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 Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 8:58 am
  B a c kxxt oxxw h a txxi txxo n c exxw a s . . .
How Veriti hadn’t gone insane all these years living relatively alone was beyond her. She’d lost a few marbles being trapped in that painting, sure… But then again… Who was to say that the God truly wasn’t out of his mind? It would serve him right for leaving her trapped so long without a word.
The old god would have likely noticed her absence—Especially since the air hadn’t been filled with her ceaseless cackles in quite some time. No, instead she stewed silently like a petulant child. Unhappy, with the turn of events. She’d expected Veriti to lose his cool and at least do something entertaining…But instead he’d merely threatened her with the Circle. Pouting, she floated aimlessly on an open balcony. Long ago, he’d have played her game. Once upon a time, when they were still young…
Now he just sought the easy way out. The years had changed him, where they’d left her the same…Relatively—Though a few screws rattled. At least she could always count on being able to get under his skin…That was a meager comfort.
She’d been right before, in mentioning that the blame would fall to Veritas…But that didn’t mean she wouldn’t be punished as well. There wasn’t anything in it for her anymore. She sighed, letting the barriers fall away that held the annoying little royals, their servants, friends, and the domestics of Veritas in the future timeline. The spell was made unstable, and would unwind in moments…Placing the royals exactly back where they were when she’d first woven her magic.
Their experience in the modern day would never leave them completely…But it would haunt them, like a nightmare made real and present. Glimpses, flashes, feelings, and déjà vu would await recipients of her spell. It would be like old memories… Some would recall it with more clarity than others… But all would know upon their return, that something wasn’t quite the way it had been before.
“Bored now…”, breathed the effervescent image, her hands coming down—Signaling that the spell had crashed down.
She giggled suddenly, hearing heartbeats fill the halls and rooms. The castle seemed to come alive again with its occupants restored… Now her boredom was sure to be a thing of the past.
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Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2011 9:07 pm
 A lady with a violin,
Playing to the seas
Hearken to the sound of calling
I tied myself to the wheel
The winds talk to my sails, not me
Come to me....Come to me... Somewhere _____________________________________________________ there my fate revealed...
I hear but how will I see? Kingdom Lust Rank: Youngest Princess Location:Lost in a Hallway The odd sensation that she'd just awakened from a trance hit the siren full force, causing her to stumble as her long eyelashes dusted her porcelain cheeks. Steadying herself with the wall, Lorelei's amber-painted eyes stared at those in her company – Lucas, Kirios, Lincoln and Sahsa. The sight of Kirios set her heart apace, for she had a vague but oddly familiar memory of his eyes watching her hungrily. Just where from had that come?
Deeper parts of her tightened, as though coils were being wrought in her stomach a the thought.
But even as they did, her breath came in a steady stream, until she searched for Lucas' expression. His envy was lucid in his eyes, and she sighed, brows furrowing in lieu of that realization. ~Lucas, it is not but a small gathering of those I would hope to be able to call friends. Relax. So the man is brazen...~ It wasn't like she'd allow anything to transpire between herself and he, when she was so obviously fearful of anything in that realm.
~Besides, I'm promised to another...~ One who too, had fallen into her web... his words still echoed with a resounding desperation in her ears. Swallowing all that those memories had caused her, Lorelei sighed, a musical puff of notes escaping her orange blossom lips.
“Shall we continue? I'm quite positive that Sokar needs more garb than my shawl.” The princess inquired gently, wishing very much to aid her confused friend. The pain in his eyes... the confusion... Oh, if only she could change him back to what he'd once been, she'd make haste in her efforts. “I'd loathe to think my dallying and poor sense of direction was the cause of any chill he might otherwise catch.” she said, the words nearly a ribbon of satin, just barely not tangible honey.
[[Oddly Oafish Commentary:]] The siren sang so sweet and watched the sailors go down, anyone would drown
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Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2011 11:58 pm
Location: Corridors- Oh my!  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
She’d been scrambling, shaking; tiny streams of flaxen hair bouncing from her shoulders; terrified, apologetic. How could she have done something so stupid? How could she have let Claus’ secret slip, when the man had trusted in her alone to keep silence? And now the man was fallen to the floor, a desperate, seething heap of a person…his pleas for help bringing the girl to tears, ”I don’t…I’m afraid I can’t think of anything. Oh, what are we to do, Claus? I’m so sorry! I hadn’t intended to speak of it to anyone, although perhaps- perhaps Lincoln is buying us time! Perhaps…” But she didn’t know how to finish her statement, and all in one instance the walls seemed to be melting. Evony paused to marvel at the effect; to wonder if her tears were the cause of the mutation…and then she didn’t wonder at all; she didn’t see anything, feel anything…Couldn’t even remember why she’d started to cry in the first place…
She stared upwards, cornflower eyes alight, at Liam again. They sat stagnant in a corridor, only a few breaths away from the room wherein she’d been assisting Sokar. Lids fell to blink a few times, abruptly confounded, lost, and in dire want to recall just what was going on around her. Only seconds had transpired, not even enough time to string together a question towards the knight in front of her, and yet it seemed a lifetime had fallen between them…or as if she’d just woken from a very vivid dream, whose lucidity faded more and more with each passing second.
”You…wanted to speak to me about something, Sir Liam?” The words travelled languidly from her lips, still dappled with enough confusion to make her internal dilemma rather obvious to all in the vicinity. Oh, she felt—who could even say, really?! It was so strange, but…distant. Yes, she suddenly felt quite distanced from this scenario entirely, but couldn’t for the life of her understand why!
Confounded, the princess merely looked to Liam, her bright eyes shining with untold questions…and also still in wait for whatever he’d meant to say to her.
How strange, this day. One could only hope that things would get better from here onward…
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Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 12:36 am
Location - Corrine's room as requested then on to the Dining Hall
|577|
Heir of Humility |I am the son and heir.
Of nothing in particular.|
Ryan found himself standing in Corrine's room with the ball of light his sister had sent after him standing in shock. It felt jarring and very sudden to find himself in his current location and his ribs ached with a phantom pain he was unsure of. Images of bright lights, tables with cards, and pure misery flashed through his mind. He was sure he looked a statue as he stood there in shock having the want to comfort himself in any way possible. Then the predicament with his sister came flooding back to the forefront of his mind and he sighed. She was going to be very cross with him for being late. If he hurried he could make the dinner in time. Words flooded towards him from little Evony and the newcomer though they weren't directed towards him and muffled so what was being said he didn't know nor did he care to eavesdrop. A gaze in the direction of the gardener caused Ryan to look at him in confusion until he realized there was a ball of magical light that had talked hovering right beside him.
