Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Aug 5, 2023 13:40:20 GMT -5
Crius smiled as she gave her name and seemed to relax for a moment. He chuckled quietly as her questions kept coming, curious about where she had just landed herself. "You ask a lot of questions for a trespasser," he mused.
Sticking his hand out to her, Crius waited before remembering he still had a knife in his hand and pocketed it. Then he repeated the action with a sheepishly smile. "Minke, My name is Crius and you're in the Siren's camp. Though I think it'd be safer if you left, she's not in the best of moods at the moment," He explained.
Looking up over the crates blocking his view from the campfire, he saw that the two men had fallen asleep completely this time. Which meant she'd have a clear opportunity to leave without being noticed a second time. "You should go quickly before some one wakes up or-"
"Crius!"
Reed had been looking for the young ward before spotting him peaking out behind some crates of weapons that were stashed behind a tent. That's not where he usually was when he was working on something. "What are you doing over there?" he asked as he started approaching.
The one eyed boy hopped up on top of the crates and sat down. Trying to shield the trespasser from Reed's view. "Oh just looking for a new spot to tinker in. You know," he tried with a shrug. For added effect he waved the knife and block of wood in his hand at Siren's second and grinned.
Reed slowed his approach at the action and narrowed his eyes. "Please, tell me you don't have another pet," he sighed heavily rubbing one of his eyes with his index finger and gently pushing the kid's shoulder so he could look over the crates.
He did not expect to come face to face with a young girl. Leaning against the stacked crates he sighed and glanced at Crius who shrugged helplessly and looked away as if that would keep him out of trouble. Reed turned his attention back to the girl. "Hi."
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Aug 5, 2023 14:46:27 GMT -5
Alex hadnβt had any idea his father knew about the kiss. But he must, because the king started talking about the love between Alex and Athena as if this were a public, well established fact.
He shouldβve known Caspian would tell. His brother was terrible at keeping secrets from their father, particularly when they had anything to do with Alexiares. Yet another reason he was the golden boy. And yet Alex had kept his powers from his brother since he was a child in order to protect him, so that nobody could ever accuse him in colluding to harbour a Factioneer in the palace. It had to be unquestionable that Caspian was innocent of any knowledge about his brotherβs abilities.
Athena looked to him for some sort of answer, which really seemed like a terrible decision for everyone involved.
βWe are not involved,β Alexiares protested, biting back an extra comment about it not being his fatherβs business either way, βsheβs my best friend. We were playing a silly trick to mess with Dante. We just didnβt realise it was Caspian and not him approaching.β
Not an incredible lie, but it saved Athena from her identity being revealed and had enough truth in it to perhaps sound plausible.
But it wasnβt enough, he could feel that.
He had to drive this home even further. This wasnβt something he had wanted to reveal to his father in this situation, or preferably ever. But he glanced over to Athena and he knew he had to do it. It was a desperate move but it was the biggest one he could make.
βI donβt even like women, father,β the words spilled out faster than he could regret them and stop himself.
He could suddenly physically feel the advisorsβ gazes on him, and the temptation to shrink under them was so strong. He shouldnβt have said this in front of people, it would only make his father more liable to have an extreme response or get angry at him behind closed doors. Not to mention that coming out in front of a couple of the royal council he didnβt really know was awkward at best if he were honest.
But he just locked his gaze back onto his fatherβs, trying for all he was worth to look more confident than he felt in that moment.
This could very well just make his father angrier at him, but heβd dealt with his fatherβs wrath before. His priority was keeping Athena safe from it, and trying to get her any sort of chance of escape.
βIβm gay.β
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Aug 5, 2023 15:39:22 GMT -5
The King stared between the two, his grand gestures falling as they still seemed less-than-thrilled.
The girl was looking at Alex, and now Alex was looking at him and proclaiming they weren't together and it was some prank on Alex's little enemy. Which, why the hell would Dante care if these two kissed? Maybe Dante had a past with the girl and this was her attempt to get back at him. The two did seem to not like each other very much from what Chadwick saw, though Dante was still a gentleman anytime Chadwick saw them, and Lady Athena was well...a lady.
Well, power to Dante then. Sadly, Dante's ex would now be Alex's fiancΓ©e, if that's how that whole situation worked.
But then his son said he didn't like women, and the king's face became overly blank. One of the advisors gasped, hands flying to her mouth, a gasped out dramatic "congrats," escaping her. She wasn't as much an advisor as an apprentice, but regardless.
Chadwick glared back at that advisor, before glaring back at his son and looking back at the girl, before he tried to offer up a smile, though it came off fake.
"Well, we can fix that!"
Laughing as if what he said was hilarious, he shook his head, "but seriously Alexiares, you don't have to hide your relationship with Lady Athena here from me!" He commented, before slinging his arm around his son, hugging him closer, though that in of itself was a threat, especially with how tight it was. "Now Lady Athena, we need to get you measured for your dress and get you both ready for an announcement soon. Oh! What about a ball for it. I think a ball would be nice, what about you Alexiares?" Without waiting for his son to reply, he looked at one of his advisors, "yes, yes, a ball. We could do something like that, yes?"
He started leading the group back towards the building, smiling, "plus, a ball will help ease some troubles we've experienced since the escape of that prisoner. A way to show our strength," he hummed under his breath.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Aug 6, 2023 0:26:44 GMT -5
 Minke
Minke stared at the boy for a few moments, taking in his happy demeanor and kind nature. She didn't trust it at all, especially when he held out his hand. He had a knife in it, and Minke almost snatched the thing up before he put the thing in his pocket. Still, she stared at the hand, making no move to shake it and instead looking back at him and raising an eyebrow, as if she was asking what the hell he thought he was doing.
"Oh well if it's going to annoy her, I surely must leave," Minke said dryly, making no move to move at all, instead seeming to get more comfortable with her spot on the ground, toying idly with her dagger in her hands, sarcasm rolling off her tongue. She raised an eyebrow, at Crius, a bit baffled by his words, "who the hell even is the Siren?"
Her time locked in castles, on the run, or in another dungeon surely built up her complete inability to understand what the f*ck was happening in the rest of the world.
Then someone called out the boy's name, and Crius hopped on the crates as if trying to hide her from view. She didn't react much, only watching him coolly from her spot. So, cool, these people might catch her. Bummer. What were they gonna do? Lock her up in a dungeon. Great, she's done that a lot, pretty proficient to be honest. If it was something else, well, she's been in a dungeon for a large part of her teenage years, she was sure it couldn't get worse than that.
When Reed came over and referred to her as another of Crius 'pets', she curled her lips in disgust. She wasn't a pet. No, Dante was a pet. Minke was not a pet.
She would have voiced as much, glancing at Reed when he came face to face with her, "Hi. Does he do this a lot?" she questioned, deciding to avoid the pet comment, instead glancing between the two.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Aug 6, 2023 13:33:14 GMT -5
Reed interlaced his fingers together and shrugged. "Usually they're more furry. Not human," he explained in that tired borderline monotone voice of his. Glancing up at the sky somewhat shielded by trees for a moment then at the campfire in the middle of the camp he thought about what he was going to do and in what order.
Heaving another heavy sigh he pushed Crius off the crates and pointed towards the center of camp. "You. Go." he hissed. He'd pushed the boy hard enough to make him stumble but not to hurt him. Enough to get his point across.
Crius nodded and muttered a quick "Yessir," before seemingly disappearing around the corner of the tent.
