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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Apr 16, 2021 16:41:57 GMT -5
   βOh, do stop whining.β Lilith had scoffed at Elenaβs little comment about her deserving the name βwe both know youβd have done the same had it been me.β
Sheβd even had the courtesy to warn Elena she was going for the same prize when they were meeting at the bar earlier, so really the other bandit didnβt have a leg to stand on in her complaining
The woman cooly raised one dark eyebrow as Elena spoke to her about them not being able to carry everything themselves in their dresses, idly fiddling with the silver necklace she wore as she spoke, feeling the little silver raven pendant. A symbol of hers, reminiscent of her kingdom and family in a way nobody else knew. Unlike Elena, she didnβt get as close with those in her employ. Most of them, anyway. Everybody needed to trust somebody.
βWe now, is it?β the older woman questioned a little smugly βForgive me if Iβm wrong, but I thought you - and I quote - intended βto walk away with all of itβ. Is the great Elena Mendoza suddenly in the mood to share?β
Not that Lilith was complaining about it. Technically Elena could take everything on her own and leave Lilith with nothing. Perhaps Elena knew it was better to keep her rival afloat; better the enemy you knew, after all. Lilith knew she wouldnβt want Elena to be struggling because there would be a risk of someone replacing her. Not that Lilith was struggling, business was going fine. But still. The women were competitive with one another to say the least but perhaps on occasion a more harmonious relationship was beneficial.
So Lilith signalled her own group as Elena signalled for hers, and the people sheβd strategically positioned around the area moved in. Some of them moved in, initially seeming to be intending to help with the situation between the lord and Reed only to leave the lord minus several rings, bracelets and various other trinkets. Theyβd missed out on the main prize, the crown, which annoyed Lilith a little. Sheβd had her eye on that thing. Still, fighting with Elena about it was of no benefit; the crown was valuable but not irreplaceable. Lilith only made moves that she knew would benefit her and wasnβt liable to involve herself in nonsense arguments or get into anything she didnβt know sheβd have the upper hand in. Fair was fair, anyhow. Elena had let them in on the loot and Lilith didnβt see anything good coming out of negotiating which pieces she wanted.
Sheβd be the one in control the next time, of that much she was sure. But even if not, Lilith had her eye on a very different crown. That was her ultimate goal, and it would mean a lot more than the pathetic trinket this lord had made.
When Elena signalled two of her people forward to grab the chest, Lilith did the same.
βHelp them,β she instructed quietly βmake sure she doesnβt get away with everything.β
She was sharing everything that was in that chest with Elena, that was her intention. And it seemed to be Elenaβs as well, or if it wasnβt Lilith wasnβt going to put up with that. Her distraction had been valuable, and Lilith honestly wasnβt sure either of them would have gotten away with it had the other not been there. There had been more guards that night than Lilith had expected, for one thing.
As the other woman began to move through the crowd, Lilith went alongside her, her own people mingling with the protective group of Elenaβs men. Their gangs fought more often than not, but they wouldnβt do so in situations like this, and certainly not if their leaders hadnβt given the order.
Still, sheβd instructed her men with the knowledge that she couldnβt ever be a hundred percent sure Elena wouldnβt double-cross her. Elena was never predictable, and even when Lilith tried to reason things out based on logic and the nature of their relationship, Elena still surprised her on occasion.
There was so much yelling and commotion it was difficult to fully know how close their pursuers were getting as they tried to shove their way through the crowd. Either way, Lilith wasnβt overly concerned. They had what they needed now and she and Elena were well protected and their people more than skilled enough to deal with anything that came at them now.
Theyβd gotten away cleanly, it would seem. Now all that was left was to go through their loot. |
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Apr 23, 2021 17:56:27 GMT -5
Alex had been thirteen years old the first time he experienced his magic. The boy had been with his brother out in the gardens, and the pair had gotten into an argument. This was a rare thing, as the boys didnβt interact often anyway and when they did they very rarely got heated about anything. Just as Alexiares had felt that rush of anger, heβd felt a sharp sting on his skin around his hands.
Heβd rushed inside, dodging through bushes and branches and running over springy grassy ground until it gave way to polished floors. It hadnβt taken him long to find his father, whoβd furrowed his brow when he saw the panicked expression on his sonβs face. The young teenager had presented the offending hand to his father.
βI think something stung me,β the boy explained, still feeling the tingling on his skin. He wasnβt panicking, for it wasnβt the first time a bee or wasp had taken offence to something the young prince was doing in the gardens and stung him.
The king, though obviously not overly pleased at babysitting his son, looked over the skin and frowned, lifting his shoulders in a shrug.
βThere is no sting, Alexiares,β the king answered firmly as he pushed his sonβs hand away.
Alex wasnβt convinced, still feeling that strange pain in his hand. So, cradling the painful hand in his free one, he opened his mouth to protest.
βAre you su-?β he began
His words were interrupted by another jolt of pain, and Alex watched as his fatherβs eyes widened in something like panic. Heβd never seen that expression on his fatherβs face before. His eyes were fixed on Alexβs hands, and when the boy trailed his eyes down to his hands he was just in time to see a spark of electricity travel across his skin for the briefest moment.
The panic on his fatherβs face soon wore off, turning to something more neutral. But not before Alex caught the way his lip curled as if he were a little disgusted. He seemed to reach out as if to grab Alexβs wrist but evidently decided against it, instead just indicating with a nod that his son should follow him before briskly walking away.
It was a long and silent walk, and Alexβs heart seemed to thud harder and faster with each step. They eventually came to a long spiral staircase at a part of the castle near his fatherβs chambers, and Alex followed his father up. When Alex broke out onto the top of a secluded little tower that only the king ever seemed to use, his father was already standing with his back to him, his hands on the towerβs crenellated walls. They were bracing him, seemed to be the only thing holding him up for a moment.
Alex looked back down to his hands, which were terrifyingly still experiencing tiny jolts of electricity. Heβd never seen anything like this before, but he had a terrible feeling he knew what it was. But it couldnβt be, could it? Not him? He couldnβt be the terrible thing heβd heard those scary stories about as a child.
βFather?β Alex began nervously, voice shaking βwhatβs happening?β
His father stayed silent for a long moment. So long that Alexβs panic grew even further, the frightened teen shuffling his feet nervously and looking desperately to the king for answers.
βIt is not what is happening to you, it is what you are,β the king began finally, sounding more disappointed than ever, even spitting out the next words like so much dirt βa Factioneer.β
Alex stepped back then, mind whirring with the shock of what that meant. He only stopped when he hit the wall of the tower and had to quickly grip the wall to stop himself from almost pitching over the edge.
βBut I-I...β Alex stammered βI canβt be!β
The prince of Oralee simply couldnβt be a Factioneer, that couldnβt happen. If the kingdom found out about him heβd be disgraced. Exile would be the best he could hope for. That or being locked up somewhere in the palace for the rest of his life.
He couldnβt be a disappointment to his father and his kingdom again. He couldnβt be everything he had always been taught was dangerous and despicable. He couldnβt be a threat. He couldnβt be a bad person.
βAnd yet you are,β the king snapped, a frustrated bite to his words
He approached with brisk, sharp steps, and Alex shrunk back as much as his proximity to the wall would enable him to. Alex wasnβt stupid, he knew his father was right. He knew it was magic, and he knew how frustrated his denial of it must be making the king. Alexiares had always feared his father, but none more than now.
But the king seemed to calm a little, stoping abruptly just short of Alex and letting out an irritated sigh, hands lifting for a second before forming fists and dropping to his side.
βYou will tell nobody about this, do you understand?β King Chadwick began βit is to be a secret. If your brother did not see, he is not to know. If this gets out it is better for Caspianβs reputation as the future king of Oralee if he is innocent of this, if he has no knowledge and is uncorrupted by this filth from your motherβs bloodline. The country will not accept a king who harboured a Factioneer brother.β
Alex was more than a little irritated that his fatherβs first thought was about how this scandal would affect Caspian if the secret got out, but he was too terrified to dare complain. Even if heβd wanted to, he didnβt get the chance because his father soon continued.
βYou have to learn to repress the magic. Control your emotions. If you fail and are discovered, we cannot and will not protect you. It is shame enough to have a Factioneer in the family, you will not drag us down with you. This family will not be taken down because of your weakness. You should be grateful Iβm willing to keep this quiet for the sake of our familyβs standing.β
With that his father left him, turning to disappear into the darkness and descend the spiral staircase. Alex was left on the roof of that tower, the wind whipping at his hair as stormy skies surrounded him, the view of the sprawling landscape around him tinged with grey.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on May 6, 2021 5:01:50 GMT -5
Adira had long ago fulfilled her goal of becoming Queen of Halstein. That was not enough for her, of course. No, Empress had a much nicer ring to it.
Her ultimate aim was to build an empire, rule as much of Oikoumene as she could get her hands on. And she had known exactly which kingdoms sheβd intended to start with. Taluhtah was not an option. King Drake was someone Adira was too smart to make an enemy of until she was in a better position. Besides, that kingdom utilised magic for servitude and magic was not something to be trifled with even when unwillingly used. No, she needed to be more powerful before risking a move on him. That, or closer to him so she could identify his vulnerabilities. Strike in the metaphorical underbelly. Likewise Rajani. Queen Ernestine was another ruler Adira would rather have as an ally until it suited her to have her as an enemy. There was too much of the Mad Kingβs legacy in that kingdom for Adiraβs comfort and she did not feel secure targeting it yet.
But Xanino was ruled by that weak woman and her son. Pacifists who wouldnβt lift a finger to prevent her until it was too late and she was already at the palaceβs very gates. Levina and Oralee were so focused on their suspicion of one another all sheβd need to do was turn one against the other; they had so many weak links for Adira to exploit it was like a gift. And even if she took a more direct approach, with them focusing on one another theyβd never see her coming. The problem was that neither of those kingdoms would be easy to defeat even with those opportunities. Sheβd have to perhaps wait a little. Aaltonen was ripe for the taking, if she dared take the risk. Someone had taken the risk of poisoning the king and queen (she suspected it was someone within the kingdom, for she didnβt think any other ruler would take such a gamble as to go for Aaltonen so obviously) and the move had paid off. The young prince and the royal advisor had departed the kingdom, rumour had it, though nobody knew where they were. The gates were practically open, and what a prize Aaltonen would be.
She didnβt know how long sheβd have that opportunity.
Unfortunately, Adiraβs plans for domination had been somewhat hindered by events in her own kingdom. For she sat on Halsteinβs imposing throne and had been discussing matters with her advisors when a tall and hard-faced man, Adiraβs advisor on matters of war, had brought some news to her attention.
βYour Majesty, Iβm afraid the unrest in the south was rather more substantial than weβd anticipated. The farmers there are rebelling over the taxes youβve levied against them; reports tell us theyβre led by a man named Bredon Duman. Theyβre gathering force quickly and may become more than our men can handle if theyβre not dealt with.β he explained
Adiraβs mouth narrowed with displeasure, fingers drumming on the armrests of the great granite seat. Sheβd heard about this unrest before but had thought it too petty to act against. Now was the time. She could not show weakness, she could not allow rebellion in her kingdom, and she needed her own people and every other kingdom to know how she dealt with those who oppose her.
