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Post by ehela on May 12, 2017 20:13:58 GMT -5
Leyda wasn't listening to the men's conversation. She was lost in her own thoughts. How was she going to get married to this man? She barely knew him, what if they just didn't get along? He had to be at least sensible, but the princess wasn't very trusting of men with the "high and mighty" aura. And he wasn't the worst looking; he was probably like Tanzil, being flooded with females' affection constantly.
She snapped back into the room when the prince started to address her, and she smiled at him and nodded. "Of course." she agreed. Does he need the whole day? It was noon, the festivities started to roll around after sunset. He probably needs rest. It was a long journey.
The king waited until Casimir had left the room before addressing Leyda. "Well, he is a handsome man."
Leyda put on a forced smile. "That he is."
Tanzil smiled at his father, although it was far from a happy expression. More like, what were you thinking? "Seems like a wonderful fellow." He dipped his head and patted his sister's shoulder twice before setting off. The king followed suit after kissing his daughter's forehead.
Leyda was now left alone, and she certainly felt it. So she decided to seek out Hyril, because she missed her and as a girl she would understand. She caught the knight just outside the door. "Hyril," she enveloped her friend in a hug, tightly. "How are you? Has my father been keeping you busy?"
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Post by Lostwhisker on May 12, 2017 21:33:22 GMT -5
(Now all I can picture is Casimir tutting at his room because he isn't satisfied with it and abusing his "escort." Poor little man...)
The Knight was surprised by the sudden embrace but she returned it warmly. "Quite. He has me training the men extra in preparation for tonight and probably putting me in my place." She sighed but shrugged it off as though the lack of sleep wasn't bothering her. Hýril then took the time to study her friend's face, "is there something troubling you?" Though she wasn't the best at reading the emotions of strangers, she was quite good at recognizing when those close to her are distressed. Her thoughts immediately went to the love letter hidden in her breastplate but she tight-lipped that information in case that wasn't the problem -- I must decide what to do with that. It may not be best for her to know of his true feelings. The memory of the conversation with the King about the betrothal weighed heavily in her mind and on her heart. She bowed her head, "I apologize that I have not spoken with you until now. Tanzil assured me that he would talk to you personally but it still doesn't feel right." She lifted her gaze to meet the Princess's, "I'm meant to be your protector but I am completely helpless in this situation." Her eyes wavered as though she was going to cry but the elf took a deep breath and swallowed her despair. The young woman shook her head, "I apologize once more: this isn't appropriate. Is there something you'd like to discuss with me, Your Highness?"
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Post by ehela on May 13, 2017 1:21:20 GMT -5
casimir's spirit animal would definitely be a persian cat xD)
The female let go of her companion but her arm remained at Hýril's shoulders, holding to that ounce of contact. Her lips curled in, expression, kind of blank. Leyda was troubled, but she couldn't bring herself to admit it. She felt confused. She felt overwhelmed. She was getting engaged tonight to a stranger and someone else lingered in her mind. Her friend didn't look like her usual self. The princess sensed some of her exhaustion. She offered a genuine smile. "No, don't apologize. You have your duties to attend to. You're one of the best, I can't keep you to myself." Her gaze flitted to her surroundings. "Let's go to my room. I'd rather not talk in the middle of everyone." Around them servants were bustling around. And for once she didn't feel like being gossip to keep them entertained.
Leyda led her back to her room, all the while silent. Just being in Hýril's presence was soothing enough. They had passed the infirmary on the way there. Her thoughts once again become occupied with Anton. She hoped to visit him soon. Hopefully he was well enough to end the ball that night. Although she sensed it would be painful, having him there would ease a bit of anxiety.
She strolled into her rooms and surveyed the room. No maids. Shoulder slouching just slightly, she relaxed. She fell back into her bed. She decided to pour out a bit of her worries."I'm going to get married to a man I barely know. I just found out last night and tonight I'm getting engaged! And he hasn't made the best impression either."
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Post by Lostwhisker on May 14, 2017 12:14:08 GMT -5
(Agreed xD that fits his personality pretty well.)