Reed watched him go then turned back to the girl, he knocked against the wood of the crates he was leaning on then jutted his chin at Minke to indicate her. "You. Come with me," he instructed. Leaning back onto his own two feet, Reed waited for the girl to make her way next to him before moving. Making sure she didn't suddenly make a run for it.
He made his way to Elena's tent and cleared his throat once he stood outside. When he didn't hear a response he crossed his arms and tried again. "Elena," Reed called. He didn't bother saying anything else. She my be stubborn but he was too to a point. And they both knew he wouldn't come bother her when she was feeling so low unless it was important.
With a heavy sigh Elena called out to him. "Enter," she hissed angrily.
She was sitting at her desk. Feet crossed at the ankle on the light brown wood and a piece of pater in her hands that she was reading. Her coat had been discarded on the back of a spare chair. She glared up at Reed as he gestured for Minke to step in first.
The Siren groaned loudly, let her head fall back, and dropped her letter in her lap when she saw the child. "No,
pequeΓ±o tonto what now? Quien es la raton?" she asked her second, pointing at the girl in front of her. She didn't need another person to look after or help she had enough already.
"Crius la estaba escondiendo," Reed answered back simply. Which made Elena roll her eyes and growl in annoyance. Figures...
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Aug 7, 2023 3:16:33 GMT -5
Alex hadnβt expected his admission to go down well, but he supposed heβd wanted to take a shot in the hopes it might at least give an opportunity to help Athena.
Sadly, it went down about as well as he had expected.
Well, we can fix that! Ouch, dad. He didnβt need his father wanting to fix yet another thing about him, when he wasnβt broken. There was nothing about him that needed fixing.
Besides, his father was hardly the poster child for marriage, now was he? What authority did he possibly have to talk to Alex about marriage?
He didnβt know why his father expected marriage to mean anything to his son after what had happened with his mother.
The boy silently cursed Caspian as his father started talking about a ball, which sounded like possibly the worst idea in the history of the universe. He shrugged off his fatherβs hug, feeling the threat in how tight it was. It didnβt mean he had any desire to play along. He didnβt want to respond to his fatherβs suggestion of a ball, and indeed it didnβt seem he needed to because his father didnβt seem to need any input into the conversation.
He walked with Athena as his father started leading the group, catching his friendβs words and leaning in to reply quietly m.
βI donβt know,β Alex answered honestly βbut if he wants to be angry at me he will find an excuse anyway, whether you leave or not.β
His father didnβt need an actual valid reason to retaliate against Alex. He would do whatever he wanted whether there was a reason for it or not.
βIβll do what I can to help you get out of here.β the prince said.
He would do anything for Athena. He was more than used to facing his fatherβs wrath and so while he was afraid of him it would do little to stop Alex from helping his friend.
βIf we must do it, then make it big,β Alex said to his father βYou wish to show our strength, and so does Wisteria after the loss of its king and queen.β
He was reluctant at sounding accepting of the idea at all, but a big wedding meant more time planning, more people involved. A lot more chaos in which a bride could go missing.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Aug 8, 2023 9:31:35 GMT -5
Minke watched Crius leave with a wave of her hand, and when Reed instructed her, she followed him silently, following him into the tent of the leader lady, Minke presumed.
When she spotted her, Minke took in the intimidating lady with a passive look, looking between Reed and Elena as the two spoke in another language. That was cool, Minke didn't know any other languages. Maybe she would have, had her family home not been destroyed.
Mother had always been determined to make sure her daughters were intelligent. If she were alive, maybe shed understand what was happening here.
"I hate to interrupt," Minke said in a tone that illustrated that she indeed did not hate interrupting, "but why exactly am I having to talk to this woman?"
She questioned Reed, but then looked at Elena, "Crius mentioned something about a Siren, I'm guessing that's you?"
Her gaze then narrowed, already presuming her answer, before she rolled her eyes, "yeah, whatever, sorry for trying to steal your stuff, I guess. Can I go now or-?"
She stopped, rolling her hand in a gesture that seemed to finish her statement, as if 'can I leave?' in a motion.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Aug 11, 2023 0:07:12 GMT -5
Neither adult paid attention to the girls questions. Instead they were stuck on their own conversation in Elena's native language, trading annoyed and tired looks.
Elena glanced at Minke once during her questions and then pointed again at the girl, her gaze landing on her second. She shrugged her shoulders and furrowed her brow at the man. "ΒΏQuΓ© quieres que haga con ella?" she asked almost angrily.
Reed crossed his arms over his chest and also gestured to the girl in front of him with his hand. He hadn't moved away from the entrance of the tent. He knew this was going to end in two ways. Neither of which involved the thief leaving on her won. "PensΓ© que podrΓa querer hablar con la ladrona," he answered with a shrug of his shoulders.
Elena scowled, leaned back in her chair, and picked up the letter opener from her desk, twirling it under the finger of her other hand. "Ella es molesta. PreferirΓa que la mataras."
"Elena," Reed snapped disapprovingly.
Elena glared at him. One last warning to either keep questioning her or to shut his mouth when he was told. The look was enough to get her point across. Turning her glare to Minke, she finally answered her last question. "No."
Shifting so she was back in her previous position with her feet on the table, Elena rolled her eyes and muttered something else in her native language under her breath. "AsΓ conseguimos a Crius..." Gesturing to the chair in front of her desk with the sharp blade, Elena only gave two simple commands to the girl. "Sit." And after a moment, "Your name, pequeΓ±o ratΓ³n."
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Aug 24, 2023 15:25:33 GMT -5
The younger queen was wary of Adira, and rightfully so. It didnβt make Adiraβs job easier that the girl was so sensible and perceptive, but no matter.
Tia refused her help, which Adira accepted gracefully with a nod of acknowledgement, βBut of course; my resources are at your disposal should you need them. I should think you will not be in the dark for long; generally it is the way of these things that the kidnappers will have demands for their return which they will communicate to you sooner rather than later.β
Of course, not all kidnappings were for ransom. They may have been taken just to make a statement; in fact, Adira thought that likely. But keeping prisoners could become a liability; they needed to be fed and kept alive. Eventually they would have to be killed or returned. And these men were important leverage against Tia. Only a fool would kill them, and neither Ernestine or Drake were fools. Which meant eventually theyβd need to reach out to Tia to use their bargaining chips.
The mention of a husband or an heir caught her attention, however. It would not be good news for anyone with an interest in taking over Wisteria if the succession were to be secured so soon. Though Tia being distracted by the kidnappings and now perhaps a search for a husband could be very beneficial for Adira. It might make it easier for her to plan her own moves while Tiaβs eyes werenβt on her.
It clearly seemed that the girl had distaste for the idea, something Adira remembered well.
βOh, are they already putting you under pressure to marry?β Adira asked, βMy advisors did the same. Perhaps you donβt want advice from a queen who has no intentions to marry and has no heirs, but I would counsel you to be cautious about who you choose. Whoever you marry will gain a lot of power.β
Now that? That was genuine advice. Of course it benefitted Adira to give it, but she would advise any ruler to be cautious about who they marry and give such influence in their kingdoms. Oralee was an example, with the uniting of the ruling families of Oralee and Levina demonstrating exactly what could happen when a royal marriage went wrong.
βYou are exactly where I was a little over a decade ago. I understand at least a little of what you are going through, which is suppose is why I felt so compelled to reach out to you. I am sorry to hear of all you have gone through, with your parents and everything since.β
There, she had no intention of pushing anything when Tia seemed so cautious around her - which was smart of her, Adira thought. But what she could do was establish herself as somebody Tia could come to if she needed advice without actually trying to explicitly force her into confiding anything.
