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Post by Joe on Jan 29, 2014 21:09:54 GMT -5
He sat down and clasped his hands, leaning onto his knees. He craned his head to the sky and observed the sun for a minute without speaking. "Did you know.." He started, "That there used to be two suns?" He pointed upward and made a motion, "It was bigger than this one and would pass along with it just above it." He frowned, "They say it disappeared when your parents left this realm. Some say it was a coincidence.. the Illios say it was their god showing the uniting of Cairnewn, but I don't know." He looked back at the ground, "Anyway.. about Andal." He looked over his shoulder and scooted closer to her, keeping his voice flow. "He.. summoned something, it was like a part of him.. a shadow, some kind of monster. It moved with him.. its movements following his.." His brow furrowed as he recalled, "Even with all he has shown me I've never seen anything like it.." He wanted to say he was a little scared of it, but he wasn't going to say that in front of a girl.
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Post by Jenny on Jan 29, 2014 21:19:12 GMT -5
She waited patiently and in good humor for him to speak, watching him as he observed the sky, pleased to have him here as company. When he did speak, she was surprised at the subject. Two suns, is it really true? Her eyes roamed about as he spoke further upon it, trying to imagine what two suns would look like in the sky, of one would be in the sky at the same time or another, and where they may rise and set as twins. She could hardly believe such a thing, but she respected his beliefs.
At mention of Andal, she raised her head to look at him, not moving away as he drew himself closer, which even brought a small smile to her face. She was little prepared for what he said, for she could scarcely believe that someone she had begun to know could be capable of these things. A shadow? A monster? She shivered despite the fair weather, for she took Cartell’s witnessing to be entirely true without question. “Why would he keep these things from you, his own brother? Do you think he is… ashamed?” Did he have regrets for his actions despite being forced to do so? “He looks different… ever since that day,” she observed aloud.
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Post by Joe on Feb 2, 2014 12:55:30 GMT -5
He shook his head, "He could be ashamed, but I doubt it.. it's unlike him to regret things. He does keep secrets though, usually for the best." Sighing he stood and held out his hand, smiling and bowing in jest, "Dinner should be ready soon, my lady, shall we dine?"
---
Andal was standing at the head of the table with Varic, the man who had given them shelter, as servants continued to prepare the huge table. Most of the guests had already been seated, trusted lords and nobles from the west had all been gathered to receive their new queen and pledge fealty. Though she wouldn't truly be queen until they reached Duskwell and crowned her before the dial. They were all talking, some nervously, some with anticipation. Down the hall he saw Cartell begin to approach with her, he briskly walked to meet them. He placed his hand on Cartell's shoulder giving him an affectionate nod, then turned to Serena. "My lady, they have all gathered to see you. Are you ready? I imagine this is the first time you've done anything like this."
It reminded him of the first time he had been brought before the court as Aurelia's betrothed. For Serena, they would all celebrate. For him, there had been hatred and jealously at his position. There had been dozens of royal houses vying for the princess's hand, yet the king had chosen Holland. He knew the king and his father were friends and that was probably the only reason it had happened. Still, he felt pride, he was a fine young noble - given a knight's training and groomed for command and now the most sought after woman on the continent was his and his alone.
Not being one to take the jeers lightly, he had stepped forward and challenged any suitor to fight him for the honor. Several had, and he had knocked them all down. But.. would she be dead now if she had been with another?
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Post by Jenny on Feb 3, 2014 19:57:16 GMT -5
Serena was determined to put it out of her mind. She did not want to sour her time with Cartell, for she too knew that their time together may be fleeting. She stood and pressed her hand in his. They had only stepped inside the hall when Andal walked quickly to intercept them. At his words, a look of distress crossed her face. She managed a smile, but was unable to answer with words, so instead she gave him a nod. She could hear the humming of words from this distance. She took a breath and willed herself forward, Andal before her and Cartell at her back.
As she walked into the dining hall, she froze momentarily. There we so many gathered there! She looked around in stunned disbelief as the nobles and lords rose from their seats in respect of her, some bowing at her entrance. She scolded herself for being afraid, and as Andal showed her to her seat, they seated themselves after her. She was glad to see that Cartell took a seat beside her. She wrung her hands as she placed them on her lap and tried not to fidget under the stares she was receiving, though most seemed amiable enough.
