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| The Crystal Palace; Early Morning | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jun 27 2011, 09:17 PM (1,102 Views) | |
| Ryver Vierfort | Sep 9 2011, 09:13 PM Post #31 |
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Ryver stood with his hands at the ready by his side, in case she were to fall from the pain again. He did not want the Queen to be injured and he could have done something about it. What she spoke of.. The feelings of pain and agony about how she didn't belong, and that there was so much more than just this world.. He understood. And he looked at the ruler with a newly found sense of appreciation. To take on the land and do everything you could for it's future, all the while knowing that you could never quit, never be allowed to rest from such an endless task of living... It had to be maddening. "Of course I will stay your Highness. Forever is this palace my post and it's ruler my commander. My bond to this place is also my purpose, though I won't bore you with pointless details and stories, I feel like there was a life before this one, and I was merely a lost soul before I found purpose and being here.." Realizing that he had begun to ramble, Ryver straightened his back and bowed to the Queen. The glistening inner walls of the palace gave the room an open and free feeling, and as he stood with his adolescent build and innocent eyes, he stretched his wings out wide with a sigh of comfort. "Your majesty, you should sit until the pain passes. At least then you will not have to worry about your physical state more than you need to. I understand that you must appear strong for those who rely on you, but you cannot be strong for them unless you take care of yourself. Please, do not strain your body more than necessary." His reverberating voice sounded nearly foreign to him. He could not remember long into his past. Only a few years back, and changes about himself seemed to start back as soon as his remembering did. A new voice, wings, body, soul, and heart. Somewhere there was a different person inside who wondered and marvelled at it's current form, like now, but never remembered a single thing about the one before it. |
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| Serenity | Sep 9 2011, 10:01 PM Post #32 |
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Goddess of Light
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Listening to his words, she nodded slightly; she knew he was right and if she were to have another unexpected visitor, she would appear to be an unfit leader. Moving around the desk, she sat herself back down in the large chair, adjusting her rather awkward dress. The Goddess sighed slightly as she felt that today was already becoming a long day, and really it had only just begun for her. “You have always been so wise, I am glad that you chose to have a new life…,” she said with a soft smile, pulling a stack of parchment from the draw of her desk and placing it in front of her “it is nice to have someone around whom understand the ways of the immortals. Although I am mortal, my spirit is not and… It does become a little lonely. Alas, one should not focus on what has been, but what is and what will be. While we await my phoenix‘s return, I should focus on writing out the invitations to the peace banquet, in aid of uniting the elves. You may help, if you like.” A warm smile was given to him as she gestured towards the seat opposite her on the other side of the desk. From the same draw which had produced the parchment, she pulled out a spare quill and placed it in the ink pot, pushing it into the middle of the desk. The Goddess then brushed back a few stray strands of pure white hair from her vision, getting comfortable. She knew the workload was going to be quite heavy. “I understand if you don’t want to…,” she said, dipping her own quill into the ink pot and beginning to write on the parchment in front of her after placing some of it in front of the spare seat “I am just trying to make sure that you are not bored in my presence while we wait.” |
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| Ryver Vierfort | Sep 11 2011, 12:24 AM Post #33 |
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Ryver hesitated. The words had been on the tip of his tongue. He didn't know how to read or write. It had never been a problem for him, he'd never had to in his existence.. But now, as he was about to reply that he would like to but couldn't.. It had come to him, markings of strange shapes and swirls, symbols that stood for sounds, letters, mixed together in a music all their own, able to describe, name, and shape the world in thousands of ways. He smiled broadly and nodded his head. "I would love to your highness. I would absolutely love to." Sitting down across from her, Ryver again smiled at the Queen with the feeling of a child who had discovered that he could make a ball bounce by his own power, euphoria, "Who, may I ask, are we to be writing too? A peace banquet will most likely be exclusive, yet grandly populated. Did you have anyone special in mind?" Ryver felt his eagerness showing through and took a calming breath. He was an angel, something he had heard people speak of as mere fantasy.. What did that mean exactly? He had spent all of his time in the forest laying in a tree, or playing in the waters. He didn't know where he came from, what he was supposed to do, he didn't even know what his wings were for, other than keeping the rain off of him. As far as he could tell, he was like most humans and elves. He just had a small amount of magic, of which he had discovered by accident. He had had his sword and robe as long as he could remember, and he had only recently noticed that his hands and feet felt somewhat larger, his arms longer, and his head was closer to low-hanging branches than normal.. The world was truly an adventure.. Looking down at his hands he thought of the Goddess and her words.. Was he wise? Or just ignorant enough that he hadn't formed anything foolish to say.. Did it matter? He turned his eyes back to the Queen and tilted his head. What did a Queen, a Goddess nonetheless, spend her time thinking about? But no... He shouldn't concern himself with such things. He had to remain happy, so that the Queen would, somebody had to keep her smiling. |
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| Serenity | Sep 20 2011, 10:04 AM Post #34 |
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Goddess of Light
