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Post by atlantis on Feb 7, 2013 21:14:38 GMT -5
Jack
The gold he'd managed to bring with him from Agrandar had lasted him a month. It probably could have lasted longer if he hadn't cultivated such rich tastes. But at last, a day had come when the easy days in his new home were over and Jack had to find work. The capital of Ellaris was poor, however, and wherever he went, he was told to get lost. It was in the local pub that he overheard a man talking about the Queen's need for royal guards to watch over her daughter. It wasn't exactly the low profile job he'd been looking for to keep himself hidden from the King of Agrandar but he needed the work and the castle seemed to be the only place hiring.
As he stood outside the castle gates, he began to have second thoughts. He was just about to turn and walk away when he was shocked by the sudden presence of an old woman right beside him. "It's a lovely castle, isn't it, dear?" she mused.
"If you've seen one, you've seen them all," Jack replied with a shrug.
She gaped at him with surprisingly wild, green eyes before her eyebrows once again shrouded them in darkness. "If you haven't come to gaze at it, then why are you here?" she asked, sounding almost angry at his apathy. "Do you wish to serve the Queen?"
Jack looked away from her to the castle, and back again. "I'm... not sure. I mean, I don't know if it's my kind of work."
The old hag grabbed his hand and placed in it a small bean, closing his fingers over it. "The Lady of the Castle will welcome you. But when the Princess serves you wine, swallow this afterward and all shall go well."
He opened his palm to study the bean. "You really think I'm going to take the advice of some crazy old lady on the street?" he asked and looked back up, only to discover the old woman had vanished as quickly as she'd come. He frowned back at the bean. "...All shall go well?" His stomach growled loudly, as if to encourage him towards the new work and he pocketed the bean and entered the gates.
He was led into the palace by guards and waited what seemed ages for an audience with the Queen. The halls were long and lonely with high ceilings and columns in every direction. When the Queen finally appeared, she was a tall, severe-looking woman and once again he found himself doubting the entire plan. "Why are you here?" she demanded immediately.
Jack put on the collected expression he always wore when he expected he'd have to lie. "I was told you have a position open. It would be my humble pleasure to serve the Queen," he answered with as gentlemanly a bow as he could manage.
His charms didn't seem to have an effect on her, though; she was still frowning at him when he stood back up. "Your name?"
"It's Jack. Miller. I'm from Elbysden," he fibbed.
Queen Roslyn crossed her arms. "You're nothing but a pauper," she countered and Jack felt offended. "Why should I choose you?"
He had to think quickly, trying to remember everything he could from his brief stay in Elbysden before coming to the capital. "I was a guard back home, m'lady. Merchants from far and wide have hired me to protect them in their travels. They've trusted me with the fortunes they've spent their entire lives building, and thus I am adept at defending treasure of all varieties, even that as delicate as princesses."
The Queen raised one quizzical eyebrow, surveying him for any hints he was lying. "What are the names of these merchants?" she asked, apparently hoping to catch him in his lie.
"W-well, there have been so many, I don't know if I can remem--"
"Try."
Jack began to sweat slightly, but the only way out of this was to keep a calm and clear mind. "Okay, well, there was... Sam. Appleton. And the Baker brothers. Jacob... Black. Thomas--"
"Enough," the Queen spoke loudly and Jack was sure she had seen through his lies. She came close to him, looked him in the eyes, staring for what seemed forever and the guards who had escorted him inside began to draw their swords. "He's telling the truth. Show him to his quarters and give him his task," she said with a wave of her hand.
OT: Alright, this is the opening paost for now. I'll add what happens next later. And as soon as I talk to Zabs, I'll get the Agrandar side started. If you have an idea on how youi'd like to get your character incorporated, send me a PM, please!
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Post by atlantis on Feb 10, 2013 2:42:03 GMT -5
Audas
It had been months since he'd been in Asgerdon-- longer still since he'd been home. But the nostalgia didn't really get to him. Though, I do miss the food... he thought with a glance at the stale breads piled in baskets nearby. Eating on the field just wasn't the same. Nothing about the battlefield was like anything he was used to. There were many rules he couldn't remember and customs he didn't understand, but given time, he was determined to learn.
The generals, however, were always quick to remind him he didn't belong there. Today, it was by 'forgetting' to tell him they had called a council. Audas was summoned by one of the footsoldiers and brought to the main tent where he found not only all the generals gathered together, but also, to his amazement, the King. Apparently his arrival was a secret, too....
"You... sent for me, my lord?" he asked and tried to bow the way his fiancee had shown him, but failed. A round of snickering went through the circle of officers.
"Yes," the King replied. "This, gentlemen, is my son-in-law. He is to be treated with the same respect you would show Prince Dylan, if he were here." He shared a look of warning with everyone present, daring them to challenge the statement. "He will be a part of your leadership in this camp and I expect you to put your trust and confidence in him." Returning his attention to Audas, the King gestured an open spot at the table. "Please, son, join us."
From the front of the room, close to the King, Lord Draycote, chief among the generals, spoke up. "Since you're here, now, Prince Audas," he began smugly, "what are your suggestions on how best to attack the city of Grimpointe from our current position?"
"I... um..." He saw in the center of the room was a map with many marks drawn on it and some figures sitting on top of it. "By... boat, sir?"
To his left, Lord Armistead drew in a heavy gasp. "I should hate to think what might have happened if we hadn't sought your wisdom, noble prince."
Audas only had a second to feel embarrassed. Sitting silently behind Armistead was the Black Knight; the King had told him of the Knight-- and his identity, which was to remain a closely guarded secret. It made sense, he figured, for the Prince of the realm to be allowed into these councils, but surely not everyone here knew....
Dylan The Black Knight stood in the corner of these tiring meetings. He both hated and loved them at the same time. The Knight hated them because nothing ever got done. There was a reason this war had lasted 10 years, and it was because of the incompetence of their generals, but the black hearted fighter also loved these meetings because of the political undercurrent. It was even better now that the King was present. Dylan did not even have to worry about hiding his glee at the stress and anger these generals were causing his father because the infernal suit of armor made him appear expressionless.
During this whole meeting, Dylan had his eyes trained on the King. He loved all the signs of anger rising in the King’s face. The vein in his neck that seemed as though it would burst, the inpatient foot stamping, and even the lack of civility in the phrases exchanged brightened an otherwise dull and taxing event.
