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 Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2010 10:21 pm
 Today was blah. Today was boring. Today was dragging on. Today was- Oh crap! Cat's forward movement and internal monologue about the day stopped all at once. Then after a careful, internal count to five she backed up two paces to glance out the window she had just passed again. Just to make sure.
"No," the word came out sounding an awful lot like a whine. Not that Cat cared. All her attention had been snagged by the scene outside the window. That stupid gods-awful carriage could not be mistaken for anything other than what it was; The personal transport for the king of Lust. "Whyyyyyyy?" this word dragged out her much longer than was strictly necessary.
"I have to hide." The expected panic was beginning to set in. Because though out of all his children, Cat was the favorite, she still couldn't stand her father. With that thought at the forefront of her mind, she spun on her heel and took off at a dead run, trying to formulate a plan in her mind. She could hide in a well. They'd never think to look for her there. Though the why of that escaped her at the moment. Now where was the well for this cursed pl- again her thoughts were scattered though this time it was because some stupid object had inserted itself into her path and gotten her feet all tangled up and she was airborne.. until her trajectory slowed enough for her to hit the ground... hard. "Ow," she gasped when air finally came rushing back into her lungs after being forced out by the unexpected impact.
"Oh, Cat! Are you okay? I didn't mean to hurt you, only slow you down... I forgot how bad your coordination was there for a minute!" Cat rolled over to look up at her younger sister and tried to shove down the panic long enough to form a coherent reply.
"He's here, Lorelei. He's here and we have to hide. The damnable old man won't let us leave but we can't let Father find us. I was just off to hide in a well, shall you join me?"
Lorelei blinked at her older sister as the words set in. While her sister was quite possibly her favorite person in the world, some times... she had to wonder just what went on in the cadet's head. "Cat, honey. You can't hide in a well."
"Why not? It seems like a damnably good hiding place. He'll never look for me there," she huffed back as she finally propped herself into a sitting position wincing a little at the slight ache in her chest. The floors were really hard... marble maybe? Her gaze skittered from her sisters concerned look to the floor she was sitting on.
"Because, Cat...Cat!" Lorelei sharpened her voice enough to draw her sisters attention back to the matter at hand. As the amethyst eyes jumped back up she continued. "He won't look for you there because you don't swim very well, remember? You'd drown."
Cat blinked "Oh right. Think I'd remember something that important, wouldn't you? Kind of odd for a princess from a sea kingdom... Lorelei what are we gonna do?! I don't want to see him! He's trying to make me the heiress!" She scrambled to her feet as she repeated the lines that she was sure at this point where etched into Lorelei's brain from her constant repetition of them and suddenly felt bad."I'm sorry, this is probably worse for you." she apologized suddenly contrite, not an emotion often see out of the spastic young woman.
For all that she seemed a self-absorbed air-head Cat truly cared for her youngest sister and her fathers hatred of the siren was the root of the problems in his one sided relationship with the pyro. He made it his life's goal to make Lorelei miserable and it grated on Cat she felt bad for not remembering this sooner. This realization drove her desire to find a hiding place to new heights. "We really need a place to hide," she repeated and this time before setting off she grabbed her sisters arm and began to tug the other young woman along in her wake.
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Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2010 8:22 am
 Three days later, Veritas' StudyVeritas rubbed his temples as he sat in his study, his eyes closed as he tried to prepare his old, aching body for the influx of people that would be temporarily visiting his home. Some, he was simply making copies of, after pulling out some of the memories he'd gotten drifts of, just so that he might be able to watch more chaos ensue from this whole endeavor.... Some, like Richard Gavini, had informed him while the kids were in the catacombs that they'd be coming. And when Lust's king had invited himself to the God's realm, Veritas had taken it upon himself to invite the opposing kingdom for a visit.
It'd been another three days since Altonair had found the urn, and one of his guests had discovered the identity of the serial killer... and Veritas had promised the winner that he'd have his wish by today. He'd thought long and hard about how to do it in a way that would make Altonair regret his idea that he deserved the reward. And he had the perfect way to make the little prince of Envy's dreams come true.
And as all the guests poured in, Veritas sat back, a cup of tea in hand... and a devilish grin planted upon his face. This should be entertaining, at the very least. It was time... that Max pay Altonair, and his siblings a visit.
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Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 9:17 pm
I will be my namesake, a sanctuary for me people.
I will shield and protect them no matter the cost.
I will think of them when I make my decisions.