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The Goddess pondered his question for a long moment; there were many clans, even races of elves that would need to be invited, and to leave out one would surely cause an uproar. Perhaps civil war. This was a delicate situation and Serenity knew it. Having thought about it, she nodded to herself and looked to Ryver. “Send one to Kivan Faldorn? He will spread the word to the Wood Elves. High Priestess of the Temple of Kalindra, shall also need an invitation. Oh, and could you perhaps write out some vague ones? I shall have Lorthos Feywalker deliver them to anyone else whom might be of Elven origin.” She requested, before a look of realisation washed over her “Ryver… Do you think it prudent to invite the Emperor? I have after all granted him sanctuary should he need it… And he is Elven… Perhaps his presence could solve the war? He might come back to us.” The white haired girl looked to the angelic being before her hopefully, wondering if he would agree with her. She wasn’t the type to have her subjects forced to agree with her, so she was truly looking for his opinion and not empty words. |
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| Ryver Vierfort | Sep 22 2011, 11:14 PM Post #35 |
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Ryver tilted his head and put his hand on his chin.. The emperor. A devastatingly powerful title, and Ryver had heard little about the man, more about what he had done, which spoke clearly enough. Would his presence solve the war? No. He knew the Queen was being optimistic, but he did not want to entertain such a fickle hope. However, getting the emperor back together with other elves would perhaps begin to bridge the abyssal depths that had formed in the formal world. "The emperor.. I think it is wise for you to hold such an unbiased view my Queen. Do I think that his attendance will help quell the turmoil of the years past? I have to say that I don't. But what harm could it cause to have him here. When they enter these borders under a peaceful flag they are all friends. This all countrymen of the Kingdom of Light have held." At this he sat on a chair and pulled out a quill with which he dipped in ink and began scratching the name Kivan Faldorn upon it. His eyes were trained on the paper, but he still spoke to the Queen as he wrote. "But let us not forget, he does not hold such views, and some of the other guests may not look kindly upon his presence. We have to tread lightly, but sincerely. Both of which I believe you capable of doing your Highness. Please, do not dwell to heavily upon this decision however, for your mind will become clouded with worry, you must remember that in the darkest of times, and the most shadowed of lands, a guiding light will always be there as long as you have the faith to look." The scratching of Ryver's pen upon yellowed paper stopped abruptly. Where had that come from? Those were not his words, that hadn't even sounded like his voice. Looking up to the Queen he had an unspoken question on his face. Did she understand what was going on? She was a young girl, but something deep inside of him cried out to a well of knowledge he felt hidden underneath. This woman, there was something locked inside of her. And somehow, he knew, it had the answers.. Abruptly rising off of his chair, Ryver knelt with his head hung in shame. "Forgive me my Queen, I have spoken out of term, I should merely have offered advice of which an adviser would have given. I have spoken too sincerely as if you have not already thought of these situations and circumstances. I have insulted your capabilities and wisdom, and for this I offer my deepest regrets and apologies." What had gotten into him, he knew how to show respect to someone more deserving than himself, why had he made such a fool of himself? He felt his cheeks redden. He knew better than this. |
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| Serenity | Sep 29 2011, 01:12 PM Post #36 |
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Goddess of Light
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Serenity watched him tilt his head and begin to think about what she had asked him. With the pause between her question and his response, she felt as though she had been a little bit too optimistic. The white haired young woman looked down to the quill in her hand, dipping it into her inkpot and idly doodling little flowers on a spare piece of parchment nearby. She was listening to Ryver’s voice, but she didn’t want to look at him; he made her feel like a child sometimes. “I understand,” she said as he finished sharing his opinion “I just want to avoid excluding him because of what has happened. I do not wish for him to ask why he wasn’t invited. I hold no qualm with him, despite the war. I still love him as a brother. I would hope that people would set aside differences, as that is what the party is for, after all.” Her blue eyes looked to the angel as the scratching of Ryver's pen upon yellowed paper stopped abruptly. She tilted her head slightly in curiosity as he seemed to be confused. Serenity didn’t have any knowledge that Ryver hadn’t learnt how to write, or that he was having difficulty understanding. As he got up from his chair and spoke with the look of a naughty child, all Serenity could do was smile. Placing down her quill, she rose up from her chair and walked around the desk to the angel, attempting to take his hands gently in a compassionate manner. “Ryver, look at me…,” she instructed as she tried to look him in the eyes “I want your true opinions. I do not wish to be spoon-fed words that I wish to hear. If I wished to hear what I wanted to hear, I would have sent for one of my councillors. I want you to share your thoughts and feelings when I ask for them. You are a completely different person to me, an individual. Every day you have different experiences to me, experiences I cannot have, so your advice… your true advice, is important to me. Please, do not look so bashful because you have been honest.” |
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| Ryver Vierfort | Oct 6 2011, 11:25 PM Post #37 |
