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Post by Jenny on Oct 29, 2023 19:38:41 GMT -5
"We cannot possibly apply logic around the passing of your brother, my love. It pains us both to think upon it so soon, does it not?"
Even so, she shut her eyes, squeezing them harder as the images of the carnage that had been so abruptly forced upon her vision taunted her consciousness. First, came the abrupt horror at the striking down of he who had been the sole person she might consider an ally, nay, part-savior, who had meant well enough and would but save her by his own means from her own father's wrath. Following quickly thus, the cries and screams and sounds of battle as side clashed against side. She knew not what to think at the time. Violence, something of which she had been spared from before that fateful day, swirled around her, and violated her eyes and ears. She had crouched down, almost in a ball, trying to drive it out by squeezing her eyes shut and putting her hands over her ears, but nay, it was too late to play pretend.
Oh, how it made her HATE Andal at first, and that seed of bitterness had made it slow to trust him... but Cartel. Something in his eyes... she saw a clarity in him, a beauty of soul, even if his hands were stained. If his brother were such as thus, what of Andal? Yes, she began to trust them. But saviors as they were, she could not be shielded from the darkness of humanity any more than she would have if she had stayed behind, left to rot in that oubliette, where the darkness had seeped in.
Did that mark still stain her? She had forgotten to ask. She hadn't put thought upon it until now. Had it faded as she herself became a weilder of Light? Her bloodline was pure and noble, something her father could never even attain, despite any attempt. No, she was nigh untouchable by that now. She had escaped her father's crippled grip, had she not?
But then, what was this that continued to hound them? Some shade of her past, or worse? A curse? Why was this heppening, to them? What justice was there that the maw of darkness followed close at their heels, ready to swallow herself and all she held dear into oblivion? Why must their happiness, and Andal's life, be ever siphoned from their very spirits, by this terrible darkness- evils wrought by malicious zealouts and evil beings alike?
She did not know, she wished she'd never find out, but that was a childish thought. A pleasant dream that had slipped from her fingers much too soon. Stay away, leave us alone...
She nuzzled her face into Cartel's chest, the flesh knit at last, but the pain? She slipped to his side, resting her face against his neck and shoulder, nestling in the crook to find comfort in his presence. Her voice was just above a whisper as she spoke, but audible enough.
"I am very sorrowful about it, but I cannot help but also be glad, for it brought you to me. It brought us together. I will be eternally in his debt, for his sacrifice, and this gift. I cannot help but feel joy when I am with you, but it is a sorrowful thing, indeed. I am not sure what else to say, Cartel."
She brushed her lips against his neck in a soft kiss, trying to reassure both himself and herself. She had never known a sibling of her own... how would it feel to lose someone so close-knit as brothers such as they? Her heart would feel like a gaping cavern, never to heal, if she were to lose Cartel too. Her heart lurched a few beats of utter despair, and she reeled against it.
"Are you still in much pain?" she asked as her lips quivered, despite all attempts to be brave. Lord, she was acting like a child, even now.
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Post by Joe on Oct 30, 2023 10:04:34 GMT -5
"There is a logic, though perhaps not one of mortal understanding. How can I not think of it so soon? To see him consumed by it..."
The tension rising in his body made him wince and he took a deep breath, relaxing again. The pain was nearly gone, or was he merely distracted?
Cartell sat up, using his arm to bring her with him, cradling her in his lap. He let his head fall to rest on her breast.
"Forgive me Serena... you are right. Now is not the time."
With a free hand he ran it along his chest, poking and prodding. There was a soreness, but the sharpness of the pain was no more. So it was true. She was the key.
"Hm. It seems your power grows by the day. I think you're... healing me, somehow."
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Post by Jenny on Oct 30, 2023 11:49:23 GMT -5
Her lip trembled so she bit it, stifling a whimper, so sorrowful to know that her beloved was in both physical and emotional pain. She slid with his movements, raising her hands to his cheeks when they had settled movement.
"It's all right, my love. Mourn how you need. It pains me too, though I did not have the honor of knowing Andal most of my life, as you did. He was a fine man, there would be few better, if any. Expect for you, naturally. You are his brother, after all. And the very one who I love most in this waking world."
She managed her best smile for him, mustering all the strength of will she had, though the last of her tears still clung to her eyelashes.
"I know not how, I just hope it to be true. I cannot make sense of it, I just use all my will to make it so."
She bit her lower lip firmly. "Cartel, when I saw your body hit that tree-"
To stop a new bout of tears, she stopped and shook her head, the sentence trailing into a small whimper.