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Haven Greene
Kingdom: Fortitude ..................Rank: Heir ...................Location: Library to Lorelei's room- Getting ready..
----------------------- 
Haven paced back and forth in the library, his body shaking with nerves. His parents were coming to the castle today, to check in on what was going on. He would think that this would be a joyous occasion for most, but everyone seemed to be regretting seeing their parents. Haven himself was no exception. He did not get along well with his parents, he was blamed for many things. The death of one brother, the cause of muteness in the other. It seemed like no matter what he did his parents only looked for what had gone wrong. But he would not be angry with them, because they had a point. He was going to be king one day and that meant that he needed to be on top of everything, nothing should be a surprise for him, yet time and time again he found himself shocked at what was going on, at things that he should have predicted were coming.
A servant approached letting him know that a carriage bearing the crest of Fortitude had arrived. Haven sighed, finishing the glass of brandy that he had started to ease his nerves. This was not going to end well, he could tell now. Not only would the Parents be yelling at their children, they would be yelling at each other as well. Who though that this was a good idea. A gathering of people who hated each other would not end well, he could almost hear the arguing already. Against his better judgment he poured himself another brandy, gulping it down. He would need all of the courage that he could get. His parents would have nothing good to say to their son.
He left the library to go to the main hall, but paused, he had a better idea. Smiling he hurried down the halls to where Lorelei's room was. Veritas had said that the parents knew about the arranged marriages, but Haven had the feeling that Veritas had 'forgotten' to mention who the pairings were. He doubted that his parents would have condoned him being engaged to a princess from lust, even one as sweet and good-intentioned as Lorelei. His hand rapped on her door a few times. He would not open it as it would be rude of him to do so. She might be naked in there and would be embarrassed to see him. One day they would see each other in that way, but she did not desire him in that way, so he would not rush anything.
A few seconds later she opened the door, allowing him inside. He turned to face her, his hands clasped in front of him. "Lorelei, my parents have just arrived. I was going to go greet them, but I thought that perhaps it might be better if I took you with me. You are going to be their daughter-in-law after all, perhaps it is better if they meet you now." They would hate her, he knew it, he would just try to protect her the best he could.
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On my Honour, on my blood, on the magic that runs through my veins
I say these words, I swear this oath.
As a Greene I am henceforth bound.
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Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 9:26 pm
 A lady with a violin,
Playing to the seas
Hearken to the sound of calling
I tied myself to the wheel
The winds talk to my sails, not me
Come to me....Come to me... Somewhere _____________________________________________________ there my fate revealed...
I hear but how will I see? Kingdom Lust Rank: Youngest Princess Location:Personal Quarters, and then off with Haven for a stroll Lorelei and Cat had opted to go back to her quarters; venturing to guess that Richard wouldn't be overly fond of starting his visit with seeing the siren child that he hated so. She'd been tying her hair up with the olive ribbons that matched the hue to her dress, intertwining gold with the tresses to accentuate the hems of her skirt.
Working on improving her visage wasn't done out of vain; it was simply all she could do, as she needed something to keep her hands busy so that they'd not shake in her terror. Cat was hiding out... namely because she detested their sire, and knew well that he'd seek her out so that he might dote on her. Her lips remained closed as she gaped at the mirror, attempting to mirror her mother's perfection to no avail. “Why did he have to plague us now?” What would be so important that he'd drag himself from the pits of hell she'd wished for him. She could only hope that word would not get out that she'd been paired, or if Lucas and Mishka had made it to Lust. No doubt Lucas would be brazen enough to attempt to sway her father so that he might have her, and that course of action would only bring harsh blows to Lorelei's slight form.
The rapping of the door caused her heart to triple in its pace, amber eyes seeking out Cat's to tell her to duck somewhere in case it was their beget-tor. Once she felt that the elder was sufficiently hidden, Lorelei took a deep breath, smoothed her skirt and peeked around the mahogany door to see the man that, ideally... she was supposed to harbor some sort of love for. Relieved that it wasn't her father, Lorelei expelled a small huff of air that she'd not been aware she'd held, and opened the door a bit wider to grant him access to her quarters.
So focused were her thoughts, that she'd missed entirely the idea that she'd have to face the family she was promised to join through her impending marriage to Haven. She'd forgotten that he may call on her, asking for her to accompany him while his parents checked in on him and his siblings – which she hadn't met too many of either.
