|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 12:12 pm
It is easy to say that all men are beasts, and that any lady may turn into a whore, and that any child may become a killer. It is easy to see these things on the streets; it is human nature to encourage the fight for dominance. There is so much wasted blood in these streets that I can smell it, taste it with every breath.
If I am to live surrounded by corpses, I would rather do so in the company of those who appreciate the meal they have gained.
-Prince Saint-Luc Demitasse
Shortly before his retreat from King Olivier's court
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 12:15 pm
Britain :: Farce ::
The winter had never seemed so dark- or the nights so bitterly, poisonously cold. It was the type of winter that stole your breath when you walked outside, leeching the moisture from your skin and turning it to ice until you could barely move if you strayed outside for too long. The cold was only a fraction of the pain, because the wind cut through any coat, no matter how heavy- those who could afford them wore cloaks of heavy furs. Those who could not...stayed inside, or died.
The messenger arrived in the dead of night, whipping his horse into a frenzied half-death, but his arrival did not go unnoticed. The lord of the castle stood on the ramparts, so heavily cloaked in furs that it was impossible to tell who wore them; silently, he watched the arrival through strange, silver eyes. When the door behind him opened, he turned his head only slightly.
"The King will send his men to retreive you," his valet told him briskly, eyes narrowed. He was a quick, intelligent man. "I don't think he will take no for an answer this time, sire."
"Attend to the messenger and his horse- and prepare a room for our guest," Saint-Luc Demitasse murmured, one gloved hand emerging from the cloak to indicate the figures below. "It seems we will be having company for...quite some time."Ogre If the cold didn't get you, the wild animals would. Chi's eyes narrowed under the brim of his hat. He could hear them in the surrounded forest, creeping around- looking for dinner. He wouldn't be an easy kill, so they more or less left him and his horse alone. They were curious if anything else and followed him to see what his business was.
His horse gave a snort, plume of silvery smoke exhaling from it's snout. Chi shifted in his saddle, leaning down to give him a rub on the side of his face. The horse had been in this kind of cold before, but the 'wild' always made him a little anxious to kill. Last time they'd been out in something like this it had been in war.
"It's alright, we're almost there-" Chi murmured softly, sitting back up to check thier barings again. His coat was thick leather, lined with fur on the inside. It was enough to keep the dead winter out of his bones but the wind managed to slice through at times and send his blood racing. He shook his head, knocking the collection of snow that had deposited itself ontop of his hat. He had to do that periodically or he found himself covered in a thick layer of compacting ice.
He took a moment to check his map, nodding to himself. They were a few minutes from the keep the King's son was holding himself up in. A flicker of light caught his eye and his head snapped up, catching the faint torchlight in the distance.
"We're here."
His horse caught the scent of fire and tensed, ready to bolt forward toward the keep. Chi managed to put the map away before urging him forward, racing through the snow toward the castle.
Britain As he approoached the keep, the gates burst open- as if he had been expected. Instantly there were hands ready to take his horse, get his things, offer him a mug of something hot that smelled like spiced cider laced with brandy, and generally make quite a bit of him as they tugged him into the warmth. The stablemaster came out personally to attend to his horse, a rugged man who seemed to be very good with the animals, and determined to get the beast inside, fed, and happy.
Another servant was doing the same to Chi, leading him into the main hall of the castle as everyone bustled themselves back inside. It was a pocket of organized chaos- until a man in a very neat black suit came down the stairs, quiet voice bringing calm to the situation. His dirty blond hair fell into black eyes, framed by expensive glasses- not a lord, but certainly an important member of the household.
"Welcome, sir," he murmured, stepping forward with a slight bow. "I am Trinity, the Prince's valet. Would you care to rest and recover from your journey, or see the Prince immediately? He has left the decision in your hands." Ogre Chi regarded the Valet for a moment, before returning the bow and taking his hat off. He's shoved most of the people away who were trying to pull his coat and things off, prefering to NOT be manhandled. He glanced around, quiet.