"... I couldn't move, I couldn't breathe. I thought I had lost you forever."
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Post by Joe on Oct 30, 2023 19:51:11 GMT -5
Cartel raised his head and cupped her cheek with his hand, bringing her eyes to his.
"My love, if by any choice I can remain with you, I will always remain. Still, your life is far more precious to me than any other. All within my power to protect it, I will do."
His other hand rose to wipe away her tears.
"I wish you'd never have to feel that way. That this world was not one filled with gloom and strife."
Cartel sighed, looking lost in thought.
"I do not know what this power of yours holds, but perhaps we can return just a bit of light back to this earth. Free ourselves of this weight."
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Post by Jenny on Oct 30, 2023 20:37:50 GMT -5
"Well, even roses have thorns," she choked out a small chuckle, and smiled at him, feeling a wash of calm come over her.
"I guess it can't be helped. But yes, and it is my greatest hope that you will remain for a very long time, at my side."
The glimmering memory of Cartel as an aged king caused her smile to spread. Her hand rose to brush against her belly. And perhaps a little princeling to grow up at his feet. Or, a girl, perhaps? She secretly hoped for a boy, but there was no way of knowing, unless some midwife had a knack of it.
She quitely mused to herself, and a giddiness bubbled up inside her. A bit of joy in the midst of so heavy a subject such as that which had passed. Yes, this thought indeed freed her of that particular weight. At least, for the meanwhile.
"What would you name your child, my love??" She nuzzled her cheek deeper into his hand. "Have you had time to think upon it?"
She sighed sweetly. "Do you have a grandsire or grandmatron of which you were fond of, or a childhood friend whom you would want to do an honor upon? Mayhaps an uncle..."
She laughed lightly. "Surely not Eyan? Imagine the look on his face if that were the name!" She let out a bark of delight and clapped her hands together but once, and clutched them together, delight in her eyes at the prospect. "Or perhaps, a girl. Hmm..."
Her brow knit together as she became lost in thought.
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Post by Joe on Oct 30, 2023 21:07:51 GMT -5
The question struck Cartel as unexpected. He blushed mildly at the mention of his child, whose mother only she could be.
"A-a name? I... hadn't thought on it."
He had to stifle a laugh as she mentioned Eyan.
There was a brisk knock at the door, one of their servants' voices came through the rich oak.
"My lady? The kitchen awaits your order for lunch."
"I'd quite forgot about that..." Cartel muttered, looking to Serena for guidance.
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Post by Jenny on Oct 30, 2023 21:19:22 GMT -5
She giggled at his abashment, endearing as it was. She almost jumped out of her skin at the servant's knock.
"I-" She cleared her throat, and drew her hands from Cartel's face, the intimacy between them so apparent that it made her suddenly very shy. The servant's look of stress eased at the sight, and smiled warmly in return to the look on their Lady's face.
"Something light, I think." Her eyes darted to Cartel's face and back to the servants, and nodded firmly.
"Perhaps a stew? Don't make the gravy too heavy. The weather is too fair for that. Oh, bread and cheese as well. A cheese platter sounds lovely, if you would, thank you."
"As you wish, my Lady. My Lord," the servant bowed to them both and slipped away quietly.
Serena breathed in and out a puff of air, a bit stressed at the interruption. Flustered, even.
"I don't know about you, but I am almost too exhausted to eat a thing... but I should."
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Post by Joe on Oct 31, 2023 10:26:19 GMT -5
"Aye, we should both eat. Perhaps we should get dressed and head to the dining hall. Won't do for us to be shut up in this room for days."
Cartel chuckled, remiss though he was to lose the intimate moments with her. More was on his mind, however. The recent attack had sparked his paranoia and he wished to secure the grounds.
He stood and began pulling on his clothes.
"If you'll excuse me for a bit, I'd like to take a walk around the grounds quickly, just to make sure all is well. Shall I meet you in the hall?"
Cartel smiled warmly at her.
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Post by Jenny on Oct 31, 2023 10:41:28 GMT -5
"Aye, we should." She nodded, but then started to fidget, worry creasing her brow.
"But, please, do take it easy. You might make yourself a near invalid again if you push yourself, there is no knowing just how much my... gift... has made you hale and whole again."
Even so, she slipped from the bed and began to dress herself, though she would have to call in a maid to fasten her stays when Cartel slipped from the room.
"I'll see you again soon, my love. Do take care."