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Ryver turned up his head, he spoke with a true friend, this he knew, but since it was a true friend he must offer his whole advice. "Thank you your Highness, but since we are on such terms, I have to say, that you must be more strong with your words, if you allow an unleashed tongue to spout whatever it wishes in your throne room, what guidance can you show for your people. Yours is a burden few in the world can take, and the heavens above know that none could ever do it alone, but I think you are one of the few, and you are not alone." Ryver stood and returned to his place at the desk, while writing, he had finished the invitation, and knew the others would come just as easily. His scratching quill resumed while he thought aloud. "Let us then welcome the emperor with open arms, and treat him as any guest. We must show him hospitality but not favoritism. And if we are to perform such a social act, we must inform the Kingdom, so that they also will show their hospitality to our guests. Some may not want to listen, but that is where you must be a strong leader and make them." Yet another invitation slid across the table. "But your Highness, ultimately the decision rests on your shoulders, and none can decide for you. As much as I wish I could help, the only capabilities I have are guarding this castle with my life and offering you what advice I see fit. But.. Tell me, I do not remember much, I know many people dislike the Empire, and the Kingdom of Darkness. And I thought we were a loving and peaceful country.. Why then do we despise them so? Perhaps some of them are bad, but we have bad people in our lands as well. I don't know if I understand.." Ryver slid one last finished invitation across the table before he looked up with the sadness of a child who has to grow up in his eye and waited for the Queen. He didn't know what it was to hate. Or love, or enjoy or be playful. But right now he felt sad. And it was not a pleasant experience. In the forest everything had been quiet and he had felt nothing, that had been worse than anything however. |
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| Serenity | Oct 17 2011, 12:13 PM Post #38 |
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Goddess of Light
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Returning to her place on the other side of the desk, she sat herself down and brushed the creases out of her dress. Looking up to him with her bright blue eyes, she smiled warmly. He had misunderstood the situation and over simplified it. “We do not despise them, we are just protecting those whom need protection. The Emperor ruled a little more strictly than I. He loved our people so much that when it came for him to step down, he did not wish to. Sorin is still our brother, he is just a little lost. I begged him not to leave, but his temper had gotten the better of him. He is hostile to us, like a scorned child. I have let him know that he is welcome home whenever he wished to return.” She thought back to Sorin’s earlier appearance in the throne room and all she could do was pray that one day his temper would subside towards her. His aggression towards the very people he once cared for, broke her heart every time. Then her mind wandered to the God of Darkness, and with the very thoughts, she turned a shade paler. In every lifetime, he had always been a cruel, cruel man whom she had only ever defended herself against. “As for the Kingdom of Darkness… Their God, he wishes our people dead. He is merciless. I have watched him, lifetime after lifetime, attempt to destroy these lands. I do not hate him, but I have to protect those I care for, from him. If I could have one wish, just one, is that there could be peace but as long as he is… the way he is, there cannot be.” Serenity looked down to the parchment sadly. She had not been the one to start the war, nor continue it. |
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| Samuel Holystone | Nov 13 2011, 03:32 AM Post #39 |
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Lord of House Holystone, Lord Regent of the Kingdom of Light
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As Samuel strode up the great pathway toward the palace, his cloak dragging behind him, his mind drifted. How many weeks had it been? Was the light of all lights well? He would soon have his answers. The two guardsmen standing at the maw of the mighty stronghold gave a snappy salute, easily picking out the clothes Samuel usually wore, the rich blue silks with a red crested jewel resting on his chest, and the equally impressive cape that befitted his station, the great collar smothered his neck, his green eyes, piercing with each glance, and deep brown hair, almost black (most said that was a curse) marked him as Lord Samuel Holystone: "Lord Samuel, you've returned, I'm sure her highness will be pleased to hear of your return." Each of those words were forced, he knew, reputation preceded Samuel Holystone, a grim man from a grimmer past, said to have associated himself with the corpses of men a bit too well. "Is her highness well?" said Samuel as a strange sense of panic washed over him The guardsman lifted up his visor, peering at Samuel as if he had just been told his family had been slaughtered. "Her highness is as she normally is, Lord Samuel." Samuel stared the man right in eyes. "Well then take me to her." The guardsman nodded firmly, his visor dropping over his face. "Right this way, mi'lord." Samuel was overwhelmed by the beauty of the stronghold, carved out of flawless diamond, the first time he had saw it, he remembered crying from how perfect it was. They walked down the various halls at a muted pace, several minor lords and ladies saw him and backed against walls, muttering amongst themselves, Samuel frowned at them, his gaze soon making them drop into silence. He saw that the throne was empty of the queen, and his heart skipped a beat, panic barraging him again. "Why isn't she on the throne?" Samuel said, trying to kept the paranoia out his tone. "The Emperor visited today, mi'lord, it's made the Queen troubled." Upon the mention of Sorin, Samuel's temper flickered, the man who had duped him and used him more times than he cared to count, dangling his endless debt over his head like an axe. "I didn't ask what happened today, Guard. Where is the queen?" Samuel didn't bother to keep a calm tone, which caused several of his fellow advisers to begin muttering again. "Right this way, mi'lord." the guard kept his composure well, Samuel noted as he calmed. He was lead into a thin corridor segregated from the grand room that court was held in, the guardsman promptly knocked on the door and Samuel pushed in open, he made out the Queens features quickly, and he bent his knee, his cloak swaying behind him. "Your majesty." She sat on a great chair behind a desk, a face that Samuel couldn't quite make out by her side. Edited by Samuel Holystone, Nov 14 2011, 08:51 AM.
