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 Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 1:59 pm
It certainly felt odd to receive the invitation from her majesty to a masquerade party. He kept his secret of being a hedge witch for so long that Noah felt extremely out of place now. However, he cannot deny the invitation for it would be rude of him and so after he is finished with his work, he visited to the costumer to see about the costume that he had picked out and made its last edits; an attire completely of black and gold with his long hair tied back in a low pony tail in black ribbon and an eye mask, black, with gold stitching as he is kept warm from the fading winter with an elaborate black cloak. Avalloc was perched on his shoulder and so is Mintha who is dressed for the event with a pale pink ribbon tied around her neck just so she can look festive. The rook was highly against it.
Noah was riding upon Celyn to the event at Old Castle and passed along a familiar building off to his side; Connor’s home. A smile appeared on his face as he pulled on the reigns to make the gypsy vanner stop in his tracks. “Ah yes, he must be going to the Masquerade as well . . .” Connor is a chosen, well a Warden now from remembering the contents of the letter. He stood in place as he stared at the home through his mask in questioned about going to the masquerade with him. It was . . . an awkward thought. He’s on pins and needles about everything and would like some company to make him feel better. And he truly believed that he would have a better time with the young man too. Mintha had already flown over to his house and Noah followed behind up until the fence as he tied the reigns to the fence and walked up to the door and gave a brisk knock feeling both of his feathery companions sitting on his shoulders.
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Posted: Tue Mar 19, 2013 12:16 am
Receiving an invitation to the masquerade ball in Old Castle was strange to Connor. He had been on his way home from work with Rosaire at his side when a rook had come flying over to him and delivered a letter to him which consisted of the invite to the masquerade. When he read it, he was very shocked, mostly because he had never been to such an event. A ball? A masquerade ball on top of that? And in Old Castle, as well . . . he had never been to Old Castle, so he was a little nervous about attending but he knew that he had no choice because if he turned down an invitation from her majesty . . . well, he didn't know what would happen but he figured that it wouldn't be good, since he was a chosen or rather a warden now. Wouldn't it look bad if he didn't go?
The day of the ball Connor had closed shop earlier to go home and get ready, although upon looking for clothing for the ball . . . he realized he had no idea what he was supposed to wear. He had never been to something fancy like this before. A costume, of some sort . . . and he had a mask as well, but he just had to decide on something that went with it. He had decided to go with a dark navy blue costume with white stitching on it, although just as had slipped his pants on, he heard the sound of a knock upon his front door, one that startled him. Who could it be?! Connor could help but feel a little angry and frustrated, but he did his best to calm himself down as he slipped on his shirt for now, making an attempt to button it up as he made his way through his home to the front door, opening it without giving it much of a second thought that he might want to check who it is first. And really, he should have checked, because much to his surprise he was greeted with the very handsome face of a masked man, one that he recognized as . . .
"N-Noah?!" he gasped, staring in confusion and shock, half tempted to close the door right on his face, but he knew better than to do that. He was just . . . not expected him at all. Why was he dressed up, anyway? He wasn't a warden, was he? Then, that must . . . "What . . . what are you doing here?" he asked, staring up at him, completely forgetting that there were a few buttons of his shirt that weren't done up nor was it tucked in, revealing a bit of his chest.
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Posted: Tue Mar 19, 2013 1:02 pm
Upon waiting at the doorstep, Noah was taking a few deep breathes to calm his nerves. He is glad though that Mintha is with him by his side as she chirped to his ear gently. It made the man smile as he reach his hand up to gently pet her head. Avalloc was surprisingly calm for he’s usually the one who cause some sort of ruckus or annoying his hedge witch. The rook knows well just how tense Noah is about the ball and of his true identity after the years of secrecy. He was silent and the older male appreciate it so much as the rook was also being petted too, letting out a small caw in appreciation to the small affection.
As the door was finally opened, his steel blue eyes would normally meet those icy blue orbs before him. But instead, they trailed down to the small peek of the baker’s chest instead and completely forgetting about the question that was being asked of him. Finally though, he looked back up to his eyes and smile softly to the frazzled young man. “Well, I wanted to see if you might be attending to the ball . . . but apparently not yet.” He chuckled at his appearance and decided to help Connor as he finished buttoning up his shirt for him since it was his fault that he interrupted him on his preparations. The police chief couldn’t help but to smile as already he felt his nervousness completely diminished. “And also . . . perhaps you would like to join me on the travel. I really could use the company, well, extra company.” He said and his feathery companions gave out a short chirp and caw as well as Mintha flying up to Connor’s shoulder to nuzzle against his cheek for she’s happy to see him again. “That is, if you want to of course Connor.” He added as he finished buttoning up his shirt for him and pulling off the eye mask that hid his identity and to see him clearer too.
