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Post by Haven on Sept 14, 2024 21:09:01 GMT -5
"He's just a princess is all," Ren said, not forcing the issue and instead striding beside her, "If he had his way he would be draped in the shiniest jewels."
The elf slowed his step until he was alongside Brimstone and gave his nose a friendly shove. Brimstone whipped his head back in the same gesture, making Ren stumble and laugh, "You aren't missing much. Mostly he's been complaining about being hungry. I've learned that when it comes to him, talking isn't the kind of language you need to pay attention to. It took a lot of learning and I stole a book to help, but mostly, I still pay more attention to his body language. So far, he's most like a cat. If he isn't baring teeth or claws, then it's just bluster and pride."
Brimstone narrowed his eyes and blew smoke into Ren's face, making him cough and jog back to the pink haired woman's side, "See. Bluster."
He looked up at Ourania pointed, "Good call. Think we can squeeze a dragon through the door?" Ren eyed the entrance and then back to Brimstone, "You may have to wait outside my friend."
This caused Brimstone to bare his teeth. Where before he had been passively intimidating just by being a dragon, now he looked fierce, "I have waited. I'm hungry."
Ren threw his hands up for the third time that day, "Okay, calm down. I got it. I'll order you something and bring it out. You know, a guy starts getting real tired of being threatened when it happens in the same ten minutes."
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Post by MotherofSolace on Sept 14, 2024 22:40:33 GMT -5
✧༺♥༻∞ Ourania Faerwyn ✧༺♥༻∞ the Pink Star, the RunAway She took his words into consideration, giving a small grunt of pain caused from her knee she looked at him from the corner of her eyes. “I see, but my ability is s-speaking to animals,” Ourania admitted , her brows still furrowed. “I have spoken to -ddragon’s before,” she added and then looked over her shoulder at Brimstone.
Judging the doorway, there was no way the dragon would fit through it. Then it bared its teeth at them, Ren didn’t seem to flinch, only put his hands up in response. Catching his words to Brimstone she offered her thoughts, “Y-You could also s-see if there is any-y scraps in the back while we o-order?” Hoping this would satisfy the dragon long enough for them to order.
Grabbing Ren’s wrist without a second thought, she pulled him into the tavern with her. Cheering, canking , the smell of mead and the ever louder growing crowd as they tried to talk over each other made her pause as her senses rushed to keep up with such a dramatic change in scenery. Which then causes her to look down and see she was still holding his wrist. Ouraina quickly let go of him and a blush rose once more upon her cheeks,” i apologize sir” |
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Post by Ave Domine Nox Noctis on Sept 15, 2024 0:28:38 GMT -5
☆ ☆ ☆ Hoshina Kirari, Heir To The Shogunate ☆ ☆ ☆ ~~~
The princess seemed more relaxed now; her blue gaze didn't cut as deeply. Kirari relaxed into a smile, idly circling the rim of his own goblet with the pad of a finger. It had been filled as a courtesy but he didn't intend to drink much. "Of course, your highness~" His gaze briefly flicked from her to a distracted Tsuruya, urging the servant to fill his cup higher. "Ah, you are correct. I often...followed along after Tsuru to...see to the 'finer details' of his...plans." He allowed for his lips to twist into a wry smile. Tsuryua heard the gentle jab and turned toward him with a laugh, lightly bumping his shoulder against Kirari's. "Oh? Like perfectly measuring out the sugar required for my-"
Kirari delicately cleared his throat, cheeks flushing. The princess of the Sun Kingdom didn't need to know about Tsuruya's childhood obsession with making things explode....although she'd probably learn of it at some point anyway. He doubts that Tsuruya finds it any less fascinating. The man in question received a wary side eye and responded to it with his trademark beatific smile, utterly unrepentant.
Fortunately, the topic shifted to the princess's account of her tournament and Kirari is free to take fortifying sip of his mead. He takes a larger one soon after, pleasantly surprised by the notes of honey that he didn't often taste in the rice wine back home.
He nurses the drink while Princess Maylin speaks, trying to focus on her words rather than allow his mind to drift toward his own trials.
He'd joined the tournament purely to shake off Tsu, only to realize with a numbing kind of horror that the man had doggedly followed after him. Apparently the prince enters the Kingdom's tournaments when he has the opportunity, enjoying the challenges while scoping out its entrants in search of the one who would ultimately save Amigara. He always hovered on the edge of Kirari's awareness; distracting Kira's pursuers when he'd been escorting the 'princess' through the streets, waiting until the last moment to make his decision during the judgement game, and making the occasional appearance during their journey through the maze. Kirari knows now that Tsu had recognized him immediately and was covertly keeping him safe. It made him feel worse about succeeding- He found the 'princess' by chance and would have died at least four times if Tsuruya hadn't been nearby to 'happen' upon the beasts that he stumbled into through the maze. While the claim that he was hunting them for sport may not have wholly been for Kirari's sake, the fact remains that he would not have survived to find the end without Tsu's timely interferences. Kirari can only rightly claim a victory over the 'Judgement' game as he had been constantly trapped in memories of the past in the maze. Only fear for his life when he happened upon a beast gave him the strength and motivation to put an end to that particular trial. And then he'd been too entrenched to escape before the treasure of Amigara was presented to him.
Kirari's grip tightens on the stem of the goblet, staring unseeing into its depths- but once again, Tsuruya's melodic voice brings him out of it.
"I see! The last trial must have been a harrowing experience- but I can see that you are stronger for it." Tsuruya had listened intently to Princess Maylin, his gaze warming at her last words. "You must still practice your swordmanship, that's good to hear~ I would like to cross blades with you, given the opportunity~"
He tosses back the last of his drink before raising the goblet for more, his tone dips after a servant obliges, keeping his next words between the three of them. "Mûrier wants me for a meeting- why don't you give us a tour of the grounds afterward~?" Tsuruya leans back and re-crosses his long legs, stretching one under the table. "We had quite the flight and I'd like to avoid being forced into one place or position for a while longer." He rolls a shoulder back with a sigh. "Perhaps you can accompany me shortly before the meal concludes, there are some that I'd like to avoid a second meeting with..." |
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Post by Ave Domine Nox Noctis on Sept 15, 2024 0:30:58 GMT -5
( I was thinking maybe we could cut to the end of the lunch & pick up Cori and Kylian on our way out?
Also just double checking- is Ezio's tavern the one you guys are in currently? )
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Post by MotherofSolace on Sept 15, 2024 0:40:54 GMT -5
( yes we can skip and then pick them up (: )
( and yes ! )
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Post by Ave Domine Nox Noctis on Sept 15, 2024 0:59:49 GMT -5
( Okay! I'll bring in Ezio to interact with them briefly because Ran is with Cerise! )
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Post by MotherofSolace on Sept 15, 2024 2:27:32 GMT -5
.·:*¨ ♚ ¨*:·. Maylin Sownlace .·:*¨ 🌣 ¨*:·. Princess of the Kingdom of the Sun The lunch had gone as Maylin had planned, the Chosen Three were introduced to the Higher Houses and everyone was full and happy. Well, almost everyone at least. Maylin watched as people began to file out of the hall, leaning over to Tsuruya, her lips brushing his ear softly, “Tell Kirari and follow me.” Pushing back her chair, she smoothed her dress and looked over at Princess Corivena raising her eyebrows and slightly leaning her head as if to say ‘ follow me’ to her. Seeing as Sir Kylian understood what she intended , he quickly walked over to his princess and pulled her seat back so she could stand.