"Sorry I mean you no harm I promise. It's just my sister...we are er rather I am upset with her over something stupid and instead of being beside her where I should be I ran off in the other direction." Eyes trained on the floor the entire time he felt beyond ashamed. He realized that perhaps even if he had expected to make the dinner in time he had been looking for any excuse not to make it. "I-I will leave you now with the hope I can make it in time for dinner with her betrothed the Prince Altonair. Good tidings to you sir and I do hope something is figured out to help you." With that Ryan headed straight for the door and with a moments hesitance opened the doors and rushed out them as he headed for the dining hall. She was going to be so upset. Then Lorelei came to the forefront and he realized he probably should let her know he had chosen to leave. 'Milady I regret to inform you that I have to head to the dining hall. Please forgive me. I would like to see you if possible after this dinner. So we can talk.' After he was finished Ryan let out a sigh. He was going to be late for sure.
-------
Pushing the doors open to the dining hall Ryan stepped inside a little breathless and took a moment or two to catch his breath before approaching the table with his family seated behind it. Putting on a warm smile he bowed to those present especially his father. "I apologize for the delay. I was informed the Gardener was in need of some clothes after a run in with a witch and went to see if I could provide any assistance. It was terribly foolish of me and I ask that you forgive me." Taking his seat after speaking Ryan gazed at Naedira with an apologetic look. How could he ever stay mad at her for longer than five minutes? Especially when she had used magic in her weakened condition. Turning to Altonair he smiled. "I take it you are Prince Altonair? It is a pleasure milord I am Ryan Riley of Humility. Heir and foolish brother to my dear sisters. How does this day find you?"
|I am human and I need to be loved.
Just like everybody else does.|
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)(Over.Dose.On.Cyanide)( Crew
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Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 1:49 am
• Ӎ ɐ э ʆ ɸ ȵ ɐ • ʗ э ɾ ΐ ϛ э • Ѧ ϛ ȶ ɐ ʆ ʆ ɸ - ζ ɐ ȵ ϛ ΐ ȵ ɠ • Ｔｈｅ ａｄｏｐｔｅｄ Ｐｒｉｎｃｅｓｓ, ｈａｉｌｉｎｇ ｆｒｏｍ ｔｈｅ ｋｉｎｇｄｏｍ ｏｆ ＰａｔｉｅｎｃｅLocation: Garden---->Kitchen---->Bed chambers. Currently Wearing: This Dress •xxxxx•xxxxx•xxxxx•xxxxx•xxxxx•xxxxx•xxxxx•xxxxx•   Maelona opened her eyes, now feeling out of place all of a sudden. She had merely blinked hadn’t she? Her blue gray orbs searched the grounds, it was all the same. Kahler and Apollo were still with her, the wine in her glass half gone. But she didn’t feel quite right, like she had done things, things that she wouldn’t have ever thought about. The wine glass slipped from her loose fingers, shattering as it hit the ground. The remainder of the wine stained the bottom of her gown. Her face was contorted into confusion as she looked down to the glass fragments. "Oh my." She said as she stepped back from the mess she had caused. She knelt down and took the hem of her gown in her hands. The dress was now ruined. A small sigh passed her lips as she still tried to rub the stain away.
"I am terribly sorry." She said as she looked up to Apollo. "I do not know what happened." She said softly. She didn’t want to bring up the feelings that something wasn’t right. No, that might make her seem insane, especially with nothing to back up her feelings.
Ever so carefully Maelona picked up the glass shards, placing them into a pouch she had made with the very top layer of her dress. There was no way she could leave the broken glass there in Soakers beautiful garden. Not only would it be rude, but it could also cause someone harm. She knew that there were those in the castle that enjoyed roaming the grounds with no shoes. Once she was sure she had all the pieces, she rose to her feet and gave the two men a nod. "Please excuse me. I need to dispose of this and change." With that, she carefully turned and headed back into the castle, being sure to keep the glass within the top folds of her gown.
Maelona had found her way into the kitchen rather swiftly, shaking the glass free from her gown into a trash container. She made the mistake of running her right hand over the space where the glass had been and caught her index finger on a shard that clung to the fabric. "Oh." She exclaimed before sticking her finger into her mouth. It was a small cut, and would only bleed for a few moments. Carefully she plucked the shard free with her other hand before making her way out of the kitchen, her finger still in her mouth.
Maelona took to her room so that she may shed the now ruined dress, and replace it with something that would suit her for dinner. There were going to be other royals there, ones that had come to visit the princes and princesses from their homelands, and Maelona refused to look like a beggar child to them. It would do no justice to her kingdom. •xxxxx•xxxxx•xxxxx•xxxxx•xxxxx•xxxxx•xxxxx•xxxxx• Louder than sirens
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxLouder than bells
Sweeter than heavenxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hotter than hell
""
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Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 4:03 am
 Ӄɨɍɨϙȿ Ďɍɇɨȿȿɇὴ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━✠ Ӄingdom: Justice
Ɍank: General
Ƚocation: Castle halls
Ⱦhoughts: Not even an hour into my stay and I am bewitched? ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━✠ It was as if, in a matter of mere moments, Kirios had suddenly fallen into a deep slumber and reawakened. It was most definitely an odd sensation, and one he knew instinctively that it was not natural. The azure pools of his eyes suddenly narrowed to a grim expression as he turned his head to look around, disregarding the others in his company for a while. He did not like this one bit. He’d been here no more than an hour and already he could feel the traces of some kind of bewitchment upon him. Worse yet, he had no idea what effect this magic had on him or the others. It was simply there, taunting him with its presence but not completely making itself known. Anyone who looked at him could tell he was quite bothered by this.
As a sorcerer both under M’s training(if indirectly through the old wizard’s journal he’d inherited) and by his lineage, he had an innate sense that alerted him whenever a spell or hex had been cast. It being a more intuitive power than anything, it was not always completely reliable. But in this case the magic was much too powerful to ignore, though the general suspected that its worst effects had long since passed. But the remnants of this spell were almost tangible to him, like he could grab it and cut through it if he so willed it. It was clearly malevolent, and Kirios did not want to take any chances at a surprise attack.
Without warning his eyes began to glow a bright white, the area around the orbs giving of the faintest threads of a visible aura. Underneath his sleeves a pair of chains suddenly began wrapping themselves around his wrists, ready to strike outward at his command. They were unseen, but the klinking of the chain links tightening around his arms was most likely heard by those around him. Needless to say, he did not like surprise assaults, and even if the magic’s effects had passed he would be ready for any disagreeable actions taken against him, and he’d deal with the attacker with the brutal efficiency he was well known in countless battlefields for.