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Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 4:51 am
Connor's face was completely red from embarrassment, completely unsure of what to do or what to even see. Having Noah come to the door at a time like this . . . and now said that he had been wanting to see if he might be attending the ball. W-what? Why did Noah care? It's not like the man could go . . . at least he was pretty sure he couldn't go. His eyes traveled to the rook on his shoulder as well, eying the bird warily only to suddenly look away as he felt the back of Noah's fingers brushing across his chest. His eyes grew wide, very hesitantly looking down towards his chest, his breathing slightly irregular. What was . . .
Connor calmed down a little, biting his lower lips nervously as he stared up at the older man. He didn't stay calm for long though as he heard that he was asking if he wanted to join him on the travel to the ball, as he could use some extra company. He didn't even blink when Mintha flew to his shoulder and nuzzled against his cheek, or even when Noah had actually finished buttoning up his shirt. He was just so . . . . . "U-um . . ." he shuttered out, quickly snapping out of his dazed stupor, nodding his head a few times. "I-I would love to, I've um, never actually been to Old Castle . . . s-so that would be great. J-just lemme . . . lemme go and finish up . . ." he said, staring for a moment before opening the door a little wider for Noah to come in if he wanted. He then disappeared down the hall into one of the rooms, quickly slipping the rest of his costume on, along with his mask, slipping it on over his eyes, as well as his shoes. Before leaving his room, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror, inspecting himself briefly to make sure he looked alright before leave. He return back to the door, looking up towards Noah. "I, um, I'm ready now."
With that, the two of them stepped outside and Connor made sure to lock up so no one broke in or anything. He was just about to call out for Rosaire, but the guardian seemed to have read his mind or something as she was soon standing at his side, nuzzling her nose into his side. The baker smiled softly and pet her head gently before leading her out past the gate, climbing up onto her back and waiting for Noah to be ready to go. It would definitely be easier to travel this way, since Rosy didn't seem to mind it at all which Connor was grateful for. He'd die if he had to walk all the way to Old Castle.
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Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 6:20 pm
It's seems that Connor always gets nervous whenever Noah is around and blushing completely red. He wondered why he's like that, but then again, to suddenly appear at the door step of his house moments away from leaving to the masquerade would surprise anyone. So much that Connor is halfway dressed in his costume to which Noah had to help him a bit with it seeing that the young man is completely paralyzed by the shock of it all. Now Noah is feeling really bad for surprising him like that.
The police chief is happy to hear that he would go with him as he smiled. "Well, since it's your first time then I'll be more than happy to show you around." Noah was born and raised there in Old Castle before his family moved to Palisade and knew the area like the back of his hand although tonight it'll be a different night and a different Old Castle. It made the older male even more nervous about it as he pace slightly in Connor's home as he was invited inside. Avalloc played with his hair a bit in trying to ease the man but Noah can't be at peace. He played with the mask at hand before he decides to stand by the door and wait for the young baker to finish his preparations.
Hearing the sounds of footsteps had made Noah snapped out of his thoughts as he looked at Connor in his costume for the ball. He stared at him with a warm smile on his face as he admires him for a brief moment. "You look amazing Connor. Surely you will be asked for a dance by others tonight." He said as he tied his mask on over his eyes before he opened the door for the young man to step out of his home first before he did. Noah went to tend to his horse and he untied the reins and slipped his foot at the stirrup as he pulled himself up to straddle on his horse. Avalloc had already flew into the evening skies as Noah rode up to meet Connor and Rosaire seeing Mintha has nestled right on top of Rosaire's head to be with the Guardian. "Follow me Connor. We'll be at Old Castle soon." Noah said with a smile as he gave a small kick to Celyn's side as they rode up to head for Kingsroad that will lead them to Old Castle.
