more. “So long as you help prevent Vaena from drinking too much.” The queen smiled. “A task that may be more difficult than protecting her from outside enemies.” The queen winked. “I shall see to it that Lady Brighten is to accompany you to Trent. It is...very far...” A hint of sadness showed in the queen. She clearly didn’t want to marry her daughter off to another kingdom. But what choice did she have?
**
Ashlyn grinned as she wrapped her arm around Lana’s. “You? Keep an oath?” She rolled her eyes and chuckled playfully. “Well now. This new Lana is quite honorable. That smith has you doing things that I never thought you would.” She smirked as they walked back toward the dining hall. “If the queen demands it, you ought to listen I would imagine.” Ashlyn smiled brightly. She then nodded to Lana. “Yes, it is time for the entree. Good eye.” She winked as she released her and moved to the other side of the table as others took their seats as well.
Ashlyn watched as the queen gazed toward the smith a smile curved up her lips. “Hm, we do have a wonderful queen, Lana. She is wise and she knows what decisions to make and when.” She drew in a breath and took a drink of her wine. “The princess is exhausted already and we are only to the entree. Perhaps you can save her this time.” She winked.
**
Vaena returned to the table and sat down across from the prince, her eyes played over him a moment before she turned her attention away from him. Her jade hues found that of the ocean hues of smith. A gentle smile curved up her lips when she looked to Lana. Her attention was quickly stolen away as a servant poured her another glass of wine. She reached forward and lifted it to her lips. “Did you enjoy your time to mingle, Prince Leon?” Vaena questioned as she gazed to him. She set her wine glass down as a lovely plate of food was placed before them. A gorgeous steak, vegetables, potatoes. It was arranged carefully upon the plate and cooked to perfection. The princess lifted her fork and knife and sliced into the steak carefully. She took her small bite of her piece. “If you knew that there was war brimming at the edges of your kingdom. What would you do to prevent it?” She asked as she eyed Leon curiously. "Would you fight? Or would you look for a way to settle the war before it even began?"
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Post by Raven on Sept 10, 2022 23:01:07 GMT -5
The Prince peered to her, his eyes noting her gaze that dashed elsewhere. Someone here had actually acquired her attention? He did not have a feeling of jealousy, no – it was curiosity. What peaked her interest? And in what way could he emulate it, perhaps. He turned his thoughts to her as a plate was placed before him. “The evening has been fine enough. My father loves these events, they are different from our culture, surely. Instead of lavish dinners – we tend to have a bonfire, one high enough to touch the sky. Music plays, we dance, and we eat- but” he chuckled “with our hands, certainly different.” He chuckled “I can’t say I dislike this, but it is – a lot of talking. Small talk with people I’ll never see again, people who…wish to pry. Asking me what I think of you, what is there to say, hm?” he took a bite of his steak and nodded in pleasure.
“Sorry, I um. Didn’t mean to rant about it though. I am enjoying it as best as I can.” He took a sip of his water and leaned back. Her next question caught him off guard, he didn’t think she cared much of the warfare of the Kingdom. She would be a rather involved Queen, it seemed, not that he would mind. “It depends, I wish it were that simple to just pick a concept and go with it. Ideally, peace is ultimately the goal… but I have my people to protect, and the Tree as well. Many come to covet it’s power, and it is my job to protect it… so, at times, it does mean war. It all comes down to.. who my assailant is… and their honor as well. I cannot sit idle if innocents are murdered, there is a fine line between wise and cowardly” he lifted a brow. “but I believe… in a different style of leadership. Today my father leads single handedly, while I will bring back the Council of Nine – and my Queen would sit at the round table too.” He cut into his steak and grew silent, for a moment.
“In truth – I have much to learn. I doubt myself as King, I fear I will make many mistakes. I want… a council of people who I trust to help me make the proper decisions. Knowing that I am not as prepared as I wish – makes me an even better King, I know this at least. And you – come from a place far away, with a different culture. You would offer more insight to a world unknown than any of my closest advisors” he chuckled “I mean, that is – if in the end, you are to be my Queen.” He lifted a brow. “My people… my royal houses may not take keen to my choice initially, but they will see the way of my choice. They rather a powerful King, not fearful of making a choice and standing by it… while I wish to make a calculated decision. The people of Trent are… behind in that fashion..” he shrugged slightly and took another bite.