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| Serenity | Nov 13 2011, 08:18 PM Post #40 |
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Goddess of Light
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Turned her gaze upwards from the parchment, looking past the angel sat before her to the door as the brief knocking sound was emitted from it. Before she had a chance to answer, the girl jumped as the door swung open harshly and he eyes landed on the face of Samuel. Out of politeness, she rose from her seat as he dropped to one knee; something she had time and time again told him off for doing yet he refused to listen to her. Serenity seemed concerned as she moved around the desk to get a better look at the Lord. “M’lord, what troubles you so? It is not like you to barge in like this.” the goddess said as she glanced to the guardsman; an instructive look to which he bowed his head and closed the door as he left, taking post outside. Samuel had been away for weeks and was, at least in Serenity’s mind, insanely protective. She naturally assumed that the hurried entry was due to him missing her and his joy to be home once more, although she stood there and awaited his explanation never the less. She did wonder why he would hurry back in such a manner as he did; he loved the ocean, hence his career as a Captain of a ship. The white haired queen mused briefly about why he never pursued the rank of Admiral; he could most certainly do it, with all that nautical nonsense he would throw at her when speaking of naval tactics. Remembering her manners, she gestured with an open hand towards the angelic being sat at the desk. She was sure they had met before, however it was better to be excessively polite than sorry, especially with Lord Holystone. Even Serenity herself always made sure to not upset him. She had heard the rumours of what happened to people that had, although she took them with a pinch of salt. “I trust you have met Sir Vierfort? The guardian? He was just helping me with some diplomatic issues I was having.” she informed with a small smile, however the concern hadn’t vanished from her eyes. |
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| Samuel Holystone | Nov 13 2011, 08:32 PM Post #41 |
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Lord of House Holystone, Lord Regent of the Kingdom of Light
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A flush came to Samuel's face upon realizing the rashness of his entry, the worries he had been fostering in the corner of his mind disappeared, replaced by a sense of shame and relief that she was fine. "I apologize, your highness, it has been some time and I am in haste to give my reports upon the conditions of the navy." He rose up from the kneeled position, glancing as the goddess extended a hand toward the face he had failed to recognize when he had entered, a small smile upon her lips. "Sir Vierfort, it is nice to see you." he said, looking the angel up and down, he was always confused by such things, but he had always watched Vierfort closely at Court, distrusting of him for some strange reason. "Your highness, it seems that the Elves are acting strangely at the docks, smuggling operations have been importing substances best not discussed, I've enforced a basic marine guard, but I cannot do much to stop them elsewhere, you know the cunning of their race." Samuel shot a hesitant glance around the study "I was told Emperor Sorin was in attendance before. Did he do any harm?" Edited by Samuel Holystone, Nov 14 2011, 08:49 AM.
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| Serenity | Nov 14 2011, 01:57 PM Post #42 |
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Goddess of Light
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Serenity took a moment to think; the Dark Elves had always tried to kidnap people from the Kingdom of Light whom were wandering on their own, or ship slaves in through the docks. They also, on occasion, attempted to smuggle herbs in from the Kingdom of Darkness, herbs that were sometimes used as narcotics when crushed. “We were just discussing how to settle the elves down, oddly enough. We are to be holding an event in the next week for all elves to gather and hopefully settle some of the tensions. Perhaps if we do this, the problem at the docks will relax.” she informed him as she moved back to sit down on the high chair at her desk, neatening the skirt of her dress. Her blue eyes removed themselves from her own attire to look at the Lord. A warm smile crept across her features as he worriedly looked around as he asked about the Emperor. It was the reaction many had when hearing of their former “King”. It amused her somewhat; for as bad with his temper as Sorin was, he wasn’t stupid enough to march into the crystal palace and cause a problem. “Of course not. He did not bring harm to anyone or anything; although it was a rather odd encounter. His general was here not long before the Emperor himself arrived. Eddard asked me to ally with him, and not the Empire as a whole. I believe there is some foul play afoot, so I decided to tell him that I would think about it.” she paused for a moment, briefly biting at her bottom lip before continuing “Sorin knows that I would never turn him away if he wished to come home, anyway. That’s what is important. I would never act offensively towards the Empire, only defensively. As you know.” |
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| Samuel Holystone | Nov 14 2011, 04:48 PM Post #43 |
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Lord of House Holystone, Lord Regent of the Kingdom of Light
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Samuel listened to her words and fought back the urge to scream at her. The High General of the Empire asking for her to ally with him?! Surely she could sense the trap there! He brushed a lock of hair from his face and sighed, trying to keep his composure. "Your Highness, surely you are suspicious of Sir Eddard? The man is cold and cunning." He had chatted with Eddard several times towards King Sorin's fall, and he had never got along with the man, thought he did admire his cunning and grasp of tactics. He sighed, pushing the distracting thoughts aside, but as he was about to speak an armored shape came through the door, with the guardsman behind calling out after him. It took Samuel a few moments to make out his brother behind that helmet, the eyes, whilst the same colour as his, were colder and seemed to stare into your soul, he had grown a small mustache around his mouth, brown hair running in a circle around his lips, and the distinctive red cloak Walden Holystone had donned for himself along with the silver longsword that always hung at his lap, the rest of his shape was hidden behind plate. He simply nodded at his brother, who went a side and stood away from the conversation. "As for the Dark Elves, your highness....I console you to keep them outside the town and under a close vigil, we cannot have them near the townsfolk, spreading horrible rumors and selling that...dark weed." Samuel tried to hide a shudder, the very mention of the Dark Elves horrified him, and the notion of taking lunch with them was a terrifying prospect, the Slave Lords wanted his blood for his refusal to pay his father's debts, and he found himself fingering the hilt of his cutlass, eyes downcast. Edited by Samuel Holystone, Nov 14 2011, 05:08 PM.