βVery well, Sir Cahira. This is what the men are to do; find the villages these farmers belong to and burn down their fields. Destroy their houses if they wish. Only leave Dumanβs home and fields untouched. The suspicion of the other men will take care of the rest. Destroy any scattered forces and the deed is done.β she answered evenly, calm voice echoing gently off the polished walls
Theyβd grow suspicious of their leader, wonder why his possessions and home were undamaged. If they thought he was perhaps in league with Adira and her men and had come to some agreement to protect his fields theyβd abandon him forthwith. It was a genius solution, if Adira did say so herself.
βBut, Your Majesty, the punishment and setting an example...β Ser Cahira answered βand what about the food supplies? The farming villages will starve, the harvest will be destroyed.β
That was indeed a danger, for Halstein was heavily forested and didnβt have as much farming land as other kingdoms did. But Adira was unconcerned; she had other farming villages in the kingdom, plenty of money to import with, and plenty of stores in the kingdomβs granaries.
βWe wonβt create a martyr of Duman, Cahira.β Adira returned sharply βthe burning villages will set quite enough of an example, and if it does not Iβm willing to do a little more bloodletting. As for the food supplies, weβll import any extra grain we need and weβll supply the farming villages with food from our own stores. If they rely on us for their food they wonβt soon rebel again. This yearβs harvest might be less but the burning wonβt affect next yearβs harvest.β
She spoke with an authority that let everyone know that the matter was closed and there would be no more discussion. Cahira nodded, and departed to give the instructions that would swiftly put down the small peasantsβ revolt.
It was at that moment, however, that a messenger rushed in. Breathless, red-faced, and with heaving chest. The panting and wheezing messenger fell into an exhausted bow in front of Adira, before wordlessly holding up a piece of paper. With a raised eyebrow the queen leaned forward to take it, unfolding the message and letting her eyes scan the hastily scribbled words.
It was news from Wisteria, at which the queen looked back at the messenger with interest. Sheβd dispatched representatives of the kingdom to Wisteria not long ago to send any pertinent news back and to give Adira the measure of the new queen. If this was the report of those events the messenger must have travelled quickly indeed to get to Halstein so quickly.
Adira had been keeping an eye on Wisteria ever since the king and queen had been poisoned; sheβd often wondered whoβd been responsible for doing that, especially with the events in Aaltonen. It was of no doubt to her that the others kingdoms were vulnerable, and she had to wonder what machinations were causing that vulnerability, from within or without those kingdoms.
She had refused to go to the new queenβs coronation, though. While Adira was most curious about Queen Adrestia and wished to get the measure of her, determine whether this little girl constituted any kind of threat, it was a matter of control. She refused to meet Adrestia on her home ground and had instead resolved to invite the new queen to Halstein in order that Adira be the one at an advantage when they met. Under the guise of wishing to be friends, imparting advice, for she too had become queen at around Adrestiaβs age. But no, she wished to ferret out her weaknesses so that she might exploit them and take Wisteria, another kingdom that was one of Adiraβs prime targets.
But reading the events of the letter caused a smile to spread on Adiraβs face. It was impossible to tell if it was truly joyful. She seemed perhaps parts admiring, angry and intrigued.
βWell, this is fascinating,β the queen commented βthe Crown Prince of Wisteria is missing, along with the Head Guard. Suspected kidnapping.β
A Verndari being kidnapped was most diverting news on its own, though perhaps while interesting it was not surprising. That family was wrapped up in many layers of honour and duty and pretty oaths but seemed to have less and less substance or fighting talent. But Prince Carlisle being kidnapped? Now that was noteworthy. Stolen from within his very own palace. Not only did that mean that Wisteria was truly as vulnerable as Adira hoped, but it meant that the freshly coronated queen would have her attention stolen from her new kingdom with worries for her brother. The Van Windsor family were clearly not untouchable. More importantly, it had shown Adrestia that someone was out to get her.
βThis is most impressive indeed...β continued Adira appreciatively as she carefully folded up the little note βBold to do it right beneath Adrestiaβs nose like that. I almost wish Iβd thought of it.β
She had to wonder who was behind it, for surely this had to be the action of a rival kingdom. No common criminal looking for a ransom broke into a palace during an event that busy, and as weak as the Verndari family seemed to be now she was fairly sure that even Callan Verndari could handle a simple bandit. No, with all the foreign representatives there for Adrestiaβs coronation, Adira had no doubt another kingdom was making some kind of move.
Which meant Adira was not the only one meaning to take over other kingdoms. She could only assume this was the work of either the King of Taluhtah or the Queen of Rajani. She trusted neither of them, and it appeared for good reason. Though at least now someone had made a move in the open the three rulers could be honest about their lofty ambitions and conquering intentions.
And the Queen of Halstein knew exactly what the smartest next move she could make was. With that in mind, she turned to address her messenger.
βWrite letters to Drake and Ernestine or their representatives. Tell them I believe recent events in Aaltonen and Wisteria open up an opportunity we would be remiss not to capitalise upon. Inform them that I have a proposal from which I think we could all benefit.β
The messenger nodded and scurried away to do just that, while Adira sat back with a self-satisfied smile. This would be easy. All she had to do was make an alliance with Drake and Ernestine. At the same time she could consider building a relationship with Tia, be a confidante for her and make sure she knew it was not Adira whoβd committed that most ingenious kidnapping. Then she had options. Double-cross Drake and Ernestine and move to bring down Adrestia at the same time, or leak to Adrestia who the real culprit of the kidnapping was (once she found out) and let them distract themselves with a war while Adira made her moves in the shadows.
Either way, the queen knew she had an opportunity here to put herself at an advantage, if she played her cards right.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on May 13, 2021 9:26:26 GMT -5
Callan had been taught from a young age what it meant to be a Verndari. His father had drilled into him the duties he had from the time he could walk. The weight of generations was behind the oath he had to honour, Tybalt Verndari had always told his son.
But Callan knew the history behind that oath, too.
The stories were that the Verndari had lived in Wisteria as long as the history books had recorded. They'd once been a powerful noble house, a family to be reckoned with within the kingdom. Their family seat had lain within a strategic area within the kingdom but House Verndari had always made a point not to promise their allegiance to any greater families within the kingdom. For a while, that worked and it was beneficial. It kept war away from their doorstep and allowed the family to grow and prosper.
The Verndari had always mainly been known by the distinctive green eyes that were common in the family. Their brightness had started rumours that the family had once had magical blood but no longer possessed any magical abilities, the only remnant of their Factioneer ancestry being their bright eyes. Callan could not know for sure the truth of that rumour, but he imagined it untrue. Probably something the family fabricated as an intimidation tactic. Their bright eyes would bring on superstition, and from then it was easy for the family to take advantage of it. The rumour could serve to make them look intimidating by giving them a magical heritage while also making sure that their allies did not consider them a danger by emphasising the loss of any magical ability. Either way, the truth of that story had been lost even to the Verndari, and the family were in no haste to correct anyone who believed it.
Now, generations and generations ago the family's non-partisanship was broken. A civil war had broken out within Wisteria, two great houses vying for the throne. The Verndari family had been approached by one of the houses and were exhorted to join the fight under their banner, but the family had refused. That had been a grave mistake, for in vengeance the spurned family had destroyed the Verndari family seat in an attack.
In the only move of retaliation they could make, the Verndari promptly pledged themselves and their soldiers to fight for their attackers' opponents. It was said that the Verndari family distinguished themselves in battle with great might and fought honourably without underhanded tactics, and helped turn the tides of the war with the introduction of fresh soldiers and their knowledge of the land. The family they had supported soon won the war.
It was said that it was because of their fighting in this war that the Verndari earned their reputation for warfare and became called the Iron-Blooded, as stories swirled that they did not bleed blood but instead pure iron. Utter fantasy and completely untrue, of course. The Verndari had bled more times than could be counted and nobody seriously claimed that they bled anything else but simple red blood like everyone else. But that didn't matter, for the reputation for war it had given the Verndari could not be reversed.
Another rumour had come to pass from that war, that having the Verndari fighting on one's side was a sign of one's legitimacy or claim to the throne, for they never seemed to be on the wrong side of a battle. Many had interpreted the Verndari's refusal to fight for the family that ultimately lost the war as some kind of omen. Callan knew this to be simple correlation, not causation. The family of course had no way of knowing who truly had legitimate claims to the throne or would win a battle, but it had always been pure luck that had kept them on the right side of a war. That and their ability to ingratiate themselves to new rulers, even if they'd originally fought in opposition to them.
Either way, after the war the Verndari had nowhere to return to, having lost their family seat. Therefore they'd pledged their fealty to the Wisterian throne and their service to the new rulers. The new ruling family had been more than willing to accept the oath the Verndari gave in recognition of the Verndari's service during the war, particularly being that they were vulnerable as new rulers. Therefore, ever since ancient times the Verndari family had served Wisteria's rulers, whichever family that may be, for the Verndari had pledged their service to the throne and to the title of monarch itself, not to any one family which may hold it. They'd seen more than one dynasty come and go.
The family had never once broken their oath. Certainly, many had tried as Callan had when he was young, but none had succeeded. It was as if something more than just words bound the Verndari to their promise. Either way, the Verndari had never sought their own personal glory since that war and had always fought to further the designs of Wisteria's monarchs.
Knowing what he did about his family, Callan knew it was a reputation built on lies. Smoke and mirrors to make the Verndari seem more fearsome than they in fact were, rather than simply men and women who fought and bled the same as others did. Vanity and deceit. And he knew he had been guilty of taking advantage of the family's reputation and of the protection that being in the service of the royal family provided.
He knew the scales were falling from people's eyes more than ever after the poisoning of Tia's parents. The Verndari were fallible and could be weak. That made the royal family vulnerable. People would begin to see the Verndari as a house that was old but crumbling now and weak. A fading giant that had long since lost its strength and intimidation.
But he still loved his family, and still held the oath he'd sworn to Tia when he became Head Guard in his heart. He would not budge from it as long as he lived. Because he knew that if one stripped away the rumours and lies surrounding the Verndari family, what was left was still an admirable core. Honour and duty and service and sacrifice. Not fearlessness but bravery. The ability to be willing to sacrifice themselves wholly for a fight that wasn't even they because they had promised it and would keep their word.
Callan, now that he had passed the period in his teenage years when he desired differently, would continue the family's legacy no matter what that meant. And he didn't think he needed rumours and lies to do that. All he needed to do was show that the name Verndari still meant something real.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on May 18, 2021 12:01:09 GMT -5
Alex had noticed the expression on his half-brotherβs face when heβd asked him not to tell their father about Athena. Heβd grown up with Caspian, Alexiares knew all of his older brotherβs expressions. The one that had overtaken Caspianβs face just then had been the one that indicated he was about to rebuke Alex. Probably something along the lines of him being immature, or causing unnecessary problems, or sneaking around rather than behaving himself just once.
Luckily, Alex didnβt have to hear the speech that was about to pour from Caspian. Unluckily, it was because he heard the most chilling five words he could have possibly heard in that moment.
βDonβt tell dad what, Alexiares?β
Alex had then found himself looking into the eyes of his father, watching as the older man placed a hand on Caspianβs shoulder and asked him what was happening. As subtly as he possibly could, Alex tried to send his brother a warning look not to tell their father about the kiss. Not that he assumed Caspian would, but he wasnβt exactly taking any risks with his. Alex knew his father and the last thing he needed was King Chadwick latching onto the idea of Alex and Athena.