The only thing that improved the Black Knight’s mood more was the appearance of his brother-in-law-to-be and fool Audas. The commoner, who was obviously out of his league, was being given the runaround by one of the less tactful generals. This had been going on for months, but this was the first time it had happened at one of these meetings. It was no secret that no one really wanted this boy to marry the Princess. Everyone thought it would only be a prince who could have stayed the night in the castle and won his sister’s hand, but instead she got this twerp. While most people thought he wasn’t good enough for the Jewel of the Kingdom, Dylan thought he was a perfect match, an incompetent numskull for an ugly harlot.
Chuckling to himself, Dylan thought, Yes, I’m very glad my father decided to stop by for a visit. He really does have a way of brightening my spirits.
Audas
Audas was drawn out of his thoughts by someone else speaking. He turned back to the gathering to see it was the King again. “Perhaps what Audas is suggesting is that the time to strike is now,” he was explaining as some of the generals broke out into laughter again.
A third general, Lord Cauthen, stood to address the group, a mild-mannered man who, though he wasn’t fond of Audas either, at least was professional enough to not make a game out of it. The closest thing Audas could call a friend in the camp. “I doubt that’s what the young lord meant, but my liege, the sentiment is true. Queen Roslyn has so abused her forces that her army is becoming depleted. Although Grimpointe is likely one of her more strongly defended cities, it is weakened greatly compared to what it was a year ago. If we surround it and lay siege to it, we can stay as long as we need. There are resources enough in the area to last us long enough to break through the city’s barriers and force their surrender.”
“Then why are we wasting time talking about it?” Audas blurted out before realizing he had probably broken another of their rules. Every face was turned toward him now, staring expectantly. He had no choice but to continue. “We should end this while we have the chance. Take fleets to the Ellarian doorstep and finish it.”
Draycote yawned in boredom. “We can’t send so many men overseas and leave ourselves vulnerable. You would sacrifice our citizens the same as Lady Woodcroft.”
Audas was doing his best to keep track of everything that was said. Everything was an argument here, another side to every coin. No matter what he said, someone would have some comment to counter it, and chances were, it wouldn’t be a nice one. It had been this way since he arrived and so far, he had shrugged it off and tried to ignore it. But he was feeling overloaded, not to mention the everyday annoyance of being laughed at. “What is it you suggest we do then, Lord Draycote?” he asked, almost shouting across the room.
Dylan Oh this is getting good, Dylan thought to himself. I could watch these guys go at it all day, but I do have some matters to take care of besides this. Besides, if they actually are making an attack on the mainland of Ellaris, I might get my chance to meet her.
Clearing his throat, the Black Knight moved for the first time making his presence known, Dylan said, “If you want to have a presence in Ellaris, might I suggest sending over a small team. We’ll scout ahead and get a good understanding of how the enemy works and their defenses. After we’ve infiltrated their homeland, you can make a better attack plan.” His voice resounded eerily in the room because the armor changed it to have an odd echoing nature.
To be honest, Dylan was surprised that Asgerdon had never sent over scouts or spies before to the neighbor’s land, but to be fair, they had been on the defensive for the majority of this war.
The King smiled, evidently unable to hide the pride he felt in his son. He nodded and turned to Draycote. “It’s decided, then, is it?” he asked before turning to the room at large and, receiving the ‘aye’s of approval, closed the meeting.
Dylan shuttered a little seeing his father so happy. I did it for her sake he thought to himself. Not for them. Never for them. He wished there was something he could say or do to cause some trouble or take away his father’s joy, but he couldn’t think of anything quickly enough. Dylan just watched as everyone filed out of the room.
Audas Audas stood and exited the tent, waiting outside by the entrance. When he saw the King come out, he bowed respectfully (void of any technique Bianca had shown him this time) and said, “Thank you for defending me, my lord. This is all new to me and I must admit I haven’t got any talent for battle.”
For the second time, the King smiled. “You have all the talent you need. You only need to learn how to apply it,” he said and clapped Audas on the shoulder before walking with Draycote to his horse.
Audas turned to see the Black Knight duck out of the tent, dark and mysterious as ever. Still, the King’s son-in-law was unperturbed. “Thanks for bringing clarity to the meeting. I didn’t think they were capable of agreeing.”
Dylan Turning to sound directed at him, Dylan saw the little sack of trash standing there. He just snorted at the boy and said, “I couldn’t care less if they agreed.” Then Dylan started to walk away from Audas, not waiting for a response or giving a clarification.
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Post by Marli on Feb 12, 2013 12:14:25 GMT -5
Snow White, Rose Red & Oberon
The bear grunted as water splashed his face, the cool spray jolting him from his previous train of thought. He growled in the direction of his attacker, but the auburn haired girl only grinned.
"C'mon Oberon" Red-Rose smiled, "Don't be such a... a bear." The girl giggled at her own cleverness and unwittingly Oberon's lips curled back, revealing huge white teeth. A smile, if it wasn't on a snout.
Another voice, this one softer and more airy rang through the sound of the rushing creek. "Rosie, they'll be no fish for supper if you keep making all that noise." Snow-White slid down from where she had been sitting on Oberon's shoulders and landed lithely in the water. "You're scaring them all away."
"I could catch a fish if I wanted too!" Red-Rose said indignantly. "Besides! You got the easy job! All you had to do was collect berries!"
"And I did collect them." Snow-White replied, "You're not patient enough Rose, you have to be still."
"But I was still! I've been still all morning!" She whined, even though in reality they'd been at the creek only an hour or so. She turned to Oberon, "You should teach me to hunt! I'm sure I could get a rabbit or stag if I just had a bow..."
"You don't have a bow." Snow-White sighed, now leaning over the water. "Not till we get too {*appropriate town name here*}, so unless you can hunt rabbit's with a knife, you should probably learn to fish." Suddenly, a group of trout darted past. Snow-White altered her stance and moved her hands in a circular motion. Instantly, a smaller trout near the end of the group stopped as if it had come up against a wall. Snow-White gritted her teeth, and tried to remember the movements Oberon had taught her. The bear rose up on his hind legs, performing the movement's for her to repeat. Slowly and unsteadily, the fish rose, suspended in a bubble of water about a foot above the surface. She breathed deeply and called the fist towards them until it hovered in front of Oberon. The girl had begun to sweat, and as the fish began to struggle she lost concentration. The fish dropped and Oberon dispatched of it with one sweep of his great paw.
Red-Rose waded over and retrieved the fish, placing it in a basket she held on one arm. "Alright then... that's six for you and.... two for me?"
Snow-White shook her head, "It only counts if you catch them Rose, that fisherman gave the one too you."
"Eh... We still ate it, so I'm going to count it." The girl moved towards the shore, where a simple camp had already been set up.
