|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 4:12 pm
Oban turned about at the sound of the young woman's voice, his features somewhat surprised at her appearance. The Black Diamond Knights were now leaving him be, seeing as they had fulfilled their orders, and were now making their way down the steps of the curved hallway to the lower levels...likely taking the opportunity to take guards shifts elsewhere. As he nearly began to speak, the priest Sir Gashrious closed the door behind them, taking a quick glance at the prince before lowering his eyes from his view. For the moment the silver guard had been lazily leaning upon the walls, their spears likewise leaning back against the stone, yet when Gashrious entered they became alert and ready.
"Relax, I'm out here to avoid service to my king not to fulfill it." Gashrious remarked with a sly smile. He then turned away to stand aside, as the lady and the prince conversed.
Turning to face her once more Oban met her gaze with one appearing calm, in a curious manner. "Yes my lady, I am indeed the heir to Garnoff, though I doubt my father's choices to this day." A hand reached up from his sword, rubbing against his features. One observant enough might even have noticed as he did so that the roundness of his face was not of blubber, but rather of bone. "My father named me heir when all others named my brother. I was not so surprised when King Doko refused me." Oban sighed, his head drooping a little as he did so. He was not concerned with how many saw him, but when it came to royal affairs and required respect, he had felt that his strength as a good leader may have been shaken by the events which had unfolded.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 4:31 pm
 Menna was not surprised that Gashrious had followed. Half the things the old priest did were to placate a king. "Biding his remaining time on earth" or so he said. She had to say she would be said when the old man finally died, though he wasn't the only one. It was only the older generation, the one that remember her mother's family, that were kind. Although most assumed she was the same as her father, there were those who saw the original princess. Her secret allies within her father's palace.
"I understand." Menna responded lamely. He must have been struggling to keep his title as heir ever since he was named it. "But this brings up several issues. Your father wants you to succeed him, yet my father is expecting your brother. And the Grand King expects his way in all areas, including those that are not run by him." Her voice was nearly silent. If it was overheard by the wrong ears, she could easily find herself locked in her room for days. "The marriage could end in war." Unless his father reneged and chose Skyron as his heir, Doko might very well fly into a rage and announce war. A war she would be caught in the middle of.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 7:18 pm
"Undoubtedly the heir will be changed to suit the needs of the time....I'm sure father will find it better that way. Skyron was always the people's choice regardless." Oban stated, surprised somewhat at how this young woman spoke of her father. Perhaps most in his position would feel a great sadness at that time, but it appeared that the prince before the young woman and wise priest did not regret the change of hands. In some way it even seemed as if he felt things had turned out for the better.
"I still think you should be king Lord Oban." One of the knights in silver armor called to him. Not a moment after, the remaining three knights roared their approval. "Skyron may have the looks but you got the heart by far my lord." Another knight added in. They seemed to be honestly approving of Oban, something that most in royalty could not say they had experienced. Even Sir Gashrion began to smile at the over all respect these men held for the unfortunate prince.
"It seems your brother Skyron is not all of the people's choice." Gashrious added in, gesturing towards the guards. "and if I do recall...wasn't it this young lady herself who said that a king should be head of his army?" That last portion even the priest knew was only a ploy to calm Doko, but at the same time the man had intended to show Oban that he was not so disliked by his people.
"I am gifted enough," Oban began to reply. "And my brother will rule every bit as well as I, so long as he does not let his temper loose." The prince seemed content with the power he had, truly content, unlike many he had once met.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 7:48 pm
Oban seemed to accept his position as the second choice. Menna could understand that to a point. She'd long ago decided to accept her position in Dokoro. It's not that she didn't wish for change, but she saw nothing in an extreme escape attempt. Then the silver clad knights stepped forward to speak. Menna's eyes widened at having been overheard, but as they did not answer to Doko she was not in any real danger. She had to smile at their comments. It reminded her of her own allies within the palace.
She laughed at Gashrious' words. "A general or two is always an option." She said with a small smile. Oban took the compliments with a neutrality that spoke of contentment. There was something about that she could not let stand. "Your father chose you for a reason. If he is not a fool, then you truly are the better leader. Your brother may look the part, but looks aren't everything." It might have been strange coming from her, considering that she had her mother's beauty. A thought occurred to her then. "Your father must be told of this." She looked to Gashrious. "When and where is this wedding occurring?" She hated admitting that she knew nothing of the marriage in front of one of the intended grooms, but she needed to ask.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 8:15 pm
Oban seemed to be lifted by the young woman's words. He knew little of her, but the prince could be certain that they would get along well in the days to come. Meanwhile, she continued by addressing the priest, asking of him the time which the marriage would occur.