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Post by Joe on Feb 9, 2014 14:10:06 GMT -5
Many of the lords bowed, others simply looked on in shocked disbelief. Others still turned to their friends and exchanged excited talk. As they all seated after her one of the lords at the end of the table abruptly stood again, he was an older man, his head and face covered with black-grey hair. "My lady Belmont, let me be the first to welcome you back to our lands. My sword and realm are yours from this day until my last day!" Many of the other lords started standing and making similar pledges, all their voices melding together in a rabble.
Andal raised his eyebrow at Serena as the first man spoke, he wasn't sure if she even knew what her family name was. As the rabble grew he threw up his hands in a bid for quiet, "My lords, please, you will all have your chance to speak with the lady. Please be seated and let us eat." With some quiet murmurs they obeyed and sat down. Conversation continued amongst them as the servers brought forth all the food for the evening, they did not plan courses as they needed the dining room to remain private once the servants had left. After they had all eaten their fill, a man stood at the head of the table closest to Serena. It was the man who had met them at the door. "Well, I suppose we should introduce ourselves." He turned to Serena, "Every man here has provided resources and manpower in the effort to find and bring you here my lady, but you owe us nothing, your presence fills us with a joy we haven't known in many years." He bowed deeply, "I am Varric Keller, my home lands are far to the west in a place called Woodfall." He motioned to his left, where Andal sat. Andal still rose and bowed to Serena, giving her a small smile and a nod of recognition. "You already know my good man Andal Holland of Dire's End." Then he proceeded around the table allowing every lord to introduce themself, 20 in all.
When the introductions were done one of the older lords asked permission to approach Serena. He held an ornately trimmed wooden chest, he knelt before her and stopped. After some hurrying by Andal he rose and placed the chest in front of her, it was a man that had formerly introduced himself as Gander Gilroy, "My lady, I have had the honor of keeping your royal heirlooms safe. This is but one, they will all be returned to you when you have taken your rightful place again in Duskwell." He bowed away.
Inside the chest was a shortsword, customarily given to the first-born princess of the Golden Family. The blade itself was made of some kind of metal that was almost blinding to look at, even in the dim light of the dining room. The handle was strong steel coated in gold which ran a quarter up the blade. In the center of the handguard a small pearl stone was embedded, on it was painted the seal of Belmont. A stylized mountain peak with a golden red sun just resting behind its apex.
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Post by Jenny on Feb 11, 2014 22:18:56 GMT -5
Belmont? So that was her family name. She put the names together, Serena Belmont it felt so strange to her, to have a known name, one that bore so much significance to those two dozen gathered her. She gave a smile and a nod to the first man, pleased at his cordial welcome. She stood up straighter and fidgeted less once the anxiety had been broken. She hadn’t known what they would say. She worried that they would deny her right and claim to the bloodline, for she herself had once had misgivings. The thought of being a lady rather than living in servitude was one thing, but being a noble had seemed to be a foreign skin in which she was reluctant to clothe herself. Her feelings returned to anxiety when the lords all stood to make themselves known and welcome her and pledge themselves almost at once. She took in a breath as Andal raised his hands and voice to quiet them, and she breathed a bit easier. She looked tentatively to Cartell in an attempt to discern what he may be thinking of all this. Her attention was soon diverted as many services flooded into the dining hall with countless platters of luxurious food. This was her first taste of things so rich and fine, and she made a sound of pleasure as the meat melted in her mouth, delighted in the taste of foreign fruits, and sipped the fine wine, which brought a tint to her cheeks. Cartell had chuckled and told her to not overdue it so she set down her glass with a meek smile and turned to other drinks. The dinnerware was beautiful, fine porcelain with gilded edges, glass of pure crystal, ale mugs of a rare wood, and impressed her greatly. She handled everything so carefully, not wanting to stain even the beautiful linen cloth that lined the table, embroidered with fanciful creatures.