He turned back toward Lorelei when she spoke, her form somehow bringing upon him a sudden sense of familiarity. It was as if a memory of meeting her in another life had resurfaced, but he could not access such a memory. It was most definitely an odd sensation, and one that in no way served to comfort him, though her bewitching voice was somewhat soothing. He shook his head apologetically. ”I beg your pardon, milady, but I fear I must take my leave,” he said softly. He decided in his mind that it may do to investigate the source of his distress if he wanted to put his apprehension to rest. ”There is something I must do.”
He offered the girl a sincere and somewhat flirtatious smile, one perhaps made eerier than he’d intended by his glowing gaze. ”But do not worry, milady,” he added, taking her hand in his own and bringing it to his lips, letting them brush against her skin softly. ”I will see you again, that is a promise.” He tried his best to keep any of his worry out of his voice. He turned from the girl and offered the others a nod in acknowledgement. ”Good day.” And with that he took his leave.
To any onlooker it would have seemed that he was simply wandering the halls erratically, though as strange as it seemed there was a method to his madness. He was trying to find a way to locate the source of the magic disturbance he felt, as if he were a dog sniffing for game. With every step he took he tried to get a feel for the area he was in, trying to find some minor spike that would lead him further. Unfortunately it was to no avail, as it seemed wherever he went there was no change in what he felt, no smoking cannon if you will. Apparently whatever magic had affected him affected the whole castle. As much as he hated to admit it, his method was absolutely no better than simply wandering.
Unfortunately, while wandering, he was not paying as much attention to what was directly in front of him, and so as he found himself rounding a corner on some hall he accidentally bumped into someone. He didn’t look at first to see who it was, but his muscular frame was more than ready to catch whoever it was if they fell back. He looked down upon the woman(Corrine) and, taking note of her striking features, immediately let the eerie glow in his eyes slowly fade. He offered the woman a seemingly nervous smile and spoke. ”Apologies, milady, for I did not see where I was going.” He offered his hand in greeting, hoping to right any bad first impression he may have given off. ”Kirios Dreissen, General of Justice at your service.”
This woman was definitely beautiful, though something about her gave Kirios the impression that she was more than just a lovely face. He simply could not let her get away without at least putting a name to such an attractive person, and at the very least making some conversation. He much preferred to speak to a woman than his current quest, and it was not as if he was making any headway anyway. ((OOC: Corrine autoplaced with permission.)) A million miles from home, I'm walking ahead. I'm frozen to the bones, I am...
A soldier on my own, I don't know the way. I'm riding up the heights of shame.
I'm waiting for the call, the hand on the chest. I'm ready for the fight, and fate.
The sound of iron shots is stuck in my head, the thunder of the drums dictates
The rhythm of the falls, the number of deaths, the rising of the horns ahead.
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Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 3:29 pm
Rank: Youngest Prince
Kingdom: Wrath
Location: In the hall with Lincoln, Lorelei, Kirios, and Sahsa █║▌│█│║▌║││█║▌│║║█║█║▌│█║▌│║║█║ The young princess's...Princess? His brows knitted together. Confused at how on earth it was impossible for his own thoughts to betray him. Perhaps his sister was hunting around in his head again? No...that could not be the case. He would be able to sense her fully rather than be completely confused. No it was more than that, he felt out of place in his company. His mouth was dry and as he pressed his lips together he could recall a faint sweet but bitter taste coating his tongue. Something like strawberry and ash. His stomach twisted with such an odd taste in his mouth. He swallowed hard. Trying to place what he'd consumed to cause such a funny after taste. Yet nothing came to his mind, nothing with in his memory (spell permitting) gave way to what could cause these flavors.
Lucas was in such a state of puzzlement that when the haunting melody of the fair princess entered his mind he jumped. His dark gaze instantly rising and clashing with her own. Unsure whether the words came from her lips or through the link that she often used. When the words continued to flow yet her mouth remained closed he knew exactly where they came from. His gut twisted as he looked down, lids hiding his chocolate hues. The pain enough to push away the thought of the odd taste in his mouth and enough to center him and not think about the other odd sensation that toyed with his senses.
He focused on her words, those words that use to bring him to a fevered pitch now brought him pain. His brow creased as he suppressed a throaty rumble of displeasure and annoyance. Then she said the words that nearly made him fall to his knees. His anger rising, the beast raising its head, his back began to burn. Dark hues revealed themselves as they fixed on the siren. Yes the male who so shamelessly flirted with the princess annoyed him to no end. But he knew the spell of a siren was strong and had seen the affects his own sister had when she bewitched a man...how deadly it could be. Yet it was who she was betrothed to that raised his hackles.
His enemy (no in more ways than one) Haven was to marry her. After she skirted around him. Denied him. Yes they had their brief moments before he left but...that wasn't enough he wanted more. -I suggest princess that unless you want the men in this hall to befall my wrath that you do not bring up your betrothed.- He retorted, pain and anger twisting with his words as he slammed up his barrier and allowed her no further entrance into his mind. Severing the link that the two shared for the time being.
He couldn't deal with her song, tempting and baiting his more territorial side. It was bad enough merely being in her presence among all these willing victims. Even with his brother there, he knew that would not be enough to calm his fury once ignited. His darker nature was running on pure instinct, numbing his humanity, seeing it's potential mate weaving a powerful spell with her beautiful voice was more painful than the creature could bare. Enraging him more. Making him a dangerous time bomb waiting... anticipating it's release so that it could finally prove that the female was his. Even if she did not see it that way.
He was a male---strong, powerful, healthy all the things a female looked for. Yet she still managed to slip through his grip. Like a fine grained sand just passing through his fingers. Yes he did like the chase, he wouldn't deny that but it had long since passed the point of fun little games. Now she was betrothed. Reading to marry and too obedient to tell them to go straight to hell. The proper, dutiful, loyal princess was the Lady Gavine. God why did he want her so? If he didn't...if he could just go back to the way he was before he met her he wouldn't care. Curse the fates who lead him down this path.
How he longed for the battle field now, to be away from the fairer sex. The young Prince released a slow sigh as the sounds of chains pulled him forward. His brow raising as he looked around him for a moment. Wondering where the sound was emanating from. Something in the air not feeling quiet right. A sense of danger perhaps? What ever the case may be with his own body in such a tizzy over the other woman, the beast with in him hyper aware of those around him. Especially the woman who at that moment decided to speak allowed to the men. Speaking of Sokar, the gardener who had once been a were-beast now turned human. He remembered a brief encounter with him and how he had nearly lost control then as well.
Sokar had come across Lucas's attempt of stealing a kiss from the Lust princess. It had been an odd encounter to say the least.