"I'd prefer to get business attended to before settling anything else. Take me to him."
Britain "Very well," Trin murmured. "If you will allow the staff to take your coat, and follow me, please."
Whether or not Chi was cooperating with the staff, Trin was making his way back upstairs; he was extremely thin, but not out of lack of care. The entire staff seemed well-fed and well-clothed; Saint-Luc had been rumored to be a playboy and careless in court. Perhaps this man was keeping everything from falling apart around the Pricne's ears...or perhaps the Prince had changed.
There was a library at the top of the stairs. The wall facing the door bore an enormous fireplace at the far end- a man stood there waiting for them, silhouetted againt the flames. His floor-length black hair was braided simply, and his clothing was rich...but simple, in comparison to what he had once worn at Court. He turned to face his guest, silver eyes glinting gold and red.
"You have come a very long way, to find this cold place," he murmured. "Please forgve our enthusiasm- we rarely receive guests. You are?" Ogre "Montange," Chi replied. He'd given up his coat before following Trin and wore altered military style traveling clothes- thick boots, fur-lined jacket and gloves with high collars and dark shades.
"The King sent me to find you, after two weeks I discovered you were staying in this place. He asks that you accompany me back to the Capitol."
Britain "I'm afraid that won't be happening, Monsieur Montagne," Saint-Luc murmured, gentle apology in his tone. "You've come a very long way for nothing, I'm afraid. I have no desire to return to my father's court...but you won't accept that answer, will you?"
He smiled faintly, reaching up to tuck a strand of hair back behind his ear. "I can see that you will be a bit more...determined than the others my father has sent. My staff has prepared a room for your use, while you stay with us." Ogre Chi blinked, keeping his expression neutral. He'd been on missions like this before, not on the same SCALE but on the 'go get this person, bring them back' type. It was unusual to get to the location and be told that he wasn't leaving. The only reason he could disobey this person was because his orders came from the only other higher power in the entire country. He let out a slow breath, stepping forward.
"Sire, I don't know what sort of problem you and your father- the King- are having.. but my orders were to bring you back to Court no matter what. I cannot leave this place without you. So you can make this easy on both of us and prepare to leave... or deal with me asking you countless times to leave and eventually figuring out a way to knock you out and carry you back to your father-" He paused for a breath, determination flickering across his eyes. He was short, but that didn't seem to effect him in the least.
"A room would be much appreciated."
Britain The height difference was not lost on the Prince- nor was the implied threat lost on his valet. Trinity growled low, prepared to defend his master, but was stopped when Saint-Luc raised a hand.
"Be at rest, Trinity," he said softly, eyes still locked on Chi. "General Montange is simply doing his job. We are pleased to have such individuals in our armies, correct?"
The dark look on the valet's face did not imply that he particularly agreed, but he managed some sort of civil response. Saint-Luc smiled at him, a much warmer expression than he had worn previously, bringing a wave of summer to the room.
"I will make a bargain with you, Montagne. You have until spring comes- three months at the most- to convince me to leave. If not...you will find me a very difficult prisoner, should you wish to ah...'knock me out and carry me back to my father.'" Ogre Chi ignored the Valet, he wasn't important at the moment- although he would prove to be a problem later if he kept that sort of growling attitude. He kept his eyes locked on the Prince, hands clasped behind his back at rest.
"Three months sounds sufficiant to finsih and close whatever duties you have here at your keep in preparation to leave. Thank you for the offer, Sire. You have a deal." He lifted his chin slightly, platinum colored hair catching the firelight and casting it almost white. "As for 'knocking you out' I meant it as illustration. I hardly think I'll be forced to such actions."
Yet.
Britain "Excellent," Luc murmured, and turned back to his fire. "If you will follow Trinity, he will escort you to your rooms. Please, feel free to make my home as yours- we have few secrets to hide, here. I would be honored to have you as my guest at breakfast in the morning."