Time has passed as the two rode together. Small conversations were exchanged between them as they talked about each other's day and also of the ball. But during the entire time, Noah had held on to Celyn's reins so tightly that his hands have become so stiff, it was difficult for him to let go. It was embarrassing and even shameful of him but he tries to hide it from Connor as they rode up to the Ball. Noah stepped down from his horse and a man who is tending the horses for the guest gladly took his horse away to the stables where Celyn will rest in the meantime. The Police chief walked with Connor at his side to look around at the festivities as Avalloc finally swooped down to perch on his shoulder as the rook's glowing blue eyes looked around. The man felt uneasy. The people around him were smiling and laughing, even gazing about the fruit that has grown from the trees so suddenly. Avalloc let out a caw from the sight and Noah studied from a distant seeing his gunmetal blue eyes narrowed. "Is it magic?" He thought for it's impossible for trees to bear fruit when it was still winter, no matter how close spring is. "How odd for a variety of fruit has grown at this time . . ." Noah spoke out loud to Connor. "I wouldn't take a bite if I were you." He is staying away from them and keeping his eyes open.
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Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 8:42 pm
Connor rather enjoyed the ride to Old Castle, especially having just small conversations with Noah on the way there. It was nice to be able to just talk with him about their day and about the ball, as he didn't really know of anyone else going to the ball. It still confused him greatly why Noah was going, but he would ask him later. Maybe once the night was over so that things wouldn't be awkward or anything between them. That was the last thing he wanted. Although even if he did work up the nerve to ask after the ball . . . ah, he could never do it. He was too scared to question him.
Upon arrival to where the ball was held, Connor climbed down off of Rosy as Noah slipped off of Celyn as well, straightening out his clothing a little and being sure to brush off any dirt. He stayed at Noah's side as they walked with Rosaire close to his side, resting one hand on her neck as she was on her guard since there were so many people around. She wasn't used to it and plus it was her instinct to make sure that Connor was okay and look out for him. Sure he had Noah to look after him, but Rosy still didn't completely trust this man and was still going to do her best to make sure Connor was safe. The blonde was too distracted as he looked around at all the people all dressed up in fancy clothing, surprised to see many other people with guardians, just like him. He had never thought that so many others were just like him. Another thing that distracted him as well were the odd fruits that had seem to be grown on the trees, trying to listen to see if he could hear if anyone was talking about the fruits. They looked . . . rather delicious. He was so tempted to go and take one since he was absolutely starving as well, but just as he was about to go over to one of the trees Noah suddenly spoke up, causing him to jump a little. His eyes snapped over to Noah's face, blinking a few times as he told him that he shouldn't take a bite of the fruit. "A-ah . . . I-I see . . ." he said, biting down on his lower lip in indecision. He trusted Noah . . . and so if he thought it wasn't a good idea, then Connor wasn't going to eat one of them and just stay away from them instead. "I-I'll take your word for it then, Noah."
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Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2013 3:16 pm
The night grew stranger and stranger to the man. The nerves stayed with him still as he stayed close to the young man who he is relieved that Connor didn't try to eat some of the delectable fruit from the trees seeing of how they continued to grow high up into the skies as if they might reach to the heavens. He felt completely off and felt the quartz pendulum chain that is wrapped around his wrist, hiding under his coat's sleeve, tugging towards to the direction of the trees of the courtyard. "Noah . . . Noah . . ." Avalloc spoke his bonded human's name for the rook has felt the same thing; a sense of a dreaming . . . or a corrupt nightmare. His eyes cast over to the group of young women charged through the crowd with fruit at hand and apples to be thrown at the people in the crowd who are dressed as wolves. It made his gunmetal blue eyes stared at the women and to the dancers at the courtyard and listened to the sounds of laughter which turned . . . strange.
Noah saw things which he never thought he would see. The light from the lanterns and the will o wisps cast an eerie light to revealed the masquerade folk's faces like bilious. The young women grew feverish, howling as they pelt the apples away. And those once delectable fruits that Connor had almost taken a bite of had fallen from the trees to the courtyard and began to putrefied and gave out the foulest stench ever. "What on earth is going on here? What has the Queen planned for us this evening?" The police chief was outrage to the best of his abilities for the scent of rotten fruit and the sticky phosphorescent fungi has blanket over the grass. "Connor . . ." He turned to see the young man but at that moment he caught something (or he thought it was something) at the corner of his eyes. Just . . . he wants to know what sort of magic is this . . .
The older male shook his head and took off the eye mask off his face as it was tucked away in his coat's pocket. "Connor, are you all right? Are you harm?" He asked him, but without waiting for his answer he grabbed his hand tightly into his and pulled him close. "Come, let us leave this place . . ." The white quartz pendulum was dropped from his coat's sleeve. It stayed perfectly still despite the movement as Noah tries to find a way out from the madness with Connor pressed close to his body and away from the lights in fear of what might happen when it's shone upon them. The serious man taken everything far too much for his mind to comprehend but he knew one thing: he felt something wrong about going to the masque and he was right.