Maylin made eye contact with Mûrier and gave a polite smile before looping her arm into Tsuruya’s and began making an exit swiftly while calling over her shoulder,” Sorry! There is much more important stuff at hand currently. Both of their highnesses shall be joining me.” Her bare feet made soft thuds as she gathered her people. Looking back she made sure that Kiari, Sova, Cori and Sir Kylian were behind her. “To the war room,” she said and exited the dining hall.
Making the way up the steps, Maylin slipped her arm out of Tsuruya’s ,” Apologies for that, but the both of us had to make rather quick exits. I could see my step mother giving me the most foul face.” The stone on the bottom of her feet were cool to the touch, you’d think the castle would be worse that outside but the river that ran outside the kingdom ran under the castle itself making it much cooler than it should be. It was most refreshing on midsummer days when the heat was so sweltering that one would think they are truly melting. Once at the top of the stairs, she made a right and down at the end of the hall were two grand red colored doors with intricate metal work. Upon further inspection one would notice the metal work was of two war fronts coming to meet but frozen in time. Up at the top was a blazing sun on the left and a dragon coming in on the left. Two royal guards stood on either side , they stood at full attention and quickly said their acknowledgements to the royalty before swinging the doors open.
Inside was a huge rounded table with carvings of the continent with boundary markers for each kingdom, their names, the rivers, and any settlements all delicately carved within the wood. Candles under the bottom right the top of it exposing the finer details. Chairs set around the table allowing anyone to sit close or as far away from each other that one pleased. Piles of scrolls laid to one side along with a couple of books and a pitcher of wine with cups was waiting for them. Once everyone was seated, Maylin stood at the head of the table and eyed everyone in the room.
“As you all know, we all face a common enemy,” She started , reaching over and pouring a cup of wine and taking a sip before placing it in front of her. “Princess Corivena has lost her Kingdom, she witnessed the weather of the Blood King first hand. Even though the Chosen Three sit in this room, she is our greatest asset as of now,” Maylin started to round the table to Cori’s side. “I am truly sorry for the loss of your Kingdom. But if you agree to help us we will restore it to its former glory,” she swore to the princess. She herself could not imagine the pain Cori must be feeling current but it was time to start preparing to make things right.
Pattering around the table she stopped at Sova’s side, “ A scribe, one filled with knowledge. We must train you in the art of weaponry , but the knowledge of history and the will to find more will also be a great asset to have in our team.” Moving on , she landed at Kirari, “:You as well shall learn the masters of weaponry.” Her striking blue eyes look in the finer details of his face. Handsome of course but now was not the time to think of such things. “But you will also be a fantastic asset , a healer. The mender of wounds. We’d be in for a world of hurt if you had not been chosen.” Stepping away she sauntered up to Tsuruya and placed a hand on the back of his chair Gazing down on him,” You have a knack for picking and scouting out some of the most talented people in not only the arts but the soldiers. Prince Tsuruya shall be our ground charger, taking our foot soldiers into war and into victory.”
Mayling swiftly made her way back to her chair and took a sip of the wine she poured, “Tonight at the Grand Feast , my father will be announcing to the whole Kingdom that will allow people of any skill, craft and talent to step forward and offer their service. So the time to start building our army is now.” She paused , making eye contact with each individual,” now, i want to hear from all of you on what our next moves shall be. |
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Post by polarized on Sept 15, 2024 6:56:27 GMT -5
ᨒ↟ ⋆｡°Corivena Aldermaneᨒ↟ ⋆｡° Heir to the Elven Tribe
Cori followed Princess Maylin up the steps. She could feel the presence of Kylian behind her, at least the small amount of people that had escaped made her feel better. However, the fear still lingered in her mind. The Blood King was no easy foe.
She was fascinated by the war room, her kingdom never had as such. They swore to defend, and never to attack. Yet, that didn’t work well, did it? Cori eyed Maylin as she spoke to her. Cori just nodded then stood up in her chair after Maylin was finished. “The Chosen three.” She scoffed, looking at them. “Tell me, have any of you ever seen the Blood King? The damage one man can cause?” She looked at them, her hands fisted on the table. “You might be the only key we have to defeat him, but none of you have felt real fear until you stare into the eyes of such a cruel man. I was there.” She paused, she hadn’t told her story, but it might be of use to them. “It was another peaceful day in my kingdom, as usual. The tribe was happy, there was no signs of what was to come. I was out with my dragon when it happened. I came too late.” Her voice cracked, but she went on. “There I was. The entrance to the kingdom, everything I saw was a blur. My people, destroyed, my home; completely gone. The last thing I saw was my father’s dying body. A once, powerful man broken by the hands of dark magic. And yet, as I left that fateful day, I locked eyes with him. I was lucky to get out, more than lucky to be alive now. I saw him. His cruel gaze. His joy from my broken kingdom.” She held her gaze with the Chosen three, before finishing her story.
“I don’t mean to scare you, but you should be careful. You all are ants compared to him. You will need much more than hope and some prophecy to defeat the Blood King.” She finished abruptly, before taking back her seat. She hoped she made the true intentions of the Blood King clear.
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Post by Ave Domine Nox Noctis on Sept 16, 2024 3:12:21 GMT -5
☆ ☆ ☆ Hoshina Kirari, Heir To The Shogunate ☆ ☆ ☆ ~~~
The princess swept in to tuck her arm within Tsuruya's, the prince smilingly looping hers against his side and striding out of the room without a backwards glance. Mûrier was left to click his tongue but nodded for Heliacal to trail a few steps behind Kirari. 'Ah, it's starting.' Kirari flipped out his star-patterned fan despite the coolness of the castle's interior, biting his cheek and wrinkling his brow. He could hear the princess apologizing for the overly familiar gesture when they separate at the top of the stairs, and Tsuruya's answering; "I didn't mind, feel free to escort me wherever you wish at any time~" The playful words were accompanied by the chime of his bells when he tilted his head to smile down at her.
The tone itself was overly familiar- if he had a leg to stand on, he would be the one lecturing Tsuruya- but as it stands, Kirari kept his disapproval to a wrinkle of his nose. Seeking to distract himself, Kirari marveled at the intricate carvings in the large double doors upon approaching their apparent destination, and stepped forward to run his fingers along the foreign lines on the equally well-crafted round table that took up the center of the room. He lingered over 'Takanashi Province' with a fine tremor to his reaching fingers. He wondered if they had cleared away all of the burned and decimated buildings yet. If there was anything to salvage from the ruins of his estate. Tsuruya came to stand at his side, but his own gaze was calculating. It roamed between points that only made sense to him, and he hummed an affirmative to himself before gently pulling Kira away by the sleeve.
"Let us look to the future, and leave reshaping the past to another time. A freer one, perhaps." He murmured softly.