Though Leyda had soothed her anxiety some, Hýril still felt inadequate as a knight and friend. She was relieved that the Princess suggested talking elsewhere and followed her into the royal chambers silently. The elf was lost in her thoughts but snapped out of them when the smaller female draped herself unceremoniously across her cushy bed. Hýril grinned slightly and sat on the edge of the mattress, clasping her hands in her lap. She respectfully listened to her friend and nodded, "it's not fair. I have never supported arranged marriages especially to someone so..." the girl wrinkled her nose, "repulsive personality wise." Her hand patted Leyda's knee lightly, "I'm truly sorry all of this is happening. You should be able to choose whom to marry with your heart and not by what is beneficial for the funds of the kingdom." The Knight would never come out with it clearly but she knew the King was a selfish and greedy man since she was little. A sigh escaped past her lips as her hand moved itself from the Princess's knee and plucked the piece of parchment from her breastplate. Her amber eyes met the shifting blue of Leyda's, "you have enough time before the festivities to read this over and process what it holds. I wasn't sure what to do with it but, since it is addressed to you, it is only fair that you get to see it." Her hand outstretched the folded parchment to her dearest friend.
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Post by ehela on May 14, 2017 14:20:24 GMT -5
"And so soon." She heaved a sigh. Perhaps she would look on the bright side of things. "Maybe he isn't so bad." She started with hesitance, not sure where this was going. "I mean... all men seem full of themselves on the outside. Like my brother." And Anton. Leyda's first impression of him was that he was just like any noble. However, as he grew on her he became earnest and sweet. But she should stop thinking about him. "It's likely a power complex." Leyda sat up, looking at the paper skeptically for a moment, before taking it. "Who is this from?" she questioned, reading her name across the front. Gingerly, she opened up the letter.
For a few seconds, a look of confusion fleeted across Leyda's features. Then, perplexity turned into shock. Her eyes quickly read over the words, multiple times just to make sure that they were actually a part of the contents. Her breath caught in her throat. Her heart was beating so fast it might be worrying. Her chest filled with warmth and she felt a sense of happiness that was quite unfamiliar. Her widened eyes traveled to the knight. "I have to-" She stood up abruptly, only to be brought back down by a dizzy spell. She cringed in pain and he fingers rubbed her forehead. "Shouldn't have gotten up so fast," the princess mumbled, chuckling softly.
But the wave of giddy feelings vanished as reality set in. Whatever Anton said, it was futile, for lack of better words. She was betrothed. The engagement was tonight. "Th-there's nothing i can do," she realized aloud. Dread overtook her. "I..." Quite quickly tears started to pool in her eyes.
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Post by Lostwhisker on May 14, 2017 14:39:40 GMT -5
Hýril sat in silence as Leyda read the love letter. She bowed her head when the Princess's voice broke as she stood. The knight placed her hand over her friend's and met the other girl's gaze, "I was hesitant to show you but you have every right to know. I still don't trust Anton but he's made you smile brighter in past few days than I have seen since we were children." Her eyes welled with tears and she took a deep breath, "I understand what it's like to care deeply for someone and not be able to spend the rest of your days with them." Her heart ached as she spoke the truth -- Tanzil... her heart seemed to whisper. Her fingers squeezed Leyda's hand in an attempt to comfort the both of them. "I was worried you'd react this way. I'm sorry..." That phrase -- 'I'm sorry' -- kept rolling off her tongue. She couldn't help it at this point. Her friend was heading into a future chosen for her and Hýril had already lost Tanzil; she couldn't stand losing Leyda as well. She released the Princess's hand and wiped the sadness from her eyes as a small smile touched her lips, "I don't think I cried this much since I was first starting training." Her words broke into a shaky chuckle.
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Post by ehela on May 14, 2017 15:11:31 GMT -5
forum turtle xD nice )
She quickly wiped the tears attempting to roll down her cheeks. She was confused, and sad. "Why did this have to happen?" She wasn't sure if this included catching feelings for Anton, but it definitely did include Casimir. What she felt for Anton was so strong, she couldn't possible find that in Casimir, or any man. she looked at Hýril and smiled, a bit solemnly. She curled her fingers around Hýril's and held her hand tightly. "I want to tell him, he has to at least know how I feel." she took a deep breath and released it in efforts to calm herself. "I know my fate is sealed, but he deserves it." For my own piece of mind. Maybe it wouldn't accomplish anything, but she needed resolution.
Leyda laughed a bit in Hýril's attempt to lighten the mood. It did help. "That's a long while ago." she looked around. "Who gave you the letter?" she skimmed over it again. She then got concerned, but on the subject of her friend. "How are you, really? I've noticed the tension between you and my brother; is everything alright?" She had observed the odd looks the two were exchanging in the main room earlier?