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Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2013 11:34 pm
Everything that was happening right before his eyes was just causing Connor to become more and more confused. Seeing those fruits that he had just been contemplating eating turned rotten right before his eyes and fell to the ground, casting the absolute worst smell ever that made him cough loudly as he covered his mouth and nose, turning away. He looked up towards Noah with squinted eyes, the stench causing them to water a little. What the hell was going on? This was absolutely horrible! Beside him, Rosy was standing her ground, pressed up against him defensively, being sure to be on the look out for anything that might happen. Something was severely wrong--she knew that much.
Connor glanced around briefly only to look back up at Noah abruptly as he felt a hand grab his own, his eyes going wide as he was pull close. "I-I'm fine, I'm okay--" Connor said in reassurance, nodding in agreement afterward that they should leave but still, he couldn't bring himself to move at all. His head was starting to hurt from the smell, almost feeling as if he was going to throw up just because of how bad it is. The minutes seemed to pass as he turned towards Noah to try to hide from the scent, but all of a sudden, there was other commotion around them, causing him to look around once more, taking in the scene before him. It was all confusing to the poor boy, suddenly seeing the Queen, along with others, like the strange men--Llyr and Gwyn--absolutely bewildered by everything the three were saying. This was . . . a mess.
However, those words, the war to come, what did . . . what did the Queen mean by that? A war? Why? Why a war, of all things? He finally moved one of his hands down to rest upon Rosy, just wanting to touch her for reassurance that she would be by his side no matter what, which she gave him that with a gently nudge. He then looked up towards Noah in complete and utter confusion. "N-Noah . . . what just . . . what just happened? I don't . . ." His words trailed off as he looked back at his surroundings, biting his lower lip. "We should . . . we should leave. Now. P-please . . ."
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Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 2:47 pm
The madness was absolutely horrendous. He held Connor close to his side and kept his eyes on Rosaire to see if she's with them as he tries to look for a way to get out. But there was nothing. All there was around him was darkness, the growing masses of fungus spreading, and the brooding sense that he was being watched at the corners of his eyes. It was magic, that he knows well, but something that he can't handle at all that it's corrupting his mind slowly the more he thinks about it. It almost make him want to reach over to grab the knife that he has tucked away in the back of his trousers and stab his hand to bring some sense to him. But when he felt Connor turning to him to hide away was just enough to bring him back from the darkness of his mind. He wrapped an arm around his shoulders and pulled him closer to give him reassurance. "Don't worry, we will leave from here . . ." But when? His pendulum showed no signs of an escape at all nor does Avalloc know of a way as well.
But then, the illusion was lifted. The heaviness has vanished from his mind which almost brought the man down to his knees but he kept his stance firm. The scenery looked back to normal and then his steel blue eyes caught on the sight of massacre. The scent of blood was faint in the air and it frighten his feather companions; hearing Avalloc cawing and Mintha hiding at the crook of his neck even more. But Noah saw the sight of a few men and soldiers laid slain upon the floor and the perpetrator who ruthlessly murder them. He was something like he has never seen in his life, staring at his unnatural, pale form and the blood on his mouth. Gwyn, of the House of Winter. It was a name he's not familiar with or House but now he will be as he listened to the man, watched him being shot by Lyr as the blood dripped down and flora life sprouts in its place as he vanished to most likely be with the wolves.
His direction turned to his Queen and Lyr to listen to them speak and also the ceremony that she performed. The police chief was absolutely stunned to hear about the future war to come and the identity of Lyr as well. He would never thought that this was to happen but it was made firm and clearly seeing the silver ward tree growing before his very eyes. It was a lot to register in mind and perhaps even more to Connor who spoke to him, utterly confused and asking that they should leave to which he nods his head in agreement. "Yes, just . . . I need a minute to recover from the glamour . . ." His body still feels paralyzed by it as he walked slowly to the direction of the stables to get his horse. His feet was dragging slightly but he was able to pick up the pace as he held on to Connor. "I have my home here, when I use to live at Old Castle years ago." Noah said suddenly out of the blue. "If you want to or have no room reserved at the inn, you're more than welcome to stay with me and I'll try to explain to you everything that has occurred." Connor must have a list of questions to ask of what happen but for now they just need some time to relax as he wrapped his white quartz pendulum back around his wrist to hiding, not caring at all that the young baker saw it.