"Reshape...?" Kirari wondered, but quietly submitted to being led over to the resurfaced heir to the Elven Kingdom. "Your highness, Sir Knight." He sketched a shallow bow, embarassed that he wasn't sure exactly how to address her. Amigara had been cut off from the elven continent for generations now, their cultures have diverged. "We would like to offer greetings on behalf of Amigara and- I- your unimaginable loss is felt throughout the kingdoms." He delicately flicked his fan shut so that he could look her in the eye, silently conveying the sorrow he felt that was, as he can only assume, not quite equal to hers. Kirari believed that he could understand it on some level, however. That level of decimation...
"We are indeed gladdened to have you- both of you at our sides." Tsuruya's gaze briefly flicked to the knight at her side, his smile equally as welcoming. "Your standing here is evidence that the Blood King is not infallible. That your kingdom yet lives on. You have survived and you will thrive. Know that should your people ever call upon Amigara, we will answer; A vow on behalf of our peoples.."
The princess moved toward her and the princes excused themselves with a shallow bow before taking their seats. Adjusting the folds of his yukata, Kirari chose the chair next to Tsuruya with grace, angling away from the table so that he would not be forced to look directly at it. He watched with disapproval as Tsuruya swung himself into his own chair with long legs thrown over the side, pulling his queue of dark hair over his chest so that it didn't get caught against the armrest at his back. Once again, he lounged as if unaware of mixed company and the solemn mood. His gem-like gaze was keen however, and unblinkingly watched the princess as she moved and spoke.
Kirari had listened politely to her introductions of the others, but found his pale face flushing when she turned her attention to him. He forced himself to meet her piercing blue gaze, keeping his unease and timidity behind a placid mask. Lips curving in a mild smile, he acknowledged her words with a slight nod whilst the fingers of his left hand twitched for the protection of his fan. It lay underneath hands neatly folded in his lap, useless.
Damn Tsuruya. He constantly talks up Kira's abilities and will sing his praises to anyone he meets. The princess seems to be of the opinion that he is some official Healer when he's never been on a battlefield or performed battlefield triage. Sure Kira has mended injuries within the estate, or sustained by his family and retainers in the line of duty. He's even aided in the recovery of a fair amount of illnesses, but that is the extent of his knowledge and experience. He cannot hope to be a suitable replacement for a true war medic, much less to the Chosen Ones themselves!
'Please don't become injured anywhere near me!'
As if he'd heard his plea, Tsuru slightly tilted his head in Kira's direction and shot him a quelling look. Even if it was only in his head, Kira shuts up.
Fortunately, his indiscretion was forgotten when the princess turned her attention to the prince. His bearing visibly lightened. Or darkened, considering how one looked at him. It might have been a trick of the midday light. A crooked grin slashed across sharp features, and garnet eyes fairly glowed with pleasure. Tsuruya has always sought power- not even being the imperial heir was enough. He always wanted more. More victories, more accolades, greater titles. And here he was just named a shogun in his own right. The Commander In Chief of the combined forces of the Chosen Ones. Warcraft was not originally meant for him. His parents were dismayed and aggrieved when he sought to master battle and more brutal arts alongside courtly affairs. Truly, the darker and bloodier side of rule was left to the shogunate. The crown prince was never meant to dirty his hands or fly far from his glittering nest. His parents were likely furious when he slipped away to personally search for Kirari, then angrier still when he made the journey to the Sun Kingdom where only increasingly forbidding letters could reach. If he were to be named an official part of the Chosen Ones' campaign, however, his parents would lose their grip on him.
Kirari imagined that the title of Sei-i Taishogun of the Chosen Three suited him well. He wondered if it would finally be enough, however- but looking at him...The covetous magpie glitter in blood red eyes. The lift of his chin and hungry blade of his mouth, Kirari doubted it. Tsuruya will not rest until his story is indelibly entwined with theirs.
The fierceness in his gaze was shuttered when he briefly closed his eyes, predatory grin reduced to a slight curve of his lips. When Tsuruya opened his eyes, they met the princess's and he dipped his head with a chime.
"It will be my honor~ In war and victory, I will see you through."
When the princess takes a seat and a sip of her wine, Tsuru lifts his own in a silent toast before downing half of it. Kirari, who had been taking careful count of his intake, adds it to the mental tally. Drunk Tsu is...unpredictable. If he starts singing, Kira will have to knock him out for both their sakes. He eyes the wine jug. Is it heavy enough to take him out in one blow...? Unlikely. Tsuru once took a bejewled goblet to the face and didn't go down until he'd returned it with twice the force. Stubborn pride often prevented him from losing consciousness before the threat was eliminated. Kira wouldn't register as a threat, but then drunk Tsuruya often forgot that he would fold with a light jab. Walking- at a sedate pace- from room to room was the extent of his exertion today and yet he still feels his breaths coming harsher. Or is that the newly acquired weight on his chest?
It only worsens when Princess Corivena shares her story. The room begins to spiral, and his tightly clenched fingers tingle with blood loss. She didn't provide details, yet his own traitorous mind is happy to provide them. The mental images of their tragedies overlapped. Somewhat helplessly, Kira looked to Tsuruya and found him listening to their fellow elf intently, gloved fingers lightly tapping against a raised knee. When she concludes, he swings his legs around to rise and tosses his hair back as he leans over the round table, palms flat against its raised surface.
"That is...quite the commendation for a man you've only stolen a glimpse of." He comments lightly. "We may appear as ants to you, but I know us to be something more." He met the princess's green gaze before shifting it to everyone in the room in turn.
"You are correct, in part. A war cannot be won through hope and prophecy. Not alone. It will be won through faith and information." Tsuruya spread his palms across the map.
"Fulfilling the first half of the prophecy has already bolstered faltering morale. Men will break themselves against an immovable wall if they have faith that just one more effort will have them seeing the other side. I may not approve of making the Chosen Three's identities public, but we can certainly use that~" He straightens and leans a hip against the table, loosely crossing his arms and tilting his head to the side with a sigh.
"On that note, I would advise you all to have a kagemusha going forward," He shrugs, "I cannot enforce it, but they are a useful tool when it comes to avoiding assassinations and ensuring that you are not too injured to continue."
He can enforce it on Kirari, however. There's no doubt that he already has some unlucky sod picked out. Kira doesn't want anyone else to die for his sake, but now isn't the time to argue against the wrongness of it. He should explain it instead, as the term is likely unfamiliar to others.
"A kagemusha- or shadow warrior- is a person who looks and can act enough like you that they take the brunt of asssination attempts or dangerous public appearances. They are a common political tool in Amigara." Kirari pipes up, clearing his throat politely first to indicate that he would speak.
Tsuruya himself had six to date. They constantly suffered from the prince's antics one way or another.
"Yes yes," Tsu acknowledges his explantion with a wave. "And on the subject of information- we are in a state of false peace with neither side engaging. Now is the ideal time to gather information on our enemies before they can make a move against us. I have sent several spies and scouts into the Blood King's territory but not one has returned. Another contingent was sent by sea to circle the continent and enter through the back, so to speak. I myself will be making for the border to conduct more personal recconaissance."
Kirari's body goes cold with preemptive dread- even though he knows- and hopes- that Tsu wouldn't be crossing the border himself. He likely intends to send his spirits out as spies, and he must get as close as possible to ensure that they're effective.
Likely sensing his trepidation, Tsuruya shoots him a reassuring smile. "I will not leave until I have seen to my business here, and ensured that Kira is properly trained." Ah, a different kind of dread.