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| Serenity | Nov 14 2011, 06:20 PM Post #44 |
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Goddess of Light
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“Cunning, perhaps,” she said, nodding in slight agreement with him “however the man is far from cold. Another thing he is not, apparently, is loyal to the Emperor. If he is not loyal to his Emperor, I cannot trust him to be loyal to his word to me. He proved this when he left us. I will decline, but I do not quite know how yet.” Serenity jumped once more as another man came through the door. Seemingly having no energy to find her feet again, she simply bows her head towards the armoured man. Samuel seldom went anywhere without at least one of his two brothers. “Consider we were not to invite the Dark Elves, just the High Elves and the Wood Elves. The Dark Elves were then to find out about it,” the goddess paused, allowing for Samuel to make the mental image himself “there would be a price to pay for leaving them out. The price; I dread to think of what they would do to repay us such an unkind favour…” The sharp pain through her head suddenly returned. For as much as she tried not to in front of Lord Holystone and his brother, she gave a pained glance to Ryver before collapsing forwards. Falling against the desk, she did her best to not sob due to the agony. Twice in a couple of hours was incredibly unusual, but as she thought about it in the split moment of lying there in silent distress, she hadn’t used any of her abilities for weeks now. Serenity hated using her powers, especially for self gain, but if she didn’t, the regular pains were either made worse or more frequent. “O-owh…” she whimpered. Despite being a goddess, she was still in a human girl’s form. She felt the pain just as any other girl might feel pain. |
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| Samuel Holystone | Nov 14 2011, 06:53 PM Post #45 |
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Lord of House Holystone, Lord Regent of the Kingdom of Light
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"Hrm....we--" Samuel trailed off, seeing his queen in pain, as her face hit the desk, he rushed forward. It was rare for Samuel to witness her episodes, but he knew that the Queen suffered from them regularly. He glanced over at his brother, who nodded, walking over to the door and pulling it open to inform the guard he had been relived from duty, and taking over his post. "Do not panic, your highness, a bit of air will fix the pain..." he said in a soft tone, pulling his hood up and threading his arm over the queen's shoulders to support her up, heading with her toward the entrance of the keep, glancing backward at Sir Vierfort nervously, but the Angel seemed content to just follow him. He took the Queen carefully out the door of the study, his brother's plated footsteps not long behind him, the sight of Lord Holystone with the queen wouldn't arose much attention, given the fact he was an advisor. He pretended to make idle talk with her and ignore the mutterings of the minor Lords and Ladies as he passed the crystalline hallways, and headed outside. Edited by Samuel Holystone, Nov 14 2011, 06:55 PM.
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| Serenity | Nov 15 2011, 07:17 PM Post #46 |
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Goddess of Light
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Serenity felt someone’s arm around her, assuming it was Samuel as it was his voice she could hear. She rose to her feet with his help, however her eyes remained shut tight. The goddess in pain was guided by Samuel, but she didn’t look where she was going. If she opened her eyes, she knew what it would feel like; white hot needles poking at the back of her eye sockets. A white gloved hand was placed over Samuel’s, the one which rested on her shoulder, as a gesture of thanks. “M-milord…,” she paused, trying to speak through the pain as they crossed the throne room towards the main doors which would lead out to the steps that descended into the gardens “th-thank you… I am s- sorry you have had to witness this. We- we shall contin- continue with your concerns once the pain subsides.” As they exited the crystal palace, before them would be an almost glittering staircase, descending down to a path which lead, eventually, to a nearby town after crossing a forest. The gardens lay on either side of the path, fountains breaking the silence with the sound of crashing water into their basins. Along the fence surrounding the palace were various trees; cheery blossom, apple, pear, peach oak and the occasional willow. Around the aforementioned fountains, were elegant white benches which stood on the emerald grass. The goddess, with Samuel’s arm around her, descended the steps with her dress slightly trailing behind her. She felt quite weak, to the point she was concerned her legs would buckle from under her but she dismissed this thought due to the Lord’s arm around her. Although it wasn’t proper, she wasn’t about to complain. They crossed the blade of grass to the right of the path and Serenity sat herself down on the bench. |
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| Samuel Holystone | Nov 15 2011, 09:46 PM Post #47 |
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Lord of House Holystone, Lord Regent of the Kingdom of Light
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Walden's armored footsteps radiated around the gardens, scrunching wet soil beneath their iron tread, Samuel frowned as they settled down onto a bench, removing his arm from the Goddess, his brother stood, leaned against a pillar, ready to act should she start to hurt again, Samuel sat down beside her, cautious eyes inspecting the gardens. No-one must see the queen this way, NO-ONE, the thought was buried deep into his mind, and he followed it almost every time, the gardens were one of the queen's favored places to relax, and Samuel could see why, the tranquil scenery was breath-taking. But Samuel had more pressing matters, such as the pained goddess beside him. "Tell me when the pain subsides, your highness." he nodded and her and gave her a supporting pat on the back, he never knew what pain she suffered, but it must be bad to encumber her so. He looked up, and a servant, dressed in the silks of a servant in the palace's garb, nodded at him "Anything you need doing, sir?" Samuel slowly shook his head, this man bore the markings of a slave, he could be a spy, or worse... The man turned to leave, but turned around at the last moment, a dagger in his hand. "Lord There'delen sends his regards." Samuel widened his eyes, but Walden was on him in a flash, his longsword drawn, he stabbed straight into the chest of the servant, who's last moments consisted on a series of gagging sounds, and he fell from the silver blade, in a pool of blood, with a loud squelch, Samuel looked at the queen, horrified. Edited by Samuel Holystone, Nov 15 2011, 09:48 PM.