"Tis the present subject my lady." Gashrious made clear. The royal family was in fact here to discuss the time of the union, and the location which it would take place. Upon the man's confirmation, Oban moved over to the door. Settling his ear upon the wood for a moment, the man removed his head from it's place. Shaking his head, he confirmed that they would not know of the date unless one returned to the interior (an option which few would consider) or until the royal family of Garnoff left the vicinity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 8:32 pm
At that point Menna felt better. She may not have known that there was a marriage but at least there were no details of it she was unaware of. The trick was how to figure out what was going on next? She thought for a long moment. As if on cue, a girl walked by. One of Menna's ladies-in-waiting walked by. Menna thought for a long moment. The girl was new to the entourage, the daughter of one of her father's favorite followers. "Verity!" She said loudly. The girl stopped with wide eyes. She hadn't been very attentive, relying more on her father's temporary favor than actual talent. "I am in a conversation with prince Oban, but I need to know what's going on with the discussion between the Grand King and the Garnoff family." The girl nodded and quickly slipped down the hall, past the guards, and into the throne room. Doko might be furious at the intervention, but Menna hoped he would take it as a sign that she was as interested in this alliance as he was. At the worst case, Verity's father would be removed from Doko's favor and Menna would be rid of a horrid lady-in-waiting. "That should buy us some time." She announced with a small smile. "What is so important that your father needed to stay back to focus on the military?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 9:20 pm
"I don't believe that I am a liberty to say." Oban replied. Although they were soon to be allies, the prince knew what subjects to keep from others. For the moment he would play the fool he had been accused of being...or at least he would try. Ever the experienced man priest Gashrious approached the young man.
"I believe your tongue is held by loyalty, not stupidity, I assure you that no dokolite stands before you here." The priest stated, looking up into the eyes of lord Oban with a sly smile once again crossing over his features. "Regardless of what your words carry, they will fall short of the king's ears." Chuckling, the priest laid a hand upon the prince's shoulder, patting the armor which shook the chain mail some what. With a look of understanding, for he too had witnessed the way the Tyrant had acted in the throne room, Oban's silence was no more.
"The King of Garnoff prepares...in case the King of Dokoro is as hot headed as the rumors claim." Oban was quick to finish his sentence, peeking over his shoulder to be sure that no one was watching. "Garnoff refuses to be lulled asleep by treaty." The prince offered no more, for that alone in the wrong hands could be quite consequential. It was quite brave of him to have even spoken a word about his father's intent, let alone to one of seemingly the opposing side. Still, Oban had a talent for choosing well who he should trust.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 11:46 pm
It didn't surprise Menna that Oban was hesitant to speak about his father's business. Obedience was often mistaken with loyalty and both princess and priest bowed to the wishes of the temperamental Grand King. Of course Menna didn't doubt that Doko would execute either one of them for speaking this way. After all, he still thought she was berating him for a badly done joke. Little did he know the joke was on him.
Gashtrious had a knack for seeming trustworthy. A trait she had originally distrusted and had only recently realized came more from a need for survival than enjoyment of the deception. It was natural for people to want to tell their secrets to him. Useful, she supposed, for a priest. And the secret Oban told was no small one. Garnoff was preparing for a war with the very people they meant to align themselves with,
"It's comforting to know my future father-in-law is now fool." She said with a wry smile. But the joke fell flat as she realized how quickly that army could become needed. The rumors were completely accurate and Garnoff had every right to be cautious. "With all this mixed-up heir business, those soldiers will be dearly needed." The soldiers of Dokoro were not many, but they were the elite. They had the top skill and a thirst for blood that was unmatched. Often soldiers weren't encourage to have families, for the sole reason that Doko didn't want them to have anything to live for beyond the thrill of the fight. She frowned, her fingers twitching again, as she realized how dire things were.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 7:30 pm
"Unfortunately I cannot say how well we can train those brave men of Garnoff. When my father called for their service, those who respected him flocked to the doors of the shining fortress. There are many who would gladly die in the service of the mighty Lucheston, and yet we have not yet been experienced in training so many but as is known to all kingdoms about, our city is bathed in the lights of a holy ground, and would take a true legend to knock on our doors." Oban explained. It was true, the number of men who entered the ranks of Garnoff's forces were countless, and not all could be trained in the ways of the Silver Knights. Even as so many rushed to give their oath of loyalty however, the king was changing the way the men trained in the arts, allowing for many more men to gain strength in combat.