"At the moment, however, Princess Corivena is our best source of information." Tsuruya straightens and sweeps an arm as if giving her the floor. "Please, tell us more of what you know." He looks to her knight, "The both of you. We need to know who and what we're facing. Even the smallest most insigificant seeming detail can make a difference." |
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Post by Ave Domine Nox Noctis on Sept 16, 2024 3:15:00 GMT -5
( Bleh this was much better before my writing app deleted it and I had to do it all again from memory ;;; So sorry if some parts are weird! I'm still miffed so I'll write for Ezio tomorrow hhh- )
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Post by MotherofSolace on Sept 17, 2024 6:14:10 GMT -5
( I’m gonna get a reply out tonight ! I was so exhausted after work )
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Post by MotherofSolace on Sept 17, 2024 20:24:18 GMT -5
.·:*¨ ♚ ¨*:·. Maylin Sownlace .·:*¨ 🌣 ¨*:·. Princess of the Kingdom of the Sun Maylin tipped her as Tsuruya as he spoke, his words soothed her internally even though they had to do with the impending doom that was to come their way. She agreed with a slight node of her head when he had mentioned kagemusha to act in their place at times, but she would never accept that. “Feel free to do as one wishes, but I will face this as myself. No one will stand as my face if death was meant for me it will come when it pleases. I am well aware of the risks. I was trained in the ways of being a woman , but I took it upon myself to also train in the ways of combat. I believe I can carry my own,” she said firmly in a tone that held authority. Maylin would not allow someone to die in her place. No innocents will die because they will be acting as her.
Her kingdom had to know her face, had to know that she will be strong when the time comes to lead them. There will be no hiding for her. She was about to speak up once more before Sir Kylian stood up and looked around the table at all of them. “ Normal weapons do not stop them,” he said, his voice low in almost a defeated tone. “But I managed to escape just barely due to my blade. It is made of silver. I believe the silver killed it,” Kylian made eye contact with each person before landing on Maylin's ,” and fire.” Maylin's chin lifted slightly, holding his eye contact till he turned his attention back to his Princess.
“They were.. In a frenzy-like state when they attacked, there seemed to be no signs of a planned attack.. They just came in hordes, in waves. They.. these creatures were drinking the blood of their victims ,” Kylian's voice rose in a disgusted tone as he recounted the day his Kingdom fell. His eyebrows furrowed together as he sat down,” I’ll admit I don't remember much … but i do know that we can kill them with these two things” Maylin sat back into her chair with her cup in hand, she swirled the wine as she became deep in thought over the knight's words. Taking a sip once more, she gently placed the cup on the table,” we need black smiths, we need silver and we need catapults to launch fireballs within the army to not only kill them, but separate them.”
Maylin crossed her leg over the other under the table contemplating other ways of attack. “I don’t believe we know this information, or maybe they do and that's why they hesitate to attack,” she muttered thinking out loud at this point. "We could also deploy our dragon riders over head to also break up the mass of them. I can fly with Tenebris." Her blue eyes wandered over to Tsuruya once more, they seemed to ask him if he had any thoughts on this new discovery. |
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Post by Ave Domine Nox Noctis on Sept 18, 2024 0:19:22 GMT -5
☆ ☆ ☆ Hoshina Kirari, Heir To The Shogunate ☆ ☆ ☆ ~~~
Kirari stared at his tightly laced fingers as the knight spoke, expression blank. That sounded...familiar. His family had silver bladed weapons, but not on hand. Not within the supposedly safe walls of their home. He'd had to set the fire just to-
He blinks rapidly and swallows despite a suddenly dry mouth. Wordlessly, Tsuruya passes over his wine and Kirari takes a fortifying sip. His gaze slides to the table and the lines that make up his kingdom as Tsuruya speaks up once more.
"I admit that I expected to hear something different- but this is good news." At this, Kira finally lifts his gaze with a confused tilt to his head.
"The princess has excellent suggestions, they've worked in the past after all~"
Tsuruya turns once more to capture them all in his garnet gaze, glittering like gems with the sudden bouyant cast to his previously solemn features. "They remain largely disorganized across the board, no more cognizant than animals. Even less than, when we know wolves and lions can use rudimentary strategy. It is said that the Blood King has an army but it's more like a horde. He has few officers capable of cognition while we've an abundance of military tacticians. Even the lowest foot soldier can think for himself." He talks with his hands, vivacity in his lyrical tone and sharp movements.
"Fire and silver- and the light of the sun- are their biggest weaknesses and are not difficult to exploit. We will generally encounter them at night, so fires are a given. As they are incapable of traveling during the day, we can send scouts to determine their general location for a better idea of when and how to act to best effect."
Kirari continues to sip the wine as Tsuru speaks, finding the tension in his body ebbing simply by witnessing his unwavering confidence. He knows that his friend speaks from experience- he'd been away on campaign when the Hoshina were...
Tsuruya holds up a hand to count on his fingers. "Fear, numbers, and ambush tactics. These are three of their primary weapons against us. Fear will be overcome with faith, the numbers by strategy, and ambushes by the prompt and accurate dissemination of information throughout our armies and battlefields. By countering these, we will find that we win more battles than we lose, and we can begin to reclaim lost territory. In particular, we must capture the silver mines in our neighboring kingdoms."
"Their physical speed is far beyond what a human or elf can keep up with, and they can wield weapons like us, but they lack finesse. When overtaken completely by their thirst for blood, higher functions are severely impacted. Best practice would suggest having cavalry and pikemen in the fore to disarm them, and as the princess has reminded us, we have dragons as an advantage. They have no way of countering us in the air." He briefly smiles at her, "all of this and more points to victory being attainable. There are many steps to take to reach it, but that is true in any war." Tsuruya spreads his hands with a broad smile. "Now is the time to build our army, and training is as important as finding personnel. My Dirge Vivace and Kira's Honor Guard will be heading many of the training camps that we establish, as we have all crossed blades with the Blood King's forces on a number of occasions."
Tsuruya hums thoughtfully and taps a finger against his cheek. "And another thing...to help with morale, perhaps we should change how we refer to the Blood King's forces..." He waves toward Kirari. "Make a note of that, Kira~"
He blinks in surprise at being directly addressed and casts about for something to record with before giving his friend a sheepish smile. "I'll...keep that in mind."
"Thank you~" Tsuru returns his attention to those gathered. "Of course the most pressing concern is that we would have a direct assault now that word of the Chosen Ones have spread, however I trust that the Sun Kingdom have shored defenses, and all three kingdoms have forces at the borders and a line of scouts to ensure that we're alerted in time to defend ourselves."