Trinity stepped forward, still containing an air of hostility but burying it well. If the Prince wasn't being hostile and agressive...he wasn't allowed to be, either. Dammit. Ogre "Thank you, M'lord." Chi offered a bow before turning, following Trinity to his rooms. He remained silent on the walk, feeling Trin's veiled hostility like a warm breath across his shoulders.
He only had a small bag he carried on himself, his coat, and hat for baggage. His extra set of clothes were inside as well as things for keeping his weapons well maintained. He looked around as they walked, taking note of the place.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 12:19 pm
Britain As they walked, Trinity pointed out the various places within the castle- kitchens, libraries, bedrooms, dining halls, doors to the stable and practice courts. Opening a door in the line of bedrooms, Chi could see that he'd been given one of the best rooms in the house. The covers were off all the furniture, leaving rich, elegant blues and greens in their wake.
"The Prince has given you free reign of the castle and the surrounding lands," Trin told him briskly. "I will tell you that he is guarded at all times, and those of us who feel responsible for his safety will not take kindly to any attack on his person. We will do our best to make your stay pleasant- the staff would appreciate if you accepted the terms of his offer, and used other methods of persuasion." Ogre "Noted." Chi replied, walking past him into the room. He checked the entire perimeter before putting his things down and settling in. He went ahead and quickly dismissed Trinity, seeing no point in the man staying there and telling him his opinions any more.
"...Hrmm," He exhaled, shaking his head. "Three months."
Britain Life at the Prince's castle was...surprisingly quiet, compared to the elaborate parties he'd thrown in Court. The staff were happy people from a surprising array of nationalities, from Trinity's Scottish and a young Brit named Johnnie to some dark skinned workers from who KNEW where. Even Trinity proved to have a generous and calm nature, once he got over his initial harsh reaction. Tea each day was a fascinating experience, for the lord of the castle invited his main staff and guest to join him...virtually unheard of for someone so high in rank.
The only strange note- aside from Saint-Luc's continued refusal to return to Court- was the way the wolves howled every night. During the hour of dusk and sunset, they seemed to come closer to the castle...then slowly moving away as if hunting something or someone. No one else in the Castle seemed concerned at all. Ogre Chiros spent his first couple of days just wandering the castle. He kept out of sight and out of everyones way, slinking around mentally marking passageways and other curious entryways throughout.
Nightfall came at the end of the week and found him standing outside on one of the many battlements. He stared out over the snow covered field, closing his eyes so he could tilt his head back and feel the tiny kisses of snow across his face.
It was silent, peaceful- something that was hard to find in the capitol.
Britain "Is it difficult, to understand why I don't want to leave?"
Saint-Luc's voice was quiet, almost too quiet to hear over the tiny fluff sounds made by the falling snow. The world was otherwise eternally, blessedly silent- even the castle's staff seemed gone from this world. The Prince stood leaning against the wall of the castle nearby, black hair down and loose around his face, snow soaking gently into his immaculate black velvet. It was probably worth a fortune, and it certainly fit him...appropriately.
He stepped forward, placing one gloved hand on the battlements and gazing out over his tiny kingdom. "The people at court would destroy this place," he whispered, as if afraid to disturb the silence. "I would kill, to keep it safe." Ogre "No, it's not-" Chi replied softly, head still tilted back. "But, it isn't my job to understand why you don't want to leave... It's my job to convince you to return." He stood straight, flicking silvershot blue eyes toward him.
"Why won't you go back, if you don't mind me asking?"
Britain "It's all politics," Saint-Luc told him with a tiny shrug. Those eyes were beautiful...he was very fond of Chiros' eyes. "It has nothing to do with my father, or the image I have at Court, or the people who dislike me. Here, I can study what I want, read what I want, have tea with my servants, be gone for days in the snow...and no one will make up a stupid rumor about what might have happened. I can collect masterwork weapons, without knowing my supplier will shortly be plagued with people joining the 'fad.'"