The prince's thoughts halted the instant the flirtatious dog, Kirios, leaned forward his lips brushing Lorelei's flesh. Lucas's stomach knotted and this time he could not suppress the low rumble that vibrated his cords. His dark eyes as hard as stone. Fixed upon the male. His skin began to burn more as he felt the wings slowly inching their way from their hiding place just beneath the skin. His fingers curled into tight fists, nails cutting into his palm (filling the air for those who had heightened senses) with a bitter copper scent. As the crimson began to seep from the small slices in his palms.
His pools watched, fixed, shooting daggers at the male who finally took his leave from the group. However the young prince of Wrath knew that he too should be leaving. Get as far from Lorelei as possible. It was quiet clear to him that he should not be around her. It was to fresh and there was so much pain there. Not only caused by her marriage-to-be or that her bethrothed was Fortitude slim but also that he'd harmed his sister because he'd lost control. He'd rather not harm his brother for the very same reason. He closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. "Brother I think I am going to take my leave for now. I am tired from the travel here." He uttered as he raised his lids and looked to the older Masterson, his lips curving into a small smirk that did not touch his eyes.
Those two dark pools, were hollow and dead looking as the took in their sibling. His gaze falling to his wounded arm. "Plus you look like you should get that wound taken care of...Especially considering your mother is coming to join us here." He teased. Trying to gain his formal demeanor of the playful younger brother. Yet even as he tried his cords did not convey such emotions. "Unless of course you want your mother fussing about like a mother hen. I've done my fair share of stitching up wounds if you'd like me to tend to it. Plus it's been too long since we've had some time to ourselves." He released a small halfhearted chuckle. "What say you brother?"
Whether Lincoln came with him or not, he was leaving this small party. Too many males, too many emotions and he had yet come to term with the cards he had been dealt. Plus he had an odd suspicion that the fair haired male was itching to get away from the spell Lorelei's voice---before he too became enraptured by it. Granted Lucas knew there was no way that the Heir could have missed the sudden change in the young male. Or that growl that had so foolishly escaped his lips. He would likely ask what had caused it and if Lucas was also trapped by her spell. Which was an answer that was both yes....and no. He fancied her yes, but there was more too it. It was deeper than just her enchanting melody.
Plus he was prideful enough to believe he was different from the others...even if he was more similar to them than he'd like to admit.
█║▌│█│║▌║││█║▌│║║█║█║▌│█║▌│║║█║
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Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2011 12:34 am
 Corrine Brooke Masterson Kingdom: Wrath ✩ Rank: Arch Duchess ✩ Location: Veritas' Study || Hallways ✩ What just happened?  Green eyes searched around the study as Corrine seemed to come out of a haze. She cleared her throat, eyes landing on Veritas as the old man looked at her with his naturally piercing gaze.
"M-My apologies, my lord, I must have wandered off for a moment within my own mind. I'll admit, I just had one of the strangest daydreams I've ever had, and I'm afraid I missed your retort as to what we should do with poor Sokar," she said with an apparently confused look. The last thing she really remembered was trying to tell him about what happened to Sokar, but then everything was kind of a blur. It all seemed so real, and yet here she was, sitting in the exact chair she'd been sitting in before her little mental vacation. As if the land she'd been in hadn't been strange enough, she was performing actions that might cause even the Arch Duchess to flush slightly, for men clearly below her station. Others from the castle had been there as well, though the strange part was that the two featured most prominently in her dream had been those she was not the least bit familiar with since their introductions to the castle. Their interactions had been limited to polite passings in the hallway and glances in the dining hall when they happened to all wander in at the same time.
Shaking her brunette head, the Arch Duchess rose from her seat sinking into a slightly distracted curtsy.
"I beg your pardon, but I am suddenly not feeling well, so I will return to my chambers. Hopefully Lord Bellerose or Lady Gavini will have found some clothes to fit the gardener, and we can figure things out from there." Before he really had a chance to say anything, Corrine turned and dismissed herself from the study, feeling like she was missing something terrible but not confident enough to ask her host to fill her in on all the little details. Maybe she didn't want to know the details if they had anything to do with her visions - she'd experienced nothing like it before, and now all she wanted to do was get back to her room, figure out what to do with the naked gardener and try to clear her thoughts. However, even her return to her room could not be simple, the brunette turning the corner to feel her body smack straight into something solid.
Thankfully, her warrior's build and reflexes prevented her from toppling over backwards, despite the wealth of skirts that bustled about her ankles as she caught herself on the wall. A gruff voice sounded an apology, her piercing eyes moving up to land on a nervous smile mounted on a striking jawline. He extended a hand in introduction, Corrine's features stoic as her gaze moved from his face down to his hand, and then back up to his eyes.
"No apologies necessary, the fault was just as much mine. Corrine Masterson, Arch Duchess of Wrath. I assure you, while the offer is generous, your services are not needed," she said with a soft grin breaking her expressionless facade. She reached out and took his hand in her own firm handshake, likely not something a general would expect from a woman unless he had been to Wrath before. However, as soon as the words left her mouth, her eyebrow rose slightly, looking him up and down once. Perhaps he could be useful after all - anything he had to wear would certainly fit the gardener until they could figure something else out.
"Actually, Kirios there is a way you might be of service to me." Despite the fog, Corrine was still aware of their current predicament, and in case there were problems with her cohorts, she wanted to make sure she didn't continue to have a naked man in her room she'd never met before. Turning her gaze to Kirios, she kept the distance between them just close enough that she could command his attention, yet distant enough where he wouldn't think her inappropriate for a first meeting.
"The gardener, Sokar, met with an unfortunate incident involving a witch, and long story short, is in need of clothes. You're about his size - any chance you'd loan me a shirt and pair of trousers? I'd be most grateful - it doesn't look good to have a nude member of the castle staff hiding out in my chambers, especially when my betrothed is in an adjoining room." While she didn't necessarily care about the latter part of those statements, she could only hope it would cement in his mind the gravity of her situation, and give him more of a reason to help her when they had just met.
"I assure you, a favor for Wrathian nobility never goes unrequited." Alright, so her voice may have had a tint of seduction in it she didn't entirely intend, but there was something about his that drew her in on a subconscious level. Something that she could not even begin to try and explain to someone, especially in her current state of mind. She could only hope that he would oblige her, give her a solution for her current problem, and at the same perhaps get to know a little but more about the war general. ((Oodles Of Carrots: )
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Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2011 12:14 pm
 ƙιɳɠԃσɱ: Fortitude
ɾαɳƙ: Servant
ʅσƈαƚισɳ: In the halls, heading towards the kitchen.
ƚԋσυɠԋƚʂ: What was that strange occurrence? Oh no! I'v got to get to work!