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Post by Lostwhisker on May 14, 2017 21:03:14 GMT -5
"Life is... Unpredictable," she sighed heavily, averting her gaze from Leyda's. Hýril had always felt the master of her own future even though she wasn't all-powerful but now she felt insignificant. Instead of conquering the rowdy waves of time she was now finding herself drowning and aching for a breath of fresh air. I wonder if this is how Leyda feels... She always seems to be a puppet to her father and other noble men. The thought alone was depressing enough to make the knight want to hug her friend. She flexed her fingers gently in response to her hand being squeezed and met Leyda's once bright eyes -- they were now dulled by pain and confusion. "I can't tell you what to do but are you sure it is best? It could be closure or it could be a beacon of impossible hope if you return his feelings. The matter is entirely up to you since it is now in your hands." She spoke carefully and paused before answering how the letter had fallen into her hands, "I witnessed a maid leaving your room and I had found it on your desk," she quickly added, "I had trespassed to make sure nothing harmful had been placed in your chambers. I never imagined to find something like that." She glanced at the parchment in Leyda's hands before meeting her gaze once more. It was harder now that she was being questioned about her well-being especially since it involved Tanzil. The elf hesitated then bowed her head in defeat, "the relationship between your brother and me is a complicated one. We have all grown up together -- as you already know." She smiled weakly before continuing, "it seems that romantic feelings have developed. I care for the both of you very much but with Tanzil... It feels different now." The words were catching in her throat but she forced them to be vocalized, "I rejected him. I told him we're too different and can't be together. It's easier if he marries a princess rather than staff to the castle." Though he makes a habit of fooling around with the maids, she thought miserably since she had walked in on such encounters too many times to count. The young woman furrowed her brows and pinched the bridge of her nose, "it's nothing that won't blow over. It's simply difficult at the moment since the wounds are fresh." She didn't want her problems weighing on Leyda's thoughts -- she has enough to deal with as it is.
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Post by ehela on May 15, 2017 23:09:42 GMT -5
"Life is unfair," she mumbled, lips forming into a childish pout. Leyda was secretly hoping an encouraging response from Hýril. She wanted to hear that closure was a great idea and that she should go right away and confess. But her friend told the truth; it was just be a hopeless desire. She couldn't go. But she wanted to. The two conflicting decisions swarmed her head. She groaned slightly and muttered, "Thinking has never hurt this much."
She wondered if Anton has sent for a maid to bring the letter. Why hadn't he delivered it himself? Or why had he used a letter. But hearing the contents of this letter flowing from the male entrancing lips would be intoxicating and self control would be out the window. She bit her lip.Staring at the door, she tried to find a solution to her angst. "What if-" she sat up slightly, looking at Hýril again. "I'll visit him and invite him to the ball tonight. I'll act normal. I won't bring up the letter. If he does, then... I won't have a choice." She shrugged with a What can you do? expression. In this way it wasn't really her decision, but Anton's to bring it up. If he didn't, then that was it. If he bring it up in the conversation, then Leyda would have to come face to face with her feelings.
The princess politely listened to her confidant, face etched with intrigue. She was shocked initially, but needless to say, she wasn't surprised. It made sense, the two had spent so much time together and occasionally in the past she did feel like the third wheel. Plus, the thought of her best friend and brother together brought her joy. Unfortunately, she did see the faults.
"Still, you are a high ranking member of the castle. I don't really know how to help, but the idea doesn't seem impossible," she offered. Leyda swiftly hugged her again in efforts to ease her pain.
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Post by Lostwhisker on May 16, 2017 20:10:40 GMT -5
There were no words to express how much she agreed with Leyda; life is undoubtedly unfair, she thought. Hýril fidgeted where she sat since she couldn't say anything to ease the pain that her friend was in. It was an uncomfortable position to be in since she typically fixed problems. The elf chuckled softly at Leyda's remark, "try not to think too hard about it. I'd hate if your head exploded." She offered a small smile to the Princess. She then listened carefully to the other girl's plan and she nodded slightly, "it could work. He may say something since he's bound to realize the letter is no longer in his possession." That would be difficult to explain but she was sure that Anton could figure out that the staff had been passing it around. A small smile touched her lips, "if he does confess verbally then I hope it goes as smoothly as a matter such as this can go."
Hýril was caught off-guard by the sudden hug but, just as before, she returned it. She gently stroked Leyda's hair, pleasantly surprised by the support hidden in her words. "Thank you but I have other things that take priority. I still have to find your attacker, the mysterious man claiming to be a part of the King's forces, and keep everyone safe this evening." She pulled away and a playful light entered her eyes for the first time the entire conversation, "I almost forgot! I also have to teach you how to fight." She nicked Leyda's shoulder with her fist but she quickly became serious, "I hate to ask this of you but can you carry a blade on you this evening? I don't yet trust our guest and I have a feeling as though something bad may happen." That didn't mean much since the Knight always had a bad feeling but she drew a dagger from her boot and extended it to the Princess anyways.