"Regardless of your forces, no kingdom would benefit from battle here." Priest Gashrious began, his voice becoming a bit raspy as he gave a short cough. "It is to my understanding that marriage, though a war to some itself, would certainly be the preferred path. Now all we must do is ensure that your place as heir is not challenged, and yet the Grand King still remains nonobjective." Shaking his head Sir Gashrious announced "I despise troubling puzzles." Jokingly. For the moment he attempted to bring about a smile, the room seemed tense and he knew well that stress could hinder the works of a good mind.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 8:06 pm
The picture forming in Menna's head was not a pleasant. Men flocking to Lucheston's call on one side, men being dragged to join from Doko's side. Both fighting for their monarchs. Menna had never given much thought to her position as princess, but the idea that an act she committed could lead to such an occurrence made her sick to her stomach. "No man should asked to be fight for the sake of someone they've never met." She murmured mostly to herself. Gashrious' words echoed her own, though she couldn't tell if he'd heard her. Still, the puzzle seemed impossible.
Verity came out then, looking timid from being in Doko's presence. "The wedding will be occurring in Garnoff." She said quietly. Menna frowned. Why would her father allow the marriage to take place on other soil? Unless... "He wants to see the strength of the possible foe." She said with a frown. It appeared Lucheston wasn't the only one that considered war a possibility. "When will it take place?" She asked. Verity's nervousness had no faded. What Doko had said that had shaken her so much? "As soon as the party can arrive, Your Highness. A messenger will be sent ahead to warn King Sorian." Menna took a deep breath. She had much less time than she'd originally thought to figure out this puzzle. "Thank you Verity." She said in a distracted tone. "You are dismissed." Verity gave a quick curtsy and continued on her way.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 9:54 pm
The moment that the maiden had left the presence of the group Oban turned to face one of the Silver Knights, who remained leaning upon the stones of the entrance hall before the steps which spiraled to the floors bellow. The men in armor were casually speaking of their families, or in the case of one of the younger men a fair lady whom he had fancied. Stepping forth to receive their attention, the young man addressed his men.
"Orsolone, I need you to meet with my father. Ride ahead and inform him of our current situation." Oban instructed in a calm yet confident manner. He didn't appear too demanding, yet he assumed the presence of a respectable individual, and the soldier soon nodded, having received his orders.
"And how am I to reach the king with this news?" Orsolone asked, for not every man with each individual need was met with royalty.
"Carry this with you. I'm sure that your fellow soldiers would be happy to stand by for you then." Oban smiled handing the soldier a rather thin crown. Some people were amazed at how much the young man would put trust into his men, but at the same time this was one of his greatest features. He as well as the soldier knew who had possessed the crown last when it left the young man's side, but even with that information not present, Orsolone and his comrades held the Sorian prince so highly in their regards that their desire was only to show their gratitude in service.
Oban never really wore the trinket any way, for he never expected himself to become the main heir, and rather disliked head wear that was un protective. Rushing off, the soldier in silver armor made his way down to the lower levels of the castle, heading out to inform the king of the troublesome subject.
"If my father cannot find a path to take to avoid this difficulty, then I shall hope for the inspiration myself." Lord Sorian announced. Gashrious himself appeared to be thinking for a possible way to avoid the difficult times ahead, though in his experience, he may have been thinking well beyond the point where they may have ended up at war.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 10:14 pm
Menna never claimed to be overly intelligent although there was a cleverness about the girl that few knew about. It had mostly come out of a need for survival. Saying the right thing when her father was on the verge of anger to save herself and others from his ire. The Grand King had yet to realize that his daughter was saying only what he wanted to hear. There were many in the palace that expected the princess to become troublesome or rebellious some day, but she was hardly so stupid to throw any sort of rebellion in her father's face.
As Oban instructed his men, in a much calmer way than Doko could have managed, Menna moved over to a nearby window, in a semi-distracted state. Her mind was reeling with possibilities. Running away would not work, as Doko knew where to go. He would doubtlessly bring men with him. But how many? Not quite enough for a war, surely. Even with his lack of diplomacy skills he would know that bringing an army could bring about a battle. But what then? Doko wanted her to marry Skyron in a most-likely large and gaudy affair. But Lucheston wanted Oban to be the heir. A thought suddenly occurred to her. Why couldn't they both get what they wanted?