ɯҽαɾιɳɠ: Standard servants dressAoife awoke in that confused state in which you're not quite sure where you are, how you got there, or what happened in between. And what made her even more confused was that she had never actually gone to sleep. She had just arrived here this morning, and was shadowing one of the older servants in order to learn the castle, when all of a sudden, she blinked and was waking up.... Where? Somewhere in a rather small chamber, but a shockingly soft bed. A bed that only a royal or wealthy woman would sleep in. It had all been so surreal, but now, at the moment as she tried to remember that strange vision, the haze thickened and each detail slipped away. The more she thought about it, the less she knew and the more agitated with her own memory she became. It was enough to drsive a person temporarily insane if they so chose to dwell on it long engough. But Aoife did not chose to, for she had more important things to do than dwell on her little mental trip. She blinked around her and saw that she was still in the middle of the hall, as if she hadn't moved at all. With a frown she lifted her skirts and started down the hall, wondering briefly what time it was, somewhere near dinnertime, by the looks of all the nobles heading to their chambers to freshen up. And if that was, in fact, the case, then she had better hurry up! That sudden nap had really thrown off her balance, but the precocious young servant had a knack for fast recoveries, and was already managing to push the last remnants of the unknown spell from her mind. A servant was not to get too distracted from their duty or else face some type of punishment. As she neared a group of the more wealthy residents of this mismatched castled, she slowed her pace respectively and turned her eyes towards the ground meekly, catching a vague impression that the girl in her little dream, the girl who was her, would have held her chin high and smirked cockily at them. Too bad Aoife couldn't be that girl right now. She slipped past them, murmuring a quiet, "Pardon me, m'lady, m'lords." Then she hurried on her way. She hated having to speak to the rich and royal, it was always very awkward for her. She was educated, yes, but when people who actually mattered in the world spoke to her, she found herself horribly tongue tied and self-concious. And so, she tried her best to avoid contact with anyone other than servants or children. The children were easy to get along with. well ι тooĸ α wαlĸ αroυɴd тнe world тo eαѕe мy тroυвled мιɴd ι leғт мy вody lyιɴɢ ѕoмewнere ιɴ тнe ѕαɴdѕ oғ тιмe вυт ι wαтcнed тнe world ғloαт тo тнe dαrĸ ѕιde oғ тнe (мooɴ) ι ғeel тнere ιѕ [ɴoтнιɴɢ] ι cαɴ do..... 
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Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2011 3:19 pm
 You know the games I play,
And the words I say
When I want my own way
You know the lies I tell
When you've gone through Hell,
And I say I can't stay
You know how hard it can be
To keep believing in me
When everything and everyone becomes my enemy
And when there's nothing more you can do
I'm gonna blame it on you
It's not the way I wanna be
I only know that in the end you will see
It's the Opheliac in me... Location razz ersonal chambers, halls, and then the corridor adjacent to the Dining Hall- I spy, with my little eye...   
Quickly, the Hubrian princess had come to find the amethyst sprawl of her chambers dull, the silken sheets beneath her slender visage not enough to capture her interest any longer. Quite suddenly, a sense of grogginess had enveloped the girl; the sort of feeling which followed a rather long nap, causing her to contemplate, a bit pensively, if she’d just woken from one. Odd, because she couldn’t recall drifting off to sleep, but…oh, to hell with wondering; what did it matter, anyway? A glance towards her mirror proved that the Banshee still looked quite posh -which end the end was all that really mattered-, and with one last spin to verify the fact, she turned on one, dainty slippered heel and fled out the door.
Unsurprisingly, the girl’s mood had grown sour, although for the life of her she couldn’t place why; there was usually at least some kind of a reason for her frustrations, but here, in this particular setting, she drew a blank. Just an odd feeling, really; a sort of knot twisted in her stomach…some unfamiliar sense of dread picking at her conscience idly, as one might tug at a loose string. With a light shake of her head, an act which sent raven colored tresses briefly billowing into the air, the princess opted to expel the thoughts, as they weren’t at all conducive to her usual demeanor.
Haughtiness took form on her face again, pale cheeks gathering enough color to indicate a little glee on her part, and the princess went about the halls, the lush, crimson colored fabric of her dress dragging dutifully against the floor behind her.
What to do, what to do, she thought idly. It was such a large castle, and yet it seemed at times that even a place so very expansive couldn’t house even one thing to garner the princess’ curiosity. And what a terrible bother that was! Veritas had spells at his disposal, servants on hand and riches beyond belief; one would think he could do more to entertain his guests from time to time! And in an appropriate fashion, of course; venturing into caves had been solely for his amusement, it seemed. In Sara’s mind, he was long overdue on making reparations for that excursion…it had nearly birthed a frightful fear of mirrors in her, and that was quite unforgivable!
Staring into mirrors had long been one of the girl’s favorite pastimes, after all. And continued to be, despite the God’s surly tricks.
Another corner turned, and the princess found herself staring down the length of the Dining Hall, blackened eyes scrounging out the forms of Altonair, Naedira, and her betrothed. Immediately she turned her stride, sidling her form quickly around the doorway so as to –hopefully- avoid their notice. Lips pursed, dainty nose scrunched, the banshee peeked through the doorway again, quietly enough to grasp at some form of stealth; fully content to eavesdrop on their little conversation rather than actually join it, until she was noticed…or unless something more entertaining happened by.
"The good die young -because they see it's no use living if you've got to be good"
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Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2011 7:06 pm
 Sasha Steel Kingdom: Justice
Role: Bard
Stage: The hallways beside Lorelei, Lucas, Kirios, and Lincoln
Inspiration: Why does the room spin so? Up M'lady pack your things this place is not your home Nor was it ever sever every tie Tonight we ride tonight we RIDE First there was darkness, then the vertigo struck as Sasha could feel his body moving, falling, spinning; completely void of physical limitations. The need to steady his balance kicked in, and his leg slid out behind him, instinctively looking for solid ground. As his foot skidded on the stone, the smells of the castle assaulted his senses, and at last the fog cleared, the familiar hallway left spinning into view. The experience was almost enough to send his stomach churning... Almost. A woman's words brought the world upright again, followed by a male's voice. Nay, two voices. The cogs of his mind finally shifted into motion as the memories came flooding back, and he remembered he was in the presence of royalty, and the famed General.
When at last he had wits enough to address his esteemed companions, it seemed the group was already dividing. Lorelei was still concerned about this Sorkar, Kirios had given a cryptic reason for his sudden departure, and Lucas muttered some nonsense about being tired from the travel, calling for Lincoln to follow. Sasha twigged when Lincoln's wound was mention, it was important for some reason, but the memory was fleeting, distant, like the one of the giant stone obelisks. Sasha paused in his thoughts, had that actually happened?