Tia chuckled softly and took a sip of her tea. "I appreciate the advice. I'm still Queen, i'll decide who I marry and when," She agreed. Who knows? Maybe she'll end up unmarried and without heirs and the throne would pass to her brother. Granted he was still alive... Pushing the thought from her mind, Tia set down the teacup and saucer on the table in front of her and folded her hands in her lap. She smiled softly and sadly at Adira's sentiments. "Something tells me it would have happened regardless," she muttered quietly. Her gaze flickered quickly to Adira's cup and then back up to her own eyes. "Again I appreciate your condolences. You're the first to reach out and do so," she mused approvingly. Smiling a little brighter Andrestia gestured toward the other Queen. "You are welcome to stay here at my palace to save you the trouble of having to leave so quickly. I'm sure it must have been exhausting." |
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Aug 24, 2023 16:09:23 GMT -5
Adira smiled at the younger girlβs comments on marriage. βQuite,β she agreed βdonβt forget that advisors will look after their own interests when it comes to such things.β
It was true, of course. When it came to things like royal marriages, advisors would often suggest options that would aid their own political or social advancement. A sibling-in-law, perhaps. The child of a family who supported their interests. Anyone whose success would benefit them.
But if it sowed a little doubt for this child in her own advisors? If it created a seed of cynicism? Adira wouldnβt mind that.
She nodded at the queenβs approval of her rapid response to the news of her parentsβ deaths.
βAs I said, I know something of what you are going through. I myself did not find many reached out to me afterward. In fact, as you have seen yourself, I witnessed how people will take advantage of such tragedies. I would have been remiss to let you be alone as I was.β
Of course, the reason she had been alone after her accession to the throne was because of the rumours swirling accusing her of murder. Of course, such rumours were treasonous, but sheβd been careful not to make a show of responding to them. It would only make her look more guilty. Nowadays they didnβt plague her as much as theyβd used to. People got bored of talking eventually.
Adira smiled at the offer to stay, taking a sip of her own tea before placing the cup down.
βIt is a very kind offer. I am afraid I have a lot of business to attend to so I could not stay long and I would not want to impose, but a night to rest would be welcomed.β
A night to learn more about the queen, the palace, how it ran. And of course a needed rest for her, her attendants and the horses that had drawn her carriage. But indeed she could not stay longer than that. She had far too much else to do, like arranging her plans regarding Drake and Ernestine.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Aug 27, 2023 12:15:08 GMT -5
FlashBack Writing as a Last Ride on this Thread page
"You probably shouldn't keep drinking, Zorro." Atlas gulped down his provided whiskey, head back trying to swallow every last drop of it. When he couldn't get any more, he dropped his hand holding the bottle to his side, and let his head continue to hang back. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. "You continue to provide," he muttered and let his head fall to the side so he could look at the woman who just spoke. Elena lay on a bundle of pillows, head in one hand and smirking knowingly at the man. Mischief danced in her eyes as she watched him carefully, wondering just how far she could push his button tonight. He was always fun to tease and make fun of. "I am no moral compass," Elena purred, stretching out onto her back, arms over her head. Reaching her hand out to him so he could join her, she grinned and tilted her head as a thought came to her. "If I do become one promise you'll kill me," She requested. It almost sounded like a joke. Atlas grabbed another of his promised bottles of alcohol and joined Elena on the floor, though he didn't lay down next to her. As he uncorked the bottle and raised it he frowned and glanced at the woman. "Won't do that, lass," He muttered disapprovingly then went in to indulge himself. The Siren chuckled, dropped her hand onto his knee, and shrugged her shoulders. "Shame. You were my last line of defense," She teased. Seems she'd just have to find someone else to put her out of her misery. They sat in silence for a couple of moments as Atlas gulped the rest of the wine down into his stomach seemingly without inhaling. More than half of the bottle was gone before he stopped and took a deep breath. He then passed the bottle to Elena, practically pushing it into her hands so that he didn't keep drinking. He was disgusted with himself. He had a problem, he knew he had a problem but it gave him the chance to function past his depressing thoughts and numb the pain his body was under. Just for long enough. Elena took the bottle from him and gently raised an eyebrow as she watched him again. Shifting so that she was on her side, she rested her chin on top of the bottle and tapped her nail against the glass. "Do you have a new plan?" she asked quietly. He'd been searching for the girl for so long, exhausted every plan he thought of, and yet still came up with another one. This time he seemed so defeated. "Are you going to-" "Don't." "If you come work for me-" "Stop, Elena," Atlas spoke sharply and glared at her. His frown got deeper as Elena started smiling. He realized she was enjoying how irritated he was getting. However, his ire only got worse as she moved her head and took a slow swig from the wine bottle while maintaining eye contact. She was teasing him again. βPoor sad broken man. I remember when you said youβd never be a father. Now look at you. A shadow of the hunter you should have been.β The woman teased as she put her weight down on his knee, encouraging him to come closer and engage with her words. Atlas followed her silent command returning her mischievous teasing smile and gently placed on hand on the other side of her, trapping her under his arms. He leaned closer as he spoke. βI remember when you were passing as a man. Asking me to get you things to help keep up the illusion. You used to be so excited about seeing each kingdom with your own eyes. Now look at you. Still angry over wounds that have long since scarred over,β He whispered in her ear as his hand trailed up her back, touch feather-light. He pushed her shirt up as he went, maintaining eye contact as he got way too close to her right shoulder blade. Elena's hand shot out and grabbed his wrist tightly stopping him in his tracks. Nails dug into his skin as her smile fell and she glared unblinking up at him. βNot there,β she hissed quietly all previous teasing and lightheartedness gone. Rage danced in her eyes as she held onto his wrist and he remained smiling. It was her turn to be irritated it seemed. βYou know better.β The hunter pulled his hand back and instead caressed her face, thumb running over her cheek and brushing stray strands of hair out of her face. βYou havenβt found him yet?β he asked a little more seriously. βI know where he is. However, itβs difficult to get to him when heβs constantly surrounded by other soldiers.β Elena explained and raised the wine to her lips. Taking a couple of swallows she set the bottle to the side and propped herself higher on her elbow. βI just have to be patient. Iβll have my time.β βAnd if itβs not him?β βThen I die with my anger and I kill him anyway.β Atlas remained silent for a moment wondering if she was joking or not. But, her smile was filled with sadness laced with bitterness. She'd always be stubborn so there was no reason in trying to make her change her mind. The only person who had a much better chance than him probably wouldn't be able to reach her either. "I need to keep moving," Atlas managed to get out. He pulled his hand from her face and took her hands instead, pulling her to her feet as he stood. "I pray I don't see you sooner than I need to," He teased quietly and kissed the knuckles of her hands. Elena smiled at the gesture and raised an eyebrow. He could be so much more useful to her if he just finished this damned search. She tightened her grip on his hand and stepped closer. " Zorro, ask the Rajani crown for help before you come back to me. I hear they have more resources than I do." "I thought you didn't like nobility, Lady Siren," Atlas teased raising his eyebrows and leaning closer to her face. She grabbed his face with one hand and pinched his cheeks between her fingers."I do not. But, I'd rather you stop sulking and emptying my alcohol supply," she grumbled disapprovingly, her brow knitting together. "Lass-" Atlas was interrupted by a quick kiss to his lips and a push of his face. His sign to leave like he said he was going to do so. Elena turned her back on the man and went to her desk, grabbing a couple of papers and her coat. "Go say goodbye to Reed as you go. You know you fall right into his preferences," she informed cheekily. She slung the coat over her shoulder and continued pushing the confused man out of her tent. "No, Elena-" Atlas tried again but she wasn't listening. She had decided they were done catching up for the night. " Buenos Noches, Zorro!" Elena sang quietly in his ear, invoking her powers and worming her way into his head. Then she gave her final instruction as she turned and walked away in the opposite direction. "Exit my camp." And Atlas had no chance but to comply. |
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Sept 17, 2023 8:25:06 GMT -5
FLASHBACK WRITING TO SAY GOODBYE TO THIS THREAD <3 One of the few benefits of Alexiaresβ ties to Levina was that it occasionally gave him an opportunity to get out of the palace. His father wanted nothing to do with the country, and his elder brother had enough duties as crown prince. That meant the duties of diplomacy with Levina fell to Alex. A burden he couldnβt say he was all too upset to be saddled with if he were honest. He felt like it gave him some purpose, regardless of how little value his father might see in maintaining diplomatic relations with Levina. It also gave him the chance to travel and escape his hell for a week or two.