Snow-White looked at Oberon, swaying slightly on her feet. "It makes me so tired Oberon... controlling it like that." The bear leaned forward. Snow-White could feel his warm, sweet breathe on her shoulder. With a grunt he lifted the girl, standing on his hind legs and holding her in his fore-paws. Snow-White didn't object, "Will it get easier?"
The bear nodded, he had never been a true expert on magic, even in his former life but he knew that overtime, with much trial and patience, magickers eventually grew stronger. Able to carry out more complex tasks. He waded awkwardly to the shore with Snow-White in his arms, then placed her gently down. Red-Rose had already started a fire and had the small fish roasting on a spit.
Oberon sighed, it would be enough to feed the girls, but he would still need to hunt later. Snow-White and Red-Rose were excellent gatherers, and their sacks were always brimming with edible roots and berries, but Oberson knew there would be a time when the plants weren't so plentiful. Though their mother had taught them the ways of the forest, neither girl had ever wielded a weapon before, and now Oberon found himself having to teach basic survival skills. A bow, as Red-Rose had mentioned, would be a good thing but Oberon was wary of traveling on the main road. So far they'd kept mainly to the woods, stopping only occasionally in farming villages to trade for neccesary supplies.
Of course, Oberon could never enter the villages. The girls always used the same story, they were traveling with their father who was tending to their ill mother. It was a simple story, but at least somewhat explained why two young girls were making trades alone. Oberon would wait in a predetermined place, watchful and worried till they returned.
"Oberon!" Red-Rose yelled, "Supper's ready! Come eat!" Oberon realized that he had moved several yards away from the girls while lost in thought, and now turned back to them and shook his head and turned to the creek. Trying to convey a message, You eat. I will catch some more fish. Red-Rose shrugged, "Suit yourself." Snow-White looked concerned.
Oberon waded into the creek and scanned the waters once more.
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Post by atlantis on Feb 13, 2013 22:36:12 GMT -5
Jack
He was led through a series of hallways and chambers, in each of which a new advisor to the Queen awaited to ask him a series of questions.
“What was your father’s name?” “Who was your childhood friend?” “Have you ever committed a crime?” “How did you arrive in the capital?” “When did you become a guard in Elbysden?”
Somehow, he managed to keep his story straight through to the end, apparently passing all their tests. The guards led him to a large suite in one of the towers and gave him a change of clothes-- a royal uniform.
“You will wash. The bath is prepared,” the captain of the guard said stoutly. “Later, one of the Princess’s handmaidens will bring you your dinner and introduce our Lady Arianna, who will dine with you. Your task is simple. The Princess has been leaving her bedchamber at night and the Queen demands to know where she goes. You must find out and deliver the information by morning.”
“And if I don’t have an answer?” Jack asked, suspecting he already knew the reply.
“It’s best that you do,” was all the captain would say before he left the room.
“Right....” He was once again beginning to think this was a bad idea. No turning back now, he thought as he began to undress for his bath. It’s certainly an odd task. Sure, the Queen should have concern over her daughter’s safety but this? Though he had to admit, he was also wildly curious as to where the Princess must be roaming each night. Probably an evening tryst with some servant boy, he figured with a smirk. Either way, I’ll find out soon enough. Hopefully the pay is decent. Then I’ll be on my way.
He had considered spending some time in the far southern reaches of the kingdom in the icy tundra. He’d always liked the snow and he could probably make a living from the fishing he’d be able to do there. At least until the cold got boring. Then it would be off somewhere else. Maybe defrost in the desert a bit.
It wasn’t long after he was washed and ready that there was a knock on the door. He opened it to find several girls each carrying a dish of food. He stepped out of their way and watched as they began to set a table in the center of the front room. When they were done, the eldest of them curtsied before him and said, “Mr. Miller, may I present Her Royal Highness, Arianna, Princess of Ellaris.”
OT: working on a post for Bianca now!
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Post by purplemunster94 on Feb 14, 2013 15:10:14 GMT -5
Arianna
Arianna watched, hidden in one of the many secrets she had recently learned of the castle, as a new man was brought in to watch her. She sighed as her mother interviewed the man. All of the men were afraid of her mother, but this mans seemed to be very good at hiding it. She gave him credit for that, too bad she couldn't let him know where she was going, her mother would be furious.
She prepared for the dinner that she had with each man who was supposed to 'keep an eye on her.' Pulling on one of her many dresses, and mixing the sleeping potion with the wine that she would offer the man. She gave the wine to one of the girls setting the table and told her, the same that she always did, to sit it next to her spot.
“Mr. Miller, may I present Her Royal Highness, Arianna, Princess of Ellaris."
When she heard her name, she nodded to the men at the door, to open the doors. She walked into the room, as she had always been taught, with grace and strength. She curtsied to the man and smiled kindly.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Miller."
She sat down at the table and let the servers do their business. "May I ask what brought you here on this beautiful day?" She said, knowing full well why he was here, she found it suited her better to pretend she had no idea what her mother was up to. She smiled brightly, trying to come across as genuine, "Can I interest you in some of our castle's famous wine?" She nodded to the server nearest to her, to poor the man some wine.
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Post by atlantis on Mar 26, 2013 23:19:04 GMT -5
Bianca
“But what about the wedding?” she asked so quietly it was almost a whisper. The sun was setting over the forest in the west, casting everything with a warm glow.
“It’ll happen. I promise,” he answered soothingly. They were just outside the city walls, saying their goodbyes before she was sent off to the distant north once again. “For now,” her fiance continued, “we need to keep you safe. Your father knows what’s best for you, even if it means we should part.”
Bianca heaved a heavy sigh. “I know,” she said with a small groan. “I never get to be around for any of the interesting happenings.”
Audas kissed her forehead. “Just keep thinking of the day we wed. Won’t that be interesting?”
She couldn’t help but smile at this. But before she could respond, the captain of the royal guard called for her. It was time to go. Suddenly the area was filled with the sound of children’s voices before fading into a quiet nothingness.
She blinked and opened her eyes, noticing first the book still opened in her lap and then realizing she had dozed off while reading. She remembered her dream and immediately shut her eyes again to try and return to it.
At first, she had to admit, she didn’t understand when her father was so glad to have her marry Audas, but as she taught him the details of courtly life, she came to love his playful innocence and sense of adventure. It was true what they said: absence really did make the heart grow fonder. The more she remembered the short time they had spent together, the more she missed him and wished to see him again.