She highly doubted that they had any desire to meet her, given who and what she was.. and the rumors that surrounded her name. The princess felt ashamed for Haven, ever the sweet, caring gentleman that he was, would be reduced because of his marriage to her. He'd likely be alienated, simply for taking a siren as a wife. For that, she could offer nothing to make up for the difficulty he would face; a sad fact that she felt immensely guilty for.
He spoke of his own visitations, that his parents had arrived to the castle, and Lorelei's teeth immediately found her bottom lip. His parents? She was a child of Lust, one that had been rumored to be a b*****d child – a seed from another man's loins. And this man wanted to present her to his family, like everything would be alright, and that they wouldn't hate her. An alleged b*****d child, marrying the heir to their kingdom... surely they could feel naught else for her.
Her throat dried, leaving her parched enough that she couldn't speak for a few moments. The way he worded it, he'd given her the choice to opt out, to flee if she so chose. But the amount of cowardice that required was not befitting to the role she would play in his kingdom. No, Lorelei would be what Haven needed her to be, no matter how miserable it might make her. No matter how much of herself she lost to the concepts of who she was supposed to be.
~Cat, come save me... ten minutes with them, and they'll have likely sharpened the ax just to see if sirens truly do bleed the silver that comes with their tears.~ The link was telepathic, one for her sister alone so as to not alert Haven that she'd company in her rooms, lest he feel had for taking her away. Quietly, the princess cleared her throat after regaining a minute amount of composure that his invitation had stolen from her. “Yes, Mi'lord. Of course I'll accompany you, if it's what you think is best.” She tried her best to keep the tethering out of her voice, but the melody was still a bit shaken, wavering between notes.
Hesitantly, Lorelei took one of his arms, placing her own lightly atop of his, not at all sure that it was what he wanted. But it was something she'd seen a thousand times when a man had been courting Micah, so she figured that the course of action was the correct one. Panic stilled her heart as she did so, the hesitation brought by uncertainty leaving her stomach churning in an unpleasant fashion. These in-laws were most definitely going to begrudge her for her kingdom, the rumors about her person, and the fact that a siren had no place seated upon the throne for Fortitude. Certainly, they were going to state that she wasn't a good enough candidate to marry their son, who was kindhearted, reserved, and everything that they'd likely raised him to be. And she couldn't blame them for the accusations they might accost her with, was it not but three nights ago that she'd sought out a very private council with Nathaniel?
She held her breath and allowed him to lead the way without falling a step behind him. It only took a few turns and change of corridors for her to speak up, the fear she contained overriding her need to be poised and proper. “Forgive me that I go into this with an insurmountable amount of reluctance, mi'lord.” A princess should never show a weakness or a flaw. How many times had her mother preached that to her? And how many times would he remind her to lose the formalities? They were to be married, after all... She should have been calling him by his name, as he'd expressed the preference to it the first time they'd met. “But given my conditions, I'm not so foolish as to believe your parents will like me.” Really, she wasn't even certain that Haven had a measure of fondness for her. And she couldn't put a fault upon him for not doing so; the marriage was arranged, and she'd not been trained in the arts of courting, so she was likely doing everything wrong. “Most assuredly, they'll see nothing but what I am, and that fact alone will settle their opinions of my person, who they'll only see as the detestable siren you are now bound to by the promise of matrimony.” While her statement was awkward in the thick of her fear, the music poured out with it, seeking to envelope her fiancé, who was blessed with immunity through his spells.
It shouldn't have been any different; Lorelei often felt the scorn of others, even in her own kingdom. But that tidbit did little to alleviate the tension swelling inside of her. Was her life always to be set on pins and needles? She felt the pricks of it now, and it'd likely not cease until all of the parents returned to their respective kingdoms.
As they rounded another corner, Lorelei's eyes averted back to their path, seeing their destination not but another fifty steps away. She froze in her posture, moving only because Haven led her to them. Instantly, she pulled off of his arm enough to curtsy, unsure if she should resettle herself at his side, taking his hand in a way that would indicate that they shared a fondness for one another. Characteristically, Lorelei remained quiet, knowing that the role of a woman was to speak when spoken to, or to wait for those in higher rank to open the conversation.
Cat couldn't rescue her soon enough.