The hell of his father, the hell of a life lived in service to the crown that cared nothing for who he was an an individual and only what he could be as a pawn.
This was just such an occasion; a visit to Levina, to his cousinβs palace.
It had not been so very long since Alex had been in Levina for the new queenβs coronation. His father had disapproved of the idea of him going, seeming to think it was a step too far diplomatically and that someone less senior should be sent instead. Alex had argued that it could cause an international incident to snub the invitation and that a senior member of the family not going could be taken as an insult. It was one of the rare times Alex won an argument with his father.
The young prince wandered the gardens with the newly coronated Levinian queen, lifting a hand absently to brush the leaves of a trailing branch, as if the tree were stooping to greet the royal cousins.
He forgot how much more alive he felt here.
βSo your father let you out of the palace, I see.β Aurore spoke, and Alex could see the wry smile even as she turned away briefly to admire a peony in bloom.
βHe does have to have a break from me now and again. His physician says I am bad for his heart.β the prince joked dryly in response.
Aurore chuckled lightly at that as they walked.
βStill a troublemaker, I take it?β she questioned with some amusement.
βWell, every family must have one.β Alex replied casually βAnd since you were so neglectful as not to serve as such I felt it my responsibility to do so.β
βHow noble of you.β
He forgot the way his sweet cousin had always bantered with him this way. He always missed it when they were apart.
βAnd how is it, being queen?β Alex questioned, looking over at the woman. He knew it had been hard for her, because any accession to the throne involved loss. He knew it had been difficult for her, and heβd been there as much as the distance between them, the demands of their roles and the restrictions of Alexβs father had allowed.
Aurore just let out a breath, smiling a small and slightly tight smile as she let her eyes wander to another flower.
βBe glad you are second in line, Alex,β was all she said in answer.
He didnβt need to ask what she meant. He could only imagine how tiring, how stressful all of this must have been for her. Being a ruler was no easy feat, and especially when one was young. It was a lot of responsibility. Alex did not envy her; the man said nothing, but made a sympathetic sound.
Luckily his cousin changed the subject, pausing and turning slightly to look at something. Alex stopped too, turning to follow her gaze.
It was a view of the Levinian castle. Beautiful, and with a very different feeling to Alexβs home in some ways. The tall walls climbed up against the grey sky as if it were part of the cliff on which it stood, sturdy and much more visually imposing than Alexβs home with its sun-drenched towers. Yet this place held some good memories for him.
βYou could stay here, you know,β Alex heard Aurore say, and he was so sure heβd misheard it he looked over at her as if to verify. She kept looking straight forward at the castle, βyou would not need to go back to Oralee and your father, and I could use another supporter here.β
She knew at least something of Alexβs situation with his father, even if she didnβt know all of the details. He supposed she must have noticed the way his father had treated him when he was growing up, after his motherβs betrayal. Or perhaps sheβd heard about it. Alex talked about it with her infrequently, though he shared little in the way of details.
But the man shook his head a little, looking back to those walls. He had good memories here, but there was a spectre still over this place for him.
βI think we both know that would not be an option for me, βRoreβ he said softly.
For starters, he had a claim to the Levinian throne. That made his very existence a threat to Aurore, particularly if he were within the kingdom itself. And though he knew his cousin would never cause him any harm, he knew how threats were dealt with. Heβd seen it too often. And Aurore might have very little say in the matter.
For another thing, it would give his father the excuse he was undoubtedly looking for to attack Levina. Alex could not even consider allowing that to happen, especially not in repayment for his cousinβs kindness. He could not turn the sanctuary she was trying to offer him into a war zone.
But the thing he left unsaid was that even as a child heβd had some awareness that he was a prisoner there. Heβd understood that the guards that were never too far from him were only partly there to keep him safe. Heβd understood why letters he would occasionally receive from home were given to him already opened. He might have been a child, but he had picked up on things.
This place would always be a prison for him, on some level. A far nicer prison than anyone who was not of his status could have expected from an enemy kingdom, he granted, but one nonetheless.
Aurore just smiled, apparently in understanding. She lightly touched a hand on his shoulder briefly as she passed him; he generally would tolerate touch from few people, of which she was one.
βStay as long as you like, Alex.β she said before adding conspiratorially, βTell your father those stubborn Levinians are taking their time agreeing to his silly little trade deal.β
He returned her smile - another privilege Aurore got that many others didnβt - and watched as she departed further into the gardens, leaving the prince with his thoughts.
He and Aurore had frequently played together in these gardens during the time Alex was held in Levina. Run among the plants, chasing one another and playing games that Alex couldnβt for the life of him remember now apart from that they always ended with the two cousins in fits of laughter.
The gardens were as far as Alex had been allowed to roam, of course. But he had a distinct memory that one day Aurore had the idea to take him up onto the castle walls so Alex could see the views. Not quite the same as being able to leave the castle, but it was a start and Alex had been incredibly grateful for it.
He remembered taking in the view to the horizon, watching as the evening sun bathed everything in a wash of gold and ignited the colours in the rock of the cliffs. The children had needed to stand on tiptoes to see over, but it had been more than worth it.
βDo you miss it?β he remembered Aurore asking, and when Alex made a βhmmβ sound she clarified with, βOralee.β
Alex had considered the question for a little while before shrugging, leaning forward to fold his arms on the wall and rest his chin on them.
βI donβt know,β he had answered, but he hadnβt been able to offer anything further in explanation than that. His feelings about his home were complicated now. He missed his mother but was acutely aware she had betrayed him. He missed his father but also knew his father had not yet agreed to the deal which might get him home.
He was young, but he was getting the first pieces of understanding of what life as a royal would he like for him. His father had taught him from almost as young as Alex could remember that his life was to be lived in service of the crown. Every part of his life was not to be lived for him. And he was beginning to see now that the crown didnβt care who he was as an individual; he was a pawn to be used by and used against Oralee. Nothing more.
But like any child, did he miss his family? Yes. Was he afraid at being so far away from home? Most certainly, no matter how much he liked walking the hallways his own mother had grown up in.
Aurore didnβt say anything for a little while, before finally saying βI like having you here. Youβre more fun than my tutor.β
He supposed that had to be true. He hadnβt met Auroreβs tutor; his excellent treatment by his aunt and uncle wasnβt quite allowed to extend to paying for his schooling while he was with them. But if they were anything like Alexβs own tutor at home, heβd be inclined to agree.
βYouβre more fun than my brother,β Alex complimented in return, straightening again to nudge his cousin to punctuate his little joke.