“It is why I mentioned, in my tent, that my Queen would have more say of my realm than she might think. My question would be the same then, how would you prevent a war? Or, is sometimes war necessary?” he questioned with a raised brow. “Perhaps… too serious of a conversation for such a night” he smirked and took another bite. “Tell me, who annoys you most in this crowd?” he changed the subject. “There is a woman who keeps approaching me, telling me of her daughter of the Vale, of whom I should marry… I don’t even know.. what this vale is” he chuckled and shook his head. “She has approached me seven times, hardly convincing”
***
“Being Noble will soon be apart of my name” Lana grinned, a foreshadowing – it was hard to keep it all in. A Knight? She cleared her throat and cut into her food. She was quite hungry after the evening and found herself eating more than talking. It wasn’t long before people began to stand once more and Lana took her queue. “I have also been instructed to learn of Maeve Snow, the bastard sister of Prince Trent, to whom he has promised to tell me of as well…” she stood and set her napkin down on her plate, hinting that she was finished. Though, it was wiped clean anyways.
Lana found herself lingering near the Prince, who finished a conversation and turned to her. “Ah, as promised…” Prince Leon waved her over and they walked over to a beautiful archway, there were several of them just under the second level above. He leaned against a perfectly carved pillar and crossed his arms. “I am a well wanted man, ask your questions then” he smirked.
“Maeve is your sister, no?” Lana peered to him, his relaxed posture made her feel comfortable. There was an aura about him, as if he was above all the posh pleasentries.
“My bastard sister, yes. My father is a… well liked man. He has many bastards, but this one he clung to. She is… vicious with a blade, talented and gifted” he raised a brow.
“What is her style then?” she questioned.
“She is swift, nimble, she uses two single handed blades and has many hidden weapons in her arsenal. She is in secret part of the Red Craven, which is well… a group of people who do not-so-great things. That is what she partakes in outside of being Chief Commander of my Father’s Personal Red Fleet… of which she has been placed on a high pedestal for her…accomplishments…” He pressed his lips together, he was not proud to admit this fact.
Lana knew of the Red Cravens, they were an ancient society and one of the first Assassination groups. This is knowledge that the Prince surely assumed she did not know… but it was only because of her own clan she was apart of. They mimicked the Cravens, in truth, but with more rules and less brutality. “Does she have magic, like you?” she questioned.
“Yes, and she believes rules do not apply to her… the princess should be aware that she might invoke her abilities in the Arena…” he pressed his lips together. “She is… not fond of losing” he sighed softly. “That is as much as I can share, she’ll likely cut my ear off if she found out…” he smirked and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I believe in the Princess though, I can feel her magic swelling with in her. She should prove herself…” he nodded and then stepped away.
A pit of uncomfortable despair swelled within her, she had to find Vaena. Lana rushed away and soon came across the Princess, who was locked in conversation with a royal. “Excuse me, Princess” she placed a hand upon her shoulder. “Your presence has been requested” she lied. She pulled Vaena aside and walked her out to the balcony, once more, to peace and quiet.
“I should tell you what I’ve found of your opponent… Maeve Snow is a vicious fighter, who hates losing… and – will likely use magic in the Arena…” she crossed her arms. “I think if she does – you should too. If it is an even playing field, there will also be a less likely chance of dramatic repercussions. Turn it into a show rather than a betrayal of the rules?” she lifted a brow. “The Prince didn’t have much good to say of her, it seems they have a kind of rivalry…” she sucked in a breath. “but um… anyways… how is your night?” she questioned as she turned to look to the gardens. “I have been thinking of the caves, we should go tomorrow while the city cleans up…” she glanced over her shoulder to her.