She watched him quietly as he made his leave. She was worried, and rightfully so. She was not yet confident that whatever latent ability that was growing inside her to heal was something to count on every time. Could she help him in his most dire need when it matters most? She bit her lip, working at it, feeling some trepidation.
What could she do, really do, when it was true life and death? Could she call upon this unknown power at will, or was it, some miracle that happened on it's own? Was it inside her, or did it work through her? There was a way of knowing, but it could take years... decades... or they might never know clarity. What if she failed at a critical turn, and his life slipped away as she embraced him. She would not be able to forgive herself.
Cartel would be blameless, she would insist upon it. He had a role to play, that of a King. She knew his conviction, and the truth of his words. He would break his body against the tide if it meant to save her. Her lip trembled and she forced the thoughts away as her handmaiden rapped softly on the door.
"M'Lady, do you need assistance with your gown today?"
Serena turned, peeking around the dressing curtain. "Yes, that would be a kindness, I haven't yet the knack," she replied meekly.
A spark of laughter came to the handmaiden's eyes, but she dare not laugh aloud, for it would not be well to offend her Lady. She stepped around the curtain, and switfly and deftly pulled and fastened the stays of the bodice of the cream-white gown that Serena wore. Her Lady looked lovely, she thought. How it made her hair shine. The maid offered to fuss over her some more, near insistant, for Serena had always been kind, and she took pride in her Lady's beauty and grace.
"Thank you," Serena said, dismissing her help kindly, as her stomach growled, depsite her words that she had been too tired to eat. She hurried down the hall, the trailing skirt of her dress slipping like liquid down the velvet-lined stairs of the hall as she made her way to meet Cartel, presently.
With the glow of motherhood, she could be considered a vision, perhaps. Though she would not think that of herself. She did not tend to stare in mirrors vainly like so many noblewomen did. But she knew Cartel thought her beautiful, that was enough. She would take care to look presentable, fair, and Ladyike at all times, for him. But she did have her own role to play, and at times, it weighted at her.
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Post by Joe on Oct 31, 2023 13:34:51 GMT -5
Cartel clothed himself, taking a few moments to stare at his armor before begrudgingly deciding it was not necessary. Still, he strapped his longsword to his hip as he left the room.
"See you soon, my heart."
Passing through the stately manor he made his way out the front doors. The servants and guards were all at their posts as they should be. A chill ran through him as a cool breeze blew past. The autumn air was crisp and filled with the rustic scent of the nearby forest.
Cartel slowly made his way around the perimeter of the manor. No sign of intrusion or anything else out of the ordinary. He stopped at the east wall, taking a moment to look in the distance at the spires of Duskwell, sparkling in the midday sun. Taking a deep breath, he continued.
As he made his way along the east wall, a glint caught his eye. He stopped, gazing down at the thick grass near the wall. Using his foot, he stamped and pushed the grass aside, revealing an ancient-looking metallic plate.
Cartel grunted thoughtfully, wiping away some of the dirt and rust from the face of the plate. Beneath, barely recognizable, was the imperial seal. He reached down and pulled at the edges, but the object would not budge.
Standing, he gazed at the wall just above the plate. The eastern part of the manor housed the library. Cartel rubbed his chin, thinking a moment. Was this some ancient cellar entrance? Perhaps some way in that none had thought to check?
Making his way back inside, he looked to the right, gazing down the hallway towards the library, then to the left towards the dining hall.
"Is aught amiss, my lord?" A nearby servant said, stepping near him.
Cartel gave the servant a thoughtful look and gestured, "Come with me."
The servant looked momentarily stunned before obediently falling in behind Cartel as he headed for the library.
The library was as still as ever as they entered. Someone had drawn the curtains, making long snakes of light along the floor. Along the east wall was a fireplace, just below the great windows. It had been ages since the fireplace was used. Cartel poked his head inside and gazed upward. The flue was shut, and there were no other recesses or protrusions in the stone surfaces inside.
Cartel looked perturbed, pulling his head out of the fireplace and resting against the mantle. When it was evident his lordship was taking a moment, the servant nervously began arranging various objects in the room.
As he thought, Cartel's eyes drifted along the mantle. A carved emblem of a blazing sun sat square in the middle of the length of stone. Cartel eyed it a moment before taking a step closer, letting his hand glide over the contours of the carving.
Suddenly the emblem seemed to spark, and a deep thunk sounded through the library as the floor shook. Turning towards the sound, Cartel saw one of the central bookcases begin to sink into the floor, a dark passageway just behind it.