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Post by ehela on May 18, 2017 16:18:57 GMT -5
What the knight spoke of was true. It would come up eventually, so rather sooner than later. Leyda liked closure. She wanted resolution even if it was more painful. In the long run, it helped to patch old wounds. She didn't want to be wishing in the future, what if?
Leyda had forgotten about the attacker. Occasionally she would be reminded of the event and get a little anxious, but as time passed she recovered from it. Her eyes widened in remembrance of Hyril's promise. A giggle escaped when she was touched. "Is there enough time?" she looked down at her attire. "Can I train like this?" The princess eyed the dagger and picked it up. She twisted it slightly, watching the bounce off the blade gracefully. "It'll feel a bit awkward, but I can attach it to my garter."
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Post by Lostwhisker on May 18, 2017 16:48:45 GMT -5
Hýril rubbed the back of her neck as she mulled over her schedule. "I can make time for training now. I'd typically have you practice in your dress since you'll be wearing something that's difficult to move in but we don't have time to wash it." She stopped herself from rambling too much. "Do you have trousers and a blouse? Maybe some boots as well?" The Knight was going over basic moves that could be used in multiple situations. There wasn't much she'd be able to teach in the amount of time allotted but she'd have to try. I'll also have to change my attire.
The Knight stood and turned to face Leyda, "If you need proper attire then you can borrow something of mine." Hýril wasn't one to share clothing but the Princess had dressed her up for the last ball so now it was time for Leyda to step into her shoes -- possibly literally. She tilted her head, "if not, then meet me in the garden. I'll show you where I typically go to train away from prying eyes."
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Post by ehela on May 21, 2017 21:46:33 GMT -5
Leyda nodded. She wasn't aloud to wear pants often, unless she went riding, but still she had a surplus of clothes. It looked like a dream to have every fabric and color of a piece of clothing, but it was often overwhelming. Still, the royal had nothing to complain about. "I'm pretty sure I have it." she offered a smile at her sweet gesture. She stood, walking over to her grandiose closet, which was another room itself. She searched for trousers and a loose shirt. Then, with some difficulty, she undressed. Pulling on the shirt, a sigh escaped her lips. This was much more comfortable, she felt free to move around.
Ten minutes had passed by the time Leyda came out of her closet. Now alone, she walked out and headed towards the garden, careful to stay out of sigh of any nobles, or worse, her father. After some sneaking out she made it outdoors. "Hýril?" she called, starting to walk on a cobble stone path.
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Post by Lostwhisker on May 24, 2017 15:28:30 GMT -5
She nodded respectfully and left the royal chambers to enter her own. It used to take her a hour to remove her armor but it had become easy over the years. She shed the metal protection and changed into fitted black trousers, knee-high black boots that glistened like obsidian, and a beige blouse which she buttoned then tucked in. Once her hair was pulled back in a high ponytail and her sword was secured at her side, she made her way to the garden. The Knight began rolling her sleeves to her elbows and wrapping her hands in strips of cloth. She was finished preparing herself once she got outside and saw the Princess waiting. "Did anyone see you?" She asked under her breath but didn't stop to chat. They had to enter the hedge maze in order to avoid being caught but it was to their benefit since that is where Hýril planned to go. She waved for Leyda to follow and began jogging through the maze which was beautiful but somewhat daunting in size.
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Post by ehela on Jun 29, 2017 12:19:48 GMT -5
It had been a while since Leyda had gone to the garden. She used to go often. In fact, she hadn't realized before just how hectic her days had been until now. The air smelled sweet and somewhat crisp of flowers. Different assortments of exotic plants littered the landscape. It was a tradition for the queen to design the royal garden when she was coronated, and her mother had done a good job. She missed her mom. She was taking a tour around the kingdom to spread good will and at the death of Anton's father's death, she rushed to Anton's mother's side, them being dear friends. The princess knew she would be coming back soon. She hoped the queen would at least be able to make it for her engagement. Leyda's nose scrunched up at the thought and pushed the thoughts out of her head, nearing the clearing she was supposed to meet the knight.