“Maybe we can get a moment of peace together too, no peering eyes of royalty?” she smirked and hid her own blush. “Your um… Mother wishes for me to become your Guardian of sorts. I have sworn an oath of secrecy but… I can’t stop thinking about it” she turned so that her back leaned against the railing. “Seems things are falling into place… but I worry. If leaving this Kingdom is one of the reasons it falls? We will be so far in Trent… if war is approaching, shouldn’t be protect it by staying here?” she questioned curiously. “Without knowing… what is happening… well… I guess we can only do what we can..?”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Sept 11, 2022 0:01:16 GMT -5
The princess sliced into her steak as she watched the prince. Her eyes strayed to Lana a few times, but she would always come back to him. “It is quite a lot of talking, indeed.” She agreed with a chuckle. Then as he spoke of the bonfires and the food, the music that they danced to. It peaked her interest. She leaned forward slightly in her chair, her jade hues captivated by him. She knew nothing of Trent’s culture. Vaena knew one thing though – Trent was one of the cities that was involved in the beginning of the Red War. The history books didn’t make it quite clear what side that they played upon. This fact made her nervous. But, she couldn’t stop the wheels from turning now. The plan was already set in motion. She was already promised to him and she knew it.
She saw the surprise in his expression to her next question. A bit of a smirk tugged at the edge of her lips. It was her aim to make him uncomfortable in a way. A game it seemed. She sipped from her wine as she watched him carefully. It wasn’t a simple answer. It was a very loaded question. She knew that. But that was exactly why she asked it. The Queen gazed to the two as she saw the entertained stare upon her daughter’s expression. Vaena gave a smile to her mother before she turned her attention back to Leon. She raised a brow as he spoke of his council, as his queen would sit upon such a council with him. She sipped again on her wine. Her food nearly untouched once again.
Vaena smiled then as he posed the question to her. “It is not too serious of a conversation.” She retorted with a laugh. But as he spoke of the mother of the daughter of the vale the princess had a playful smile upon her lips now. He was succeeding at keeping her attention. “Lady Ira Veluz.” She spoke the name of the young maiden that the mother was offering up to him. “The Vale is a beautiful place. It is to the south of here. It is well guarded and nestled within the mountains. Few could push into the city without falling to their death if they chose to attack. The Vale is a great companion of the crown and one of the strongest offerings of soldiers to the army that my father leads.” She watched Leon carefully.
“Lady Ira is a sweet girl. She is kind and soft spoken. You would walk circles around her surely. Though she would be easy to tame.” She spoke before she took another drink of her wine. “But it seems you’ve set your eyes on me. So there’s that.” She glanced to Lana once again. Her jade hues lingered for a long moment before she looked back to the prince. “War is necessary sometimes. You are not wrong.” She spoke then as people began to rise from their seats. “But protecting those that are sworn to the crown and tending to those that have yet to bend the knee. That is an important task as well. True strength comes from a king that is able to speak to those with concerns and able to mend the world around him. A brutal hand garners resistance. A gentle touch can gain more following than one might imagine, my prince.” She spoke as she stood and took her wine glass with her.
“Princess.” A handsome man with curly brown hair approached her. He smiled as he stepped to her. “Lovely evening, isn’t it? Your gown that you’ve chosen is beautifully crafted.”
Vaena rolled her eyes slightly before she turned and looked to the man. She forced a smile upon her lips. “Oh, why thank you.” She spoke as she offered her hand forward for him to kiss the back of her knuckles. “Your tunic looks as though it is weaved of fine silk. Am I right?” She asked as she forced the conversation along. She looked highly uninterested though, her smile fake, her eyes wandered.
The man smiled as he looked down to his tunic. “Oh yes, only the best for this evening, princess.” He spoke just as another man approached. A frown crossed his features as the princess was stolen away from him.
Vaena was bounced around like a ball from noble to noble. She drank her glass of wine, giggles came from the princess at the horrible jokes that she was told. Some were not even funny at all. But she laughed anyway. The wine helped with that.
**
Ashlyn tilted her head slightly, “Noble hm? Is that what the queen spoke to you about?” She grinned as she watched her. “I cannot wait to see what this secret is, Lana.” She stood and looked about. “Enjoy the mingle. Don’t forget to save Vaena, love.” She spoke as she moved into the crowd to entertain the nobles.
**
“You are a future dragon rider, are you not?” A man questioned. He wore a fine black tunic. His eyes gazed about the dining hall. “I’ve heard you have a very strong magic brewing within you.” He commented. He was older than the princess. But that didn’t stop men from courting her.
Vaena gazed to him her brows furrowed slightly. “Every Draegon is.” She replied simply.
“Most learn young. You’ve yet to learn.” He commented and then laughed lightly. “Are you so certain that you even have a dragon egg lying within the mountains?”