The next sound was the ringing of steel as Cartel drew his blade. He turned to the servant, "Call the guard."
Tripping over a settee, the servant ran from the room, bringing back three armored knights in mere moments, entering with weapons drawn. Their gazes fell on the dark passageway, seeming to understand the request as they fell in next to Cartel. The air within the passage was completely still, its corners marked by cobwebs and dust. Cartel eased a bit at the sight of age, but kept his weapon drawn. The passageway bent away to the right, winding stairs leading downward.
The group began their descent, the only sound in the empty passage the clinking of platemail. The passage terminated in a small chamber, a single chest resting upon a raised stone altar. Cartel began to approach the chest.
"My lord, if you'll allow me?" One of the knights interrupted, concerned for his lord's safety.
Cartel exhaled, giving a curt nod to the knight.
The knight approached the chest and began to very slowly open the lid. The lid swung full open without incident. Taking a glance into the chest, the knight looked back to Cartel and beckoned him over.
Inside the chest was a sword. A rapier, with an intricately carved hand-guard. Cartel smiled at the sight, reaching in to take hold of the ancient weapon. As he picked it up he suddenly lost his balance, feeling like he was falling forward. Using his free arm he steadied himself against the altar, but still he felt as if he was falling. No, something was pulling him. He lost his grip, the rapier clattering to the ground filling the silent air with the ring of steel.
One of the knights reached down to retrieve the blade. As his hand wrapped around it, he too began falling forward, hitting the ground with a great clangor. The rapier skittered across the ground again, coming to rest just at Cartel's feet.
"What the devil-" The knight started, as he got to his feet.
Reaching down, Cartel braced himself and quickly picked up the blade, placing it back in the chest.
Taking a breath he gestured to the knights, "Fetch the empress, and help me bring this upstairs."
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Post by Jenny on Oct 31, 2023 13:59:19 GMT -5
Serena sat still, her hands twisted into the skirt of her dress, looking worried, glancing at the empty seat beside her at the head of the table. The light stew was untouched, but she had eaten some cheese and the fresh baked bread. She found she had been craving cheese, for some odd reason. The kitchen had done well, putting countless varieties on a platter, arranged in an attractive and inviting way. She tried every kind of cheese, and a few extra of the ones she liked. Several were new to her. She really liked the... what was it.. baked.. Brie? It went well with the apples and grapes they had scattered on the platter. It was slighty sweet but also salty, and delightfully smooth as it spread on the bread in a lovely swath.
As a knight walked swiftly in, Serena was startled. The hall had been quiet, save for the bard that had sung for her, with a lute accompanying. But she had missed her Lord.
The knight's armor made a heavy, foreboding noise as he hustled to her side, bowing to her with his hand over his heart.
"My good Lady, the Lord Cartel calls for you," he said somewhat breathlessly, having hurried as swift as he could. He had not been one to pick up the rapier, and the sight of so strong his brothers-in-arms stumbling despite all attempts to stand strong with so curious an object, had been jarring... but that his Lord had picked it up as if weightless, when the knights had had so much trouble, as if... it was as if it were not their right. Mysterious, and chilling.
Serena got to her feet swiftly. "Is anything aiss? Is the Lord unwell?"
A jolt of panic gripped her. The knight looked so serious, his face stiff with an emotion she could not place.
"The Lord has been well, but there is a matter of great importance he must share with you. If you could accompany me, my Lady..."
"Yes, by all means, lead on."
She mounted the stairs with a growing trepidation. Something truly was amiss, and she was fearful for every soul in the manor. Had something evil even transpired?
Breathless, as she had hastened, trying to keep up with the knight's long stride, as close behind his heel as she could manage, she all but burst into the room with a flurry, her eyes looking around for the cause of such forboding.
Her eyes found Cartel, and her body eased, as he stood firmly on his feet, and looked well enough, then lowered her eyes as his gaze shifted from her and back to the chest. She knit her brow, baffled.
She approached both Cartel, and the chest he stood before, slowly. Both curious and cautious around it. She dare not open it, for it was not her place.
"Be careful, my lady. There is a weapon inside that has caused some consternation. It is not safe for the touch," a knight that had fetched to her to Cartel spoke, a bit out of turn, his face stiffbut he meant well enough. Those two knights who hadn't had the same luck as their Lord exchanged glances, looking a bit embarassed at their inability to wield it themselves. "At least, not to every man."
"What just is it that you have found? Did it cause harm?" She looked back at the knight.
The knight shook his head, but still looked quite serious, even pale.
"Where ever did you find it?"