She shook her head. "I don't think so, I dismissed the servants." She followed Hýril, picking up her pace after her. "Remember when we used to get lost in here as kids?" She grinned fondly of the memory.
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Post by Lostwhisker on Jun 29, 2017 13:03:40 GMT -5
The pungent perfume coming from the flowers was enough to make one dizzy but the knight was used to their aroma by now. She glanced back at Leyda when she had spoken and she cracked a smirk, "that was quite the adventure. Tanzil tried being a man and leading us out but he only ended up making matters worse." Hýril let out a short laugh. Returning to the garden seemed to relieve her shoulders of the responsibilities within the castle. Memories of their childhood came flooding back -- everything was simpler before we each had to endure training and lessons. It used to sting knowing that her two friends were learning about the kingdom and table manners while she was beaten by the previous captain but she couldn't picture her life any other way.
Hýril came to a stop at a wrought iron gate that led into a secret meadow within the garden. A reminiscent light touched her eyes, "I remember the games we used to play here..." She eased the door open but it didn't even creak due to the care it receives from the gardeners. She politely held it open for the princess once she had stepped inside the sunspot of their childhood. "Today should be fairly simple. I'll be teaching you the basics; stance, blocking, soft spots, and how to throw a punch."
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Post by ehela on Jun 29, 2017 13:27:19 GMT -5
Hýril! my heart hurts ): )
Leyda laughed at the memory. "Tanzil, always trying to be the knight in shining armor. Perhaps to impress you," she humored. Her breath caught in her throat at their training site. A wave of nostalgia washed over her. "It looks the same." she murmured. The power of gardeners. She walked into the middle, thanking Hýril quietly. She gazed around. Her doe like eyes fell on the knight, filled with humor. "I'll have to restrain my self from using these against my soon to be husband."
Speaking of Tanzil, he was still on guard about the spies. He was very cautious He looked at everyone as a potential threat. He still felt on edge about the attacker. He could be anywhere. He was at the right place, at the right time. Perhaps he had seen Leyda and Anton ride off then. A wild thought crossed his mind, that Anton.... no, it wasn't possible. Tanzil didn't like him, but to plot an assassination on a royal? That was the highest of treason. Still, unsettled, the prince decided to visit him. He knocked on the door lightly, before walking in to his room.
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Post by Lostwhisker on Jun 29, 2017 13:42:08 GMT -5
( ;~; I know right but it's what made her such a bada**!)
Hýril laughed at what Leyda said, "that's impossible. He was too busy mooning after the young stable-hand back then." They never did find out what happened to that kind woman. The knight was busy admiring their surroundings as well when she caught the princess's gaze. She snickered, "I don't think it'll work well with his everything-is-about-me personality but I guess we'll see." She closed the door that led them to their new training grounds and tightened the wraps on her hands. The elf produced a roll of the same fabric from the pocket of her trousers, "I'm going to wrap them so they won't bruise badly."
With her head bowed, she began wrapping the other girl's hands in the same fashion as her own. Once she was finished, she took a step back and her face became stone. "Show me your best fighting stance." The glint in her eyes was enough to say that playtime was over and it was time to get to work. They wouldn't have all day to practice so she had to be stern and make sure her friend learned quickly -- though there's no doubt about that; Leyda has always been a fast learner.
Anton had been laying on his side in a depressed state for some time. The news of the engagement pierced his heart like a hot poker fresh from stoking the flames. It took a moment for the knock at the door to register but he rolled onto his back and managed to sit up before calling out for the person to enter. Dark circles darkened his eyes and his hair was shabby which was unusual. He turned his head and wasn't surprised to see Tanzil standing before him. "What can I do for you, Your Highness? His voice was dull and he didn't bother forcing charismatic charm into his tone.
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Post by ehela on Jun 29, 2017 14:15:43 GMT -5
"Oh... right," a moment of contemplation settled on her features. "She was pretty," she shrugged absentmindedly. Leyda smiled and held her arms out. "They're so thin to reject such force," she thought aloud. She was excited. She had a lot of energy and pent up emotions at the moment so hopefully the physical exercise would release it. Suddenly it got serious. Class was in session. The female bit her lip and planted one foot before the other, tilting it slightly. She then brought up both fists, like in a boxer stance basically. She used to do that when she would wrestle with Tanzil.
Tanzil was definitely not expecting the gloomy aura that surrounded the noble. And it showed on his expression. He dismissed the nurse and carried over a chair himself, seating himself beside him. "You do not look good," he put it bluntly. "What has gotten you down?" Believe it or not, he felt some pity for the man. He looked as he had been run over by a carriage and then found out his family was burned it a fire.