He missed Caspian, of course he did, they were brothers. But theyβd never been extremely close. Caspian had grown up more quickly than even Alex had, having a kind of responsibility as heir to the throne that Alex could not grasp or fully understand. Those pressures shared by Caspian and Aurore were things Alex had not experienced for himself.
He was too serious, Alex had always thought as a child.
Aurore was the person who made his time at Levina the most bearable, he could see now. The person who could make him forget everything that had brought him there. With the friendship of his cousin, the war felt far away and he felt like anything but a hostage. |
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Oct 11, 2023 17:34:48 GMT -5
It had been ages since Athena had been to a Ball. She wondered if she could still dance, not that she was any good in the first place. She always skipped her lessons to go bother her mother much to the woman's displeasure.
Her mother would scold her for skipping the lesson but ultimately let her stay around and "help" with the duties the Queen had to do. A way to keep an eye on her and teach her something at the same time.
"You can't keep avoiding your lessons. One day you'll need to know them. And I promise they will be very useful to you."
Athena smiled at the thought comforted by the memory. She wished she could remember her mother's voice or the softness of her hands as she held hers. Even now her face was blurry in Athena's mind, just barely able to make out the features on her face.
Her heart ached for the good times of her past and she found herself holding her hands over her heart, listening to rhythmic beating as she got lost further and further into her thoughts.
A new arrival announcement brought her back to reality. Brought her back to the jewels in her hair and hanging from her ears. The long gloves covering the little scars she had on her arms and the dress she couldn't confidently run in (which she believed was the point). She had to resist the urge to scratch at her legs and the itchy fabric that rubbed against them.
Instead, she directed her attention to the new guest that arrived for their celebration ball.
"His Majesty, King Drake Huntington De Loughrey the fifth from the Kingdom of Taluhtah."
The King strolled into the room adorned in deep red and gold fabrics. His crown matching with inlaid rubies and sitting just perfectly on his head. A gentle pleasant smile graced his face as he approached the couple and bowed his head to them.
"Congratulations are in order, Alexiares," The king praised placing a hand on the boy's shoulder ad giving him an encouraging squeeze. "I told your father it wasn't long before you'd find yourself a wife, as charming as you are. And my what a lovely bride she is."
Drake offered his hand to Athena and she reluctantly let him take it so he could place a gentle kiss on her knuckles. Their eyes caught each other's and it was as if the air was taken out of the room and filled with only cold ice. There and then gone within a moment. As if the feeling wasn't even there.
Straightening, Drake smiled warmly at the couple and nodded his head again. "I'll leave you to the rest of your guests. Lady Maylea, I hope that you would save a dance for me," he said before departing to find Chadwick.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Oct 11, 2023 18:52:53 GMT -5
Alex wanted the ground to swallow him up.
This event combined balls, which he hated, with being the centre of attention, which he hated even more. And worst of all, the whole thing was to celebrate this forced marriage to Athena.
He couldnβt believe heβd come out of the closet for this.
Heβd been quietly panicking ever since being voluntold he and Athena were marrying, trying his best to come up with some sort of plan and falling short. All he could think of was using the chaos of the run-up to the wedding to somehow get Athena out of here. The palace would be busier than ever, with constant deliveries. Surely that presented an opportunity for escape. But it was risky, even if he could think of nothing better.
He stood stiffly, not enjoying the attention nor wearing his best and therefore most uncomfortable clothes. His whitish blond hair fell in a straight sheet, encircled by a gold crown which brought out the gold in his eyes. The crown felt unfamiliar, as mostly they were worn for the most formal events only. Not to mention that it felt pretentious. The fine fabric of his clothing did not make him any the more comfortable.
He felt bad for his friend, whose clothing looked even more uncomfortable than his. The prince felt awful that she was even in this situation at all, and all because of a desire to protect him. It was his fault that she was here and his father was trying to force her to live out the rest of her life in a sham marriage with Alex with no control over her future. He couldnβt allow that.
He was distracted by the approach of King Drake, in the presence of whom he put on a smile with no real joy behind it. He knew what Minke had been through and while he would play nice to avoid a diplomatic incident he wouldβve had a few choice words if given half a chance. Instead, he swallowed the venom back and inclined his head good-naturedly when Drake put his hand on his shoulder. Alex could only hope his discomfort at the event and insincere pleasure at seeing Drake could just be played off as shyness or nerves.
βThank you, Your Majesty.β Alex said respectfully to the king, βThough you praise my charms too highly, for it is my father you must credit with this match.β
Everybody knew his charms were nonexistent anyway, so he didnβt know who Drake was kidding with that compliment. Either way, Alex wanted his father to get all the credit for this disaster of a betrothal.
He watched Drake greet Athena, though something felt off about their interaction, and when he left undoubtedly in search of Alexβs father the prince released a relieved exhale.
He sighed, leaning towards his friend/fiancΓ©e as his eye swept over the crowd. This had to be the worst night of Alexβs life, and that was really saying a lot since it topped the night he was taken to Levina.
βDo you think thereβs enough wine here to get us through tonight?β he muttered jokingly, before pausing and amending his statement, βCorrection, enough wine in the world?β
He knew joking about their situation probably wasnβt the most useful. But he had to admit it was ridiculous. Besides, humour was the only way to get through shit like this. That and the aforementioned wine.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Oct 14, 2023 4:22:19 GMT -5
When Athena joked back with him, it was almost possible to recapture a bit of their old, easy friendship. Certainly the warmth that had existed between them as friends was probably the only thing that lent even a hint of authenticity to their attempts to play the couple. Alex felt his own mouth twitch into a smile. A natural and genuine smile for Athena, not a fake one for the benefit of the crowd.
His smile soon turned fake when more nobles approached to greet them - they didnβt deserve to see his real smile the way Athena did. And then it dropped completely when Athena spoke about getting through the night and preparing for the wedding.
He felt awful for her. Of course, if escape ended up not being possible for Athena and for whatever reason the wedding had to go ahead, heβd do his best to ensure her happiness. Maybe she could live separately, independently as she was accustomed and safe from his family, from Alexβs powers. She could live her own life in more privacy that way. He wasnβt the next in line the way Caspian was, so hopefully people would be less bothered and less likely to ask questions about the lack of an heir. Heβd thought about all the things he could do to make sure as little changed for Athena as he could manage, and she could have as many opportunities as possible to live as she wanted to. At least until he was maybe able to get the marriage annulled or something, if he could get around his father, and set her free. But heβd still do anything to stop her being trapped this way, shackled to him and to royal life. The escape had to work.
βYou deserve so much better than all this,β he said to Athena in the lowered voice heβd been conversing with her in up until now, βIβm sorry. And Iβm sorry you were exposed to these parts of my life.β
The ugly parts. His father, the mess with his powers. The two did not share much when it came to things they were going through, but Athena had seen some of the worst parts of Alexβs life since arriving in the palace. His apology was to apologise for her having to see all of that, but also kind of an attempt to rebalance that aspect of their friendship. They had worked very well as friends not sharing things, supporting each other without needing anything to be explained. Alex didnβt want that to be ruined, and in his apology he was trying to return to that status quo between them.
Athena was a smart girl. She had probably put together more than had ever been said anyway.
βWeβre going to get you out of here somehow.β he assured her, and he wasnβt sure if he was more reassuring her or him. But it had to be so, because the alternative wasnβt something either of them wanted to accept. She was right. Prepare for the wedding, for the escape.
But he decided to change the topic and move onto less dangerous ground. His eyes began to scan the crowd. So many people he didnβt know, but a few he did and one or two he actually liked. It was strange to have two worlds, two once very separate part of Alexβs life collide in these people meeting Athena.