"I just had the strangest dream," He spoke aloud, not caring what the reactions from the others might be, if any. "Yet I do not recall sleeping. There were giant obelisks, and the noise..." The bard trailed off, recollecting his thoughts again. "Unimportant," he muttered finally, putting the dream to the back of his mind, but not out of it. "This Sorkar fellow, in need of clothing. I may have something in my rucksack that will fit him, My Lady," he offered with a deep, flamboyant bow. At least his balance had returned, and... yes, he did have his rucksack. Why was his mind so scattered?So do yourself a little favour tab tab tab tab Savour every time you waver For that shaking in my voice was only slyly feigned chagrin TONIGHT WE RIDE!
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Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 2:49 am
  XXXXXXXI wear this chaos well.
XXXXXXXThough none should save me,
XXXXXXXdesperation keeps me here,
XXXXXXXmy need for innocence,
XXXXXXXthe place where I began
XXXXXXXThe abyss becomes me,
XXXXXXXAre these not words of heresy
XXXXXXXa venom on my lips, a poison?
XXXXXXXEvery cry a wasted moment
XXXXXXXuntil another day is lost.
XXXXXXXEven lands we once called home
XXXXXXXlie undiscovered and unknown.
XXXXXXXOnly heaven's silence for an answer.
XXXXXXXAnd did our laughter, did our tears
XXXXXXXhave some purpose after all?Kingdom of: Humility, First Princess
Location: Dining Hall
Quote: "To be humble to superiors is duty, to equals courtesy, to inferiors nobleness..." “Oh sweet Madelyne…I’m sure that our esteemed host will match you perfectly when he finds a suitor appropriate for you. Not to worry…”, the dark haired Princess of Humility assured her younger sister with a kind smile, and an affectionate pat on the hand. They might have only just found one another…But Nae felt the need to make up for lost time.
To be the big sister to her little sister, that she’d never gotten the chance to be. To be a family, as they were meant to… Even in these dark times.
Servants came and brought dinner then, making the tables heavy with their bounty…Replacing the random fruits and bits of dried meat that had been placed previously on elegantly decorated runners for their enjoyment. The eldest daughter of Humility delicately picked out the apple red, almost heart shaped fruits once everyone else chose what they wanted…Strawberries, they were called. Or so she’d been told… They had quickly become her favorite. The conversation seemed to lapse into a careful silence for a time…Normally Nae would have kept things going, ever the perfect lady… But for some reason she felt incredibly flushed and sick to her stomach.
Like when someone else forced their magicks upon her…It had happened to her as a child, during tutoring sessions. It wasn’t debilitating…Simply notable. Uncomfortable.
Naedira had always held a faintly more tanned tone to her skin than her siblings did...Her mothers blood ran strong in her—As evidenced by the magic she wielded. But time seemed odd at their table in the dining hall, and the longer they sat…Talked, and drank, Naedira grew exceedingly pale. Her hand came to rest on her stomach as fragmented, disturbing images assaulted her…Sights and sounds, the scent of clove and smoke… She forced a pleasant smile on her face for the benefit of King Riley when he asked of their stay…Nodding at his question like the dutiful daughter…”Indeed… Aside from some interesting…Festive events set into motion for us by Lord Veritas…Our stay has been educational.”
"How would you describe it, Lord Altonair?"
She could not say safe…Nor could she say fun. She could still remember the feeling of her face being split open. Her smile, sickeningly elongated. The fear that encompassed her, at being trapped underground…Being mildly claustrophobic in ways she had never fully experienced…
Naedira would not be going to the lower levels of the castle again anytime soon.
Some of the sickness eventually started to subside, and she tried to pass off her visions as…Perhaps eating something bad. Reaching for her goblet she took a sip of honey mead…Perhaps a sip that was just slightly longer than propriety expected of her… But she suddenly felt out of place. Eyeing the goblet critically, she wondered for a moment if she had been drugged…magically poisoned?
Everything in the hall, even sitting between the handsome Altonair and her beautiful little sister, left her feeling with a disgusted sense of déjà vu.
Feeling a sudden, unexplainable need to glance over her shoulder, she stiffened as she caught sight of a hooded man standing near a lovely flaxen haired woman…She glittered, for lack of a better word. But it was the man that caught her attention…Strange, because the way he stood made it seem as if…He didn’t truly wish to be seen. Turning back to face her father, and the others at her table, the man’s features haunted her. With his visage came more lewd, translucent, feathers of nightmares that felt all too real. Her eyes stung as she breathed in deeply and out slowly to try and steady herself. Scattered memories, visions, dreams, whatever they were, were puzzle pieces that as they assembled— Led her promise of maidenly virtue to its death.
Many times over.
Ryan suddenly arrived, breaking her from her thoughts and sudden fear…Bless the Gods--Dashing away the darkness from her eyes as her mental grasp on them slipped. For the moment, those demons were far away…Her brother was a comfort to her where there was none…Even if he’d been angry with her, he was her rock and stone. She knew that her father loved her…But it was her brother, that had often held her hand growing up. That helped her chase away the dark spawn from her bureau…She didn’t want her sister to know…To know what it was that she had seen. Naedira wished that she could unsee it. And Altonair…Altonair could never know.
Never.
By the bright one, what would he think of her? Even thinking such things...It was wrong. Was it not?
Glancing around the hall…She looked for anyone else that looked as confused as she felt. She couldn’t be the only one left with the feeling of having her free will stolen—Not to mention feeling bewitched and bamboozled. “I thought that you might have forgotten us, brother dear…”
She caught his apologetic glance, and her head inclined sweetly as she gave him a small smile in return. He apologized, and she accepted. That was the way of it. They were blood, and loved one another very much…There was no need to carry a grudge. Hearing the story about the Gardner, her head tilted. Sokar? Why would he need clothes? Nevertheless, she would ask her brother later. Chuckling softly, she glanced towards Altonair. “Do not listen to him, your grace… He knows not of what he speaks. Our heir is anything but foolish.”
Except where Lust, was concerned.
Feeling eyes upon her, she turned partially—Not knowing that it was the Lady Sara. If she had seen the quick tempered, however enjoyable, dark haired minx, she would have invited her to dine with them. If Ryan couldn’t remember his manners—His sister would. But instead of the Princess of Hubris—She caught sight of the man from the dark kingdom tables…And it brought the feeling of confusion back to her. Of shame, and horror. Brought visions that may once have been of sugar plums and dancing fairies—But were now short glimpses of tangled bed dressings.
Who was this loose woman that she saw in her minds eye? Who had cursed her, blasphemed and painted her with such a scarlet mark? Her mind spun… Nothing seemed willing to allow her peace this afternoon. This woman who looked so like her…Whose face she had spoken through, in such strange clothes…Doing such –unspeakable- things with dozens of men…None of which she was wed too. Not even betrothed to….