Her eyes moved to Varic as he stood from his seat, feeling again a wave of nervousness at being the center of attention. There were so many eyes upon her! And in admiration no less! She still had enough sense to acknowledge each in turn with a gracious bow of the head. Her biggest simile was for Andal, for through the experience she had begun to transcend out of the childish phase and, having once despised him, felt now indebted to him for bringing her into this life. He had not simply rescued her from death, but from a less than satisfying and mediocre life within the cloister. She had the sense that her adventure was not over. Surely, as they would be journeying to the mentioned Duskwell, the danger may not have indeed passed as she had hoped. However, there was one redeeming thought, that perhaps Cartell would continue to act as her protector. She looked at him again, glancing briefly, before her attention turned to the lord that had asked to be permitted to approach her. It seemed ridiculous that someone would have to ask, especially being that he was a noble, but she reminded herself that she must cast aside the old self to make way for the identity of the golden queen. Serena thanked Lord Gilroy, her stomach again fluttering from the promise that she had not one but many heirlooms. She again thought of her parents and identified that these precious heirlooms were once touched by them.
As the lord bowed his exit respectfully, she set the chest on her lap and snapped open the clasps. Inside was a beautiful shortsword, finer than anything she had ever laid her eyes on, even finer than the metal that the Illios soldiers wore; even more fine than the High Chancellor, and surely just as fine if not more than the king’s own trappings and finery. The craftsmanship seemed to be not from this world, for it had a light of its own. She lifted it, balancing the blade on the flat of her palms to further study the details. She had never seen a pearl so large, and the symbol that was painted on the jewel must have some meaning to her family. The shortsword was a priceless work of art. “Is this the crest of my house, Andal?” She looked up to him.
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Post by Joe on Feb 26, 2014 13:19:50 GMT -5
Andal smiled from his place next to her as he watched her handle the blade. He remembered how Aurelia had cared for the blade and worn it wherever she went. She had never had the chance to use it in battle, as she had wished. His smile started to fade until Serena spoke, "Y-Yes, that's the seal of Belmont." He wanted to caution her about wearing the blade openly, but seeing the look in her eyes he decided it could wait.
Once Lord Gilroy had taken his leave, the rest of the lords all approached her for the chance to speak to her. Some simply wanted a chance to see her up close, while others tried to engage her in conversation of her past and history. Once the last lord had sat back down Lord Keller, their host, rose from the end of the table. "Well, my good sirs, our meal is finished and it is time to retire. You all know where you sleep, but my home is yours until you depart." As big as the manse was, it could not house every lord in attendance, many had to retreat to private dwellings in the city.
Andal rose and made sure Serena made it back to her quarters without interruption from the many prying persons. Cartell walked to his room and sat on the bed, looking out the window with a slight frown. He hadn't gotten to speak to her much since dinner. He laid his sword out on his lap, and fiddled with it as he thought of her. He started to try to confront himself with the thought that he might not see her again for a long time, so many powerful lords and knights in that room, many of them would doubtless volunteer to escort her back to the west. Why would anyone choose him over any of the others? He sighed as he realized he still wasn't sure what Andal had planned, wishing he had talked to him before he went to bed.
Gazing out the window again, he saw the lines of the balcony outside. He had discovered earlier that he and Serena's rooms were connected by that balcony. Suddenly a strong compulsion came over him to go see her. Cartell glanced at the door to the hallway, being seen entering her room at night would not be best. He briskly walked to the door to the balcony, opening it slowly, the cool night wind hitting him in the face. He stepped out onto the stone landing and looked over, seeing light still coming from her room. He smiled and started to walk towards it, but then another thought struck him. How exactly am I going to approach this? What if he walks to the window and she's undressing? He involuntarily blushed at the thought. Or what if she's indisposed? He decided he had no choice but to take the smallest of peeks through her window, if he caught a glimpse of anything he shouldn't, he'd leave immediately, he only wanted to talk to her after all.
He crawled to his hands and knees, approaching the closest window to her room. Creeping ever so slowly he raised his eye to the corner of the window and peered in.
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Post by Jenny on Mar 5, 2014 19:05:49 GMT -5
Serena now felt that she was a part of something. Not just a long-lost relative to the family bloodline, but belonging to a lineage and a life she had never dreamed that she would have. She beamed at Andal, her eyes shining with pride in the fact that she was somebody now, and so fine a gift had paved the way to greatness, she was sure of it. When the lords and nobles came to visit with her, she tried her best with small talk, for she could not answer many of their questions because her life experience had been much like a servant. She was not used to being such probed for responses, and often a blush tainted her cheeks. Her voice sometimes wavered as she spoke, not being close to tears, but in nervousness. She breathed out a long breath when the last had come, thankful that they had thought well of her but also because she was weary. The hour had turned very late and she would be happy to sleep in a soft bed. She rose and followed Andal out of the hall, feeling much like he was acting as her protector over the anxieties of fame.