Which is why she had left Aaro. Or one of the reasons why. Life in Aaro was unbearably dull; it didn’t have to be, but her godmother did everything in her power to make sure it was. It wasn’t as though Bianca wanted to get into trouble-- just to have a little adventure. Maybe take a walk in the forest or explore the ships in the dock. Or at least something besides her lessons. She knew her godmother would be furious when she found the princess missing, but Bianca refused to be suffocated a moment longer. She would travel southward, in hopes of visiting her fiance-- and maybe even seeing her brother.
She had been gone for two days, having escaped with one of Lady Allister’s horses (whose mane she had unbraided to disguise him as a common horse), a cloak, and the dagger of her godmother’s third son, Owen. She doubted she’d have to use the weapon, but the kingdom was at war, so better safe than sorry.
No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t conjure her dream again. She was about to give up when she heard a child’s voice again. “Supper’s ready! Come eat!” She recognized it as the voice of one of the children from her dream and she hope for a fleeting moment that she had succeeded, but when the rest of the scene didn’t come flooding back to her mind, she knew she was wrong. Still she could hear the sound of two girls murmuring in quiet conversation coupled with the crackling of a fire.
She shut her book and slid it into her pack, climbing to her feet to investigate. Through the trees, she spotted two young girls huddled around a fire and nibbling at fish. Bianca hesitated; she didn’t know whether to leave them be, or try to figure out where their parents were. Then she saw the bear fishing in the creek not far away and her insides froze. She came closer to the girls, trying to seem as friendly and innocent as possible so she wouldn’t intimidate them and waved for their attention.
“Girls,” she whispered urgently, “I know you’ve only just sat down to dinner, but... there’s a bear down there. We should leave before he discovers us.”
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Post by Marli on Mar 31, 2013 22:30:45 GMT -5
Snow White
Snow White leaned closer to the fire, warming her body against the chill of the evening. With Oberon off in the steam, the sounds of the woods became more apparent. Suddenly the snap of a twig alerted her to another presence.
"Rosie," Snow White whispered. The lighter hair girl looked up from her fish questioningly. "Look over there." The older girl approached the campfire cautiously, eyes focused past them. Snow-White followed her gaze to where Oberon stood in the stream.
“Girls,” she whispered urgently, “I know you’ve only just sat down to dinner, but... there’s a bear down there. We should leave before he discovers us.”
"A bear! Where?" Rosie said aloud turning her head, "Oh you mean Ober--"
"Shh...!" Snow White hushed her sister and shifted her eyes nervously to the newcomer. "Ummm What my sister means is... that bear is... what I mean is... he's not really..." Snow White wasn't sure what to say exactly. Surely Oberon wouldn't want them to tell the girl about his curse, but at the same time she knew he wouldn't want them going off with her either. "... Umm... He's not dangerous because...."
She looked to Rosie, begging her to step in. Rosie nodded, "Yea you see Oberon is our... our pet bear!" Rosie stood up, "You see some people keep dogs or roosters but our.... stepfather... yea, our stepfather gave us a tame bear! Soo now were just taking him for a walk... no wait... to join the circus! Yea! We're going to join the circus and perform for the queen and the princess and everyone! Right Snow?"
Snow White sighed, she wasn't sure if Rosie could have come up with a more unbeileivable story, well, except that the bear was actually a human under a curse. "Yea... were joining the circus."
OT: Wasn't totally sure how to transition this one sooo yea XD I'll post with Oberon once Bianca responds to this silliness.
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Post by atlantis on Apr 1, 2013 22:58:48 GMT -5
Jack
The food between them was perfectly cooked, ornate, and aromatic. He tried to hide the sound of his stomach growling once again by sharing in her conversation. “I’m here to serve your mother in whatever way she requires,” he answered, taking a bite of the roasted chicken one of the servants had placed on his plate. “Today, it seems she desires that I should look after your safety.”
He watched as she offered him some wine, just as the crone in the street had said. The drink was inviting, a vibrant red in color beckoning with the smell of strawberries. “Of course,” he said, taking the goblet and giving the wine a taste. Only a moment later, he began to feel extremely tired.
Not wanting her to suspect anything, he downed the whole glass and took another large bite of chicken while reaching to his pocket for the bean. He hardly wanted to move anymore he was so sleepy, but he found it nonetheless. It was then that an idea occurred to him. He put his feet up on the table, kicking back in his chair, sure to seem as rude and over-the-top as possible. With the bean concealed in his hand he reached his fingers into his mouth to pick his teeth, swallowing the old woman’s gift in the process.
“You know, all that interrogation I had to go through just to get here was--” he gave as big a yawn as he could manage, without covering his mouth, “--so... exhausting. I guess. I know they only asked questions I should know the answers to, but... really. Do you think the queen would care if I rested a bit? I mean, you’re obviously safe here in the castle, so mission accomplished, right?”
He let his eyes droop, though already he was feeling more awake thanks to the bean. All shall go well indeed....
Bianca
Despite being utterly confused by the girl’s lie, she failed to suppress a small giggle. “The circus, hm? Well, not to brag, but I happen to be a princess. Once you’ve finished eating, would you mind if I preview your show? That is, if I’m not intruding...?”
Whether the bear was tame or not, she didn’t like the idea of leaving children to roam the forests alone. She wondered where this stepfather was, if he was even real. Were the girls orphans? Something new had risen within her, something that told her she should see them to safety, to home, and it only tugged at her all the more when she glanced at their paltry meal and their dirty hands and feet. She couldn’t quite explain it and she wasn’t even really sure what she was doing. Was it... a motherly instinct?
“I have some extra bread, if you’d like some,” she offered, hoping this might help earn their trust.
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Post by Marli on Apr 2, 2013 21:39:32 GMT -5
Snow White and Rose Red
“The circus, hm? Well, not to brag, but I happen to be a princess. Once you’ve finished eating, would you mind if I preview your show? That is, if I’m not intruding...? I have some extra bread, if you’d like some."
Snow White eyed the girl skeptically, unsure if she really believed the girl's claim. Red Rose, on the other hand, took to her more quickly. "A princess! Really? I've never met a princess...." The young girl said, eagerly taking a piece of the offered bread. "... Sometimes our mother would make medicines or potions for a noble person, but Snow and I always had to stay inside when they came..."
"If you're a princess," Snow White cut in sharply. "Why are you out in the woods alone? Even lower noblewomen travel with an escort, if your a princess you should have guards or at least a knight."