He moves away from the table and plants his hands on his hips, gaze searching. "Does anyone have anything to add, or a point you believe that I've missed?" |
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Post by Haven on Sept 19, 2024 17:32:21 GMT -5
(I had to step away for a bit unexpectedly, but I'm back! I'm waiting on some art commissions to finish up for Ren and Brimstone too o3o)
Renwick
Ren was surprised when he was pulled along into the crowd. His instincts said that this was a prime place snatch some coin or scraps of food from those busy socializing. He tamped it down. He didn't need to steal to survive. He met the woman's eyes and gave a smile, rubbing the back of his neck, "It's okay. This place looks nicer than most of the taverns that let me in." He glanced over at her, "If you don't mind me prying, why were you stealing to begin with? I assume for food, but you look skilled. People with skills, they can usually find normal jobs. You said you talk to animals, I bet that's useful. Are you traveling?" He grabbed a small table in the corner by a window the moment it was cleared so they would have a place to sit. He pulled the thing that he had lifted from the man who had attacked Ourania. It was a necklace. Nothing too flashy, and the chain was short but it did have a deep, red jewel- maybe a ruby, but just as likely something else entirely. Ren wasn't all that knowledgeable about determining the real value of things. That had always been Baahl's job. It seemed like just a necklace, but for all he knew it could be anything. He pushed it over to Ourania, "Here, it would probably look better on you than me, and if you need money again you can sell it rather than risk a pocket again." |
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Post by MotherofSolace on Sept 19, 2024 19:57:36 GMT -5
✧༺♥༻∞ Ourania Faerwyn ✧༺♥༻∞ the Pink Star, the RunAwayThe pink haired woman followed him till they got the table. A lady came by and slide two drinks on the table. “First one’s complimentary the next ones on you,” she sighed and walked back within the crowd of small folk. Pale ginger reached for the handle of the mug , bringing it to her lips and taking a small sip, she eyed Ren behind her lashes as she did so. Slowly she sat it back down, “I-I can’t really give yo-ou the details. A-A-All I can say is I’m run-running from something,” peered out the window , her fingers interlaced in her lap as she watched people passing by going about their days normal. She wished for normal , but her life had been completely flipped upside down.
“I don’t h-have much trust in anyone c-currently, so I d-don’t intend th-that that as an I-insult when I s-say I can’t s-speak of my situation sir ,” her eyes flickered to his , you could see just a hint of sadness before they flicked back to the outside world. Ourania sighed ever so slightly , her life used to be a lot fuller. Her family seemed happy, a father who seemed to be around more than others, a mother who was soft and gentle. Sibling she decently got along with and had fond memories of. But father grew sick and everything changed. He became angry , lashing out at them for everything. Mother became quiet and would spend ours just staring out the window. He began frantically making last second deals in his business and then started arranging marriages for his daughters and sons.
That was when her world fell apart , father was sick and in rash decision making he was not taking anyone’s feeling into account he - The sound of Ren’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts and she fully faced him now , her soft pink eyes meeting his and a blush crept its way back onto her creeks. “Oh,” she reached out taking the gold necklace from him, her finger tips accidentally brushing his in the exchange. “It’s-s beautiful,” Ourania whispered softly inspecting the jewelry. But then her eyebrows furrowed as she her eyes came up to search his face, “Y-You grabbed this off-f that man. You must n-need it yourself?”
( sorry if anything sounds wacky , on my phone again! And that’s okay no need to worry! Things happen , glad you’re back (: ) |
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Post by Ave Domine Nox Noctis on Sept 20, 2024 18:34:44 GMT -5
( Hey Haven, I'm waiting on a reply from Cerise so I can kind of tie my next few posts together! I was thinking that Mamoru would perhaps overhear that Cerise is a blacksmith? Or even just from Stoneheart forge? ) |
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Post by Ave Domine Nox Noctis on Sept 20, 2024 20:18:27 GMT -5
♤♤♤♤♤ Sinezio Asterine, The Fell Star ♤♤♤♤♤ ~~~
He wasn't sure if it was the gradual rise in volume that vibrated the slate against his back or the sudden knowledge that he was suffocating, but Sinezio woke with a start, one hand automatically going for the knife at his belt while the other caught the cat that was practically flung from his face by his violent movement. Held up by a single hand under his forelegs, the Optio yowls his displeasure and takes a swipe at the man's amused face. His stubby leg misses by a wide margin, and he begins squirming to be released. Sinezio eyes him with suspicion. "Were you hired by my son?" He wouldn't put it past him.
Another yowl that he imagines to be dismissing the notion, (but only because it had been Air Potato's idea in the first place) and Sinezio releases the tabby to be dropped in his lap. He slides his knife back into its sheath and leans back for a leonine stretch, yawning into the mid morning sun. For a moment he teeters backwards, tempted to lie back down, but the faint tremors in the slate below him keeps him upright. The rowdiness has increased since he'd taken his nap. Askran is likely back by now, but his temper certainly wouldn't mix well with a building full of drunks. Sin gives the miffed cat a few ear scritches before gently tipping him out of his lap and standing with a sigh. He collects the paint pail on his way off the roof, simply swinging down from the sign post and landing in an easy crouch. He straightens just in time to see a pair of elves slip in, but what truly catches his attention is the third to approach.
A tall elf with hair a far more intense red than Askran or Ezio's- it's pure crimson, the color of blood. His eyes are the purplish red of fresh bruises, their shape down-turned and set in a face that is only calm on the surface. He moves in a slow and abstracted manner, as if counting every step with his eyes lowered in what Sin suspects is false modesty. When he feels the human's gaze on him however, those eyes lift. He smiles. Small and crooked, but something about it makes Sinezio want to reach for his knife again. He's wearing the black and bronze robes of an Amigaran monk with a large strand of thick aubergine prayer beads crossed from his right shoulder to his hip. There's another burst of color in the scarlet stole wrapped around his left upper arm and tied around his waist. The faintest indents suggest hidden knives. From his left hip dangles an ebony mask with red accents and rabbit ears. Sinezio's brows arch.
He can recognize the style and has heard the description before- this elf is a member of the Amigaran prince's imperial guard. Sinezio can understand their presence in the city- but to be so far from the castle...
Once they're within a comfortable speaking distance, he idly swings the pail over his shoulder and nods at the still-smiling man. His expression is faintly disturbing, as if he's put on a mask that doesn't quite line up with his face. His eyes are empty; the sun is beaming down on them both but light doesn't reach his irises.
"Get lost on your way to the castle?" Sinezio drawls, making a point of looking the tall elf up and down. They're of a height, but his heeled boots give him the impression of being taller.
"I am indeed lost, but I shall find myself soon enough~" His deep voice has a floaty quality to it, as if he's speaking as he falls asleep. He gives Sinezio a distracted smile but doesn't stop taking small steps toward him.
"Looking to find your way into the bottom of a cup then?" Some part of him is reluctant to allow this man entry, but Sinezio rallies to step aside so that his path to the tavern's doors is clear.
"Ah, perhaps that is what I am seeking~ I am a mere 'cupitoris' after all~" With another vaguely disturbing smile, he shakes a hand free of the trailing sleeves that had been modestly drawn together and swings open a heavy door with the one hand. He gives no indication of being burdened by its weight, and looks to Sinezio with a minute nod. "After you~"
Sinezio is not letting that man at his back. He waves him off. "Patrons first."
With an acknowledging hum, the elf steps inside and clasps his hands together before him once more. Sin could glimpse black gloves and more prayer beads under his sleeves. He catches the door before it fully swings closed and steps in after him, sweeping his pale green gaze over the much fuller building with a faint quirk to his lips. There's awful singing going on at one side and the beginnings of an argument on the other, but business is promising. He even catches the pink haired elf and her friend at a window table, still waiting to be served. As for Askran...Sinezio finds his head of messy red hair behind the bar, leaning over it to talk to a blonde.