Suddenly…It occurred to her. Was this her punishment for using the shadow arts? For calling black magic—Blood magic? She’d expected the darkness to gnaw at her for the next few nights, leaving her sleepless in it’s seductive wake as she refused to submit to it…But could she have been wrong? Was this the consequence? The price? Would she become a simpering harlot?
She seemed to sit straighter in her chair, the more she thought about it…Determined not to allow anyone to see her bothered...The Shield Maiden of Humility was strong, determined, and fierce when her duties called for it. She did not curl in upon herself like a wounded child… But something deep inside her soul felt broken, shattered. Wronged.
Were it not for the fact that this was the first meeting of her family and her betrothed… She would have fled. Fled to the chapel to pray, plead for guidance…Held a cleansing ritual…A protection spell…Something, anything. She felt a staunch need to put distance between herself and the man from the Black Kingdoms that she suddenly feared beyond all measure. Such wicked thoughts did not simply come to someone… Not without having been placed there. Clearer they were, than any dream… But they were equally far away. Just when she thought she knew a name…She forgot it.
But she remembered faces.
Naedira remained oddly silent, facing pointedly forward-- Speaking only when spoken to, or if the conversation lapsed. Ryan was just as good as she was at making someone feel welcomed...She hoped that Altonair wouldn't take offense. Even her father spoke more than she--Asking the Prince if Envian steel was everything he had heard it to be...A familiar topic for men...It was the three W's her nurse maids had taught. Weapons, War, and Women.
Already, she conjured womanly excuses such as feeling unwell, or a migraine. A silent fiancé, she reasoned…Was better than an absent one.
Part of her grew very sad. She'd so wanted this evening to be perfect.
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Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2011 12:38 pm
- Richard Bellerose - |683|
Location - Corridor adjacent the Dining Hall, This seems familiar.
Kingdom - Hubris
Rank - Prince
Richard awoke from a daze as if he had been in a deep slumber or perhaps just from a daydream. The sudden nature of being ripped back into reality seemed foreign and wrong. At the same time however he felt as if he had been in a far away place and was just now back where he belonged. Images of many women and lots of money flashed into his mind for a moment. It was enough to bring a smirk to his face as if he was fondly remembering a long forgotten memory. A quick gaze around his surroundings told him he was in his room and very much alone. Running a hand through his long golden locks of hair Richard stood up from his bed not quite remembering having been in it in the first place. He felt jumbled and perfect all at the same time. With practiced ease he grabbed his long sword and tied it in place as he stood in front of a mirror. He had been considering going to the Dining Hall for something to eat and arriving with a look that was anything but perfect would just not do.
Smoothing out a few wrinkles in his clothing and making sure his hair was acceptable Richard headed straight for the door gripping the handle and opened it without a moment of hesitation. Boots padding softly on the floor as he walked with all the poise expected of a prince of Hubris. He was in a remarkably good mood currently and it was sure to show. Richard felt refreshed. Watching his surroundings as he moved forward his footsteps suddenly ceased as he spotted a familiar form ahead. The ghost of a smile finding it's way to his face as he watched a certain raven haired princess eavesdropping. It was like old times when he would catch her doing something she wasn't supposed to be doing. Not that he could really blame Sara for wanting to spy on her betrothed. With surprisingly quiet footsteps Richard crept closer to Sara his hand reaching out in front of him.
Letting his hand hover just behind her shoulder for a few moments he suddenly grasped it in an attempt to startle his younger sister. "Sara you really need to be better at hiding. This just won't do." Listening for a moment to see what she was hearing he could have sworn he spotted one of them glance in Sara and his direction. "Come leave them to their little dinner and you can come and sit by me where we can catch up. You best hurry before they are obligated to invite you to dine with them." Holding his arm out for his sister to grasp it was clear he wasn't going to give her much choice in the matter. Since his arrival he really hadn't been given a real opportunity to just sit with her and carry on a conversation. Part of it was Richard's fault for not actively trying to seek her out however she hadn't attempted to seek him out either to his knowledge.
"So tell me sister how has the castle been treating you? Aside from pairing you with foolish men?" When speaking Richard made sure to speak in a low voice to avoid being overheard. "At least this time the lord of this castle paired you with an Heir instead of a drunk I suppose." It was clear in his tone that he didn't think much more of her current betrothed from what he had witnessed of the man so far. Still it appeared the Heir of Humility would be quite easy for his sister to control. "Once Father gets past the whole his little girl is set to be married thing he should be pleased on some level." Keeping the conversation going he took a quick gaze around the Dining Hall only to spot the Heiress of Avarice he had greeted just a little while earlier. A small smile found it's way to his face as he gazed back at his sister and waited for her to answer.
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Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2011 9:49 pm
Dining Hall Pieterre, the Avarician Page, felt positively ill as he made his way into the dining hall, dressed formally for the occasion. His heart beat so loudly, so quickly, in his chest that he feared the guards he passed would be able to hear it. He adjusted the feathered hat he wore, his dandified blue and gold over coat still bearing the crest of the House of Aliyavenya. While he was the betrayer…His former oaths were made to Avarice—Not to the reigning family…Not as they were now. He mopped at his sweat covered brow with a handkerchief, stuffing it back into his pocket hastily, twitching with nervousness.
He had seen the Lady Dominique and her escort…How could he not? They glittered in a way that made it night impossible not to notice. Or perhaps he was simply overly aware of their presence…His shoulders felt heavy, back broken, with the task that had been demanded of him.
The dutiful Page waited at the front of the hall for Dorian and her dragon-born brother Lucien to make their appearance. Word had it through the servants that they were coming this way—With intent to peacefully dine. He’d spent all afternoon preparing his speech, so as not to disappoint his new liege. There was something about the Grand Duchess Dominique that made him nervous. Moreso, than the Lady Dorian ever had. While he had indeed bowed to the former royals every command… He’d never been so terrified of her.
Pieterre, despite his bargain, was filled with dread. While he’d been granted his life…He had a nagging feeling that such a thing was temporary. Depending on what took place…
He feared that he would cease to breathe before night fell.
The man took a sharp breath of air before coughing into the sleeve of his coat, not noticing the blood that the action left behind. Nor did he take any special note of his waxy, rather sunken eyed appearance. He blamed his heart rate and profuse sweating on his fragile nerves.
No sooner had he straightened, did Dorian and Lucien Black of Avarice enter the dining hall… They moved towards the tables reserved for the Sinful Kingdoms—But before they could take their seats, the Page lifted the horn he’d borrowed from a Herald and blew as hard as his failing lungs would allow.
“By the command of the Royal Family of Avarice—I bring news and edicts from the capital city Cupidité.”, Pieterre swallowed hard, beady eyes flickering between the tables whose attention he no doubt now had. He avoided looking at the Lady Dorian, if at all possible…He did not want to see her expression. Her shock, or her pain.