Luckily his prayers were answered, for there was nothing incriminating in Caspianβs explanation, and Athena behaved perfectly just as heβd expected; he knew his friend could play any role she needed to. But he could also, having known her a while now, identify the tension and distrust in her. Alex was relieved to know she seemed to consider the king as dangerous as Alex did.
Alex decided to pick up from Caspian there, knowing he couldnβt expect his brother to account for why heβd asked him not to tell their father anything.
βIβm sorry, father,β Alex explained, βI just didnβt want you to know in case you wouldnβt approve of my having friends outside the palace.β
Especially with Athena playing the noble Lady Frost. After all, Alex was not as a rule trusted with delicate diplomatic matters unless it was with Levina. Alexβs relationship with and knowledge of the kingdom was about his most useful quality as part of the royal family and nobody questioned that he was useful in diplomacy with that kingdom regardless of how much Oralee and Levina hated one another. He knew his father might not like the idea of Alex being friends with a foreign noble, given this.
But mostly Alex knew his fatherβs concern would be the fact that Alex had even made a friend he didnβt know about. It implied that Alex had been sneaking around again, which of course he had.
So hopefully what heβd said would perfectly account for his having told Caspian to keep Athena a secret, and Caspian would think it was because of the kiss and with any luck follow Alexβs lead and keep the kiss quiet.
Alex was also careful to try and make sure his sleeve didnβt move, so as to obscure the fact that heβd taken one of the bracelets off. When possible he kept said wrist behind his back so his father wouldnβt see.
Overall though, he wasnβt too concerned at this point. He cared about keeping Athenaβs real identity quiet for her safety and keeping quiet what he knew about the bracelet, but if his father gave him any trouble Alex was more than willing to threaten to reveal the latter. He had plenty of cards up his sleeve, including his knowledge of the girl in the dungeons. Alex was in front of his brother and two noblemen and he knew his father would loathe any of what Alex knew getting out in front of anyone.
If the king gave him too much trouble he could threaten his father by subtly hinting at what he knew, and that would cool things off for the moment. It would get him in more trouble down the line but it would protect Athena for the moment.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on May 18, 2021 12:02:06 GMT -5
Drake watched Dante as he led him to where they were going. To where they would get more βinformationβ on Minke even though it is absolutely a waste of time. He watched all the different things going through Danteβs mind as he thought of them. Clearly, he wanted to ask something so he might well just ask it.
And he finally grew the courage to do so. Though it was a question that Drake didnβt want to answer. He wanted them to know as little as possible. The only person who should know any more details would be the King.
But, he had not become king nor stayed as king by playing it too safe to the chest, he was the monarch because he was willing to give the necessary information to find the weakest links and the ones who were hiding something. And this advisor in front of him was hiding something.
βYou know of the Factions yes, Dante?β Drake began softly. He maintained a calm and informative tone, never revealing his true annoyance and anger with this entire situation. βWell, this girl is one of them. A member of one of the more powerful and dangerous factions,β he explained folding his hands behind his backhand continuing to stare straight ahead. He let a few moments pass as his face scrunched up in slight disgust as the word passed his lips.
βTelekine.β
He glanced at Dante through hooded lashes and raised his eyebrows at the boy. βPowers over the mind. Able to see into the future or bend the world to their will. I thought they were all killed during the war on magic but apparently, some survived. You can always tell one from their violet eyes,β he tapped the spot under his own eye to emphasize his point. Turning to watch where he was going, Drake re-folded his hand behind his back and stood up straighter.
βThis girl has already begun trying to change sections of my kingdom. I hate to admit it but itβs trueβ¦β The king trailed off sadly. In part, it was true, only because he had forced the girl to do it. Sighing heavily and stepping inside the records room, the king nodded to Danteβs words and looked around the room wondering where to start. βI need to capture her quickly so that she can face trial and be dealt with properly. It is of the utmost importance so letβs get started.β
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on May 19, 2021 12:07:22 GMT -5
Atlas shushed the boy. He drew his arm tighter around his throat and pressed his hand harder against the childβs mouth to keep him quiet. The hunterβs heart ached as he was forced to listen to the muffled screams of the prince. And after he had just been talking so excitedly about the portraits in the hall.
Physically, Atlas was superior in strength, heβd have no trouble subduing Carlo. The wild thrashing kicks were aimless and lacked any force. Even when he did manage to kick Atlas somewhere it would do no damage. It didnβt hurt. But, still, the boy was trying so desperately.
So badly he wanted to get away and warn to guards, Atlas was sure of it. get to someone who would help him, get away from him simply. Gritting his teeth, Atlas dragged the young prince further away from the light, further away from the party to where he was to meet his princess. He was careful to make sure he wasnβt spotted or being followed. He stayed closer to the darker parts of the halls, practically carrying Carlo as he went.
βClose your eyes, itβs ok ladβ¦β he muttered softly to him. There was a bit of strain in his voice because he was still restraining the boy and trying to move quickly at the same time, but there was no malice in it. This was only a job for him. Only a way to get Isla back. Do it for Isla, do it for Isla, Do it forβ¦
βI promise this is the worst of it,β Atlas soothed as he approached the meeting spot with Ress. Heβd ensure the boy wasnβt hurt anymore after this. He was only a pawn in a twisted game of royals. Itβs not his fault he was born a prince.
Spotting Ress, Atlasβs brow furrowed and he looked between her and the guard she was meant to get. He was unconscious which was good for them. See? He knew she could handle him.
Adjusting his hold on the boy so that his arm was around his waist pinning his arms to his sides instead of his throat, the hunter hoisted him up so he actually was carrying him. He didnβt care to remove the hand from his mouth though. He wasnβt stupid. βLetβs go. Iβm tired of wearing this,β the man grumbled gesturing to his outfit with his chin and scowling. βAnd I donβt want to be here when the castle figures out theyβre missing.β
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on May 19, 2021 15:42:45 GMT -5
There were several things Callan became aware of in very quick succession when he next regained consciousness. First was a splitting headache, the kind that caused him to groan slightly the second that throbbing pain on the side of his skull made himself known. The next thing he was aware of was the low, rhythmic rumbling sound and slight jolting movement of a carriage. When he opened his eyes, blinking at the sudden worsening of his pain, the inside of a carriage was indeed what he saw.
He sat us straighter the moment he was awake, in slight disoriented panic as his eyes wildly flicked round the scene around him, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. What was going on. His eyes were a little wild for a moment, his chest rising and falling, but as he took in the scene properly while he of course didnβt fully relax and his eyes didnβt completely lose their fear, his eyes lost their wild panic, his breathing slowing down to something more controlled.
When youβre scared, donβt let them see. Callanβs father had always said that. Showing your fear gave them a weakness, exposed vulnerability. You couldnβt afford that in this type of situation.
Apart from the pain in his head and feeling a slightly weary and more than a little confused, Callan was none the worse for wear. If there was one thing heβd always been taught how to do it was dealing with pain and injuries well, right from being a child. In fact as a child it had come in useful more than a few times when he and Tia had gotten silly injuries running around the castle like it was their playground.
Still, it was taking his brain a little time to catch up and process what was around him. He did note, for as he opened his eyes it was one of the first things that came into his view, that the door to the carriage was locked. He could also immediately feel that he did not have the familiar weight of his sword at his waist. He still had the light armour heβd been wearing earlier on, but without a weapon he wasnβt likely to be getting into a situation where heβd need it so that was largely irrelevant. Still, the lack of sword was distressing; as stupid as it sounded, his sword was more than just a practical tool to him. It was what allowed him to keep himself and those he cared about safe. He relied on that thing and it was a comfort to him.
Heβd of course been alarmed and on edge from the moment heβd woken up, given that he was confused and in pain and somewhere he didnβt know.
Still, his lack of sword and the pain in his head brought back everything that had happened, and drew his attention to the fellow occupants of the carriage. He remembered everything now, that girl luring him away and saying that they were taking...
βCarlo.β
His gaze had snapped immediately to the only occupant of the carriage he truly knew. The person Callan had always seen like a younger brother regardless of the difficulties between them in recent years. The boy he was sworn to protect just as much as he was sworn to protect Tia.
That was why he was here, right? His duty and his desire to protect Carlo?
He paid no heed yet to their captors, though he knew they were there of course. The only person he cared about at that point was Carlo, because if theyβd harmed a hair on his head Callan would make them regret it.
βCarlo, Iβm so sorry.β Callan said, voice still a little rough and not as alert as he normally sounded βAre you okay?β
That was his first priority. Making sure Carlo was safe. Heβd address the issue of their current situation and their kidnappers as a secondary priority.
He knew Tia must know what had happened by now. Sheβd be beside herself. Terrified, but if Callan knew her, also furious. Tia would never stand for anyone laying a hand on her baby brother or her best friend.
Whoever these two were working for was going to have a hell of a storm coming.
He still refused to acknowledge their captors, having nothing to say to either of them just yet, and certainly not until he felt less woozy. Instead he craned a little to try and see if there was any way he could get a glimpse out of the carriage to try and figure out where they were. Unfortunately, that was to no avail.
If he wanted to know where they were going heβd have to talk to these people.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on May 22, 2021 0:43:42 GMT -5
Ress had grinned at her comrade, confidence oozing in her steps, but she didn't offer much reply, other than almost immediately opening up their carriage, set up to lock up their prisoners. She couldn't agree more to changing, so she let off a darker laugh, "Yeah, let's get going. You wanna man this show for the time being?
So that's how she ended up in a carriage with two prisoners, dressed in black pants and a black shirt with a black scarf, easy to hide and mask her face with, at least slightly. In the corner of the carriage, as far from her as possible, the prince sat, wearily watching her and quietly mourning, it seemed. No tears seemed to escape his eyes, but they seemed glossy, though he was quiet, obedient at least.
He would be the easy one to watch, most likely. He was scared, but she had a hard time feeling bad for him. Prince Carlisle was a prince, he should be used to being a pawn as it was.
Atlas was manning the carriage, though Ress could easily call to him using the little window in the front. Carlo was sat closer to her than Callan was, easy enough to...use for negotiation if that guard tried anything. Her sword was in her hands, rested on her lap, she almost appeared dainty, holding a weapon so regally, but she was a trained killer.
When Callan woke up, Carlo moved to check on his friend, but Ress raised her eyebrows at the prince, the barest movement of her sword had the prince scuttling back to his still position, worried eyes focusing on the guard immediately.
"I'm not hurt," Carlo quickly affirmed upon noticing Callan's worry, though his green eyes watched Callan with worry, "But you are. Are you okay?"
The prince felt terrible, obviously these people wanted him, but they got Callan involved for some reason. His stupid trusting nature got Callan dragged into trouble. He felt horrible about it, sadness in his eyes as he scanned his friend, someone he once considered a brother. Still considered a brother, to an extent.
Upon realizing that Callan seemed to be looking around, Ress lifted on of her hands, elbow settled on her thight, and head now rested in an elevated palm, "Morning, sleeping beauty," she immediately said, attempting to draw his attention to herself, twirling around her sword ever so slightly with her free hand, lazily watching it with her eyes before turning her look to him, the sword was an obvious threat, pointed at the prince rather than the guard. "Told you some old guy took the prince, and I was right. But look, I've reunited you two, you must be so very glad." She cooed mockingly, leaning back so her back settled against the wall again.