Oberon
After several minutes Oberon had his prize, a large trout, secured firmly between his great jaws. Despite the large puncture wounds inflicted by the bear's teeth, the fish still thrashed about wildly forcing Oberon to bite down harder until the creature lay still. Oberon could feel the sweet iron of its blood dripping down his gums and towards the back of his mouth.
There must have been a time, he mused, that such a sensation would have been revolting. His memories surrounding the first months after his transformation were hazy and incomplete but he remembered the first time he'd hunted as a bear. Weakened by a hunter's arrows and sick from the effects of magic he'd gone without for weeks. Though he had hunted in his previous life, he'd been unsuccessful in tracking game as a bear. The flood of smells, helpful to a common beast, were overwhelming his paws clumsy and incomplete. By the time the doe young had crossed his path, her back leg shattered by some force he knew not of, Oberon had been out of his mind with hunger. Animal instinct took over with a power that both enthralled and terrified him. He'd dragged his prize into a small thicket and feasted until he could eat no more. He'd spent that night in the thicket, sleeping soundly for the first time in weeks.
The next morning he had carefully washed the doe's blood from his fur.
That was the first memory he had that was clear, everything before that point had grown liquid and dreamlike. Oberon was unsure if this was part of the curse or just part of the passing of time but it frightened him. He'd grown very good at keeping his animal instincts at bay, especially around people, but holding onto his humanity had proven harder. The girls were like cubs to him, he didn't fear that he would attack them unwittingly, what he feared was that he would simply fade away. Content to live in the woods and eat fish and berries and live a a bear lives. What he feared is that he would lose the desire to change back.
Suddenly the wind shifted and a new scent caught his attention. Sweet. Human. Vaguely floral and... familiar.
Oberon looked up to see the twins talking with an older girl with long blonde hair. Memories flooded into his mind unbidden. A small garden behind a stone wall, the sound of birds and children's laughter. Three children lined up in a row, their features indiscernible save for the eyes which were all the same. The feeling of something small wiggling close to him, a little girl crawling in beside him after having a bad dream. Brother... Brother..
Oberon moved slowly towards the camp, dropping the fish a few yards before reaching the girls. He sniffed the air, moved cautiously. Remember Oberon, you're still a bear. Snow-White rose to meet him, and he stopped as she lay a spindly arm across his neck. "It's alright Oberon," She said softly. "She's nice..." Snow White looked up at the new girl, "Princess... this is Oberon."
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Post by purplemunster94 on Apr 3, 2013 2:19:28 GMT -5
Arianna
Arianna smiled, as the man quickly gulped down his wine. Soon enough he would be sound asleep, and she could yet again look for her brothers. As the man leaned back, closing his eyes, Arianna felt slightly guilty. She was stopping this man from doing the job he was assigned to do, however, she could never let her mother know what she was up to. Who knows what terrible things would happen to her brothers if her mother knew she had found them. After a few minutes passed, Arianna stood from the table and nodded to the few servants around. If you could kindly take Mr. Miller, up to where he is to rest for the night. She nodded before exiting the dinning hall, and heading to her room to wait until night fall, where her mother would be asleep. She knew the man would be right outside her door when she was ready to exit but she knew the men never woke up when she left her room.
Arianna paced back and forth in her bedroom, waiting for the precise time. She had changed from her extravagant dress, too a simpler, easier to move dress. Finally, it was late enough where everyone in the castle would be asleep. As quietly as she could she pushed open her door, and looked down to see Mr. Miller asleep. She looked both ways down the hall, then set off in the direction she remembered going the night she found her brothers. She was determined to find them again, and hoped that her mother had not found out about her finding them. She knew her mother would never let them survive if she knew.
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Post by atlantis on Apr 5, 2013 23:44:15 GMT -5
Bianca
"Why are you out in the woods alone? Even lower noblewomen travel with an escort, if you’re a princess you should have guards or at least a knight."
The mistrust saturated the girl’s voice and almost took Bianca by surprise. “I... sort of ran away,” she confessed. “I’m on my way to see my love. My godmother would murder me in my sleep if she knew I was out here on my own, but I couldn’t stand another day of her lecturing me on being a lady.” She realized suddenly that she was pouting and she shook her head to clear her thoughts.
From afar, she watched the bear stroll towards them, a careful hesitation in his step. The dark-haired child moved to bring him forward, introducing him. Something in his eyes-- a curious sort of awareness, a sense of dignity, a depth of soul-- told her to curtsy before him. “Please, call me Bianca,” she replied and, trembling, reached out a cautious and humble hand to stroke the fur around his nose.
Jack
It took ages for the princess to leave her room and his back ached from lying in the same position for so long. He worried that he might actually fall asleep just lying there and be forced to endure the queen’s wrath in the morning. But as anticipated, the Lady Arianna opened her door and tiptoed out once the entire castle had gone to bed. He waited for her to get far enough ahead so she wouldn’t notice him move and then climbed to his feet and stretched a moment.
The hall was mostly empty and he realized it would take all his skills as a master thief to follow her without being noticed. Wrapping a black cloak over his shoulders, he moved quickly yet silently down the hallway after her, careful to stay in the shadows several feet behind.
OT: will make an intro post for Owen soon. I’d do it now, only... it’s almost midnight and soon I will be transformed into a giant pumpk-- I mean.... I should go to bed.
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Post by atlantis on Apr 6, 2013 15:07:28 GMT -5
Owen
He was awakened by the pain of his hair being pulled and he realized his arms were being held tightly behind his back. “Come on, Mr. Allison,” a guard grumbled near his ear using the only name Owen had been able to imagine upon his interview with the queen. “It’s time to go tell m’lady what you’ve found out.”
With a sudden shock he looked out the window to see the sun shining in. It was morning. He had fallen asleep. He struggled against the guard’s grip but couldn’t break loose as he was led down to the throne room where Queen Roslyn waited.
She approached with a sly smirk and an intrigued stare and the guards held his arms out to either side so he stood before her completely open and vulnerable to attack. “So, master huntsman, have you returned to me with the information I require?”
Owen was now wildly aware of the number of guards in the room and the swords that rested at each of their sides. He tried again to get free. “Your daughter... tricked me,” he declared. “She must have slipped me something; I couldn’t stay awake, your highness.”
“That’s a pity,” Roslyn murmured, grabbing his chin with one delicate hand. “I rather liked you.”
One of the guards drew his sword and Owen pulled against those holding him once again. “Please, if I can only have another chance, I can return with an answer.”
Roslyn only laughed at his plea. “Now that wouldn’t be fair, would it? I didn’t give any of the others a second chance.” She wrapped her cloak closer to her neck and turned her back to him. “Kill him.”