“The illustrious and rightful ruling House d’Aquitaine has removed the demonic presence from the Kingdom of Avarice. Cambion rule and has been entirely overthrown. The Malcanthet and her Incubus Consort are imprisoned within the walls of Atrox, and are awaiting a swift execution. The restored King D’Artagnan has decreed that henceforth all offspring of the deposed Aliyavenya’s line—Both b*****d and true, are stripped of all titles, land, and wealth. As are their children, and their blood—From here on after, forbidden from the throne.”
Pieterre paused…Drawing his sleeve across his nose when he felt a tickle, surprised to see a streak of red mar the gold and blue of his overcoat. A nosebleed now? Of all times? It must be his blood pressure—It felt like it was boiling in his veins. “Dorian and Lucien Black, children of the usurper, and former heirs are formally found guilty of High Treason.”
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Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2011 9:57 pm
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Ӄῐηɠɖѻɱ: Avarice
Ƚѻҫӓʈΐѻη: Veritas Kingdom - Dining Hall
Ɍӓηҟ: Heiress ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 
Dominique breathed sweet air as her eyes fluttered open…Her brilliant aquamarine orbs glazed in a way that they never were. Blinking slowly, dark lashes feathering over pale cheeks as she released a gentle chuckle. She had heard that the entertainment in her many times great-uncle’s keep was good…But nothing of this caliber had ever come to her ears. What a pity! Silvery, musical laughter escaped her as she glanced towards Fandral…Wondering if he’d had the same experience she had. She remembered things clearly—That he’d been with her, up until interrogating the friend of the mildly uneducated Prince John of Fortitude.
But after that…The details were a fast fading fog. She remembered white walls, and a handsome man that played games of chess with her as she tired of a cage she could not escape… Nevertheless, she found great amusement in what she did recall. “How marvelous…”
Her gaze flickered to Fandral and her rose colored lips were tilted upward in a way that made her seem years younger for a moment…Not the staunch Queen in training that she often portrayed herself as. Just as quickly as her amusement arrived however…It faded, and the dining hall was left with her all too perfect, severe visage. She was lovely, in all ways and carried herself with the breeding and good carriage of a thoroughbred royal, seeming to naturally appear ethereal. It was the god blood in her veins, that made her eyes shine, her hair shimmer as the colors shifted between dusky gold and a lighter blond…Her skin remained flawless, as smooth as the silk she wore… Everything about her seemed inviting…Dominique, like her mothers before her, was simply designed to be as beautiful as she was deadly.
Her ladies in waiting giggled amongst themselves, though they stopped once she glanced in her direction. They were dressed exactly the same—In floral brocades and tightly bound corsets. Each wore a white cloak of silk with the hoods up…Deliberately partially obscuring their features.
It made it easy to take one of their guises and move about the castle…Allowing one of them to take her place. Both had very similar features to her, that if painted enough—And if their hair was woven in an intricate enough style…No one would be the wiser. Her guards rarely let anyone close enough to her to spot specific differences…
Her attention was stolen by the Page blowing a horn… And her eyes were directed to the Cambion whore and her half blood brother. True, her father hadn’t yet given her the order to do away with either of them…But he had told her that her every act would be with his blessing. So she acted well within the guidelines of her royal duties. Most of which, were to ensure fealty by all those that had served the Malcanthet. Since most had hated her…It wouldn’t be difficult. But she couldn’t afford to appear weak.
To spare Dorian and Lucien would be an act of mercy… And while the d’Aquitaine were known for it…That was what had lost them the first battle for the throne. Mercy… Was for the faint of heart. For the weak…And Dominique would never appear as such. The Page began to speak and Domini remained silent as he did so…Watching the children of the Malcanthet go through an array of emotions. Disbelief, anger, and was that perhaps a twinge of fear? They called heresy…Lies, a trick.
The Page finished speaking…His body swaying back and fourth as it failed him. The whites of his eyes became red as capillaries burst, the poison Fandral had slipped into his tea taking its toll. As he fell to the ground, his life’s blood escaping him—The room seemed still—Other servants too shocked, to come to his aide.
That was fine with Dominique…There was no saving him.
“The boy does not lie…Talaran bless him, and ease his passing...”, Dominique spoke up, her voice cold as a winter frost—Though filled with a commanding tone, that one so young should not know. There was no compassion despite her words… No forgiveness. Nothing but a silent acceptance, and apart from anything…Brutal honesty. “I am Dominique d’Aquitaine—Grand Duchess, High Princess, and rightful heiress, to the Avarician throne. You have both been found guilty of High Treason…Not simply for wearing a stolen crown—As if you had the right to…But for failing miserably in your duties to the people of Avarice.”
Her glittering eyes grew hard as she rose from the table, her knights suddenly standing at attention…They whole heartedly anticipated a fight from the Dragon Born brother of Dorian, Lucien. Already his visage flickered into something more beastly as he pushed the former princess behind himself, in an effort to protect her.
Dominique shook her head—And the knights remained where they were. “You both know what the punishment is in Avarice for treason…And while we may be in a different land—I demand that blood be paid for what you’ve done—Or failed to do. As is my right… And it is also my right to sentence you myself.”
There was a disturbance that went unnoticed, a shifting of air, high near the crest of the ceiling in the dining hall. An outline of something indistinguishable started to form…Large and strange, it could have simply been mist forming. Perhaps from one of the pranksters that caused trouble before… Dominique’s eyes paled to a stark lavender the moment it became solid. Before anyone could act, or even bother to give warning, the razor sharp pendulum she’d created swung down from its notched perch and cleanly sliced Dorian vertically, completely, in half.
Dominique watched unimpressed as blood spattered the shining marble floor, the remains of Dorian twitching for a moment—Before the halves fell away from each other. No doubt some with weaker stomachs, royalty included, would retch for hours upon recalling the gruesome sight… Raising her wine glass, she smiled mirthlessly at Lucien as he gasped for breath. Brother and sister were cursed and bound, foolishly by the Malcanthet… When Dorian died, her soul would drag his into the fiery depths to damnation… It would be a slow death for him, while the curse exacted vengeance and tore him apart from the inside out… Unless someone intervened…
Glancing towards her Vice Marshal, she nodded her head toward him…Giving the silent command that he had no doubt been waiting for since the moment the doomed pair entered the dining hall. “Let the traitor suffer, my Vice Marshal, no longer.”
It was a simple decision really…Two birds, with one stone.
Since the world seemed so desperate to see some of the infamous d’Aquitaine mercy… She would be glad to oblige, and allow Fandral to end Lucien’s pain…Or at the very least, give the illusion of it… When truly, she just wanted to watch the light in his eye die out for all time.
 
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