They were heading out of the kingdom, heading towards...what was it, Levina? Maybe Oralee? Or was it that kingdom ruled by the quietly terrifying Adira? One of the those, Ress was sure they were supposed to hit all three at some point, if Ress' memory served. She'd ask Atlas or look at their mission assignments soon.
For now, she had the company of the two boys. Lifting a rag that was set beside her, she worked on shining up her sword a bit, shrugging back but keeping a watchful eye on the two as she worked.
As for Carlo, the poor boy simply glanced at the guard in a silent plea. Worry coating his eyes. "Tia, she must be so worried about you," the words were soft, guilt filling his heart. He stole Callan away from Adrestia again, and he didn't even mean to do it this time.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on May 22, 2021 4:53:44 GMT -5
Callan immediately wanted to assuage Carloβs worries when he saw how concerned the young prince seemed to be about the guard. He waved off the princeβs concern, not only because Callan was alright but also because he could tell by the reaction of the woman with them to Carloβs movement that she wouldnβt take kindly to the prince even moving. Callan had to keep him as calm as possible so he didnβt get himself in trouble with this woman.
βJust a headache,β Callan assured him gently, even trying to give a slight smile to truly show the prince he was okay as he met the princeβs bright green eyes with his own less vibrant ones βdonβt you worry about me.β
Heβd probably get a nice bump there where sheβd hit him, but other than that and a little pain and wooziness Callan was completely okay. Clearly she had intended to knock Callan out in a way that minimised damage to him, because the guard was mostly unhurt. The wooziness and confusion was already wearing off. Mainly it just felt like the worst hangover heβd ever had, but that was nothing he couldnβt cope with. Especially when he didnβt want Carlo to worry.
When the woman spoke to him, Callanβs gaze shifted to her. His eyes followed her sword, noting that it was still pointed at Carlisle, a clear threat to both of them. She was making it very clear that if Callan misbehaved, Carlo would be paying for it. Callan didnβt truly know if she would hurt Carlo, of course, but he couldnβt take that risk and he certainly wouldnβt put it past her anyway.
He simply narrowed his eyes at her first words. He didnβt like the way she was toying with them, but he supposed it was her right to gloat. And he couldnβt have expected anything else, anyway; she clearly wasnβt doing this whole kidnapping thing because she was an honourable person.
βThrilled,β Callan commented sarcastically in response to her words about reuniting them. Of course, though he was being sarcastic about what sheβd said he was relieved that Carlo had someone with him. Callan would rather be here knowing heβd made a genuine effort to get the prince back - and that heβd have someone to protect him - than back in the palace safe.
Talking of the prince, when he made that comment about Tia, Callan shook his head.
βSheβll be worried about both of us, Carlo. Youβre her brother, she loves you.β Callan said softly βSheβs coped without me these last few years, but sheβs never been without you.β
Tia would be worried about them, Callan knew, and he wasnβt going to sugarcoat that. He didnβt want Carlo to feel guilty, because he had no need to be, but he also wasnβt going to let him think Tia didnβt care about him because that wasnβt true.
Callan suspected that had a long carriage trip ahead of them, so he took to trying to figure out what on earth was going on. If he could find out who these people were, who they were working for, that information would be bound to come in useful.
Besides, there was no point trying to figure out an escape right that second. There was no way they were getting out of a locked carriage with the woman sitting right there armed with a sword. No, theyβd have to wait. These two would have to make camp for the night somewhere, likely once they crossed Wisteriaβs borders and were safely out of the kingdom. Then Callan could think about an escape, and with any luck a chance to get back his sword too. There was no way theyβd make it safely back if both of them were unarmed, after all.
He sat back a little in his seat, thinking for a few moments, before finally shifting to look at their captor, who was busying herself with polishing a sword.
βYouβre working for a ruler,β Callan began βwhich one? Nobody else would risk sending two people to kidnap a prince and a guard from a party right under a queenβs nose.β
No common criminal would take that risk, and he didnβt think even a member of the higher nobility would consider such a move to be worth it. Besides, that party had been full of representatives from other kingdoms. It was the perfect chance for other rulers to make their move if they wanted to harm Tia.
He honestly didnβt know if he really expected her to answer, but Callan didnβt need an answer; the words sheβd said when she was at the party came flooding back to him. Sheβd mentioned it, only briefly, but...
βYou said youβre from Rajani.β he continued βif thatβs true, youβre working for Ernestine. She clearly doesnβt need ransom money so Iβm assuming this is, what, some kind of threat to Tia? Show her sheβs vulnerable? Your queen is making a terrible mistake.β
With those mildly threatening words, Callan sat back even further, looking to the side as he spoke up once again, casting only a brief sidelong glance at the woman in the course of his next words.
βTia is not the weak little girl her enemies think she is, and sheβll stop at nothing for the people she cares about. Ernestine does not want a war with her, I promise you.β he warned
He knew what he was saying wouldnβt make a difference, but he didnβt care. It had often been said to Callan that after growing up with the royals, he had a certain arrogance. Not in a snobbish way, of course. It was simply that after growing up among the royal children and under the protection of the royals, Callan tended to speak more freely than someone of his station probably ought to. He could be insolent sometimes, tended to speak a little too boldly even when it was a disadvantage to him. That had been his most troublesome trait when he was fighting in the army, and even though his military career had done its best to whip that bad habit out of him, his impertinent streak still revealed itself sometimes.
He wasnβt under royal protection anymore, though.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on May 24, 2021 16:15:38 GMT -5
Dante felt panic building in his lungs as Drake spoke, though he held the urge to run off and ask questions alone. He shouldn't trust Alex, he should have never trusted Alex. Alex was all too willing to fool him and to make a fool of him back during Dante's first visit to Oralee, and Dante knew the prince tried to make a fool of him any chance he got.
So no, trusting Alex was stupid. But Minke was a kid, and not only was she a kid but she was scared. So scared that the slightest hint of anger and aggression sent the apathetic appearing girl to a fidgeting mess.
Ducking his head slightly, he listened intently, wincing ever so slightly as the descriptions were made. He was ahead of the King, so he wasn't too concerned about Drake seeing them.
Then the king said the word, Telekine, and he felt a familiar shiver of fear run down his spine, which could be written off as normal. Telekines were a very feared group, along with Pyrebloods, Bloodbornes, and Darknyx. Telekine were even more so, subjects of little horrifying fairytales and lullabies which warned of three telekines who had wrought the end of a kingdom.
Dante was never one for fairytales, some took the tale as what it was, a simple tale of fear, and some took it as a warning. An omen of things to come.
"That's impossible," he commented, voice unsure. Despite having met her, Dante still couldn't believe any Telekines were left. Was she the only one?
But he knew for sure now, this man was looking for Minke. He knew that if this had been 24 hours again, heck, even this morning, and he would lead the king to the best reliable information concerning such a threat. But he wasn't an idiot either, Alex may have fooled Dante again and again and again but Alex also revealed the secrets King Chadwick hid, the things the king had done. The vile, terrible misdeeds.
If Dante had been wrong about Alex and the king, who was to say he wasn't wrong about Minke and Drake.
"I'm sorry, but King Chadwick would have such a girl face trial already. As per Oralee law, she would have likely already have been dead, sire." Dante pointed out, footsteps echoing as he continued through the corridor. "Magic is outlawed in each of the kingdoms. If you were close enough to keep tabs on her location," he started, already almost regretting asking, but still, he was a scholar. They asked questions, did they not, "Why did you not catch her and handle her?"
Dante already knew, at least, it would make sense, would it not? Minke's scars and bruises didn't all come from Oralee's walls and guards and king, she came from somewhere. She was scared of the possibility of going back.
Drake was mentioning a telekine, somehow knew she was here.
Dante had to act like he didn't know that, but he had to warn Minke or Alex or Athena or someone. He could potentially buy time, but he couldn't stop this. There was so much more to this than he understood, and he knew it.
Pushing open the door to the records room, he held it open for the King. Once they entered, he shut the door rather quickly, before indicating to the room as a whole, "If we have your girl, her presence will be recorded in this room."
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on May 24, 2021 21:03:47 GMT -5
Atlas grunted in affirmation and started towards the carriage. "If you man it, we'll never get there in time," he replied with a roll of his eyes. besides, he was fairly confident she didn't even remember where they were heading with these hostages. Or if she even knew at all.
Gently taking his hand off of Carlo's mouth, he gave the child a stern look to stay quiet. He didn't want to restrain him again, even worse he didn't want Ress hurting him if he tried anything. Lifting the boy into the carriage, Atlas mumbled a quick "In you go, lad" to him before taking the coachman's seat.
Long, long moments went by as they moved through the dark. Atlas had changed into more comfortable clothes he had on hand, choosing to toss his formal clothes in a spare bag to wrinkle. The only reason he didn't throw the damn clothes into the mud in the forest was so that he wouldn't have to go through the process of getting sized for a new outfit.
Regardless, time passed. Blissful time of quiet and stars and cool night air. He leaned back in his seat and relaxed for a moment. Taking this spare moment to do so before everything picked up again. The stirring inside the carriage signaled that his rest was coming to a close.
He'd kept the peephole slightly ajar to keep taps of what was going on in there. Just in case he needed to stop suddenly and get to Ress. But, based on what he heard she was doing just fine.
"I'm not that old..." the hunter grumbled under his breath. Sure, he was older than all three of them but he wasn't an old man yet. He could still manage in a fight. He couldn't help but pout as he thought about it and defended himself in his mind.
He was still mildly distracted when the guard spoke again. Accurately putting the pieces together of where they were coming from and who they worked for. Perhaps next time their "Queen" shouldn't send ambassadors to do the kidnapping themselves.
"Well done, you're putting the pieces together," Atlas grumbled sarcastically. Louder so they could all hear him this time. He kept his eyes on the path in front of them but turned his head slightly towards them, directing his voice in their path. "Now, would you like to ponder out loud throughout the night or do it quietly and rest before we get to our destination?"
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Post by πππππ π¨ on May 24, 2021 23:22:46 GMT -5
Prince Carlisle was absolutely terrified, his hands shaking slightly. He didn't like sword lady, and he had panicked when he saw her with an unconscious Callan.
Callan was an amazing fighter, which meant that whoever this girl was, she was a very skilled and talented fighter. A good enough one to render a head guard unconscious, and the first time Carlo seen her, she had no weapons on her and was in a dress.
There were weapons in the carriage though, and as one may expect, he didn't particularly like that. He'd much prefer annoying silly castle guests and flirting playfully with others. Not in a carriage, being shipped off like cargo.
So for Callan's sake, and his own precious head, he kept quiet as the night went on. He didn't get a wink of sleep, neither did that lady guarding.
But now he watched Callan, seeing his friend brought some light back into his eyes.
"How powerful can she be?" Ress voiced, and Carlo immediately disliked how she undermined his sister. "She's a spoiled little princess who probably has never heard the word no." The girl snorted, flicking of Callan's words. Then Atlas' voice reached Carlo's ears, he decided screw it, they wanted him as cargo for some mission? They were guarding him as much as they were kidnapping him. They likely wouldn't want to risk angering Tia further, no matter how much they discredited her.