The captain of the guard walked toward him, sword raised, and Owen at last yanked his arms free. The rest of the guard drew their swords as well, all of them charging at him at once. In a panic, he shoved the captain aside and ran toward one of the stained glass windows on the opposite wall, leaping through it. The glass shattered, bits of it sticking in his skin and clothes, and with a sinking realization he saw he was some fifteen feet in midair. He went crashing to the ground, his arm snapping under his weight and then his head hit the cobblestone road and everything went dark.
----
The next thing he remembered, a cloth was dabbing his forehead, warm and wet. He opened his eyes to see a woman staring back down at him and his memory slowly came back to him. “Where am I?” he asked but she put a finger over his mouth to quiet him. He glanced around the room to see it was small and wooden with only one candle for light.
Somewhere outside he could hear several men talking in angry voices. One was pleading with the others. “I don’t know where your prisoner is. I haven’t seen anyone matching that description,” it said.
“Your neighbor saw you bring him in here. Where are you hiding him?”
“I told you, there’s no one here b--” the voice was cut off and a loud thunk followed it. Beside Owen, the woman began to cry silently and he moved to get up, now understanding the guards were looking for him, but she pushed him back down with nothing more than a shake of her head.
“Please,” her husband’s voice begged again, “I don’t understand why you don’t believe me. I’ve served the people of Ellaris for decades, healing the sick and tending the wounded, and never caused any trouble. What reason do I have to lie to you?”
“I’ll give you one more chance, old man,” the guard replied gruffly. “Tell us where you’ve hidden him or it’ll be your head I take back to the queen.”
There was the sound of a door opening and footsteps entering. “Father? What--?”
“Samuel, go. It’s dangerous here,” the doctor spoke but a rush of footsteps told Owen the guards were attacking his son as well. Then there was an unexpected sound: the clash of metal on metal and the cries of several men as they lost their lives.
The wall of the room where Owen and the doctor’s wife were hidden shook as someone was thrown against it. “Where is the prisoner?” the guard asked again but before the doctor had a chance to respond, his body fell to the floor as well.
“What’s going on? What prisoner?” Samuel asked.
“Behind the bookcase,” the doctor replied feebly.
Now there was a sliding of wood and the door opened to reveal a sandy-haired young man and a room of slain guards. The doctor came to the door as well, panting as he did so, and Owen was pained to see the bruise on his face and a trickle of blood around his throat. He struggled to lift himself up, groaning as his right arm ached and he saw it was wrapped in a sling.
“You might’ve been killed if that arm hadn’t broken your fall,” the doctor explained.
“Thank you,” Owen said as the man’s wife began to wrap his head with clean, white linen. He saw the cloth she had used moments before was soaked in blood.
“Father, who is this?” Samuel asked.
“My name is Owen Allister. I have gold for your trouble. Or... I did.”
The doctor gestured to a small table beside the bed. “All your belongings are in the drawer there. I’m afraid more guards will come soon.”
Owen set his jaw. “I’ll turn myself in,” he said quietly.
“No,” the doctor answered, “The queen has murdered enough men. Samuel will lead you to safety.”
“What about them?” his son asked with a nod to the bodies behind him, voicing Owen’s own concerns. “You said it yourself; there will be others to follow.”
“I’ll take care of that, child,” the doctor replied, placing a hand on Samuel’s shoulder. “Now, go.”
Owen stood up, holding his injured arm. “How can I thank you for your help?”
“Don’t worry about it. Caring for those in need is what I do, Mr. Allister,” the doctor answered kindly. “But you should hurry. My son will show you to the monastery; Abbot Marlowe will take you in until it’s safe to leave. The guards aren’t likely to look for you there.”
“Come on,” Samuel ushered, leading him to the back door of the doctor’s small home and through the quiet alleys of Aldefirth.
----
The ceiling above was the same creamy white as always. As he stretched and sat up in bed, he saw the same arched windows and the same wooden door. The same robes laid out nearby and the same religious symbols decorated the walls. But today was different, he reminded himself as he pulled the heavy, brown cotton robe over his shoulders and tied the cord around his waist. Today was the day he would escape.
He had hidden here in the Church of St. Alexius for almost a year, accepted by the abbot provided he follow the rules of monastic life during his stay. The wounds he’d received in his escape from the castle were tended, the bandages originally wrapped by the doctor were changed, and a room was prepared for him. It was probably a week later he heard of the doctor’s execution; it seemed the old man had claimed he had killed the soldiers that came to his house to protect both his son and Owen.
He grabbed a piece of parchment lying on a table and scribbled a short note. Within it, he folded up a small dagger with a golden hilt and sheath, the only thing he had left to give, and went out into the hallway. Near the entrance of the monastery he found Brother Frederick and handed him the letter. “Will you please deliver this to the abbot?”
Frederick only gaped at it for a minute and then looked back at him with confusion. “Why don’t you deliver it?”
“I... have a bit of business to attend to in the city. I may not be back until later,” Owen fibbed. The monks knew who he was and the danger he could get himself in with what he was about to do. If he told the truth, Frederick would only have tried to stop him.
Without waiting for a counter argument, he pulled his hood over his head and left the monastery. Though the exits of the city were still heavily guarded, the memory of his escape had largely faded from the populace and navigating the streets unseen had become simple. He met Samuel Abbey, now a close friend, under the shade of the castle wall, making sure no guards were lurking nearby before removing his hood.
After his father’s execution, Sam’s mother had died of depression. Now there was nothing left in the city but bad memories. With the added pressures of the queen’s war policies and poor leadership, Sam was determined to leave Ellaris and bring Roslyn’s reign to an end. In exchange for his help, Owen had promised to bring him along to Agrandar once he escaped and so the two had devised a plan.
“Remember, the council will be held in the Main Hall,” Samuel advised, handing him his crossbow and a lightweight sword. “There will be fewer guards on the walls during that time but more surrounding the entrances to the castle.”
“Right,” Owen nodded as he accepted the weapons.
“Find out what you need to know, then stay hidden until nightfall. I’ll wait for you on top of the tavern over there,” Sam said, pointing at a building close to the primary entrance to the castle courtyard. “Fire an arrow at the roof to signal you’re ready and I’ll distract the guards in the front.”
Owen exhaled loudly, releasing all the worry built up in his gut. “Thank you for doing this.”
“It’s nothing. Just don’t forget: we’re leaving Aldefirth together.”
OT: This is before Arianna and Jack’s current positions and will soon sync up with them. I just ran out of time to finish it before work. Hopefully I’ll get to type more when I get home tonight.