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Post by Lostwhisker on Jun 29, 2017 14:32:16 GMT -5
Hýril was impressed with how easily the other girl was able to get into a proper stance for hand-to-hand combat. "I assume Tanzil used to teach you things while he was receiving his own battle training." She circled Leyda and adjusted her arms so one was slightly in front of the other, "this will allow you to block while leaving one hand to hook your attacker in the jaw." She circled behind the girl and poked at the back of her knee with the toe of her boot. "Shift your back foot forward a bit. You need a wide stance but if it's too wide you can be thrown of balance with ease." The knight was surprised by how quickly Leyda had transitioned into fighting mode. She's more focused than most of my trainees on their first day.
Faced with the brother of the betrothed woman he loved, he could not find the words to confess. It was easy to give a noncommittal shrug in his current state. "It has gotten quite boring being stuck in this room. I'm growing restless." He wanted to get out of this room and find Leyda to make sure she was okay. He had no idea how she was coping with the sudden engagement. She's fine. She doesn't need you, a cruel voice whispered in his mind. Anton ignored it but he found himself believing it anyways. "I heard there will be a celebration this evening over some engagement. Is it yours It must be since you're the eldest." There was no reason for him to say such a thing -- he already knew it wasn't for Tanzil. With his spirits low, he simply wanted someone to feel bitterness as well.
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Post by ehela on Jun 29, 2017 14:52:19 GMT -5
Leyda nodded in response, smiling slightly. She was starting off good. She let Hýril guide her into the appropriate movements. Though she jumped slight at the nudge behind her leg. She hadn't expected that. She nodded and followed her orders. She trained her eyes on a shrub at about a twenty feet distance, trying to distill her mind and focus on the attacker, whatever it was going to be. "How do I do that?" she questioned, "With my forearm?" she pretended to block by shifting her forearm before her.
"Hm, I imagine it to be." He took a look around the room. He wouldn't be able to stand being couped up either. "But that's not enough to look like you've seen the face of death," Tanzil said, smiling slightly. Was he.... being friendly to Anton? For the moment, yes. Anton was easier to talk to when he didn't have a challenging stance. The prince blinked. Did he really not know? "No... it's Leyda's. It happened so fast, there was barely enough time to reach the news to everyone, I presume." He fell quiet for a moment. Perhaps it was because Anton looked so vulnerable, that Tanzil decided to open up a bit more. "A prince, from Xiafenth. He made a horrible first impression, if you ask me." It was obvious Leyda's brother wasn't fond of her fiance.
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Post by Lostwhisker on Jun 29, 2017 15:12:13 GMT -5
The knight stood off to the side and concluded that her stance was sturdy; feet apart, knees bent, shoulders squared -- looks good. It'll get better with practice. She crossed her arms and nodded to Leyda's question, "yes. It's better to block with your forearm since it is sturdy and gives you the proper leverage to knock away a strike." The elf moved to stand in front of the princess, getting into her own stance. Her amber eyes sharpened but she moved slowly since she wasn't aiming to hurt the girl. She moved her fist in the position an attacker would take when throwing a right hook -- a basic punch. "Bring your forearm strong against the middle of my own and knock it aside."
He gave another shrug but stiffened and became more alert as Tanzil went into depth about Leyda's fiance. Anton sat straight up and rage boiled under his skin though he kept a clam expression. "Oh, really? What do you mean by that?" The instant the Prince says that the newcomer is an abusive, pompous a** he was out of this bed and -- do nothing... It's not my place. She isn't mine to claim. The young man couldn't even imagine someone like Leyda letting anyone claim her. She was a gentle but stubbornly independent woman that could certainly take care of herself. Anton let out a sigh and his shoulders slouched as he wallowed silently in defeat.
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Post by ehela on Jun 29, 2017 15:52:45 GMT -5
In response, Leyda moved her fore arm to meet Hyril's fist. she pushed it to the side, not with much strength. She didn't think she needed to. Getting ahead of herself, she then swung her right arm in slow motion. She enacted hitting her attacker although not toughing the knight.
Suddenly become oriented at the mention of Leyda kind of gave him away. Does he care for her? It would make sense... but Tanzil gave him the benefit of the doubt for a minute. Being slightly suspicious, he continued. "Where do I start? He's pretentious. Holier than thou. His servants are treated like dirt." He rolled his eyes. "We're doing him a favor," he muttered. Still, their kingdom kind of needed the alliance as well." He tilted his head slightly, studying Anton. "You were close with Leyda, have you spoke with her yet?" he was tiptoeing around the subject; he didn't want to be direct, not yet.