Leaning back, throwing his arms behind his back, and raising an eyebrow at the mostly closed window, he faked a yawn, "Well, if this is vacation..." he started, glancing at Callan for a moment, before looking back at Ress, "A forced vacation, I think I should do whatever I want. And I want to learn more about you Mr. Old Man."
Ress choked back a guffaw, glaring at the prince once she got her bearings a little. The attitude change was a flip, he was moping and worried before, and now that seemed to have faded into whatever he was playing at now. Still, her eyes narrowed, "You already get whatever you want, you're a prince."
Not offering much of a retort, he held up a hand as if silencing her, turning to Callan and smiling, "Well, we'll be gone for a while. Might as well pass the time. How about we do some catching up?"
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on May 25, 2021 3:35:46 GMT -5
Callan finally heard the voice of their other captor when he made the obvious suggestion that the guard should think about shutting up. He supposed technically the man was right and he should be keeping quiet and saving his energy. This could be a long journey and Callan could never know what was coming.
But on the other hand, Callan knew that these two didnβt plan on killing them, at least not yet, otherwise they wouldnβt have made all this effort getting them away. Not to mention the fact that if they were working on a queenβs orders to take them as a threat to Tia, they probably werenβt likely to hurt Callan and Carlo in any way that could cause permanent damage unless they had their employerβs direct permission to do so. Then again, maybe they already had it.
Most importantly, though, Callan suspected this man had said all that out of his own tiredness, and at this point Callan didnβt care to be sensitive to the needs of the two people whoβd just kidnapped him and Carlo.
He sat back, having leaned forward to catch the manβs words better, with a triumphant and slightly smug expression on his face.
βSo Iβm right? Good to know.β
It was Ernestine whose orders they were on. Callan would have to rack his brain for everything he knew about Ernestine and her kingdom. Perhaps there was a weakness, some crumb of information heβd picked up that could be helpful.
But then the girl spoke about Tia, and Callanβs expression became more serious again as he folded his arms.
βI grew up with her, believe me, you donβt know the first thing about her.β Callan answered back coolly βSheβs strong, smart, capable and far less of a coward than your own queen, evidently.β
He tipped his head slightly towards the woman as he said those last words as an indication that he thought Ernestine a coward for sending two people to do her dirty work for her, fighting in the shadows like this rather than facing Tia directly. Perhaps Ernestine thought she might lose if she took Tia on in an honest way.
Callan could respect sneaky tactics when they were used in the right way, of course.. Sometimes they were necessary, especially when one was responsible for the lives of others and using a more underhanded tactic would protect them more. Or if it was a means to an end that one knew for certain was right. But what Ernestine had done? Kidnapping a child as a threat to his sister? No, he couldnβt think that anything but cowardly.
The guardβs attention turned to Carlo, though, and Callan couldnβt help but smile a little to see the prince getting his spirit back. It was a good sign, a sign that Carlo wasnβt as afraid now as he had been, and Callan was glad to see it.
βYou know, I was just thinking the same thing,β Callan answered the young prince.
He knew messing around with these two might not end particularly well, but technically the two of them werenβt really doing anything wrong. Just chatting. And even though he knew there was a risk, he also knew they needed to keep morale up. Sometimes it was worth it, and if Carlo was feeling a little better Callan certainly wasnβt going to dampen his spirits.
βYou owe me for that bet, by the way,β Callan commented casually βthe wig stayed put.β
He was referring to their earlier bet at the party, about the lord with the precariously balanced wig. He didnβt know if heβd lost it before the end of the night like heβd bet with Tia, of course.
He could only hope the queen was okay, but he knew she wasnβt if she knew they were gone already. He didnβt know how long heβd been unconscious for but he suspected Tia had to know by now.
He had to keep Carlo safe and get them both back somehow, heβd resolved. And he didnβt care how anymore.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on May 25, 2021 12:10:53 GMT -5
No matter if he didn't show his face or expressions to him, Drake could still sense something was off with the advisor. He could feel all the different emotions wafting off of this nervous wreck of a boy. He was trying desperately to keep himself under control on the surface, an admirable feat, but he could not hide from a Bloodborne. For example:
Why would advisor Dante need to feel panic about a girl who was supposedly put through trial and killed?
Drake didn't say anything else. He let the advisor keep talking as he muddled over the facts he knew. First off, Chadwick would do no such thing. He knew his ally well enough to know he would not put Minke to death on sight. Second, as previously discovered, this Dante was hiding and was all too nervous about what he was hiding. Third-
"If you were close enough to keep tabs on her location. Why did you not catch her and handle her?"
That question had his blood boiling. The king's fingers twitched by his side. He wanted to grab this spoiled brat by his throat and make him tell Drake where Minke was. What did he know about her, how? How much had she said before he got there? It would be so easy to make him talk with just a small ounce of magic.
Be patient, Drake. He forced himself to calm down. Well, calm down to the point that he wasn't going to force Dante to talk. But, he was still very much furious.
"Tread carefully with your questions, boy," The King reminded him darkly. There was no kindness in his eyes as he looked down on the advisor. He was still the nobility of the two, and he would not take kindly to any more questions like that. "Especially with how you ask them."
"She was in my custody awaiting her formal trial. But, managed to escape and run from my lands. But, believe me..." Drake trailed off as he began searching through the different records looking for any mention of her name. Not that there would be one. "She has already been found guilty."
Moments passed as Drake pretended to look through each of the Records carefully. Finally, he grew tired of this little game and glanced at Dante. "Fetch your king for me, would you? I'd like to confirm what you said about her with him. Just to be safe."
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on May 25, 2021 12:43:43 GMT -5
"Oh, good Gods above that was not an invitation to keep talking!" Atlas groaned loudly. He was already frustrated and they were already getting even more on his nerves. They must realize that he and Ress weren't going to kill them. Damn it why did they have to figure it out so fast?
He took everything he thought before back. He'd rather go back to his night hunts than deal with this. At least then he didn't have to talk to them.
He needed a drink. Something to make it through the rest of this night. But of course, going to check his own flask, it was empty. He knew he should have smuggled a bottle of something out with him. Just so he didn't have to be sober.
At Carlo's request- no more of a demand- Atlas scowled and pinched the bridge of his nose tightly. He truly forgot what it was like having a child with him. Annoying and wanting to know everything. "No," was his simple answer. He wasn't going to tell the boy anything about himself he didn't need to know.
Then the other one started talking as well. Talking too much, defending his queen, and purposely annoying him. He'd made a promise not to hurt the boy, and that still applied, however the guard dog he made no promise to. He just couldn't do anything himself at the moment.
"Lass, punch him in the face," Atlas pleaded tiredly. "Or better yet, knock him unconscious again. I don't get many moments of quiet I'd like to continue this one."
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Post by πππππ π¨ on May 25, 2021 16:05:13 GMT -5
Ress glared at the young prince as he decided to take Atlasβ words as some indication that he could talk. She was even more annoyed with Callan, though a smirk filled up her face. βMy Queen is smart, strong, and capable. She may be cowardly for sending us to do her dirty work, but letβs think about that for a moment,β the words fell into the air with finality, pointing at Callan, βYou think your little princess fights her own battles? You donβt think sheβs cowardly? Then what, exactly, are you here for?β
Tipping her head ever-so-slightly, she hummed slightly, βAdrestia is a Royal. And royals send us to die in their name. Your Adrestia isnβt anything special, but sheβs not skilled. Sheβs a new, young royal, and she doesnβt have as much experience. Think about it realistically.β
βTia and I arenβt stupid,β Carlo commented, cheeky smile on his face, βWe arenβt so old that we have to have two people go to a dance in our place.β
Usually, heβd never insult another royal, but Ernestine kidnapped him and insulted his family. His mourning sister was now left alone, and lost her only family left. So all common decency and sweet words and polite gestures flew out the window. βWe also care for our people, last I heard, Ernestine ignored the pleas of her own.β
Ress looked at Atlas, or well, in his direction. She wanted these boys to shut up. Atlas and Ress werenβt some jokes sent to be laughed at. This wasnβt some game either.
Carlo didnβt seem to care, βNo?β He responded to Atlas, pouting slightly, βBut Iβd love to hear about how you got here with us today, kidnapping a prince and his head guard, journeying through the....wait, where are we?β
Ress groaned, sighing out in annoyance, βThatβs for us to know, not you.β And she looked at Carlo, eyes narrowing, βAnd nothing in our orders said you had to arrive in one piece, prince. So Iβd watch my tongue if I were you or your friend.β
The prince only grinned cheekily in reply, sighing exaggeratedly at Callan when he brought up the bet, βIβm pretty sure it fell off at least once!β He reasoned, pouting, attempting to bring the topic back from the touchy one it was becoming.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on May 25, 2021 16:54:50 GMT -5
Callan rolled his eyes at Atlasβ comments to them from his position driving the carriage. This guy seemed in a really bad mood for someone whoβd just completed a job that Callan had to assume would pay pretty well. Maybe Ernestine was stingy.
βIβm sorry,β Callan replied βhas this kidnapping become inconvenient for you? What a shame.β
Now, Callan was somebody who had no problem acknowledging when heβd been beaten in a fair fight as he had by Ress. He had no problem with the fact that heβd been taken prisoner fair and square. Carlo was a different issue but that was besides the point. What he didnβt appreciate was this guy managing to act like he was the one whoβd come off badly out of this.
He turned his attention to Ress then, listening to her challenge in response to his words about Ernestine and Tia. Her question about what he was there for was one he had a response for instantly.
βTo protect from people like Ernestine who donβt fight their battles fairly and have to sneak around in the shadows.β Callan responded sharply βyouβll see how she fights her own battles just fine very soon, mark my words. And sheβll do it with a damn sight more integrity than Ernestine has ever had.β
Callan knew Tia, and he knew her far better than this woman did. Ernestine might be like what Ress said all royals were, but Tia wasnβt. Callan believed in her, heβd grown up by her side. There wasnβt anything about her that was cowardly.
Some of Ressβ words did hit home, though, causing Callan to fall silent for a few moments. Her words about the royals sending them to die for them. Heβd been just eighteen when heβd been sent off to fight. But that was what his father had expected of him, not the king.
Right?
Callan had been quiet, allowing Carlo to take over the conversation with Ress for a while as he looked away, lost in his thoughts. The thing that broke his silence was when Ress threatened Carlo. Callanβs gaze instantly flicked toward her and he bristled, instinctively shifting in his seat as if to shield him despite the distance that was between them.
βNow I want to get one thing straight.β Callan said, voice calm but deadly serious βI donβt care if you hurt me. Take his advice and punch me for all I care.β
With those words his eyes had drifted to the direction Atlasβ voice had come from before shifting them back to Ress.
βBut I swore an oath to protect him and his family with my life and I intend to keep it.β he continued, nodding to indicate Carlo when he mentioned him βI promise I wonβt cause any trouble, I wonβt say another word. But if you touch that boy I canβt guarantee Iβll be as well-behaved.β
Heβd learned to take the Verndariβs oath more seriously over the years, but not for its own worth. He would protect Tia and Carlo with his life, but not because an ancestor of his many generations ago had made a similar pledge, but because of what they meant to him.
He didnβt know how Ress would react to that, but seeing how Atlas had not seemed to have hurt Carlo and had only mentioned punching Callan, the guard suspected that Atlas might not want to Carlo to come to harm either. He might respect Callanβs desire to protect the prince if nothing else.