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Post by atlantis on Apr 7, 2013 1:07:12 GMT -5
Owen
He climbed the wall skillfully, praying he would make it to the top without being spotted. He climbed over the edge and found the door to the west tower unlocked. Inside, however, was a member of the royal guard; he drew his sword quickly and slit the man’s throat before he even had a chance to give a shout of warning to the castle. After changing from his monk’s robes into the guard’s armor, he hid the body in a spare suit of armor standing against the wall and descended the staircase trying to appear as normal as possible.
Samuel had been right about the location of the guards. The doors to the main hall were practically surrounded. He would have to find another way in.... He sneaked around the stone walls and came to a kitchen entrance, sidling past a few servants as they pushed in and out of the door. He grabbed a slice of bread that was laying on a table and continued on through, happy to find a quiet hallway where the conversation in the next room could be overheard.
Leaning against the wall, he listened as one of the generals spoke of a letter they had received. “If our Agrandian ally is correct, the enemy plans on attacking Grimpointe soon, my queen, exploiting our weakened numbers there.”
Agrandian ally...? They mean a spy.
“We must send reinforcements there at once,” another general said.
“And weaken our capital?” argued yet another. “We must remain strong here and keep our queen safe.”
“My queen,” pleaded a fourth, “perhaps this is the time to consider peace?”
“Fool!” shouted the first. “Our princes were murdered by those heathens. We must never surrender.”
“Then we’ll all die,” responded the pacifist.
But slowly a hush fell over the group, as though they were bewitched. “Empty the prisons,” Queen Roslyn instructed. “Both the prison here and the one in Grimpointe and force the prisoners to fight. Their lives are already wasted on their crimes. It’s time they redeem themselves.”
“Yes, my lady,” answered the first general and the argument was settled.
“Once Grimpointe is safe again,” the queen continued, “we’ll launch another attack on Asgerdon. I want to see the King’s blood. Without him, Agrandar will fall to ruin. Who do they have to take his place but that idiot girl and the moron to whom she’s betrothed?”
“Whatever her majesty commands, it shall be given to her,” replied one of the generals.
An icy knot formed in the pit of Owen’s stomach at the bitterness of her words. He stood straight again and sneaked back down the hallway and out the kitchen entrance. He needed to find a place to hide until night fell. Across the courtyard he saw a young man with dark hair being led by a group of guards to one of the towers on the south end of the castle. Probably another victim trying his luck at tracking the princess. Poor fool. Then he realized. He could follow the princess tonight; she wouldn’t be able to trick him this time.
With a quickened heart, he re-entered the west tower and scoured the castle until he found the perfect perch among the hallway rafters to wait for evening. He could see the princess’s door clearly from his position. The unfortunate guard was laid beside it, slouched in deep sleep. Eventually, the Lady Arianna left her room as expected and began to wander down the hallway. But before Owen moved to follow her, he was startled to see the guard get up and walk down the hallway.
He couldn’t let this distract him, though. He was determined to see for what purpose his life had been endangered a year ago. He climbed down and followed the princess’s guard down through the castle to an area he didn’t even know existed.
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Post by Zabby on Apr 8, 2013 23:35:56 GMT -5
AudasAudas watched the Prince of Agrandar walk away with a sinking heart. He didn't have the first clue how to approach the Black Knight (though he reminded himself that apparently neither did anyone else). He let out a long exhale and walked back toward his tent, catching sight of a young Lord around his own age. Silas was a sort of odd duck around the camp, Bianca’s godbrother, and perhaps the closest thing to a friend Audas had found yet. He liked to watch the inventor work, to see what kinds of things he could bring into existence simply by imagining them. “What are you making today?” he asked, mostly to take his mind off the meeting. SilasHearing Audas’ voice, Silas looked up. He smiled at the Prince, lifted up the fabric he was working on. “I’m trying to make protective clothing as light as a tunic, but as strong as plate mail. It’s not quite working out the way I had hoped,” he replied. Then he placed his work off to the side. “How about you? You look a little unnerved.” Audas"The usual," he answered as he flopped onto the ground, blowing his hair up and out of his face. "The Black Knight hates me, the generals all think I'm a failure, and apparently I'm supposed to magically learn military strategy over the course of a few months. The council was a complete mess; no one will listen to anything another person has to say. How are we supposed to fight a war if we can't agree on anything?" With a mischievous smirk, he added, “I yelled at Lord Draycote a little bit.” Then as an afterthought, “I should probably apologize, though. I mean, he is a general. I guess I owe him a little respect.” Silas“Draycote is an ass and everyone knows it,” responded Silas with a smirk. “Don’t apologize to him. He doesn’t deserve it.” Then Silas sighed. “This war will be the end of all of us though. It’s been going on for far too long and only men you shouldn’t have to worry about like the blood thirsty Black Knight and the high and mighty Lord Draycote enjoy it. You don’t have to be a great strategian or a man-slayer. In fact, it would be better if we could end this war without all that violence.” AudasHe listened silently, taking in Silas's words. "Why can't there be more people like you in the council? Why all these fools and braggarts and sycophants?" He shook his head. "At any rate, it looks like we'll be heading to battle soon, so I hope your armor works out before then,” he added cynically. Then an idea occurred to him. “We’re supposed to launch a scouting expedition to Grimpointe. We could use your level-headedness on the journey.” Silas“Hmmm....” Silas thought as he rubbed his chin. “I dunno Audas. I’m not exactly made for adventuring.” Then Silas remembered how much fun he had on the adventure with his brothers to reclaim the horse when he was younger. “Who would be going along with us?” Audas“Well, so far, just me and Sir Laughs-a-Lot....” He wasn’t looking forward the trip very much himself. His future brother-in-law wasn’t the ideal company, especially for long periods of time. Silas“If that’s the case, I’d better come with you. Sir Stick-up-his-butt isn’t going to let anyone on his precious mission unless the King himself orders it, and I’d rather you not be left alone with that killer. How do I sign up?” AudasA wave of gratitude filled him so quickly he almost leapt to his feet. Instead, he tried to seem aloof. “That’d be great. I suppose we’ll have to speak with His Majesty. We should hurry, though, before he returns to the capital.” SilasStanding up and making a mock bow, Silas teased, “Lead the way, my Prince.” AudasHe grinned awkwardly at the joke before dashing off toward the north side of the camp where he hoped the king was still talking to the other generals. It felt good to run and he didn’t mind all the people watching them with scornful glances. They were in luck; King Vincent, though on his horse, was still held up in conversation with Lord Draycote. As they approached, he could hear the general’s voice over the thump of his own feet. “How can I take the fool seriously? He