As Andal had wished her good night, she changed into a night shift and sat down in front of the mirror and began to brush out the curls in her hair. She was oblivious to the fact that Cartell was outside her window. The balcony was up so high that no one could climb up from the ground, and within this mansion with so many people she felt safe and secure from their pursuers. It had been quite some time since she could relax like this, push away the worries of the day, and act as a regular person again.
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Post by Joe on Mar 5, 2014 19:17:43 GMT -5
Seeing her candidly in this way, even though there was nothing untoward about it, made him blush again. He sat silently for a moment, watching her care for her regal hair like a true princess - remembering his youth in the halls of Duskwell with its many noble ladies. Just the sight of her made his heart race, he could feel warm blood rushing through his face. He climbed from the ground, brushing the dirt from his arms and knees as he walked to the balcony door to her room. He took a deep breath, regarding her oblivious form a final time before he gave a soft rap on a wooden portion of the door, thinking the crack of glass might alert someone beyond their encounter. "S-Serena?" His voice was a hurried whisper, "It's me, Cartell.. uh, can I come in?" He glanced down the outside wall nervously, the light was also still on in Andal's room.
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Post by Jenny on Mar 5, 2014 19:24:47 GMT -5
She turned her head immediately to the sound, raising from her seat, a look of alarm on her face before he spoke. Her body relaxed immediately, though she felt it was too late for anyone to knock on her window. She set her brush down and went to the window and opened it. “Out for a midnight walk? She chuckled at him. “Come in, if you will.” She bent her head a bit looking around and beckoned him inside before they were seen. When he had entered the room, she pulled the shades and turned to him expectantly for him to explain himself.
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Post by Joe on Mar 5, 2014 19:39:15 GMT -5
Cartell quickly stepped inside, bringing his hands together to wring them nervously. He turned to face her, his skin flushing even more. His mind was a whirlwind of contradicting thoughts. As he saw her face he began to regret his compulsion, but the sight of her simultaneously filled him with a joy and inspiration that sent his mind frantic for the right words. The thoughts caused his first attempt at a sentence to transform into a mess of stutters and half-utterances. "I.. well, I-I know this is unusual, but I was thinking.." He sighed, clearing his head as he dropped his hands. His eyes looked downward and his voice was melancholy, "I was thinking about what's going to become of you, and I panicked, I just really wanted to see you before tomorrow, before they split us up." He looked uncertain for a moment, having realized this confession implied a certain gravity of emotion. He almost said more but his mouth became tense, he was going to wait and she what she said before volunteering more.
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Post by Jenny on Mar 5, 2014 19:48:58 GMT -5
She tried to hide a smile at his awkwardness. It may be late in the night, but she had been wishing that they would see each other again. She had been glad to be sitting next to him at the table, but once the nobles came to pay their respects she had lost sight of him. Since they had been together for some time, traveling to Lord Keller’s home, she hadn’t expected them to be split apart at all. When he said so, her jaw dropped in surprise. “But… that can’t be! Is that the final decision?” She looked completely distraught, biting her lip and sagging her shoulders. She looked at him hopefully. “What if I insisted that you remain by my side? What if I were to say I will not travel one more step unless you were with me…” She shook her head. “Surely it would no be a complicated request.” Biting her lip she shook her head again. “I won’t allow it…”
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Post by Joe on Mar 5, 2014 20:09:23 GMT -5
"The lords will meet tomorrow to decide who will be in the party that will escort you the rest of the way to the west." He turned to the side, his hand fingering the hilt of his sword. "You saw them.. they're all great leaders and warriors. Only a select few will be sent with you." His voice had a desperate urgency, "I heard Eyan talking to Andal.. the Illios have attacked Dire's End, our homeland, someone must go and drive off the raiders." He turned back to her with a sudden confidence, summoning his courage he stepped in closer to her. "Serena.. I'm no one, even sitting next to you at dinner is unjust." He remembered how the others had stared at him with some kind of mix of contempt and jealous indifference. "If you were crowned.. I could be hanged for just standing in this room with you. But.. I've never met someone that makes me feel the way you do." Suddenly a laugh and a smile escaped him, "Just seeing you.." The words made his chest go uncomfortably tight, and suddenly all breath escaped him, "I.. think I'm in love with you." The words having finally left him, the rush of uncertainty and dread broke loose and rushed up from his stomach. He felt like he was going to vomit, but instead he just lowered his head and prepared to walk from this place and never return.