βWell, letβs see who else is here.β he said quietly to his friend βMy brother will be around somewhere.β
His tone, though, indicated that he had no desire to see his brother that evening. He was furious with Caspian for telling the king about the kiss, which was only an ornament to their already distant and slightly awkward relationship.
But Alexβs tone brightened at the thought of someone he might actually want his friend to meet.
βMy cousin, too. Queen Aurore of Levina. She should be coming tonight.β Alex explained to Athena, βI think youβd like her. Besides, sheβll probably need rescuing from my father.β
She was invited because she was Alexβs cousin and with other royals invited, to not invite her would be a serious insult. Alexiares had stressed the importance to his father of not snubbing Levina and its royalty or nobility in this wedding. To do so could strain relations even further, relations Alex had been working hard over the years to try and keep intact. However, he knew the way his father would treat Aurore. Thinly veiled insults, probably keeping an eye on her all night, and certainly no attempt to make her feel welcome.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Oct 14, 2023 22:58:05 GMT -5
Dante had been surprised and quite frankly pissed when he found out that Alex was to marry Athena. He had made sure to tell Alex just what he thought of it, but the prince had explained he had no choice.
Dante had taken pause, and reluctantly agreed to try and help Alex with the issues. However, King Chadwick had been keeping a closer eye on the trio, more-so than usual. The King had requested that Dante help make sure the Ball went well, act as a delegate of the Kingdom and greet others from the Kingdoms. Part of this may have come from the King's distaste of his Niece who was to visit, and part of it may have been to separate Dante from the fiances.
Still, he was assigned to retrieve Queen Aurore when she arrived. The king had demanded that with no shortage of distaste on his face, though it wasn't directed at the short blonde. Instead it was directed, obviously, at his niece.
So here he was, dressed in a black long coat over a black vest (and an undershirt with frills) and black pants under it with black shoes.
Black was a formal color, and his outfit was littered with gold as well. A representative staple of Oralee was the gold symbols. He wore the symbol of Oralee as a brooch, and he felt much too warm in the outfit. He dressed formally all the time, but the whole jacket felt over the top. When he'd glared at the elder Advisor who instructed him to wear it, they only scoffed at him and walked away.
So here he was, a tiny little guy, waiting for the Queen of Levina. His eyes scanned around, he saw King Drake, which caused him to feel a spike of fear, and he quickly looked away to the betrothed guests of honor. His eyes focused on Athena, before they skittered to Alex, widening slightly. The Prince looked different than usual, with that crown laced into his pale hair. Dante didn't think much more about it, other than that the crown really brought out the golden color of Alex's eyes. He wondered how bright Alex's eyes would be if it wasn't for the power blockers.
His attention was stolen by a gentle press on his upper arm, and he turned to see Queen Aurore herself, dressed in an elegant golden gown with a crown places in her dark hair. She offered a polite smile as Dante quickly dipped down in a show of respect.
"Dante Thorsten," she said, voice warm, "my cousin's least favorite advisor, or so he claims. How are you?"
"I am well, and how are you?" He questioned, voice soft. The Queen before him had a calculating look in her eyes, looking between Dante and Alex, who he'd been staring at earlier. Dante couldn't read her features at all, but in the end Aurore just offered him that secretive smile she had.
"Well, I was very surprised to hear that my Cousin was going to be marrying someone," she commented, voice going somewhat flat at the words, "though I strongly suspect that Alex has had no say in the matter, has he?"
Dante winced a bit at her glare, and he shook his head, "you'd have your Uncle to thank for that, my liege," he said, voice edging on apologetic.
"Of course he'd be behind it," Aurore growled out, but glanced at Dante then, voice quietened, "you aren't on babysitting duty?" She questioned, making a reference to how Dante always had to watch Alex during these kinds of events, make sure the Prince didn't cause any issues.
"Still am, just not for him," Dante sighed, pointedly looking at the Queen before him. She seemed to get to message, rolling her eyes but still grabbing Dante's arm and pulling him towards the Betrothed couple. Dante struggled a bit, a bit panicked, "Queen Aurore, where exactly are we-?"
"I'm checking on my cousin, and since you're meant to watch me, you're coming with." She said it succinctly, and offered a nasty glare to her Uncle as she passed him on her way to meet her Cousin. He gave quite the withering glare back at her.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Oct 16, 2023 13:38:57 GMT -5
Athena had to stifle a snort at Alex's distaste for his brother. Besides what he's mentioned briefly about the man, she thought him to at least be decent. He seemed to mostly be charming towards people regardless of who they were in status but he was a little... perhaps lost was the word she wanted? Or maybe he was just clueless and content to do his duties and nothing more?
Regardless, she was only going to side with her friend.
Out of the corner of her eye, Athena spotted Dante dressed in black and gold. He could clean up very nicely it seemed. Though, she was certain that he hadn't removed the stick for his new appearance.
A quiet disgusted noise sounded from Athena throat as she noticed the man staring specifically at Alex. "Your sentient stick is watching us," She muttered quietly to Alex and gently bumped his arm. How Alex felt about his older brother was probably very close to how Athena felt about the royal advisor.
But another person appearing next to Dante and Athena perked up a bit. She received a bow from the advisor and glanced in their direction. Obviously nobility. But, very pretty nobility.
"Your cousin I assume?" Athena asked quietly, her tone a little too hopeful for the fact to be true.
As the pair reached the couple, Athena bowed her head and smiled her perfected plastered smile on her face, Though this time there was hints of it being real. "Your Majesty," she greeted "It's so wonderful that you could come."
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Oct 16, 2023 14:34:38 GMT -5
Alex rolled his eyes good-naturedly at his friendβs nudge and comment about Dante approaching. The two didnβt get on at all, though they were grudgingly civil for now after Alex tried to talk to them both. Alexβs relationship with Dante had thawed so much since theyβd met Minke that he couldnβt say he hated him like heβd once done. He didnβt know what to call how he felt about him, but it wasnβt hate.
The prince turned his gaze to follow Athenaβs over to the advisor in question, offering Dante a hint of a smile with more than a little βSOSβ in his eyes in reference to this party, before his eyes lit up when they landed on the person Dante was escorting.
Athena asked if it was his cousin, and Alex couldnβt avoid the second genuine smile of the night appearing on his face.
βThe very one,β he responded, his tone warm.
He allowed Athena to greet Aurore first and then the prince bowed, as was expected of a prince to a monarch. βYour Majesty,β he greeted. But the real greeting was reserved for when he rose from the bow, at which point he pulled his cousin into a hug. Who cared? Even at a formal event like this one, it wasnβt improper to hug family. Especially when all the niceties had been observed.
ββRore, Iβve missed you,β Alex said as he released his cousin. He then gestured to Athena standing next to him. βMaylea, this is my cousin Aurore. A very dear childhood companion of mine.β
A roundabout reference (without dumping the whole incident and its details on Athena) to the time he spent in Levina as a child. He knew Aurore knew what she meant to him, and that was what was important.
βAnd Aurore, this is Lady Maylea Frost.β Alex continued, nodding towards Athena. βI call her Athena. Sheβsβ¦ sheβs a wonderful friend to me. And my fiancΓ©e.β
He made sure to mention their friendship first, make their engagement secondary. He knew Aurore had probably figured out that the marriage was not his choice, but he wanted to make that clear without explicitly saying so. Not to mention that he wanted to show Aurore how important Athena was to him.