hardly understands basic math, much less the complicated situations of battle. Please, my lord, I wish you would reconsider. Have your daughter marry another, more suitable--” “That’s enough,” the King said with a hand to silence him. “If you trust in me, you will do as I say.” Audas slowed to a walk as he came within a few feet of Vincent’s horse, eyeing Draycote carefully and hoping he would walk away. He did; but not before disgracing him with an over-zealous bow. Audas gave a low growl without even thinking about it, watching the general leave until the King spoke to him from behind. “Did you need anything, Audas?” He whirled around, almost getting dizzy in the process and bowed deeply. “Sir, I’m glad I caught you before you went back to the capital. It’s my wish that your godson Lord Silas Allister might accompany the Black Knight and myself on our scouting mission. And his wish as well. I mean, that is, if you wish our wishes to be....” He realized he was rambling and stopped himself before he looked too much like the fool Draycote saw him as. King Vincent only laughed slightly. “You wish to go to Ellaris, Silas?” SilasBowing to the King in a noble manor, very unlike the sarcastic one he gave to Audas earlier, Silas said, “It would bring me no greater pleasure, my Lord than to keep Audas company on this task and prevent the Black Knight from removing his head from the rest of his body.” Of course, Silas didn’t know about the magic that prevented the Black Knight from hurting them, he meant what he said in all seriousness. He did not trust that Knight as far as he could throw him and did not want Audas to be going alone. Silas always spoke his mind with the King and had no way of knowing that the Knight was Dylan. Continuing he said, “Speaking of the Black Devil, are we finally going to see what he looks like under that fabled armor or is our mission going to be in vain because one of our most well known soldiers is going to tramps around the Ellarian countryside?” AudasHe saw a flicker of sadness catch in the King’s face-- only for a moment-- and then gone. He supposed it would be hard to live the way Bianca’s family had lived for so long. “I... I’m sure we’ll be able to work something out,” he said quietly, more to reassure his father-to-be than as an answer to Silas’s question. Dylan“Great,” echoed the eerie voice of the Black Knight. “I’ll be working with not just one complete moron, but two. I honestly don’t understand why you want these buffoons running around causing problems in a mission that only requires one person.” SilasHearing the voice of the Black Knight, Silas jumped a little. He couldn’t see the familiar black armor anywhere. Then he identified it coming from a suit of armor that looked Ellarian in make. “Well I’ll be,” said Silas in a scathing tone. “You are more than a walking piece of armor. I’ll have to take back my requests to disassemble and re-create you with some manners” Then turning back to the King, Silas said, “Your Grace, is there any way you could simply send Audas and me? I honestly don’t think this man’s place is scouting. He belongs on the battlefield, where he has proven himself a great asset.” OT: This is what Dylan looks like now- images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110217220904/dragonage/images/7/79/OrlesianWardenArmor.pngAudasThe presence of the not-so-Black Knight astounded him. He almost thought he had somehow transfigured himself into a nicer person-- but then Prince Dylan spoke and quickly ruined that dream. “I can assure you, Silas,” the King said, “that the Black Knight is no threat to any citizen of our kingdom. As for whether or not he should have a presence in enemy territory... though each of you are young, he has far more experience with the nature of the task. And the mission was initially proposed by him.” Audas was hardly listening. He was tense with anger at Dylan’s insults, gritting his teeth at his brother-in-law. “Silas is no moron,” he argued. “He makes more sense than all the Lords of this camp combined. Call me what you like, but leave him alone, you tin can.” DylanLetting out a snort, Dylan turned his back on this conversation. “If you value your lives,” he responded cryptically. “You’ll stay behind and let me do this mission by myself.” Then he started to walk off. He wasn’t going to give that fool Audas the honor of a response. Hopefully this would be enough to scare them off. It would be so much easier for him to reach the princess if he did it on his own rather than having to deal with those two. Silas“As you wish, my Lord,” said Silas obviously annoyed. He smiled back at Audas when his friend defended him, and he was about to dig into the Black Knight himself when the man left, threatening their lives. “Well that’s very comforting,” he muttered more to himself than anyone else. AudasHe was still seething as the young prince walked away. The threat didn’t bother him. It was the Black Knight’s smug attitude. He heard the King sigh quietly, watching after his son. “You will have a few days to prepare. In that time, Lord Draycote will have appointed a ship that will take you across the sea, depositing you safely on the other side.” Audas bowed his head. “Yessir.” “And Audas? Keep him out of trouble,” Vincent added with a nod to his son before prodding his horse to head home. Audas nodded but when the King had gone he couldn’t help but frown over his last request. “How are we supposed to do that? That guy’s impossible....” Silas“I really don’t know Audas,” Silas replied. “It really baffles me why the King even entertains a guy like that. I swear, he must’ve done something in the past to prove his loyalty or something because if this was any other man, his head would be a pike somewhere by now.”
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Post by purplemunster94 on Apr 9, 2013 0:40:06 GMT -5
Arianna
Arianna quietly made her way through the halls. Slowly looking around each corner to make sure there was no one down each hall. She knew she had to be close, she had been down these halls so many times, she traced her hand over a mark she had made so she could figure out where she had already looked. She closed her eyes and rubbed her temples trying to remember where she had turned. She had to find her brothers, her mother had to be stopped, the whole reason this war was still going on was because Agrandar apparently killed the princes, which she knew to be false, but how could she prove it if she didn't know where they were. Arianna jumped slightly, and opened her eyes looking behind her and around each corner. She really needed to get more sleep, she could have sworn she heard something.
Arianna glanced over her shoulder once more before heading off down a different hall than she had the night before. "Where can it be, I have to be getting close."She whispered under her breath. Every part of her, told her to just take a rest, clear her mind, but she knew the more time she tried to save for herself, the more lives that would be lost.
Arianna stopped suddenly when she heard voices. Her breath caught in her throat and she forced herself to look around the corner. She had found the cell, she could just see the head of one of her brothers. Just as she was about to run to them, she froze, standing in front of the cell were 4 or 5 guards, who hadn't been there the first time. Arianna's stomach dropped, somehow her mother had become suspicious of Arianna finding them. She took a few deep steadying breaths then sat on the ground behind a suit of armor, where she could still see the cell. Maybe if she waited long enough the guards would leave, Arianna couldn't leave, she knew that she wouldn't be able to find the cell again, for many more weeks, she had to save her brothers.
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