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| Serenity | Nov 15 2011, 10:41 PM Post #48 |
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Goddess of Light
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She managed the smallest of smiles as she felt the pat on her back and she looked at him to show it, however her eyes betrayed her. Serenity was clearly in agony and doing her best to hide it. The pain seemed to instantly subside as the shock of what was happening hit her; a man had just attempted to kill the man sat beside her. She couldn’t think of a decent reason as to why anyone would do such a thing, especially here and especially to Samuel. Her blue eyes widened as crimson blood spewed from the other side of the blade which pierced the assassin. A paniced cry escaped the Goddess. Not once, at least not in this life, had she ever witnessed bloodshed. The loss of life right before her eyes, in that moment, made the whole war against the Kingdom of Darkness seem all that more real. She couldn’t help it when tears rose to her eyes and she moved along the bench rather quickly towards Samuel to put her arms around him in a tight hug, clinging to him. Little did Serenity know that two servants had heard the noise as they were ascending the steps. They hadn’t seen what happened, but all they did see was Serenity and Samuel looking rather snug on the bench. As the two girls were only in their teens and rather immature, you can imagine what happened. The pair began whispering between themselves of a relationship between the advisor and the Goddess as they entered the throne room. Unluckily for the Queen and Lord, some of the palace’s resident politicians whom had arisen early for once, had over heard and began grumbling between each other. It wasn’t long before the whole of the palace whom were awake at this time, were talking about it. |
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| Samuel Holystone | Nov 15 2011, 11:07 PM Post #49 |
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Lord of House Holystone, Lord Regent of the Kingdom of Light
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Shock, horror, and relief all collided in Samuel's brain all at once. The would-be killer was dead, a pool of his blood flowed across the grass, and he was alive. He tried to control his breathing as, in his panic, he was taking shallow and quick breaths as he gazed down at the man whom had been sent to rob him of his life. And possibly anything he had on him at the time, too. Samuel snapped back to reality after the goddess had started to hug him. The purest being alive, hugging him. He looked down, rather confused, but decided that sharing the embrace would calm her. The brunette Lord wrapped his own arms around her, but not intimately, muttering reassurances in her ear softly. The fact that a slave lord had breached the palace shocked him more than he cared to think, perhaps his disruption of their trading routes had caused them to have ire? Those thoughts were interrupted, he couldn't seem to think, her arms clenched him tightly. And he flushed, a red patch on either cheek as he looked down at the white haired royal in his arms. How could he think such thoughts? He could have punched himself for them. "There's no more blood, your highness, worry not..." he muttered softly, Walden rushed off to fetch a guard. |
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| Walden Holystone | Nov 16 2011, 03:45 PM Post #50 |
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The thundering footsteps of Walden's sabatons filled the air as he rushed to fetch a guard. "That was quite.. sudden", thought Walden as he continued to search for a guard to no avail. After what seemed to be a quarter hour, Walden managed to find a guard. He let out a sigh of relief. "Come with me, quickly." The guard nodded and followed Walden as he made his way to return to Samuel and the Goddess. He clenched his teeth and let a snarl escape between them. He frowned to himself but continued nonetheless. He was clueless as to why there was an assassin attempting to take his brother's or the Goddess' life, if that was even possible. He let the thoughts escape his mind - the assassin was no more, probably still lying in his own blood. The thought made him shudder - he disliked the fact that he'd have to take people's lives - and that it was inevitable. He sighed. Moments after he arrived at the bench where Samuel and the Goddess were seated, embracing each other. He nodded towards Samuel as the guard ran towards the pair, confused and dumb-struck. Walden returned to leaning against a pillar, muttering to himself. "Hopefully that doesn't happen again.." |
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| Serenity | Nov 16 2011, 05:32 PM Post #51 |
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Goddess of Light
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The girl in Samuel’s arms, trembled. She felt physically sick. Her already pale complexion had turned a ghastly white. She nervously looked around, removing her head from the Lord’s shoulder to coyly glance at the corpse before her. Serenity’s gaze flickered upwards to the guardsman rushing over and then to Walden. Upon reluctantly releasing Samuel, she, still quite traumatised, bowed her head to Walden in thanks. She closed her eyes to make sure she didn’t see the man lying in a pool of his own garnet red heritage. “Th-thank you L-Lord Walden…” she managed to utter, unsure if he had heard it at all. The guardsman promptly removed his long, white cloak and covered the body, shooting a worried glance to the Queen. He then yelled, splitting the tranquil silence of the gardens, to the guards at the top of the stairs; “Search the perimeter, then gather everyone in the palace, in the throne room! There could be more! Get some servants to remove and bury the corpse! On the double!” The two guardsmen on the top of the stairs saluted their comrade and disappeared into the palace, carrying out their orders. Two servants, males; both rather stocky however one had long brown hair tied back into neat pony tail and the other had short, raven black cropped hair. Both wore suits, the uniform of male servants. Why would the goddess have servants? Well most were homeless people, taken in and given shelter as well as a handsome wage, to give them a second chance in life. Upon approaching, they bowed thrice; once to Walden whom they spotted first, then Serenity and Samuel. Without a word, they carried out their orders and begun to carry the bloody corpse towards the gates of the palace, keeping the cloak over the dead slave. Serenity remained sat bolt upright, quite still, staring at the spot the man had fallen. “P-please excuse m-me gentlemen… I- I have never witnessed such a sight before.” she then turned her gaze to Walden, occasionally glancing to Samuel “You… you both see and do such things often?” |