Looks like this one is on him then, tsk.
Sinezio sidesteps the elf- noting his attention was also instantly drawn to the bar- and makes for the singing men first, handing the paint over to a passing Luon as he cuts across the floor. The singing men seem to sober up just at the sight of him moving through a hastily parting crowd, jaws snapping shut so quickly that one man's jowls jiggle nervously.
"What did I tell you about making that noise in my tavern?" He sighs, hands on his hips. "Do you imagine yourselves bards? I can see how you think that would be a lucrative venture- people would pay good money just to be rid of you." His voice gets sharper as he looks each of the five men in the eye.
"But Ez we were just-"
"Do not call me that. One more dying note out of you and you're all paying your tabs up front." His posture is relaxed, but there's real threat underneath his lax tone.
One man attempts another protest. "You can't blame us for celebrating-"
"Not a word. Drink or go home." Sinezio gives them one last glare. "Better yet, go to the temple and pray your drunken bedlam didn't damage my floors."
He turns away, a silent dismissal. "Petra, get them mops and a bucket."
"Yessir!" She sings, shooting the men a smug look as she hurries past in a whirl of skirts.
With that done, Sinezio makes his way to the table by the window, electing to pull his hair up into a bun like Askran. He shudders to think at how many people have touched it during his short journey through the crowded tavern. If someone were to pull it- well Askran is too far away to prevent him from relieving them of their fingers.
He comes to a stop before the pair, arms crossed as he looks them over. "What can I get for you? We're probably out of pheasant stew by now but there are still meat pies and cinnamon cakes. I'll get started on more pottage and bacon as well-" He's interrupted by a sudden rise in shouts on the other side of the tavern. Sinezio reaches for an empty mug on the table next to them, turns to judge the distance, and raises his arm. "Gren, duck."
"Where?! Oh!" The young woman hastily drops at the last minute, looking up to watch the mug go sailing over her to slam into the back of the head of a swearing man. He slumps over his table immediately. The elf he'd been arguing with immediately drops into his seat and covers his head protectively.
Sinezio eyes him for a bit to ensure he's learned his lesson before turning back to his patrons. "Well?"
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Post by MotherofSolace on Sept 21, 2024 16:27:48 GMT -5
( bump )
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Post by MotherofSolace on Sept 21, 2024 21:36:45 GMT -5
.·:*¨ ♚ ¨*:·. Maylin Sownlace .·:*¨ 🌣 ¨*:·. Princess of the Kingdom of the Sun
After finishing up the discussion in the war room, the group dispersed as people began to walk their separate ways. Maylin hung back and watched as they began to disappear, a tightness gripped her chest. Were they ready? Would they ever truly be ready for this? The weight of everyone's lives rested on their shoulders, on hers. When the anxious feelings arise she did her best to press them back down and reassure herself that they could handle this.But that worrying always gnawed on her stomach deep within. Pulling herself from her thoughts, blue eyes wandered over to the two princes of the Sea Kingdom.
Eyes briefly studied both of them. The way their cheekbones rose , to the shape of their eyes, the way their rest rested about them beautifully .. a knot grew in her belly that she could not place. This feeling caused her to inhale sharply , clasping her hands together,” Kirari, shall I show you my Kingdom?” Without waiting for an answer she took the lead, Maylin silently cursed herself for staring at them for as long as she had. It could have been mistaken as disrespectful or even.. Interproperit. The cool floor was a haven of relief for her hot skin.
“We are currently on the third floor. This floor is used for concealment. The King's conceal room is just that way,” she pointed down the hallway at a door that was similar to the war room door except for the iron decorations. This door had iron detailing of a royal crown, a round table, the symbols of each conceal member held , they formed a semi circle below the royal crown. The edges of the door were covered in iron ivy that trends reached the bottom of the door.
A slim pale finger pointed across the room to the opposite side of them to another set of doors. This door was decorated in an arrangement of iron flowers , dotted with birds , a queen's crown and a scepter right behind it. “That is the Queens Parlor. She takes visitors there, usually Ladies in Waiting, High House women and discussing daily arrangements with the head Maid and Cook.” Looking back at Kirari she met his ghostly eyes, “The floor above us is the Royals bedchambers.” Taking a couple steps down the stairs, she motioned them to follow.
“Come , I shall bring you down to the main floor,” Maylin grinned slightly before leading the way to the base floor. Skipping the second floor, she quickly explained that it was the floor for the severents and their families. Stepping onto the main floor, she scanned it as though she was looking for something. Maids and servants bustled about, some cleaning the floors, others changing drapes for clean ones and others standing together casting glances their way.
“On this floor, we have our ballroom, the Throne room, the kitchen and the exit to the gardens out back,” She explained tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. |
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Post by MotherofSolace on Sept 22, 2024 21:28:20 GMT -5
( bump )
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Post by polarized on Sept 23, 2024 1:29:52 GMT -5
ᨒ↟ ⋆｡°Corivena Aldermaneᨒ↟ ⋆｡° Heir to the Elven Tribe
Cori walked out of the war room, not feeling much greater about anything. Maybe even, worse. Yes, we might have plans, soldiers, magic and firepower. But what do you need if you want to fight the Blood King? She didn’t know. She wished she knew. She wanted to throw her staff into him, taking revenge for what he had done to her tribe, to her family. There was no point worrying about all this, anyways. She shrugged, then started to walk down the many steps. “Why do Kingdoms need so many damn stairs?” She muttered, taking each step after the next. Her Family were the leaders of a tribe, she didn’t know much about a kingdom. She could, of course, feel the presence of Kylian.
“I’m just going to check out the Sun Kingdom, I don’t need any direct protection. If anything, you’ll just attract more people.” She sighed, sensing his feelings. “I suppose you can come, if you lay low.” She chuckled, then made her way out of the castle, breathing in the fresh air. It was nothing like the Elven Tribe, of course. So many people bustling about, carriages storming through the stone roads. “I bet they have some cool foods here too,” She glanced to Kylian, raising a brow. “Have you ever visited these kingdoms? You know, as a royal knight.” She said sarcastically. She just shrugged then made her way through the bustling streets, knowing she was making it harder for Kylian. They’re had to be some cool stuff she had never seen before, right? New food, new places maybe even some new weapons that could give her advice on defeating Blood King. After all, she didn’t have anything to lose.
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Post by MotherofSolace on Sept 23, 2024 18:38:27 GMT -5
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ Sir Kylian Shadowfern ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙ Royal Knight of the Eleven-Forest Kingdom Following Cori from the war room, he followed just a couple paces behind her. Just to give her a little space, but not far enough for him not to be able to act quickly if necessary. “I believ they have so many due to the fact this region is more Kingdom versus ours that is tribe-like,” he answered her question with a slight grin. He held the door open for her as she departed the castle, rolling her eyes at her statement of not needing protection. As if he’d truly let this woman out of his sight for even a moment while among a crowded place.
“Of course i have, I have been to many of the kingdoms of Norwezreic. This one is tolerable if you can withstand the heat of it. I, personally, dislike the Snow Kingdom, too cold for my liking. It’s constantly covered in snow but for rare occasions. The Kingdom of the Sea is beautiful, the builds there are unlike anywhere else,” Kylian explained as he followed her with ease. He could tell she was trying to make it difficult for him but that was her mistake for underestimating him, he had not risen in the station at such a young age for no reason.