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Post by Lostwhisker on Jun 29, 2017 16:42:37 GMT -5
The Knight studied Leyda's form as she swung the punch. "This time go full force and move through the punch. If you follow through with your entire body then it'll be stronger." She also took the time to correct the way her thumb was placed in her fist, adjusting it to be on the outside. "If you punch like that then you'll end up breaking your thumb. Using the heel of your hand is another good way to hit especially at weaker points like the wrist or the back of an elbow." Hýril then flattened her hand as if she was going to feed a horse: palm flat and thumb tucked to the side. "If they're open, using the side of your hand is good for striking the jugular. If you need to do something more severe then jab your fingers at the hollow point at the base of their throat." She indicated the area by touching the soft spot where the neck meets the collarbone. She bit the inside of her cheek as she may have said too much at once, "did you get all that?"
He sounds worse than a snake, he thought bitterly. Anton snorted, "he sounds like a catch." The young man did his best to remain in his bed rather than bolting out of the room. He wasn't paying close attention as Tanzil spoke of the benefits the wedding would give to both sides since that wasn't his main concern. He snapped back to attention when Leyda's name popped up. He blinked, the words taking a moment to register, before shaking his head. "No. I assume she's been busy with the celebration tonight and sudden engagement. There's no need for her to come visit me." He mulled over his next words silently before speaking again, "is... Do you think... Will she be happy?"
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Post by ehela on Jun 29, 2017 17:15:39 GMT -5
Leyda did her best to follow everything, but she could only retain so much information at once. "Entire body?" she echoed. "Like leaning forward?" She didn't want to break her thumb. She pushed out her heel and jabbed at the air. She copied Hyril's stand, holding her hand out and cutting through the air, although her motion was rigid. She had tensed up her muscles in the belief that she would be able to push out more force. She tuned out her trainer for a moment, trying to perfect her arm movement. "Sorry?" she looked up, not catching the last few words.
"You should try to attend tonight," he offered. "It will probably make her happy." Tanzil went quiet. He didn't answer for a while. He didn't know either. "I hope so." He sounded solemn. Now, he realized what was going on. Anton had deeper feelings for Leyda than Tanzil had thought. Why else would he ask about her happiness? No one had before. Everyone just assumed it, perhaps in denial. The noble's expression looked lovelorn. And somehow, Tanzil understood. He felt the feeling of heartbreak, even though they had different situations. And so Tanzil decided to make a move that would probably be stupid in hindsight. But he had to make sure of one thing first. "Do you... love her?"
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Post by Lostwhisker on Jun 29, 2017 17:33:33 GMT -5
The Knight shook her head and got in a stance so Leyda could observe. "Follow through by twisting your body." She threw a punch at the air, her shoulders moving with the hit. "It'll cause the attacker more pain where ever you hit them," she brought her fist back to protect her face, "and always go back to your defensive stance." She watched as Leyda threw a few punches at the air, "okay good, that's good. Alternate between punching and blocking and try to use your less dominant hand. You want to make sure both are strong in case you get injured." She reminded herself that she was going to have to take things slower with the Princess since she wasn't used to these sort of instructions.
Anton nodded when the Prince suggested he should attend, "I'll see if the nurses will let me." The silence between them stretched and it was making him a bit uncomfortable. Tanzil's gaze was intense and trained on him but he seemed to be lost in thought. Why is he looking at me like that? The young man recognized a glint of pain in Tanzil's gaze and believed he recognized it -- there's no way he's having troubles with a woman. When the other man spoke again, he bowed his head and nodded slightly. He had no reason to hide it. With the way he asked, Anton knew that the Prince already had a suspicion. "Yes, I do. I care for her a great deal."
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Post by ehela on Jun 29, 2017 18:11:03 GMT -5
Leyda reenacted Hyril's movements. With a twist of her torso she gracefully moved into a punch. She practiced it a few more times, retracting into a defensive stance after each blow. "Do you have any of the dummies the knight's train on? The air has no resistance." She felt strong now but she knew the moment she was put up against some force she would probably be feeble. She ten used her non dominant hand, although her form was less stable,since she was unfamiliar with it.