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Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 4:25 am
Honestly Connor just wanted to get out of this place now--he was regretting coming to the ball in the first place. He should have stayed at home. That would have been the smartest thing to do, but no--Noah had came by and asked if he was going . . . and well, there was no way he had been able to chicken out at the point. He had honestly been thinking of just forgetting about the whole thing while he had been getting ready . . . but no, he had no choice when Noah came. Oh well, he supposed it had been fun while it lasted, even if it had turned out to be a huge, literal nightmare in the end.
It was a relief when Noah seemed to finally answer him, though all Connor did was just nod when he said he needed a moment to recover, walking slowly with him to Rosaire at his side towards the stable. Then when he said something about having a home here, from when he had lived here, Connor was taken off guard a little. Stay with him? Oh god, what was he trying to-- he quickly mentally smacked himself, yelling at himself that the man was just being nice, rather than him having to resort to an inn (considering he had no room reserved) or worse, going all the way back to Palisade. "Ah . . . yes, please," he said, about to continue until he saw that pendulum that Noah wrapped around his wrist, blinking a few times as he gazed at it. What was . . . ? Great, another thing he felt the urge to ask Noah about. A low sigh escaped him as he shook the thought from his head for the time being. "That would be great, I didn't really . . . plan ahead for spending the night here," he said with a small frown.
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Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 7:09 pm
The night has been rough on the both of them. Noah can see it on Connor's face and looked very startled when he spoke suddenly. He must be very exhausted but it did made him happy to see that he will stay at his home for the night at least. It'll make the explanation much easier for him as he has his grandmother's belongings still there at her old room such as her old tomes, scrolls, and books that she kept. Seeing the frown on his face had made the older male frown in return. He felt terrible in seeing him like that. Noah then lifted his hand up and gently pet his head, tousling his soft blonde locks slightly and he smiles at the young man. "It's over now and we left unscathed. Let's at least be happy for that now, okay?" The police chief tries to be positive to the man or at least the most that he can be since the future does look dim now.
Avalloc flew up ahead to find Celyn at the stables. His glowing bright blue eyes can be seen at the darkest hour of the night which Noah followed to his horse as the rook has perched on the saddle. The stable boy wasn't there for he might have ran away after seeing the glamour and so the older male walked up to the gypsy vanner with ease now as the paralysis after the illusion had vanished. He grabbed the reins and pulled Celyn out of the stable to step his foot at the stirrup and lifts himself up to sit upon his horse with his familiar flying in the air now. With a small kick to his side, he met up with the young baker to be right at his side. "Follow me, it won't be a long journey to my home." Noah was straight to the point and he took the lead but just before Mintha had flew off from his shoulder to go to Connor to see if he was all right and perched on his shoulder to keep him some company. How funny though, it was almost like the night they first met.
In a few minutes, they traveled upon a worn pathway to a relatively nice country home; an old two story house that is being consumed by flowing ivy against the walls and a garden surrounding it. While he doesn't live here anymore, Noah couldn't let it go to another family and hired help to take care of it for him. There was a small stable to the side where he took Celyn in to rest for the night and looked over to Connor as he walked up to him. "Rosaire can stay in the backyard garden for the night. She will be safe and comfortable there." He extends a hand out and points to the iron gate at the other side of the home to see a rather intricate looking design on it. "I will meet you inside in the drawing room where we will talk." And with that, he took his leave as he unlocked the door and stepped inside.
Noah lit a few of the lights on inside of the old home as he made his way to the drawing room inside. There, Avalloc flew to his wooden perch where he rests and cleans his dark plumes while Noah slipped off the costumed frock coat and waist coat underneath it to be placed away at the closet in the hallway for now to be more comfortable in just the buttoned shirt and trousers. "What to say to him?" Avalloc cawed out to the man who stopped him halfway of untying his long hair down. He frowned at the thought for he wasn't sure what to saw or how seeing the pendulum exposed on his right wrist. "I . . . I'm not sure . . . I fear that he won't accept it as easily as I hoped." From hearing the answer, the rook cackled at the man as his glowing blue eyes pierced the room. "Ha! Too nice. Too soft. Noah is never like this . . ." This however, made the man furious at the bird. He glared at the rook which made him cawed in fear and flapping his feathers. "Shut it or else I'll finally make you into a feather duster you foul bird." It's not what he needed tonight as he made his way to the kitchen to prepare them some tea and a few snacks that he has.
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