"It is a bit of a curious tale to tell, and perhaps it is best if he himself explain. it was he that was clever enough to unlock the passageway in which it lay."
This mystery she wished would be made made clear, and with all haste. She didn't dare reach out to touch the chest itself.
"A passageway? Leading where?"
The knights said no more, for it was not their place to tell the tale, nor did they wish to admit that they had not succeeded in attempting to assist Cartel in this event, knocked off their feet quite unceremoniously. All eyes, including Serena's, all moved upon Cartel, who looked pensive, and his stare unwavering.
She slid onto a settee to sit, folding her hands on her lap.
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Post by Joe on Nov 1, 2023 7:53:44 GMT -5
Cartel nodded to the knight that offered some explanation, then stepped closer to the chest, opening it wide to reveal the weapon.
"A most remarkable thing..." He said, slowly reaching down to grip it. Immediately it began its struggle to pull away. With signs of strain he lifted it, bracing himself so it would not cast him to the ground as it had his faithful knight.
He spoke with effort, between sharp intakes of breath. "Some... relic of... the ancient kingdom."
Finally he could hold it no more and let it slip from his grip, slamming loudly into the floor.
Cartel put his hands on his hips and sighed, though there was a smile on his face now.
"Seems to bear some... enchantment." He said, gesticulating vaguely. "Pulls away from whoever seeks to wield it."
The consort's smile grew and he looked to Serena.
"I thought you might give it a try."
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Post by Jenny on Nov 1, 2023 10:30:26 GMT -5
Her mouth was agape as she watched Cartel struggle with the weapon. She had never seen the likes of it. She looked surprised when Cartel insisted that she give the rapier a try.
She nodded and rose, tentatively, and walked over to the rapier. "But if even you cannot wield it..."
She bent and reached down for the rapier, took in and out a nervous breath of air, and closed her hands around the hilt, expecting the worst.
But... in her hands, it lifted as easy as any other weapon. The evidence of the dust and patina of age melted, and the hilt positively gleamed in the light as if forged anew, gems even twinkled merrily in the light as if only just inlaid that very day,
She tilted it every this way and that, just as surprised as the rest that she had no trouble, and at it's renewal.
"It is curious why it responds to me thus, and not unto you. Perhaps it is..." She pulled the hilt closer, looking for any symbol which might match any that she had seen inside the heavenly antichamber in which she and Cartel had arisen, and of which had restored Cartel's eyesight. Sometimes the symbols came back to her in dreams.
She gasped, her eyes widening as she spotted one that often accompanied her dreams. It was seated on just the end of the hilt, a carved rune she remembered to be on the stone slab, that had absolutely radiated in light when she and Cartel had placed their hands, unknowing that it would react with such a brilliant surge of light, upon it, together.
"I've seen this one before! This one, here!" She brushed her finger over the carving and smiled, feeling a light warmth spread through her fingers at the touch, and felt as if the rapier were a familiar friend in her hands.
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Post by Joe on Nov 1, 2023 17:47:03 GMT -5
Cartel was beaming as he watched her turn the blade over with relative ease.
"Seems this was made for you."
One of the knights chuckled. "Methinks our lady has some martial training in her future."
This brought a chorus of small laughs from the gathered soldiers, who then began to mutter amongst themselves of ancient relics and royal lineages.
Cartel gazed back into the chest and felt the bottom, lifting a silk cloth lining the bottom to reveal the scabbard for the weapon, itself a wonder of craftsmanship.
He lifted it carefully and held it out towards her.
"I apologize about lunch." Cartel chuckled, walking next to her and placing his hand gently on her lower back.
"You recognize these runes?"
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Post by Jenny on Nov 1, 2023 17:59:23 GMT -5
"Oh, no applogize necessary, really." She smiled at Cartel. "This turn of events has it's significance."
She took the scabbard from his hands, and drew it over the rapier.
"Yes, I recall them from those ruins you and I were taken to. The one in... I don't know how to best describe it, but, perhaps, the "heavens?" She blushed a bit, calling upon her old teachings. She raised her hand and rubbed at her cheeks to chase the warmth and tingling of the blush away, feeling a bit self-conscious.
"In any case, sometimes sigils such as these show up in my dreams. I just thought them dreams, but this one specifically comes to mind because you've also seen it once before as well, though you may scarcely remember now. 'Twas on the stone slab that set the vision before us, and also the same that restored your sight. It recurs in both physical sight and dream quite repeatedly for me."
She looked pensive. "Do you ever dream of the same?"
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