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| Samuel Holystone | Nov 16 2011, 05:39 PM Post #52 |
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Lord of House Holystone, Lord Regent of the Kingdom of Light
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Watched silently as the servants set to the work of cleaning the body up, the guardsman nodded at them and escorted the servants, holding the covered body, out. "Aboard the Grace, your Highness, we fire cannons and it causes...that." he said, pointing at the corpse just before it disappeared through an arched doorway, he still kept his breathing shallow, each gasp for air was pained, but it was also relieving to know that he could still breathe. He looked at the goddess as the numb sensation faded from his mind, and concern returned "Do you feel well now, your Highness? Is there anything we can do to calm you further?" he said, with yet another gasp for breath. He looked at Walden and nodded a thanks, the Stronghammer, his brother, had saved his life times beyond counting, and he always felt safer after he agreed to enter Samuel's service, especially after Ryn had left Shattershore, rising his banners in rebellion against the kingdom of light, though he had failed to gather any significant support. As he returned his gaze to the ever-paler goddess, he tried to smile, but the feelings of concern and panic had made him put little effort into the gesture. "It's the way of this war, your majesty, many more shall share his fate before we are done." |
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| Serenity | Nov 16 2011, 07:06 PM Post #53 |
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Goddess of Light
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“I… I am as well as can be milord.” she responded, her eyes still fixed on the patch of grass stained with blood, clearly deep in thought. This was wrong, everything about it was wrong. People were dying on battlefields and on ships because of her. She had to remind herself that if her people didn’t fight to defend themselves, the Dark God would kill them all or worse. He would destroy all they held dear. The wish to protect her people, and everyone else too, from the Dark God made her wish to take his life grow substantially. But then she thought about it properly. Could she live with that? Of course not. She would die again and nothing would be solved. It was a vicious cycle. “We must stop this war…” Serenity mumbled, although it came out quite clearly, if not softly spoken “We cannot afford for our armies to fall. If… if we lose, the Dark God will do that to the people we love. The people whom we hold dear are dying on the battlefields, and we cannot allow it any longer. ” |
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| Samuel Holystone | Nov 16 2011, 07:34 PM Post #54 |
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Lord of House Holystone, Lord Regent of the Kingdom of Light
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Samuel widened his eyes in mild horror upon the goddess's last words, what would stand in Darkness's way when the light faded? His temper flared again, he thought of all the generations of Holystones that had served the Light Goddess, would all that sacrifice be in vain? Not whilst Samuel drew breath. "Your Highness, surely you know what would happen if we stopped the war? We must crush the Darkness, not let it embrace us." he spoke in a neutral tone, trying to keep the rage from overwhelming him, he placed a hand on her shoulder to try and get her attention. "The people we love die for what's right." he spoke in a softer tone, emotion in his emerald eyes as he looked into her azure blue ones. Edited by Samuel Holystone, Nov 16 2011, 07:56 PM.
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| Serenity | Nov 16 2011, 07:58 PM Post #55 |
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Goddess of Light
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“I am not saying stop fighting. I wish we could but I know how the God of Darkness is. There will be no more offensives; our armies and naval forces will be dedicated to actually protecting out lands and people. I do not know what the Emperor had you all doing whilst I was growing up, but this stops now.” she said, with slightly more authority behind her voice. Sighing, she would place her gloved hand over Samuel’s which rested on her shoulder as she turns her gaze down to her knees, a soft whisper passing her lips “Everything about the war is wrong… people should not have to die for the right thing to be done. There has to be another way…” She turned her head to look at him again, staring into his eyes with a look of distress. Why couldn’t he understand what she wanted to do? What was stopping them from just protecting rather than being offensive? The Queen could tell he was about to protest the very idea of protecting the boarders over trying to get to the source of the Empire or Kingdom of Darkness. She knew war, in some form, was in his blood, even if he was not one for the battlefield himself physically. |
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| Samuel Holystone | Nov 16 2011, 08:05 PM Post #56 |
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Lord of House Holystone, Lord Regent of the Kingdom of Light
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Samuel shook his head slowly "If we do that, your highness, we force the world into constant war, and more lives will be lost, the forces of Darkness would only gain power whilst we languished in defense." He knew she was young, and battle tactics were a new thing to her, but she must learn quickly. "There is no other way, you, of all of us, know that the God of Darkness is our foe, and always will be, we cannot reason with him, nor the Emperor." he spoke with the manner of a father lecturing his child, for a change, his tone stern yet stubborn, showing hints of his temper rising from the confines of his mind. "War is the way we shall achieve victory, and you must lead us to the final victory that fate has denied us all these years." |
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| Serenity | Nov 20 2011, 12:56 PM Post #57 |
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Goddess of Light