He made sure to call her by the name she had been going by here, but to tell Aurore that she went by Athena. It wouldnβt be suspicious, as Athena was one of the names in that long name Athena had given Alexβs father. Many people went by a middle name. Plus it allowed them to talk more like friends, to use the name Athena had preferred to be called.
He looked to Dante then with a smile then, inclining his head in greeting.
βHi, Dante.β Alex said. βAm I too grown up for you to babysit now Iβm about to be a married man?β
It was a friendly tease, though of course there was no joy in the reference to his future marriage. Not really.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Oct 19, 2023 15:03:17 GMT -5
He'd lost track of how long he'd been hanging upside down. Long enough to give up on trying to cut the ropes and fall on his head that's for sure. Along with the addition he had dropped his knife and arrows. Now they lay underneath him. mocking and taunting his torment as the blood kept rushing to his head. He couldn't be positive just how long he'd been hanging from this tree, though he was sure at least two nights had passed him by while he was here. That or he just kept passing out involentarily. He'd run out of any of the treats he'd kept on him while on his mission. And the rest of the food he'd hidden away in the forest was probably lost to some wild animals. His horse, the traitor that it was, had wandered off probably. Off enjoying a nice scroll and devouring the poor underbrush. Almost ironic how good he was supposed to be at hunting and traversing the forests and he got caught. He couldn't let anyone know that this happened. He'd surely be made fun of by Ress. Or Elena. Or both. He'd shudder at the thought if he wasn't so weak. He could barely keep his eyes open as hung there. The rope had scratched at his ankle until it started to blister and bleed. The blood pouring from his lower half and into his head was forcing him to nod off again. He needed to stay awake. Lean up for something so that he could think, but his body ached and it hurt to move. Still, he managed to lift his head a little with a grunt. Now he just needed something to do to keep himself awake. "How did that song go..." Lancing his fingers together, Atlas held the back of his head and pulled upward as he closed his eyes. A temporary cushion until his arms got tired. Or he died. Either worked. "My Bonnie lies over the ocean
My Bonnie lies over the sea
Well, my Bonnie lies over the ocean
Yeah, bring back my Bonnie to me
Yeah, bring back, ah, bring back
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me, to me
Ah, bring, oh, bring back, ah, bring back
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me
Well, my Bonnie lies over the ocean
My Bonnie lies over the sea
Yeah, my Bonnie lies over the ocean
Oh, I said bring back my Bonnie to me
Yeah, bring back, ah, bring back
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me, to me
Oh, bring back, ah, bring back
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me" He wasn't so much singing as he was grumbling and talking through the words. But, for the moment it was doing the trick of keeping him somewhat alert. Now, he just had to wait for someone to come find him. Perhaps a pretty little thing or a muscular traveler. Good thoughts that brought a strained smile to his face as he sang the song again. |
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Oct 19, 2023 16:54:43 GMT -5
   Lilith had been planning, trying to consider how to maximise the opportunity sheβd gotten with having the prince as her prisoner. Trying to figure out how she could get the greatest benefit from it that might help her to regain her kingdom again. She needed power, influence, money, an army. Those things were hard to get. But with Carlo as her prisoner? It seemed like a strong opportunity had presented itself. She just needed to decide how to use it must effectively.
But unfortunately she was interrupted from her plans when some of her people entered her tent; a group sheβd sent out on patrol earlier around the perimeters of the camp. Now she had the prisoner to think about she was increasingly concerned about the security of the camp.
βWhat?β Lilith had demanded, for she was never pleased at being interrupted and since nobody was bleeding she had reason to believe it wasnβt enough of an emergency to be disturbing her.
It was only when they insisted that they couldnβt explain, that she go and see for herself that she began to really take their concern seriously. Her people would never drag her away from her work if it wasnβt something truly important.
So sheβd followed, begrudgingly but with more patience than she would have had otherwise, as her people led her out to show her their concern.
It would appear that what they had found was in fact a trapped, injured and apparently rather delirious Atlas. Hanging from a tree and singing⦠well, singing in the loosest possible sense of the term.
Lilithβs mouth thinned as she looked at the people sheβd sent on this perimeter check.
βHow long has he been out here?β Lilith questioned in lowered voice to them, tone already accusing because she knew she wouldnβt like the answer.
βWe arenβt sure.β came the apologetic reply.
Lilithβs eyes were cold, and fixed unforgivingly on the group. βIt looks like itβs been long enough that whoever has been doing perimeter checks the last few days has been cutting corners.β
If the perimeters were being checked properly, an intruder in a trap wouldβve been spotted very quickly. She wasnβt pleased.
βIβll deal with that later. Alright, well help me with this.β
The woman turned her attention to Atlas. She folded her arms, looking up at her sometimes ally. God, Elena would get a kick out of this if she were there to see it. But Atlas was clearly not in good condition and Lilith didnβt fancy making him wait.
With anybody else she would just drop the person on their head without much care about what happened. But Atlas was a good ally in business. So since she thought head trauma was the last thing heβd need in that moment, she directed some of her people to stand underneath and hopefully catch him when he fell, or at least cushion the situation.
At that point Lilith drew her sword and approached the rope by which Atlas was suspended, cutting it with a deft and clean swipe of her blade.
Once Atlas was caught and lowered to the ground - since standing seemed like a dangerous idea until he got used to being on the ground again and the blood was no longer rushing to his head - she dismissed her people to go back to the camp with a gesture. Lilith then approached Atlas so she stood over him and smirked, an uncharacteristic show of amusement from her, even if it was mocking.
βHello, Atlas.β Lilith called up to him. βYou really should be more aware of your surroundings wandering around these woods, you know. Criminals live here.β
A dry reference, of course, to herself and Elena.
But even as she said those words her eyes were scanning him for wounds, and once she had spoken she knelt to get a better look. She knew injuries, even though she was not exactly a kind nurse.
βDo you want to try to sit up?β she asked, though her tone still sounded as businesslike as ever. She didnβt want to help him sit up until he wanted to do so.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Oct 20, 2023 0:53:01 GMT -5
Atlas was too out of it and concentrated on his own sing-songey rambling to notice the people below him. He only noticed when he was suddenly dropping fast towards the ground. He shouted in shock and pulled his head closer to his chest hoping to protect it from the impending impact.
But, the ground never hit him. It was the arms to men under him and gently lowering him to the ground.
By the sun and stars fate is real.
Instinctively, Atlas reached for the knife that had dropped to the ground but stopped himself from wielding it in any threatening manner when he recognized Lilith's voice. He scooted back and let his back hit the tree then raised his hands to show he was no threat at this moment. Though he didn't seem to be looking straight at Lilith.
He chuckled simply and inclined his head cockily "That right? You'll tell me if we run into them won't you, lassie?" He replied sarcastically with a hoarse voice and a smirk. He let his head fall back against the bark of the tree and sheathed his knife. With a heavy sigh he mumbled out a quiet "Would hate to get caught on the job."
He tried to push himself to standing but immediately felt sick. He shook his head and held up a finger as he curled into himself. "No, give me a moment," He whispered with his eyes closed tightly when Lilith asked if he wanted to sit all the way up.
He stayed perfectly still for a moment, waiting for the feeling of nausea to subside to to triple until he vomited. Which is exactly was happened. He leaned to the side and coughed up the remnants of his stomach, which wasn't much, into the dirt. Wiping at his mouth with the back of his hand, Atlas rolled on to his back and groaned.
"I'm afraid I've become sober," He muttered to Lilith and peeked at her through one open eye. "Got anything that can fix that?"