He knew Ress was probably more trying to keep Carlo in line than giving an actual threat, since he didnβt think Ernestine wanted them too badly hurt, but Callan couldnβt be certain. All he could be sure of was that they were no use dead. As far as he was concerned, to them anything else might be fair game and he didnβt think it would be wise to assume she wasnβt being serious.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on May 26, 2021 13:39:28 GMT -5
βDoesnβt matter anymore,β Atlas grumbled as he halted the horses. He shut the only way of communication to the passengers in the carriage sharply and crossed his arms over his chest as he watched the trees around them. Everything was quietβ¦ mostly except for a few insects and creatures. But, he could feel the eyes of someone on him. He saw shadows moving way too quickly to be the shadow of a tree or an animal.
βAlright come out! I wanna go home as soon as possible itβs been a long few days,β The hunter called out to the night. There were moments of silence before a man stepped into the path. greying dark hair and sharp robin eggβs blue eyes landed on Atlas and the carriage. He had a sword at his side but wasnβt reaching for it. This one was no threat. Right nowβ¦.
While only one man had come out of the trees, Atlas knew there were more hiding and waiting. Waiting for anything to go wrong. Too many for him and Ress to take alone.
βWhat are you doing here, Atlas?β Reed asked as he kept walking forward. He stopped only when Atlas jumped down from the coachmanβs seat. Reed looked between the Hunter and the now-empty seat. βWhereβs your charge?β he asked glancing back at the bigger man. It wasnβt uncommon for Atlas to go somewhere without Rest but heβd never come to them without her. Not that he was aware of at least.
βWhereβs yours?β Atlas shot back. He glared at the criminal in front of him and Reed did the same. Neither was looking to fight. But, they werenβt looking forward to dealing with each other for the next few minutes. The two of them had never gotten along for whatever reason.
βBe nice, boys.β
And there was said charge, once again dressed in her favorite coat and trousers with the new addition of a crown on her head. She lit a lantern and shooed her second to take a step back and let Atlas, which he followed obediently allowing the not so stranger to approach.
βPretty late for you to take a ride in a... Wisteria palace carriage hm?β Elena mused, looking around the hunter and raising her eyebrows. A sly smirk played on her lips as she raised the light up to his face to see it better. He didnβt move away or squint against the light, he just stood there waiting for her to ask the question she wanted. βWhoβs in there?β
Smirking, Atlas shook his head and leaned over Elena. He wasnβt going to give her an answer to that yet. He knew better than to give this one what she wanted on the first chance. βFirst we shou-β
βA woman with a sword, a man in armor, and a fancy-looking boy!β
Atlas spun around sharply to find a blonde boy laying across the top of the carriage and looking in through an opening. He had bruises all over his body and a black eye over the only remaining eye he had. Crius looked up excitedly at his mistress for her approval and when he got it, he grinned wider and leaped down from the top of the carriage. He went to go stand next to Reed who promptly patted his head.
Grinning up at Atlas she watched him turn around and took a step closer, invading his personal space. Running her fingers along the underside of his chin, Elena directed his head closer to hers gave him a sultry smile paired with hooded eyes. βZorro,β she purred in a sing-songy fashion. She smiled wider when he seemed to freeze at her touch, freeze under the one word she sang softly to him. βHave you brought us gifts?β
Atlas looked between the womanβs eyes and considered if he would answer. If he could resist the urge to do as she wanted him to do. But, this was Elena he was dealing with, and in more ways than one she was absolutely alluring. βPerhaps,β he decided to answer simply.
βWonderful! Thank you, Bello,β Elena perked up, leaning forward and giving Atlas a quick peck on his lips and then handing him the lantern. Moving back to where she came from the leader raised her voice (unnecessarily) towards her current temporary ally. βLilith hurry up we have things to do!β
She then turned towards the carriage again. βRess my darling come out so that I can greet you properly!β
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on May 26, 2021 14:27:17 GMT -5
Lilith could not express her relief at being out of that dress sheβd been wearing for the party earlier. She was now dressed in much more comfortable simple black clothing, with her own light armour over it. The same armour she always wore unless she was expecting a big fight and would require something heavier. Stealth and freedom of movement were more important to her. Sheβd put her dark hair in a braid to keep it away from her face.
She and Elena had heard from their people about some unusual movement in their territory, and for safety the two of them had merged camps. It allowed them to pool their resources and surveil the territory more easily. Then she, Elena and a few people from both of their camps had gone to lie in wait for this unusual carriage.
Lilith had been waiting in the shadows. Her sword, Scourge, lay sheathed at her side but one hand was laid firmly on the swordβs hilt should she need to draw it at a momentβs notice. The few people accompanying her were spread out in a similar manner to Elenaβs. But for a long time there was only the brisk night air, leaves rustling in the breeze, and shadows shifting in the moonlight.
Eventually, though, the carriage passed through and stopped. Lilith recognised the driver at the same time Elena did but chose not to step forward, letting Elena do the talking for a moment. She was too busy thinking.
What on earth were Atlas and Ress, since she had to assume both were involved, doing driving a Wisterian palace carriage through their territory? She had to assume theyβd done something even more dangerous than their usual jobs. Lilith had worked with the pair before and considered them both the closest thing to trustworthy one could be in this business. They were solid partners and Lilith knew their relationship was too mutually beneficial for her to have to worry about betrayal. But while they were welcome to move through the territory if they needed protection, sheβd never seen them move through in a carriage like this before, and in fact theyβd only rarely if ever had to take her up on the offer.
Elena called for her, breaking Lilith from her thoughts and promoting the woman to step forward and approach the carriage. Her hand still lay on her sword hilt but in a more relaxed way; she had no intention of drawing it at this point.
She rolled her eyes lightly at the sight of Elena moving away slightly from Atlas having just given him a peck on the cheek. Sheβd seen her running her fingers along the underside of his chin earlier. It was bad enough watching her swanning around in that crown without this on top of it, as entertaining as she had to admit it was.
βOh, do stop flirting with the man, Elena,β Lilith said βYouβre as bad as each other.β
Atlas had an equally flirtatious nature, Lilith was aware, and honestly one of them was bad enough without both of them playing off one another. She just wanted to get to business and sort this situation out, so she looked the man in question.
βAtlas,β Lilith greeted with a raised eyebrow before her gaze drifted to the carriage βA Wisterian royal carriage? My, my, we are going up in the world.β
She was intrigued though, folding her arms as she looked with interest at the man. She knew Ress would be coming out soon, too, for Elena had just called her. But right now she was intrigued to find out what exactly was going on here.
βI hear something about gifts,β the young woman commented, obviously referring to what sheβd heard from Elena and Crius βyou really shouldnβt have. And to think we didnβt get you anything.β
Of course, that wasnβt strictly true. She and Elena were giving Atlas and Ress free passage through their territory, which in turn meant protection from the law for as long as they were in the area. That gave them a safe and direct route to wherever it was they were going.
Lilith didnβt like to ask questions; she particularly didnβt think it wise to pry into Ernestineβs affairs. But it was perfectly clear that Atlas and Ress had been caught up in something quite big this time.
βIβm sure we can come to some kind of arrangement,β Lilith said softly with a glance to Elena before returning her gaze to Atlas βWe like to see what weβre getting first but if youβve got some...cargo...you need to get off your hands Iβm sure we can help.β
It was obvious, after all, that Atlas and Ress couldnβt keep driving around in that carriage forever. Too conspicuous. And theyβd likely be wanting to get rid of their two Wisterian prisoners. Moving around undetected from here to Rajani with two prisoners would be no easy feat, especially if they couldnβt get a replacement carriage and had to move on foot.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on May 26, 2021 16:37:01 GMT -5
"Was that a threat?" Ress questioned Callan when he claimed he wouldn't be well-behaved. A dark smile was on her face, inching closer to Carlo who was stiffening now, her sword dangerously close to his neck now, "What if I like fiery energy? Hmmm? Maybe we should see what happens if the little prince here got hurt somehow." Tapping her other finger to her cheek, she ignored the guilt in the back of her mind. She couldn't have either of the boys acting like they had any control, because they didn't, not in this situation.
Instead of hitting or cutting Carlo, she retracted the sword, sheathing it and pushing the prince into Callan, turning to look at whatever Atlas was dealing with, because she felt the carriage stop. She heard voices, spotting Crius barely through the mostly closed window, a smirk on her face as she waved to the boy, blowing a sarcastic kiss his way while rolling her eyes.
Glaring at Callan then, she made a quick cut-throat action, before grabbing Carlo's arm, to which the prince replied by gagging in what Ress could only assume was disgust. "You try anything, guard boy, and I'll cover you in his blood. Got it?"
Roughly tugging the prince with her, she grumbled as Elena practically demanded her to exit the carriage. She threw open the windows, picking at the lock they set, the key she had with her easily slotting into the lock and opening the door. She hopped out into the mud, tugging Carlo with her as she approached the group before her, an annoyed look on her face.
"They aren't your gifts yet," Ress commented, pushing the prince into the circle of criminals, dark eyes narrowed in humor as the boy shook mud from his hands, glaring back at her. Her attention then flickered up, resting first on Elena, lips settling into a thin line, "Elena," she greeted, "I see that your still quite the charmer."
Her attention turned to Lilith, nodding once in acknowledgement, "Lilith," she greeted, slightly annoyed by the fact that Lilith already came expecting something in return for their passage.
Well, if she wanted something, perhaps that could be achieved. As annoying as it was, passage through Lilith and Elena's territory had to be paid for. Pondering over to the kneeling prince, she lifted his arm, pulling off one of his golden bracelets, precious as it was, and tossed it in her hands for a moment. Inspecting it, she took note of the lime green jewels, symbols of wealth in Wisteria, but practically in any Kingdom. After a few moments, she tossed the bracelet to Lilith, stepping passed the prince to reach Elena and Lilith.
"Want to discuss arrangements, Lilith?" Ress questioned, stepping up to the other girls, not minding getting close, "We can do that." She agreed, looking back to Atlas and signaling towards the carriage. A sign to retrieve Callan. She then started guiding the two leaders to follow her, a mocking salute given to Carlo as she looked back at the girls.
"I'd like you to meet Prince Carlisle van Windsor, crown prince of Wisteria." The prince in question looked up, timid from the surrounding criminals, but still tacking on his charming smile, it was like dealing with the party-goers at the castle, except everyone was terrifying and had knives.
"Hello," he practically squeaked, lamely doing some finger guns at the girls, "You guys look cool and stuff, with your pretty voices and pretty..." what else could he say? His eyes lingered to their sheaths, "knives?"
He felt like that was a pretty good introduction, if he had to say so himself.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on May 26, 2021 17:22:40 GMT -5
Dante watched the king after asking his question, noticing the barest twitch to his fingers, he eyes narrowed at the movement. The question had some kind of reaction, and he felt his fear replaced by some annoyance and anger. This guy came to their kingdom thinking he could take a prisoner with no question? Cute, but that's not how Oralee worked.
At least, Dante was hoping that's not how this would work.
For his sake, and everyone else's.