Highly skilled , he was trained by the finest warrior of their tribe and when he visited other kingdoms accompanying royal processions he’d train with the knights of that kingdom. Kylian was more deadly than his goofy grin let on. “The Kingdom of the Sun is known for how sweet and fresh their vegetables are. They are watered by the springs that run under the kingdom. That is how they are able to grow crops. Crackled skin pork is a delicacy main dish for them. It takes a whole day to cook to perfection and is some of the best meat I’ve ever had. They should have a vendor close by. Speaking of vendors, we need to find a black smith to forge you a weapon made of silver,Your Highness.”
His green eyes kept trained on the back of her head as they walked through the throng of civilians. Which reminded him of something that may bring his Princess a piece of solace. “Also, Princess, I would like to take you to your people. They are set up in a camp right outside the main village here. I believe it would bring you a piece of comfort to see them as well as bring them comfort to see their Princess alive and well.” |
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Post by Haven on Sept 23, 2024 22:01:01 GMT -5
(Wait, did I miss it? I'm so sorry Ave Domine Nox Noctis let me go read back)
Renwick
Ren listened for a bit, sipping on his drink as if he wasn't incredibly parched. He was a great talker, but he knew when to listen too-especially when people said they didn't want to talk. In his experience, those who kept quiet had the most to say. When the topic turned to the necklace, the dark haired elf shrugged, "I'm trying to live a life beyond what I need. Honestly, I did it by habit mostly. Stealing, but also sticking it to jerks like that guy." His eye was caught by Brimstone peaking over the window at them, searching the table for food before huffing and laying down below the window. "I don't know your situation, but I know what it's like to be in a tough spot with nobody to turn to and running away from things. I've been called Ren Sandborne for... the past ten years now," he said it as if the time that passed surprised him, "There's a town north of here practically run by a brute called Baahl. He found me in the desert, brought me into his home, nursed me back to health and then shipped me out to run scams for him. He said I owed him a life debt. As in, I could work all my life and still not have earned enough pay him back the money he asked for. He and the others taught me to pick pockets, to pull sleight of hand, talk my way into more than I was owed and out of the trouble that brought. Ten years of making a criminal out of myself and I wasn't even close to paying him back. I thought about running, but Baahl has eyes and ears everywhere. I personally know what he does to people who fail him, but I've only heard what happens to people who betray him. It wasn't until I found Brimstone that I got the courage to get out. Baahl wanted to sell him and Brim would have paid off my debt and then some... but-" It was Ren's turn to color a bit as he realized how cheesy his next words were, "It's hard to say I didn't choose to be a criminal and then doom someone else to be in a cage." Ren took a drink, needing a moment, "And now we're here. On the run but not criminals. I'm eating today, but not from money I stole, and while I did steal the necklace, he owed it to you for being rough."
Cerise
Cerise was looking around when she heard a voice greet her. She turned to face the man with a polite smile. This kind of hospitality wasn't found in the Heartforge Mountains, where the occupants went from abrasive to like family with no inbetween. While she had grown to enjoy the hard-won charm, there was certainly something to say for the showmanship here in the heart of the Sun Kingdom. "Did you say cinnamon cakes?" her hands went to her mouth as her eyes widened in delight, "I can't remember the last time I had a cinnamon cake!" Suddenly Cerise was overwhelmed with the thought of all the food and drink she had long let slip into memory and in comparison her coin purse felt agonizingly light. She was sure her master would be cross with her if she spent all of it gorging herself. The blonde woman relaxed, reminding herself that she wasn't a giggling girl anymore, but a woman grown who was here on business, "I'll have to see what I have after the rooms are paid for I suppose. I'd like two rooms please, and if you have any stable space and hay available, my master will be returning with a hungry beasty." "I'm Cerise, my master and I are on business delivering supplies from the Heartforge mountain," There was a great deal of pride in her voice when she said that, even if introducing herself as Cerise Suppler may have granted her more respect from rank alone. The Heartforges were nothing to sniff at of course, they were renowned, but they were also tradesmen and a life of hard labor-even if it was skilled labor-didn't always turn heads like being born with a silver spoon and pockets of gold. |
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Post by Ave Domine Nox Noctis on Sept 24, 2024 1:46:05 GMT -5
☆ ☆ ☆ Hoshina Kirari, Heir To The Shogunate ☆ ☆ ☆ ~~~
When their final comments came to a close there were no further conversations. It seemed despite Tsuruya's confidence in their inevitable victory, the others were still left with shaken faith and a sense of disquietude. The mood was heavy, and it seemed to darken the room. Tsuru stretched languidly and ran a hand through his pin-straight hair, turning to Kirari with a thoughtful hum. "What's on your mind?"
The question was surprising- Tsu rarely checked in with him more than once a day- but he supposed his expression may have also been a bit clouded. "I am just...glad to have you." He admitted softly. Technically Kira should be in more of a shogun's role- but it came as some relief that so far he need only...perform as he always has. It's familiar, at least.
Tsuruya's answering smile was brilliant. "Never doubt it." He seemed about to say more when something caught his eye. Princess Maylin's blue gaze was studying them, but it was a different kind of scrutiny than when they'd first met. Kirari gave her a small, reflexive smile while Tsuru's was more feline. He'd already been making to approach her when she decided on her sudden tour. Kirari was doubly startled when she said his name without honorifics, flustering with an "O-oh, of course your highness! I'd love to accompany you." She was already walking away, and he hurriedly rose to follow in her wake. His longer strides caught up with hers easily, with Tsuruya falling into step on her other side.
His fan once more concealing the lower half of his face, Kirari slanted her an appraising look. Could she...perhaps see him as a potential friend when they have Tsu in common? She had mentioned him in particular, likely because Tsuruya's presence is a given and he is already acquainted with the castle- Kirari isn't sure if he should have such lofty hopes, however. Princess Maylin was duly unimpressed on their first meeting. He hopes to improve her opinion of him, but it may grow worse as she learns just how untried and unprepared he truly is. That...isn't something he should concern himself with now however. At the very least, he can breathe easier in a less formal setting. Their guard trailed behind them at a greater distance but he is so accustomed to their presence that he feels more confident at the sound of trailing footsteps than less.
Kirari makes the appropiate comments at each new location the princess points out, expressing his admiration for the workmanship of the stylized doors or mentioning some small similarity or difference in comparison to his own home. In the shogun's palace, the 'war room' was the 'Campaign Room'. The 'counsel room' was the Matcha Parlor, named for its green decorations and their tendency to have tea with every meeting. His mother had a separate room for governance than his father, but it was within another wing. The shogun's family lived apart from their place of ruling and so he didn't often get to visit the palace itself, but the few memories he had came rushing back as he spoke. "My mother...would have similar meetings. Every morning they would decide how the day would be spent." She would always stop by his room before setting off even though to do so would be to go out of her way.
The princess surprises him by looking back, and his smile is fortunately already in place. She seems in a good mood now and he doesn't want to ruin it. Fortunately, they've had Tsuruya to provide color commentary throughout.