The snow in his hair was making him look softer, touchable. The velvet didn't help, or the way the snow caught on his long eyelashes. "Privacy, General. Privacy, and solitude. I enjoy these things." Ogre "And why can't you return to your father and tell him these things? Let him know that you'd prefer to do your duties from here, where you can study privately... etc?" Chi lifted an eyebrow, fingers itching to reach out and touch the soft velvet. He glanced back out at the field, refocusing.
"I imagine he's worried about you."
Britain The Prince's laughter was softer than the snow, richer than the clothing he wore. It rolled over the open field blow them, resonating through his body. He was warm, and only a foot or two away from Chi.
"My father and I understand each other very well," he said, still smiling as he gazed outwards. "If he had his way, he would be locked in a library or workshop wsomewhere was well, with someone to run back and forth bringing him tea. I think the only reason he wants me there...is so his misery has company."
There was no bitterness in the words, only affection, and he sighed. "Truthfully," he said softly, "I know there will come a time that I leave this place. But I will resist it as long as I may...as long as I can stand to fight it." Ogre "How about three months?" Chi glanced at him, offering a tiny smile. "You have to go to him sometime... He'll keep sending people, louder than I am."
He flicked a bit of snow off the stone before turning around and sitting on the edge.
"I thought perhaps you were a wayward son, escaping his pressing father and responsibility... it seems I was very wrong." He looked down, thoughtful. "This place is very peaceful. Nothing like the Capitol." Britain "If you were loud, I would throw you to the wolves," Luc told him dryly. "This is how well my father knows me- he sends instead someone who is quiet, decorated, good at what he does, and too valuable to loose. You have no idea how effective you are, just standing here speaking to me intelligenetly."
He sighed, leaning gloves hands on the stone and leaning over slightly. His hair cascaded over his shoulder in a small flurry of snow. "Look, General."
Below them, in the court of the castle, a trio of wolves circled each other cautiously. They seemed to almost dance, leaving tiny dark imprints in the snow.
"Aren't they lovely?" Luc whispered, awed. Ogre "They're in the courtyard, Sire... aren't you concerned they'll be harmed?" He turned to stand beside Luc, watching them dance across the snow and play. They were majestic creatures. He'd seen a few varieties on his travels with the army- but none like these. They looked at home here, and unafraid. He watched the Prince from the corner of his eye, studying him.
Interesting.
Britain Luc glanced up, startled. Chi was worried...that the wolves might be harmed. No one had ever come to his keep and said anything like that before. He'd shot people for trying to shoot them- his respect for Chi went up a few notches, and he looked back down at the courtyard.
"No one will touch them here," he said softly. "Here, they are almost sacred- beloved protectors. They have never attacked a peasant, never killed a herd animal...they are beloved." Ogre "I see, that explains why you look at them like that." He stepped back away from the edge, pulling his cloak around himself tighter. It was getting colder the later it got. The moon was high in the sky above, reflecting off the ice and snow creating strange shimmers of light.
"I will leave you to your people." He turned, moving toward the main door.
Britain "Suit yourself," Luc murmured, a dark, warm amusement lacing his tone. He let Chi leave...and then disappeared from the castle for the entire night, not to be seen until lunch the following day. It was colder than usual, shaking the castle with wind- and over it, the wolves could be heard clearly.
--------------------------------
Saint-Luc was, however, very cheerful when he returned the following day. He went immediately to bathe and change, but told happy stories of the forest at night to anyone in his vicinity. The staff were apparently so used to this that they asked about favorite parts of the forest; he regailed them all with tales, then collapsed into his favorite chair with a cup of tea.
"It's going to be a nasty week," he informed Chi, smiling brilliantly. "There's a terrible storm coming. We'll likely bre snowed in for days."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