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Post by Jenny on Mar 5, 2014 20:23:04 GMT -5
Her eyes turned downcast as Cartell spoke. She looked up when Cartell spoke of his homeland being attacked by the Illios. This was all her fault! Oh curse her for being born, for being who she was, for knowing that Cartell could be insisted to travel to Dire’s End and drive the Illios back. She was aware that he could be in extreme danger… perhaps even be killed! She tried to shake off the feeling but her face showed the inner turmoil in those moments of speaking. His sudden change drew her eyes back to him. She was about to open her mouth in protest that he spoke of himself in such a negative light, but shut it again as he went on. She could never bear the thought that he should be hanged for wanting to be close to her. When he said that he loved her, she had a look of complete and utter surprise on her face. She had barely begun to know her self-worth and to think that Cartell was also struggling with like feelings did not make her happy, but it was something that they shared. She was now conflicted. If she told him the truth that she felt that she had fallen for him too, he would be risking death to be close to her. She watched the despair that crossed his face and she could not help the tears that had welled up in her eyes. What should she say? What should she do? She did not want to damn the one she loved, but she couldn’t stand the thought that he would be with her. Perhaps if she postponed her answer, she could sleep on it, and could only hope that Cartell would be chosen. But that in itself was dangerous too. What if they fell head over heels in love with one another? Love could blind. She lowered her voice, soft and steady. “I need to think on this Cartell…”
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Post by Joe on Mar 5, 2014 20:52:07 GMT -5
Cartell gave her a long look before nodding and heading for the door back to the balcony. His mind began hitting him with a barrage of self-loathing. Fool. Thrice-damned, bloody, fool. Why would you blurt something like that? You've done it now. His inner-self hissed at him as he tried to keep his composure until he was back in his room. He left her without looking back. Once he was inside he fell to his knees, hands catching on the edge of the bed, sword slipping and clattering to the ground. A loud sob escaped his mouth, and tears began to rush forth in a torrent. He tried to hush himself as he gasped and choked, weeping. He let out a shaking sigh and wiped his nose, he looked at the night sky outside, looked at the wall he shared with Serena. Suddenly he wanted to leave it all, it'd be better wouldn't it? He was the worst of them all, he wouldn't be around to bother Serena anymore. She could move on and be with someone of proper rank, live the life she's meant to, be happy. Gritting his teeth he struck the heavy bed so hard it jumped a few inches, gouging the wooden floor. With a hysterical imminence he scooped up his sword, affixing it back to his belt, and began to put on his armor, began packing a small bag.
--- Andal held his face in his hands, the news of Dire's End was ill, ill indeed. He was the ruling lord there, his people needed him. He was securing the heir to their kingdom, he was returning it to glory. Common people cared nothing for these quarrels, it did not put food on their table, not in an immediate sense, it did not see their family taken care of. The damned Illios were likely burning and raping as they went. He quickly stood, the thought stirring a slight rage causing him to begin pacing back and forth.
You know what you have to do. You have to make them pay. That's what she would've wanted, Andy my love, make them pay, make them scream.
The pleasing voice in his head urged him ever onward.
I know I have to go, but it's not so simple. You mean the boy!?
The voice laughed hysterically.
He'll get over it, young love never lasts, not like us.
He sighed and thought of Cartell. The boy was never happy, at least he hadn't been until they had taken Serena. It pleased him to see Cartell smiling, and it pained him to remove the cause. The two young ones together had problems of its own, but it would do no real harm. They would know their places eventually.
He heard a sudden sound from the hall, and started for the door, but his feet stopped before they could leave the bed.
That's enough excitement for you today, let me take care of you tonight.
He tried to fight her, but she was in his mind. His head swam and he fell back onto the bed, feeling so tired he could not move. His eyes fell on the windows as his mind surrendered to her, the moon outside faded to black.
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