"Do you remember attempting to sneak into the Queen's Parlor after her meetings?" The prince nods to the door with a smile. "I had just learned about ikebana and wanted to rearrange the contents of her vases, but we struggled to get the heavy doors open." Kirari chuffs a laugh. Tsuruya always had a tendency to immediately want to put his lessons into practice. He'd rearranged the flowers within the shogun's estate as well, much to the ire of the servants.
"I'm sure that went over well." He says mildly, briefly casting his gaze back toward the princess. It sounds like they'd had fun together. He suspects that there is a different air between them now that they're reuniting as adults, but the friendship appears to have remained despite the time that has passed. Tsuruya is comfortable no matter the situation- he treats everyone with a certain degree of familiarity and so it's difficult to tell when he's more relaxed than usual, but his smile is different now than it had been in the war room or when engaging with the nobles. The princess seems less sure at times but frequently looks to Tsuruya, and his gaze always finds hers when she does. Kirari is glad that he isn't walking between them. It would be awkward to have the two try to look each other in the eye with his much taller figure in the way. Just the thought has him chuckling behind his fan, and he waves it innocently when Tsuruya arches a brow at him.
It is as amusing at it is troubling- the emperor and empress only approved of the pair's friendship for political leverage- but Kirari is choosing to only see the levity in the situation. He has to find it somewhere in everything that has happened to him thus far.
"I see..." Kirari hums and looks askance at the blonde. "Would it be possible to see the gardens then? I would appreciate some fresh air." They already know who and what he is, but the curious eyes of the bustling staff are beginning to make him uncomfortable. Beyond that, his stamina is beginning to flag. He'd been lagging a bit behind the other two for some time now, and being outside could be the answer to both his problems, at least for a while. There would be less eyes to witness him leaning on Tsuruya as time wears on.
"I have another proposal." The prince comes to a stop with them, hands clasped neatly behind his back. "Maylin-" Ah, so he's dropping honorifics now as well? "How far do we have to go to obtain practice swords?" |
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Post by Ave Domine Nox Noctis on Sept 24, 2024 1:47:57 GMT -5
( This is blah because I'm kinda drained-
I'll see if I can reply to Cerise tomorrow after work! )
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Post by MotherofSolace on Sept 24, 2024 20:25:23 GMT -5
✧༺♥༻∞ Ourania Faerwyn ✧༺♥༻∞ the Pink Star, the RunAway Listening to his story, it struck a cord within her heart. It sounded like Ren had really come from a not so great past, but he sounded very truthful when he mentioned leaving it behind. But that doesn't mean she could trust him.. Right? Not yet at least. Ourania wasn't a criminal (that's debatable after today) just a mer runaway, someone running from something unwanted.. But wasn’t Ren? Inwardly sighing , slender pale fingers played with the gold chain of the necklace.
“I’m sorry a-about your past R-Ren,” mentally she kicked herself for stuttering his name. The stutter she was born with , but it became worse when she was highly emotional. Whether that emotion be joy, sadness, anger or frustration , it did not matter. And even though she had become accustomed to the stairs and jokes that usually were thrown her way, she would still try to hold her head high despite how bad the insults hurt. “I’m.. I’m more or l-less running from an u-unwanted future,” she said softly , looking up at him through thick pink lashes. More words rose to the tip of her tongue but she silenced them as a man came straight for their table.
Ourania’s head tilted up as a man, assuming the owner of this tavern, came over to their table. She was just about to answer him when he sent a mug flying across the room into a man's head. Swallowing the giggle that had bubbled up in her throat, she laced her finger together. “T-The meat pie s-sounds nice,” giving him a small smile as she then could hear faint words growing louder by the second. Looking down she noticed a cat heard their way, its tail in the air as though it was on a mission. “Human! Human! “ it purred as it began to swirl around Sinezio’s feet. '' Feed me! Please dear human! And pets, oh such lovely pets. Food! ”
She knew she’d be the only one hearing this, to others it would just meow and chitter like sounds from the cat. Smiling slightly, Ourania looked back to the man taking their order ,” A-Also the cat w-w-would like food… And pets.” The cats ears perked at her words and stopped in between Sinezio’s feet. “You understand me! Oh! Tell human i kill rat that stalks his food cages,” it purred looking at her. A soft snort came from the pink haired girl as she relayed the message,” It also would like you to know of the rat it killed trying to get into your food storage.” |
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Post by MotherofSolace on Sept 24, 2024 21:05:09 GMT -5
.·:*¨ ♚ ¨*:·. Maylin Sownlace .·:*¨ 🌣 ¨*:·. Princess of the Kingdom of the Sun
Softly laughing at the memory of them trying to sneak into the Queen’s Parlor, Maylin became lost in thought as they moved down the floors. Lost in thoughts of thoughts of them as children, them running from their duties to just be children. Sneaking into places that would have defeated them got them into deep trouble. Of how Tsu would spend hours comforting her when she was hurt whether physically or emotionally. Even her worst attitudes would not deter Tsuruya from following her. And she loved that..
Looking between them as one suggested the garden and the other training swords, she could help but give a small chuckle. How very opposites the both the princes were, but how well they complimented each other at the same time. “We will have time to train on the morrow dearest Tsuruya,” blue eyes holding his red ones and then shifting to Kirari’s pale ones. “The gardens sound lovely. I have just had the groundskeepers plant some of my favorite flowers. Their scent is one of which you can only experience for yourselves,” one point of her mouth curving just ever so slightly in a grin.
Turning one more, she led them through the crowd of servants and to the large glass doors that led to the garden. Both the doors were propped open to allow easy entry and exiting for the day. Once outside, smooth stone gave way to soft plush grass underfoot which seemed to ground the blonde woman as she strolled down a path. Two kids chasing each other came crashing through causing Maylin to side step to move from their path. A very soft smile played on her lips as they passed, throwing as “Sorry Princess!” as they went.
Once more, her mind wanders back to her childhood. Of Tsu and herself playing in these very gardens. The games of hide-n-seek , the game of chase they’d do ( which Maylin normally lost because Tsuruya’s legs were much longer than hers). Looking over her shoulder at him, she took a second to watch his graceful walk, the way his hair shifted as the breeze picked up, the soft jingles of his bells. Coming to an abrupt stop at a rectangler pool that had a statue of a one of the Gods at the end of it. White stone pillars encircled it, but the top was open so that the sun reflected light causing glints withi the water iself but causing a caustic network on the pillars. Just as Maylin was about to say something, she stopped as an all too familiar song rang in the air.
A shadow swallowed them for just a second and another part of the song came with it. Looking skyward, her eyes landed on the black form of a dragon. Its jaws open wide as its song rippled through the air causing a slight shiver to run through her. A shiver of excitement , not fear. The black dragon circled the garden once more, flying lower this time and its bright, golden eye landed on her before passing causing a gush of wind to pass around them. Plants bended to the wind, hair blew, and petals from flowers came sweeping across as they were plucked from their flowers. The scent of lavender and jasmine swirled around them. “Tenebris,” she breathed softly not even realizing some of the petals had become stuck in her hair.
( The Garden ) |
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Post by MotherofSolace on Sept 26, 2024 20:28:28 GMT -5
( bump )
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Post by MotherofSolace on Sept 27, 2024 19:14:01 GMT -5
( bump )
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Post by MotherofSolace on Sept 28, 2024 20:26:54 GMT -5
(bump)
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