A soft sigh escaped Tanzil's lips. "The marriage was a king's order." He wanted to make sure that Anton didn't blame him, or think that he could have a chance still. But he could still be useful. Anton would want to keep Leyda safe at all costs. Tanzil straightened his posture slightly, but he leaned forward and rested his forearms on his knees to display trust. "I want to keep my family safe, and everyone in this realm. There are forces that conspire, that threaten the kingdom and Leyda, most of all. You saw yourself the other day when you faced the assassin. Threats like that always exist but rarely do they ever grow power." He took a deep breath to steady him, and he locked eyes with Anton, but this time there was more intensity. "I need your help. The list of who I can trust grows shorter and shorter everyday. I don't know if I can trust you fully, but if you truly care for Leyda and she can vouch for you, then I believe that you are sincere."
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Post by Lostwhisker on Jun 29, 2017 18:52:05 GMT -5
She was surprised that Leyda wanted to face something so soon even if it was just a sack of cotton on a post. "On moment..." The knight walked away to one of the corners the secret meadow had to offer. From the shaded and overgrown corner, she hoisted an old practice dummy from the ground. She marched over and drove the stake at the bottom into the ground. "He's a little dirty but," she brushed some debris off the bag that the torso, "he'll do for now." She looked back to the other female and grinned, "I used to come out here every now and then if I was particularly angry and didn't want to be bothered."
Anton nodded slowly to what he was being told. He knew the royal family was under attack because he was one of the men attacking them. It only made matters worse when Tanzil bestowed trust upon him. Even though he knew rebelling was the only way to overthrow the King, his children were kind and caring. Tanzil would make a wonderful King yet his father brings in a young man exactly like him to wed his daughter and take the throne. Anton met the Prince's steady gaze, "why are you telling me this? Is there something you're hoping I can do for you? If it's to protect Leyda then it's already done. I don't want anything to ever harm her and if they do..." He gripped the sheet as if to restrain himself from, I don't know, punching the air.
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Post by ehela on Jun 29, 2017 20:07:32 GMT -5
Leyda's gaze followed her movements. She was not expecting the object to emerge from the shadows. She raised an eyebrow. "The cleanliness doesn't matter," she mused, studying the dummy. "So that's where you would run off too," she laughed and got back into her stance. First she pretended to block, before going for a punch in the chest. Her presumptions were correct. She wasn't so strong.
The prince didn't know what to do with him for now. He just wanted a lent ear. "I don't know, to be frank. Perhaps you could help me, if need be. Are you familiar with the villages?" Tanzil leaned back a bit, to relax himself. "There's only . If the kingdom goes down, or if the royal family is attacked, you can't save her. No one can. Unless..." Tanzil broke eye contact for a moment to glance around the room. It was so plain, all grey and white, so dreary for a sick person. He shifted his caramel eyes back to Anton. "There is a rebellion forming, within the commoners. I've found they have people in the castle, so I am planning to vet everyone in private. I don't know what their motives are besides the general plan to overthrow. The ball tonight might have some suspects." He had an inquisitive expression, hoping for suggestions or advice.
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Post by Lostwhisker on Jun 29, 2017 20:36:01 GMT -5
Hýril grinned and held onto the dummy so it wouldn't shake loose from the soil it was struck into. She noticed Leyda's disappointment and did her best to give words of encouragement: "your strength will grow over time so don't worry about it now." She tapped the chest of the dummy, "a flat palm against the breastbone is a good way of pushing your opponent back a few steps. Punching won't do much unless you're wearing gauntlets." She moved her hand to the slightly sagging head of the dummy, "striking the jaw with your fist is the best way to knock them out. If you want to blur their vision, then aim for the nose but it's a hard part so use the heel of your hand and thrust up like you're going to hit their nostrils." She released the dummy momentarily to demonstrate the upward palm-strike.
He shrugged, "as familiar as I can be. I haven't frequented this kingdom much until now but I have a good idea of how it is." It was a simple lie but he couldn't let Tanzil in on anything. Not only was he gaining the Princess's trust but the Prince's as well. This was crucial for the operation but it twisted the burning iron poker in his heart even further. Anton was curious of why Tanzil broke eye contact but he waited silently until he finished what he was saying previously. The young man hesitated and ran a hand through his hair, "I don't know much of this rebellion except what I've heard from your family. I do recall that one knight... What's her name? Hýril? She reported that suspicious man. He might show again at the ball this evening. It might be best to keep an eye out." He trusted Rymadon would be able to evade anyone if they attempted to approached him. Anton then tilted his head at Tanzil, "I've always wondered this but why does Hýril seem more than just a knight to you and Leyda?"
(All of the secrets are coming out now!)
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