When the king looked down at him, fury in his eyes, he stayed his ground, glancing up at the king and raising an eyebrow. A part of him wanted to see how far he could push this. Especially since as an advisor he shouldn't have any clue about the prisoner, and he was being sharp witted, as was his duty to be. Chadwick would have no reason to side with this king over him. At least, not on the basis of this topic. Perhaps asking questions of this to another king was out of line, but the king before him also was setting off all kinds of alarms in Dante's head.
"I'm only asking questions for the benefit of my King and my princes," He responded, voice bordering on innocent, but with a daring edge to it, showing that he was placing his kingdom above Drake. He had no loyalty to the man before him, other than him being nobility and an ally of King Chadwick. "I fear if she escaped your grasp, she may escape ours if she really is here," he added after a moment, stepping back from the king as the fear of speaking back finally caught up to him, he dipped his head in respect then, backing away completely.
More words, likely apologies were about to escape him, but the King then continued, explaining that the girl, Minke his mind supplied, had escaped his grasps. His eyes widened slightly at the king's words, She has already been found guilty, and all words died in his throat, feeling as if they were choking him.
Guilty, meaning she would likely be killed if she was returned. Those guilty of magic usually were.
The king ordered him to find King Chadwick, and Dante wanted to argue that he didn't have to obey Drake's orders. Except, such words could get him killed if King Drake relayed them to King Chadwick, even if they were true. "It may take a while," he warned, glancing away from the king, "I'll make sure to send him your way, though. In the meantime, I'll send a maid to come and attend to you, fetch you anything you may need while you wait."
Dipping his head, the advisor turned towards the door, slinking out and quickly finding a maid that he passed and giving them orders to check up on King Drake, thanking them when they smiled and agreed. Then he continued stalking down the hall towards the library. Maybe he could retrieve help from Alex, but he doubted there would be enough time for that. He had no idea where King Chadwick was either. When he turned down an empty corridor, he immediately slid down the wall, scrunching up his pale hair as he buried his face into his palms, letting off a frustrated breath of air.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on May 26, 2021 21:08:59 GMT -5
King Chadwick looked around the library in confusion. He hadn't expected his son to be here, or well, his sons. The girl was a weird addition, oddly armed, but she seemed sweet enough.
"Lady Frost?" He questioned, glaring at Alex for a moment when the boy apologized, before dipping his head, "I've never heard of the Frost family, but if you are of Wisteria, I apologize for the recent lost of your late King," he commented, before apparently remembering to add in "And queen."
Chadwick then stepped closer to the Lady, scanning her closely, before glancing at Alex, "Alexiares," The king started, voice stern, but curious, "How did you come to befriend a Lady of Wisteria?"
Though his attention turned back to his eldest son, showing off a fake smile as he dipped his head in respect to the two guests, "It is our pleasure to have you all as guests in the Castle!" The words were falsely cheerful, but passed off on the pretense of kind. He looked between Caspian's two guests and Lady Frost as he said the words "And Lady Frost, you are encouraged to stay here the night, I'd love to learn more about my son's friend," he commented, continuing onwards, "Plus, I know the journey here must have taken a long while, I'd hate to send such a young lass out on the journey back this close to night."
The King wanted to get to know this Lady, learn more about her connections to Alex. They seemed to get along well enough, and maybe she could be the clue to handling Alexiares.
It was a few moments still, and it had been a while since King Drake and Dante had split off from Caspian to go explore the case of the possible prisoner. There was a gentle rapping at the door suddenly, a certain series of raps, usual for a specific advisor of the castle.
A few seconds later, the door opened, Dante entered, looking down at first. The advisor was a bit out of breath, stressed as well, hair slightly messed up but not too horribly, "Alex-" He began, his voice cutting off as he looked up, eyes widening as he spotted the king, and well, everyone. "Wait, King Chadwick?" He said the name, stuttering ever-so-slightly, taken aback as he took in the confused royal. He hadn't expected to see the king there.
Looking back over to Athena and Alex, the advisor then sent a glare directed at the prince, something not unusual for him to do, and something Chadwick tended not to really care much about. The advisor returned his attention the King, nervously ringing his hands together for a moment, before glancing up at the royal, "King Drake is visiting from Wisteria," he explained, "He requests your presence, my sire."
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Jun 1, 2021 1:20:28 GMT -5
βThatβs because you donβt know how to flirt,β Elena countered not bothering to turn around and address Lilith properly. She instead gave Atlas her attention again and gave him her famous flirty smirk at his annoyed expression.
βI donβt like when you do that, Elena,β The hunter grumbled as he set the lantern on the carriage and turned back to Elena. He crossed his arms and leaned closer as if trying to intimidate her. It didnβt work in the slightest.
Cocking her head to one side, Elena mimicked his pose and raised her eyebrows. βKissing you? Youβve never complained before. Quite the opposite,β she teased leaning forward and invading his space. The deepening look of annoyance on his face had Elena holding back laughter.
βAwww, Belloβ¦β She purred as her hand went to grab his chin again. Only this time, it was not gentle and neither was the look in her eye. βYouβre one of the few that continue to live after hearing it. Be honored.β The threat was clear through her honey words.
Releasing his face, she started to turn away and join the other women when a thought crossed her mind. βIβll make it up to you. Whiskey?β she asked raising an eyebrow.
There was hesitation on his part as he leaned one shoulder against the carriage but eventually he sighed and looked away from her. Surrendering the conversation in her favor. At least for now. Quietly, he nodded once in agreement.
βThereβs a good boy,β Elena teased once more before joining the group and glanced down at the boy that Ress pushed down.
He was dressed rather finely just as Crius had said. Clearly noble birth and important enough to be taken by these two. He wasnβt too young but he was still young enough to be a child. She was impressed he wasnβt crying for his life.
βHello prince,β Elena greeted crouching down to meet his eye level for a moment. She gave him a sweet smile. βYour flattery wonβt work on me, little one. Iβm a master of the games youβre playing,β she informed him. She had plenty of time to practice saying no to children. She practically had a son of her own. So this one would not win any favors from her, no matter what he tried.
Atlas nodded to Ress and moved to open the passenger door again. Once open, Atlas looked at Callan for a moment and raised his tired eyebrows at him. βNice to meet you face to face. Letβs go.β
He grabbed Callanβs arm and pulled him out. Adjusting his hold once the boy was out, Atlas placed one hand on his shoulder and guided him forward towards the group. βThis one is-β
βVerndariβ¦β The name came out of Elenaβs mouth before she could stop herself as she stood. Her smile had faded and there was a furrow in her brow. While it was unclear what exactly she was feeling it was clear it wasnβt pleasant. But, then she was laughing quietly to herself and crossing her arms over her chest.
βYou know this one, sweetheart?β Atlas asked surprised to have seen this as Elenaβs reaction.
βIβve heard of him. Supposed to be very loyal and famously tough fighters,β Elena said through her chuckling. Taking breath to compose herself she looked Callan up and down. βI donβt see much to be worried about thoughβ¦β
Turning back towards the women, Elena crossed her arms and jerked his head towards the bodyguard with Atlas. βIβll take him. Lilith takes the child,β Elena offered. It was more of a demand really but she wasnβt going to wait for them to stop her. She was already walking to grab her gift when Atlas stopped her.
Shaking his head and pulling Callan back away from Elena, he gave her a hard look. βYou canβt kill them.β
The look on the gang leaderβs face could easily be described as quiet rage. The way she ground her teeth together said the question without her having to ask it. βWhatβs the point of bringing them here then?β. She looked over her shoulder to the girl behind her to ask for confirmation. βRess?β
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Jun 1, 2021 2:24:48 GMT -5
Callan had stayed silent at Ressβ threats, wishing neither to provoke her further or make Carlo panic. It all proved irrelevant though, for the carriage had soon stopped and the guard was sure he could hear voices outside, which seemed equally to have caught Ressβ attention.
She threatened him lest he should try anything while she was gone, but he was fairly sure she knew there was no need. Callan would never go anywhere without Carlo. Nor was the guard really complaining about getting a few moments on his own to try and regroup. He needed to figure out the best way to protect Carlo, and the best way to get out of there if they got the chance. This was his job, he couldnβt just hope things would be alright. He had to make them alright somehow.
He could hear one female voice declaring that someone didnβt know how to flirt, only for another female voice to respond.
βAnd Iβm grateful daily that I donβt possess such a ridiculous talent.β replied the other voice decidedly
Sadly, Callanβs brief moment of peace was shortlived, for the carriage door opened again to reveal the face of the man whoβd been driving the carriage before.
Callan was soon out of the carriage and reunited at least with Carlo, though less happily also reunited with Ress. There were several other figures surrounding the carriage, but there were two which obviously commanded the conversation. One was a pale woman with freckles and dark hair, and the other...
He was sure he recognised her face. It just seemed so familiar to him, but for a moment he couldnβt place her. It was the most irritating itch in his brain. He had a terrible feeling that he knew this woman somehow, and he knew that if he did know her it could either work out very well or very badly for him. He didnβt yet know which.
Atlas was about to introduce him when the woman interrupted, saying his surname. Her tone chilled his blood somehow, and he felt a heavy pit of dread in his stomach. She clearly knew him, but how? Was it a bad reason as he feared?
The feeling of dread soon cleared up when she clarified that she knew of him rather than knew him directly. He supposed that made sense; the Verndari name wasnβt obscure, though he had to admit heβd never thought of it as having much renown outside of Wisteria. Maybe heβd underestimated the family name. He probably had, since his father talked up the family to anyone and everyone who would listen, much to everyoneβs annoyance and even Callanβs embarrassment.
Still, it didnβt clear up why he felt like he knew her somehow. Maybe he was just making the feeling up, but something still felt off.
βMust have skipped a generation,β he commented with a raised eyebrow when she said she didnβt see anything to be concerned about with him. Her laughing was a little concerning in all honesty, only adding to his feeling that something was off.
When Elena suggested that she take Callan and the other woman take Carlo, said woman seemed to look over the prince in an evaluating way for a moment, the slight tilt of her head and furrow of her brows indicating that she was thinking as she lifted the hand that held Carloβs bracelet and let the jewellery dangle from her fingers. Eventually, she threw the bracelet back over to Ress. Sheβd obviously decided the prince was valuable enough that she wouldnβt need it.
βIf she wants the Verndari boy, I certainly have no problems taking the prince,β Lilith explained to Ress and Atlas, with only a glance to Elena indicating that she couldnβt quite understand why Elena was passing up the chance to take the potentially more profitable option.
Lilith knew the other criminal well, though. Elena clearly had some personal stake in this whole thing, something to do with the Verndari boy. Lilith thought better than to pry into it right there, certainly not with Atlas, Ress and the two boys watching. They could discuss it later, perhaps over a drink as they usually did. No point airing business out in the open.
βYou can take anything you want from him, and free passage from my people, of course.β she began βPlus a share of any profits.β
Carlo was not exactly risk-free cargo, and Lilith knew that. If his sister ended up searching all of Oikoumene for him then Lilith might have more trouble getting anything of worth from this deal; she wouldnβt exactly be able to sell him on. It seemed only fair that she only paid if she made money out of this. Besides, she was sure the prince would have plenty of valuables on him that Ress and Atlas could take as satisfactory payment for the moment.
In her eyes, this was a reasonably generous deal. She wouldβve given far less if she werenβt helping out friends.