She turned back to her companions with a new light in her eyes."You say men are very loyal to your father." She said, rushing through the words. "Would they lie for him? Deceive for him?" It would be very complicated and incredibly dangerous, relying on Doko's incessant arrogance and ignorance of anything he could not completely understand. Any sudden change of character could bring about a war. But there was no other option she could think of.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 9:36 am
Before the prince could answer the young woman, the large wooden doors to the room which they had just left swung open. Through these doors walked a man holding his head high, and a pair of royals who held their gazes low. Doko passed by the group beyond the door, eyeing both his daughter and Gashrious as if curious as to why they still lingered.
"Issemenna...have you taught the fool his lesson? Do feel free to join us in the lunch hall if the message been passed along." Doko announced, as if Oban was no longer even present. The tyrant king and his knights marched down to the eating corridors, a place not so much larger than the throne room itself, but which held a table for all guests to sit within. Unfortunately they would have to dust off the chairs, for only the four Black Diamond Knights who had acquired the rank of Dread Knight had ever sat for a meal.
Oban stepped to the side of his brother, placing one hand on the prince's shoulder. His brother seemed in an almost depressed mood, and though he could guess the cause, Oban was always curious at what it was that would ale his sibling.
"What happened in there Skyron, why are you and mother dropping your heads." He asked keeping stride as they moved towards the stairs. Skyron however simply shrugged off the hand, and left his brother behind as they reached the steps.
As they left to the dining hall, and only the three Silver Knights, as well as Oban, Menna, and Gashrious remained, the elder priest stepped towards the young man, turning him about to face him, though in a calmer manner than most would have.
"Relax Lord Oban, it is simply an affect of keeping Doko's company for far too long without enough courage or pride." Sir Gashrious assured him. "Now if you would be so kind...please do answer the lady's question..I do believe her wonderful mind has been inspired." The man finished, allowing for Oban to turn and respond to the young woman.
"Yes, these men would do anything for their king. They pledged their life, and not of fear but respect. If King Lucheston asks of them such a thing...then they will comply." The prince concluded. He was reassured when one of the knights called out "Here here" followed by two other cheers of approval.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 10:35 am
Menna was a bit surprised when her father suddenly walked out of the throne room. Of course he would be confused as to why she was still speaking to "the jester". "Of course, Your Highness." She said quietly. He turned to walk without making sure she was following. She watched as Oban tried to ask his brother what was wrong, only to have Skyron walk ahead without replying. She shook her head slightly. She knew the feeling. The only cure was long periods of time spent away from him.
Menna blushed slightly at the "wonderful mind" comment from Gashrious. The man was truly like a grandfather to her, since her father's father had fallen in battle and her mother's father had been killed in the palace... by her father's hand. But she had to think about the situation in front of them. She nodded at Oban's answer and the agreement from the knights. "Good. Then there may be a way to get out of this mess. But it isn't a permanent solution." No secret could be kept forever. Sooner or later someone would discover it. With any luck the army of Garnoff would be better prepared. Or her father would have relented slightly. She hoped for the second, but it was most likely going to be the first.
"My father will want something grand." She explained in quiet rushed tones. "But grand does not make a wedding valid. Neither does a secret one make it invalid." Her eyes were alight, hoping to get the message through without having to be too explicit. Who knew what eager ears were just around the corner? "Wearing a priest's robe does not make a man a priest as much as a real priest would still be one even if he was not wearing a priest's robe." She didn't have time to make sure her riddle hit it's mark. Her father would be waiting for her in the dining hall and keeping him waiting was a fool's mistake. "I must go." She said quietly, looking down the hall. "My room is the farthest one in the west wing, do not come until past midnight." It might have been improper to have a man in your room at night, but it was the only way they would have any secrecy. And with that she turned and hurried down to the dining hall.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 11:31 am
Curious as to her idea, and shocked that a gentlemen would be invited beyond the hours of day to a woman's quarters, regardless of that he knew it was nothing inappropriate, Oban gave a short bow before the lady made her way to rejoin the tyrant king. Gashrious turned to the young man then, having caught on already to what the lady had been suggesting.
"Accompany me to my home until the time comes, I'm sure your family will understand that you feel the need to witness the prowess of your new comrade's armies." The knights gave a confused look then, not having heard the words that the queen to be had spoken. As the priest left for the stairs however, so too did Oban, and as loyal guards would they followed their prince.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