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Oct 20, 2023 13:04:56 GMT -5
When Atlas responded to her dry joke with his own sarcasm, Lilith replied with her usual dry kind of response. βYeah, canβt be too careful these days with all these kidnappings.β
Now who could have possibly had anything to do with kidnappings?
She exhibited nothing but an expression of mild distaste when Atlas vomited. Lilith wasnβt a sympathetic person in general, but if Atlas was stumbled into one of her traps a bit of delirium and nausea served him right for not being careful enough.
But then Atlas was asking for something to drink, evidently wanting to take the edge off his extremely rare sobriety. She expected he made sure sobriety was a rare state for him for a reason, but she had never pried and did not ever intend to do so. She had her own shit to deal with that she did not want to share either.
The question was whether to give him any. Honestly, in the end being sober would probably be for his own good. It was clearly stopping him from dealing with something that needed to be dealt with. And Lilith was not easily swayed by any attempts he might make to manipulate her into giving him alcohol. However, heβd clearly been through enough at that point. Besides, just because it would be better for him to be sober didnβt mean that Lilith was willing to deal with an Atlas going through withdrawal and she certainly wasnβt equipped to provide him with emotional support or any of that shit. She barely emotionally supported herself, never mind other people.
So for the moment she acquiesced, reaching for a small flask at her hip and holding it out to Atlas. She could try to wean him off it, maybe, but cold turkey was not the way to go. Certainly not the way she wanted to go.
βDonβt drink it too quickly.β she warned βI donβt have much so youβd better make it last, and donβt you dare vomit it all back up again.β
Lilith did drink, sometimes. When she met up with Elena, for example. But she wasnβt a big drinker by any stretch of the imagination. She liked to keep her mind sharp and her senses alert. She didnβt like the feeling of vulnerability that drinking brought her.
She needed to - had to - know that if anything happened she was alert enough to defend herself properly.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Oct 21, 2023 4:26:12 GMT -5
Lilith rolled her eyes as Atlas seemed almost offended by the amount of alcohol she had offered, and did not heed her advice about savouring it. She had never assumed he would, in all fairness.
It was almost pathetic to watch him try and collect his things and push himself to standing. Even more so when he seemed to come to terms with the fact that he wasnβt able to, sighing and pinching his nose.
βYouβre in no state to go anywhere.β Lilith said as she approached Atlas, squatting to put one of his arms around her shoulder while she put her own arm around him to keep him stable.
βDonβt put weight on that leg for now until I can look at it properly.β she warned sternly, before standing and carefully helping the man up to his feet. Not too quickly, not when he was in this state.
Lilith looked out for her people, of course, but she supposed she hadnβt properly taken care of anyone since sheβd been back home with her sisters. If theyβd been hurt or were sick Lilith had more often than not fought with the physicians to be able to be with them and help. She didnβt like doing nothing; helping made her feel like she was in control of a situation where she knew she wasnβt.
But apparently in that moment, without even realising it, Lilith had apparently made the decision in her head that for the time being she was going to take care of Atlas.
βCome on,β she grumbled, because while sheβd made this decision herself it didnβt mean she liked it. She didnβt like caring about people, but every now and then she was blighted with it. βLetβs get you back to camp until you can at least walk.β
Did Lilith have a good bedside manner? Absolutely not, not unless you were one of her sisters. She was what one would call a tough-love kind of a nurse. But there wasnβt a better alternative and so she was what Atlas was getting - for the moment at least.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Oct 30, 2023 15:19:52 GMT -5
Dante felt so uncomfortable in this room. He felt...odd, to be honest. He'd felt scared since he'd released Minke, always looking around. He was typically a loud sassy presence. Before the marriage was announced, he was constantly arguing with Athena. Always snapping at her. Since it, he'd been quiet and reserved, stuck to his books.
As he and Aurore approached the two, he kept his head down. Aurore did most of the talking anyways. The Queen took notice of Alex's fiance, smiling at her as they approached. The Queen found herself jealous of her cousin for catching such a beautiful wife. She was surprised he was even marrying, but she strongly suspected that it wasn't even his decision.
To be honest she didn't even think he would marry a woman. He seemed like her, and she'd never liked anyone of the opposing gender herself.
His soon-to-be-wife at least was a very pretty woman. Aurore was almost jealous.
"I am very glad to be here," Aurore replied to Athena, reaching forward to curtsy to the other, "I see that my cousin got very lucky with a spouse."
Dante lifted his head, Aurore always had this slightly flirty tone to her voice, but it definitely carried through there. He looked up at her with a wild look, his face screwed up slightly. He was the shortest among the group, and his face twisted up in disgust at the blatant subtle flirting. Aurore smiled then at her cousin, noticing that he called Athena a dear friend rather than a lover. She looked back to Athena, smiling to the woman, "and the name is just as beautiful as you are, Lady Athena."
Dante rolled his eyes at that, seeming aghast at the Queen's shameless antics. He seemed amused though, shaking his head slightly.
He looked to Alex when he spoke, he shrugged ever so slightly at the question, shaking his head. "Your cousin is older than you," Dante pointed out, looking through the crowd and freezing a bit when he spotted King Drake, quickly averting his gaze before anyone could see what he had focused on, his gaze back at Alex for a flickering moment before it returned to his feet. "Plus, the King requested I keep an eye on Queen Aurore."
He did seem slightly annoyed by that. Aurore was older than Alex and was perfectly capable of doing whatever she wished. Why did she have to be watched? She was an adult. Dante knew it was because Chadwick didn't trust her, but still it was stupid. The Queen looked over at Dante regardless, frowning, "King Chadwick is such a nuisance," she commented, softly so passerby people would not hear. "I don't need a keeper."
Dante shrugged, returning to his silence. He glanced at Athena, sighing softly. Might as well try to be nice to her, "that dress really doesn't fit you," he said instead, though it wasn't entirely an insult, "I'm guessing that's what King Chadwick set out for you?"
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Nov 2, 2023 21:06:46 GMT -5
Athena's smile grew until it touched her eyes at Aurore's compliment. She sheepishly laughed and glanced down at the tiled floors. "You flatter me, Your Majesty," she said in a hushed tone. She felt her face getting warm as the compliment washed over her again and again and again. She was practically another shade as she looked up at the Queen and leaned forward as if to whisper. "But, I fear I could never compete with a vision like you."
Once again she found herself stifling a laugh as Aurore called King Chadwick a nuisance. This woman was funny and absolutely stunning. Where had Alex been hiding her all these years? For a brief moment she forgot the position she was in. Why she was still here.
Then Dante spoke to her.
Cutting her eyes toward him, her smile fell a little. She glanced down at the dress once and opened her arms at her sides. "You'd be correct," she replied simply. Every dress she'd worn while she was here had practically been picked out by Chadwick himself or one of the palace ladies. She'd had no say in any of it.
She had a snarky response on the tip of her tongue be decided not to say anything. He seemingly knew her well enough to know that she did not enjoy being in this big ball gown. So, she'd say something else. "But, I do as the King requests of me for the time being," she said with a small shrug and folded her hands back in front of her. "I feel we're all in agreement about that yes?" she spoke more quietly, voice hardly above a whisper as she looked at each of them.
"His Highness, Crown Prince Caspian Evander Kinnaird!"
Caspian walked up to the group with a gentle smile and bowed his head to Aurore, Athena, Dante and his little brother. "I apologize for my tardiness. Congratulations are in order to you Alex and Lady Frost," He spoke to the supposed couple then turned his attention to Aurore. "It's been a long time, Queen Aurore," he greeted politely and gave her a bigger softer smile.
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