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“I believe the conflict with the Emperor can be solved. He did love his people, when he had the throne. Sorin might have had strict methods, but he got the right jobs done for the Kingdom.” she wasn’t seemingly going to change her mind about it, regardless of the tone he was taking with her. Whilst she was soft and gentle, she was stubborn when she knew that there was good in someone, and she truly believed that Sorin could be saved from himself. Even if she did think he hated her. Serenity turned paler once more as Samuel planted the idea that she would be leading the war against the Kingdom of Darkness and the Empire. The very thought made the girl feel as though someone had planted a knife in her chest. “I am not meant for war, milord,” she said rather softly “I… I would rather die than hurt someone else. It is not my right to deny someone their life. The scriptures say that my brothers and sisters consider all beings our children; I could not take the life of a child especially not my own. You probably wouldn‘t understand.” Her gaze fell to her lap. She knew in her heart that she wasn’t ready to lead the Kingdom, not if it meant that she had to lead the war too. Serenity wondered where her general was, she really needed him. This was his duty, to support her where she could not be strong for her people. |
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| Samuel Holystone | Nov 20 2011, 05:42 PM Post #58 |
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Lord of House Holystone, Lord Regent of the Kingdom of Light
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Samuel frowned, it was a deep frown. His temper was as expansive as the sea, and when it overwhelmed the coast, it was a force to be reckoned with. He spoke in a snappy tone, whilst his temper trickled out, he was reluctant to let it get the better of him. "The Emperor hates you, your highness, and better to take the life of one child than let that child take the lives of thousands of other children, isn't it? It's the way of the world, your highness, and if you are not meant for war, then we are innocent of the crimes they started war for." Samuel relaxed his posture, and as the waters of his temper fell back, the rocks of guilt and shame struck up, sharp as ever. Men must die, or women and children would pay the price. That was the only bit of advice his father had ever given him as he was growing up, he could recall, he was rather drunk when he gave it, though. Samuel saw her downcast look and his frown faded. "It's hard, I know, but it must be done." Edited by Samuel Holystone, Nov 20 2011, 06:00 PM.
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| Serenity | Nov 20 2011, 07:27 PM Post #59 |
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Goddess of Light
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“I… You must excuse me milord, there is something I must do.” she said rather quietly, attempting to give him a brief hug before finding her feet. As etiquette required, she turned to him and curtsied, repeating the motion towards Walden. She wasn’t upset with Samuel, on the contrary, he had opened her eyes to exactly what kind of position she had been forced into, and without her general, she just didn’t have the bravery to lead. Without looking back, she moved around the bench and across the grass, heading for the stairs leading up to the throne room. She had to grasp her dress to make sure that she didn’t trip as she ascended. The guardsmen by the main doors saluted their queen as she entered. Serenity could do nothing but force a smile. The white haired girl moved towards her study, took her quill from the inkpot along with a fresh piece of parchment. She began to write a letter, a tear rolling down her cheek as she read over what was being scrawled across the page. It had to be done, she kept reminding herself. ![]() It hurt to think that she was abandoning those that cared about her, but she knew she would only end up getting more people killed. She left the note on the desk, knowing that if anyone was looking for her, they would go there first. There wasn’t a lot of time if she was to make it out of the palace undetected. Hurrying along the corridors and up the gleaming spiral staircase, she rushed into her room and took one of the clean bed sheets from the draws. She used it to wrap around the possessions she was going to take; which weren’t a lot. Throwing on a black travelling cloak, she tied the bed sheet bundle to a stave and pulled the cloak’s hood over her head to hide her long, pure white hair. “I… didn’t think running would hurt this much…” she thought as she left her room and rushed back down towards the throne room. If she was not going to be stopped, she would have to look casual. Walking out of the palace, down the steps and along the path, she only stopped by the stables to the perimeter of the palace walls. Slowly as to not startle the horse, she approached a white horse which was already saddled up. Serenity loosened the reins from the post and climbed up, slipping the stave into the slot where the saddle bag would be. The goddess took the reins and urged the horse towards the gates, tapping the stirrups against the side of the horse to cause it to go faster, charging off into the woods. |
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| Samuel Holystone | Nov 20 2011, 07:53 PM Post #60 |
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Lord of House Holystone, Lord Regent of the Kingdom of Light
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Samuel gave the queen a small smile as she exited the gardens, inclining his head at her as she did a formal gesture, which was, rather strangely, unlike her. Samuel relaxed back against the stone wall that was behind the bench, deciding to try and calm down from his near-death encounter with an assassin's blade. Today had been eventful, perhaps he needed to relax, and this was an opportunity to do so. The gardens seemed to have fallen into silence as the goddess had left, so he had heard the footsteps approach him before a youthful voice spoke: "Lord Holystone...." it trailed off, seeing the lord's eyes were close. Samuel snapped them open. "Yes?" he said, looking the boy up and down, he couldn't have been more then seventeen, with blonde hair and deep blue eyes. The boy didn't speak further, he just thrust a parchment into Samuel's hands. Samuel raised an eyebrow, and broke the seal upon it, folding it out and briefly reading it. His eyes widened. "The....the Dark Elves...?" he asked the youth, astounded. The youth simply nodded his head. Samuel stood up and crumpled the parchment, heading for the gates. "Tell Shattershore to expect me, and have admiral Deckard rally the navy there. We must dispatch this threat." he told the youth, who nodded again and scampered off. Samuel made his way to the stables and found the mare he had arrived on gone. He had to saddle a chestnut mare instead, and rode off. He would not fail. |
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3:19 PM Jul 11