The princess drew in a breath as she watched him, “Yes. I am certain. It is an undetermined amount of time that will equal the rise of my powers and my bond with my dragon.”
“Ah yes, I’ve heard of this.” He spoke as he swirled his wine around in his glass. “You know, princess. I am the Baron of Glass Cove. I do believe you would be happy there. Away from all of this.” He motioned to the room around them. “You could bring your dragon.” He smirked. “It is nearly impenetrable.” He tilted his head slightly. “We could truly show the world that a Draegon and a Wolf are a force to be reckoned with. I am Baron Liam Wolf.” He spoke as he watched her. He wore a necklace that depicted a wolf around ahis neck. “These young knights do not know how to treat a princess anyway.” He chuckled lightly as he stepped closer to her. Uncomfortably close. He reached and touched her cheek.
The princess was frozen as her eyes gazed up into his deep hues that seemed to stretch into the very expanse of the stars above. She felt his touch upon her cheek, his breath upon her skin from how close they were. Though she lost her ability to speak as she gazed to him. The Baron chuckled lightly and his lips parted to speak just as a welcomed voice spoke. Vaena turned her hues and took a few steps back from the Baron. “You’ll have to excuse me Baron.” She spoke before she slipped from his side and happily went out onto the balcony with Lana. She let out a shaken breath. “Thank you.” She breathed as she gripped onto the railing. The princess closed her eyes and drew in a few breaths to calm herself.
As Lana began to speak of Maeve her eyes opened and focused on the woman. “Magic is forbidden in the arena. I cannot break the law. It would forfeit me...” She shook her head. “I-I can’t.” She bit her lip slightly. The princess frowned slightly to the thought that Leon didn’t have anything good to say of his bastard sister. She didn’t view that as good at all. Then as Lana asked her how her night was going a heavy sigh left the princess. She downed her glass of wine then. “I wish the night was over.” She admitted, her voice soft. Her jade hues found Lana as she stepped a bit closer to her. She wanted nothing more than to embrace her. But she knew she couldn’t. Not with prying eyes upon them. “I feel like a piece of meat dangled before a pack of wolves. Each one more hungry than the next.” She whispered, her word slurred slightly. She twirled her empty glass around in her grasp.
A smile curved up her lips as Lana mentioned a moment of peace alone. “I would like that very much.” She replied as she caught the blush upon Lana’s cheeks, her own cheeks pink as butterflies fluttered within her stomach. Then the next words caused the princess’ breath to hitch within her chest. It was true. She would really be married to the prince of Trent. She gripped onto the railing and stared over the gardens. “I’m not certain what happens of Cyer. I know that the history books say that it fell. That is why the Draegon line was lost. Perhaps the line was not truly lost because the princess truly did marry the Prince of Trent….” She spoke as she fell into thought. “I’m not sure...but I’m afraid that the war is inching closer than we can possibly imagine. I wish my father would involve me around the war table. But he refuses to involve me or my mother in such affairs. It is not a game for a woman I imagine...” She rolled her eyes slightly. Annoyed.
The princess closed her eyes a moment. “We have to follow through. That is all we can do. We should go to the Dragon Caves tomorrow then...I fear we do not have much time left before I will be expected to leave with the Prince...” She bit her lip slightly. “Something...doesn’t feel right, Lana.” She glanced into the dinner party as people began to gather back to their tables once again. “The House of Trent was not expected. His sister was not expected. There are too many wild cards at play here. I do know that the house of Trent played a large part in the Red War. So...I suppose we shall see...” A sigh came over her lips. “I’m glad that I will have you with me at least.” She smiled before she turned to head back into the dining hall.
The princess took her seat back at the table as she awaited the others. She glanced about and her eyes caught that of the Baron of Glass Cove, he grinned as his eyes caught hers. A chill ran down her spine and she quickly reached for her glass of wine that a servant had just refilled. She downed it swiftly. The princess closed her eyes a moment. She drowned away her nerves. That is what the princess did. The things she could not control or escape she would drink away. She sat with her eyes closed as she centered herself.
**
Ashlyn took her seat and smiled brightly. “Ah this is a lovely time.” She spoke as she took a drink of her wine. “How is the princess? Did you learn anything of this Maeve?” She asked Lana curiously.
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