Callan was grateful when Atlas pulled him away from Elena and told her she couldnβt kill them. She seemed to be exuding a barely contained rage which only compounded upon Callanβs confusion. But more than that, he couldnβt figure for the life of him why she might want to kill him when she could just leave him to Ress and Atlas. She could just be a standard-issue sadist, of course, but that wasnβt a particularly comforting thought.
Elena seemed to look for confirmation from Ress, and it was at that point that Lilith chimed in too.
βTheyβre worth more to us alive, Elena,β Lilith cautioned her friend
Killing them would accomplish nothing. Adrestia didnβt even know Carlo and Callan were there, for starters, so any political statement therein would be wasted. There wouldnβt be any pecuniary gain. No, there were far more lucrative options open to them if they kept the prince and the guard alive. Ransom money, selling them on. Anything really.
She sensed Elena had some kind of personal vendetta with the Verndari man, but she also wanted to prevent her ally from getting too rash in her anger and costing herself a good business opportunity.
Callan, meanwhile, was satisfied that at last he knew the name of this woman who seems to know his. Elena. That was at least a start.
Lilith looked between Ress and Atlas, folding her arms as she did so.
βWhat do you need us to do? Did your employer have particular plans for them?β questioned the woman.
She knew they couldnβt kill them, as Atlas had just informed them. But if Ernestine had plans she wanted enacted then Lilith needed to know them. If they were dangerous or risky she might have to rethink the conditions their deal.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Jun 6, 2021 16:38:42 GMT -5
Athena faltered for a moment at the sentiment of "her" king and queen. Why was he...? What happened to them?
That's right the king and queen were murdered recently. Unfortunate really, they seemed to be doing decently until their deaths. She scolded herself for not remembering that detail. If she was going to lie and say she was from a kingdom she wasn't (Not to mention a lady of said kingdom) she needed to stay up to date with the current events. A note for next time.
"You're too kind," Athena said quietly, coming to standing and dipping her head in appreciation. She folded her hands behind her back and did her best to be forgotten. If she was going to run she should have done it already.
Now, she was stuck in a room with various other men, three of which were royalty. Of course so was she, but she wasn't stupid enough to tell them that. Not when she had the disadvantage.
As much as she wanted the attention off of her, the king continued to speak and address her. She felt her skin crawl under his gaze, especially when he declared he wanted to know more about her. That was troubling. She felt her brain turning over the options she had for the moment.
"Come up with something fast," she told herself. "The truth won't work here."
But before she could answer, his attention was directed back at the older prince and the advisors, who smiled and bowed before him again in gratitude to his hospitality. For the moment she could breath, and think. It'd been a long time since she'd had to sit and look pretty for this long. Pretend to be a perfect lady to please some noble before turning on them.
Wow, she did not miss this.
She straightened and forced a smile on her face when King Chadwick turned his attention back on her. Oh! Now he wanted her to stay in the kingdom longer. No... no she wouldn't be doing that. As soon as she was out of everyone's sight she was out of there. Hell, she'd jump out the window now, despite the fall.
But instead, she smiled and nodded her head again. "Your generosity knows no bounds, your majesty."
At Dante's entrance and fumbled speech, Athena kept shaking her head in the smallest of movements. Shut up, shut up, shut up.
"Forgive me, father," Prince Caspian spoke finally turning towards his father and giving him a gentle smile. "I meant to mention this as soon as I saw you. The king has a matter to discuss with you," The emphasis on matter, informed the need that it was not an issue to take lightly. Dire indeed it was.
Athena in the meantime, was watching the interaction curiously. She plastered the calm smile look on her face while trying to figure out who they were talking about. King Drake? Why was that name familiar to her? Drake... Drake... Drake...
Drake Huntington something something the third or fifth. King of Taluhtah! Charismatic and fair just from what she had heard of him. But, she wouldn't know for sure, she hadn't made her way to his kingdom. No job needed to be done there. Yet.
Maybe she wouldn't leave so soon after all.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Jun 7, 2021 5:48:29 GMT -5
Alex had caught his fatherβs glare at the apology. That was either because the apology had revealed the strain in their relationship to everyone around them or because he was displeased with the presence of Athena. Or possibly both, of course.
When Chadwick asked him how heβd come to befriend a Wisterian noblewoman, his mind began to race. He had to come up with a good answer, one that hopefully wouldnβt invite too many more questions. One that seemed believable, of course. Inwardly, his heart began to race with panic. Outwardly, he gave his father a slightly tight smile.
βI do sometimes perform my duties for this kingdom, father,β Alex answered carefully βand in the course of doing so Iβm liable to come into contact with foreign nobility on occasion.β
Sure, that was perhaps abrupt and a little insolent, but that was good. It meant his father wasnβt likely to question him any more, at least not in front of Caspian and the nobles. It might get him into trouble with his father, but it had hopefully shut down any further questions for the moment.
Unfortunately he need not have answered because the conversation abruptly shifted as the king welcomed the nobles. Alex noted the way Athena straightened, and marked the smile on her face. It didnβt reach her eyes. He could tell how desperately she wanted to be out of there. Heβd have to help get her out and come up with an excuse for his father, perhaps.
Still, he related all too much to the fake smiles and the polite words that held back a torrent of inner thoughts.
Dante entered the room before Alex could try and think of a way to protest Athena staying in the castle. Out of breath, stuttering Alexβs name. At which the prince widened his eyes as a warning, his gaze flicking from Dante to the king. Thankfully Dante had quickly realised the king was there, expressing his surprise at the presence of Chadwick, before shooting a glare in Alexβs direction.
The prince observed the interaction between his father, Dante, and Caspian. Something felt awfully off about this.
βKing Drake?β Alexiares echoed in surprise
Heβd had no idea that Taluhtahβs ruler was visiting the palace. Which was strange in itself because normally foreign rulers came to visit with a little more fanfare. This obviously wasnβt a state or ceremonial occasion. Drake was there on business. But why?
The prince tried to piece together what he could. Caspian had emphasised the word βmatterβ, so it was obviously something important that Chadwick was likely already aware of. Dante had come to the library in the hope of finding Alex, evidently, which told him it was something the prince had some bearing in and heβd wanted to tell Alex before he told the king. And the glare that Dante had shot him, though it was something Dante often did, would confirm that theory.
There was only one thing he could think of that this could be about. Minke.
Which meant Alex needed to talk to Dante, and quickly.
βDante, why donβt you and I help Lady Frost to get settled in?β the prince suggested, glancing between Athena and Dante, giving the latter a meaningful look βThat way my father can attend to his business with the King of Taluhtahβ
They could kill two birds with one stone. They could help Minke and also assist in Athenaβs escape should she need them.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Jun 8, 2021 0:59:30 GMT -5
Ress watched the interactions between Elena and the guard boy carefully, a soft chuckle escaping her at Elena's very obvious dislike for the man. Elena recognized him, so the girl must have know him. That made this a lot more fun. It became even more fun when the flirty criminal decided to remark on the lack of threat Callan's posed. "She's right," she began, "I fought him in a ballgown with a candlestick and he still was an easy target."
Glancing at Callan, listening to his retort to Elena's comment, she shrugged, "It's still sad, I never thought Wisteria would be that easy to invade and steal from. I'm sure Ernestine will take that information to good use. Especially if your the best Wisteria has to offer."
Getting under skin was a tactic she was taught. Callan thought he one-upped them by deducing they worked for a kingdom? For Ernestine? Than she point out facts. Wisteria was weak, Wisteria's supposed best defense was beat by a candlestick, essentially.
Carlo shook slightly like a leaf, first Elena did that whole intimidation thing, which was kind of terrifying because based on the amount of flirting she was doing, he in no way wanted to know about her being a master in it. He was supposed to be the flirt master, not some criminal. What did people even see in that anyways? Dirt? Sure, she was probably pretty to the heterosexuals, but he was sane and he was not a heterosexual.
He cut himself out of the conversation then, but suddenly snapped back to the present rather than his envy over Elena's supposed cool skills he apparently didn't possess when he heard the word kill. He immediately glared at the criminal, gesturing at her wildly, "You know for a supposedly charming lady you have some real issues."
Ress herself glanced at Elena when the criminal practically begged for Ress to give Elena permission to kill. "No killing, that defeats the purpose of having even brought them this far." As much as she would hide it too, Ress always hated orders to kill, usually liking to avoid it if possible. Lilith chimed in with them being worth more alive, and Ress nodded. "We need them alive, if they are dead, we earn the ire of a vengeful queen. If they're alive, threats of their demise can hold her in place."
Ress continued onwards when Lilith questioned her on what they were to do with their new prizes. Sharing a look with Atlas, the girl took to answering, "For a while it'll be free reign. Our goal isn't to burden you guys by having you take this load. Ernestine looks to build some allegiances in some kingdoms though, and those boys are a key. Oralee is one of them, King Chadwick is notorious for looking for power gains, though some other kingdoms are prospects as well."
Simply put, Lilith and Elena had a bit of a choice, but...
"For now, think of these guys as more of keep away toys rather than transport. Keep them from Adrestia, and keep them from access to one another." That was, if one escaped, make sure you still had one to use as a weapon against Tia.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Jun 8, 2021 1:36:05 GMT -5
King Chadwick had kept well placed glared on Alex throughout the conversation, and didn't stop when Dante arrived either. While the King didn't bring anything up, preferring to appear amicable to his guests, his disdain for his son's actions were apparent.
Dante himself could tell, because he was having very similar feelings. He wouldn't be in this mess if it wasn't for Alex. If it wasn't for the prince snooping around. The advisor was thankful when Prince Caspian hopped in, supporting what Dante said with his own words.
King Chadwick himself looked shocked, confused for a moment, before nodding. "Very well, I'm sorry to cut this meeting so short but we mustn't keep King Drake waiting!" He responded, forced cheer in his voice as he quickly shook hands once more with the guests Caspian had with him.
He was about to make orders of his own, for Alex to go tour the lady around. As much as his son wanted to convince Chad, Chad wasn't an idiot. His son had a lady over, which meant his son was likely courting her. Honestly, perhaps he should have been insulted by the attempt to pull wool over his eyes, but he found that if it made his son behave, it didn't hurt. Maybe he could monopolize on that.
Though the King was surprised when Alex ordered Dante to remain with him to help show Lady Frost around. With such company, Chad would expect one to want to be alone with such a 'friend'. However, it kept Dante busy, and kept the three from the issues at hand, which seemed good enough to the King. It was surprising to say the least, his son trying to be helpful.
"Very well," King Chadwick spoke, finding that apparently this lady's presence improved Alex's mood and obedience, "I see that the lady's good manners have started to rub off on you, Alexiares," the backhanded compliment was given, before the king turned to Dante, "Such an esteemed guest can have one of the royal suites, see to that."
The King then excused himself, bidding Caspian a good night before leaving to meet with King Drake.
Dante, in reply, looked at Athena and Alex, tacking on a smile, though he was extremely annoyed at these circumstances. He didn't want some mercenary staying in their castle, he didn't want to be tied up in some dangerous prisoner drama. He just wanted his books and his job and his duty.
"Right this way, Lady Frost," Tacking on a smile, he curtsied slightly and opened the door. The sooner they were out of the library, the better. The sooner Athena was in some room, and he and Alex could have some time to discuss recent events, the better. Because no matter how friendly Alex was with this girl, Dante didn't trust her, and had no intent on bringing her into details.
The sooner, the better.
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