[[Oddly Oafish Commentary:]] The siren sang so sweet and watched the sailors go down, anyone would drown
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Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 9:30 pm
Reginald and Elizabeth Green, Veritas' Castle Grounds A carriage pulled up to veritas's castle, the seal of Fortitude displayed on the side of the door. It had been a long trip from the kingdom of fortitude, but it was a travel that the royal family gladly took. It had been such a long time since the King and Queen of Fortitude had seen their darling children. They had heard things though from letters, some from the Veritas himself. They had agreed to their son Haven being married off, hopefully to a princess from the virtuous kingdoms, perhaps prudence of justice. Having either kingdom as an ally would be very beneficial.
A large man stepped forth from the carriage, stretching his limbs and his wings. Though Reginald was an older man now, he still looked young, his long blonde hair still glowing with life. Like the Kings of generations passed, Reginald was an Angel, graced with long life. Though his face was still as beautiful as when he was younger, it lacked the smile that used to light up his face. He turned around and helped his wife out. Elizabeth stepped out of the carriage with the sort of grace that only came with years of experience. Unlike the husband she loved very much, she was not blessed with a long life. Though her hair showed strands of gray and her face was creased with a few lines, she still looked as regal as the day that she accepted the crown. She wrapped her arm around Reginalds as the two of them walked into Veritas's castle.
The did not have to wait long until they heard the foot steps of their son approaching. They watched his approach with blank faces, staring at the woman he had on his arm. She must be the one that their son was betrothed to. They did not recognize the beautiful woman, maybe she was one of the lesser nobility. It was not as great as one of the princesses, but still a fitting match for their son. The way that she held herself combined with the clothes that she wore told them that she was not some peasant, a blessing. There was not way that they would allow a simple peasant to be the future Queen of Fortitude, the royal bloodline must remain pure. Reginald cleared his throat. "Greetings my son."
Haven stared at his parents. Of course they would not be happy to see him, they never were happy to see the son that could do no good. He smiled a fake smile at them. "Mother. Father. It is nice to see you both, I am glad that you came to visit." His voice colder than it usually was, a slight bitter tone to it. "As you may have suspected this is my betrothed. Lorelei Gavini, Princess from the Kingdom of Lust." He reached over and squeezed her arm gently, this would not go well, he could already tell.
"WHAT?" Elizabeth screeched. She looked at Haven a look of disbelief that complemented the Kings look of anger well. "When I told Veritas that I was fine with my son being placed in an arranged marriage, I expected that you would be placed with a nice Princess from Patience of Justice. Instead I find out that you are to marry this, this whore from Lust. I will not stand for this, I will not accept such a slut as my daughter in law." Her face was a deep purple from the yelling.
Though it was clear that they blamed him as well. Haven met his parents disappointment with a smile, he was used to it at this point. "I am glad to see that you approve of this marriage, I was so worried you would object to her becoming a part of the family because of where she was from. I am glad you are not that shallow and realize that she is a kind and loving person who will make a good Queen." Still smiling he kissed Lorelei on the cheek, the poor girl. "Now if you will follow me, there is going to be a meal in the dining hall. I am sure that you will want to say hello to my siblings as well.
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Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 9:31 pm
The rolling hills which had encompassed the God’s home were certainly a sight to see; candy to the eyes, perhaps, but they didn’t hold in them quite the same air of charm which the snow capped peaks of Prudence portrayed so aptly; not in Erik Bascov’s mind, at least. He had cast the scenery a brief glance and lent his opinion, momentarily, to the ways of hubris- surmising in a flash that since he thought it so, the sentiment was engraved in an inarguable truth.
But that was a digression, and an insipid one to boot, for what did the look of that place matter to him? Perhaps the aversion of his gaze, and overall indecent direction his thoughts took, were attributed to the true fact in the matter- that he both craved this visitation, and simultaneously detested the very idea of it. Craved, because there was truly much to be done by way of securing the safety of his Kingdom’s future (namely in his hopes for Milani, though also in what would come of this venture concerning Gregoir, and his other children…and oh, how he craved to use the latter term loosely)…and yet it was also dreaded, because it meant he would have to lay eyes yet again on that boy, whom, by what seemed the cruelest trick of the gods, resembled Demetri so perfectly. At the very least until he sought to speak…or even slouched in that barbaric way of his, as if his breeding had been orchestrated by a pack of wolves rather than a distinguished king and queen.
Somewhere between the walk from carriage to gateway, Erik Basov, without the slightest waver in his ever-poised countenance, reached out to lightly squeeze the gentle hand of his wife; it was a fleeting gesture, for public displays of affection in even the subtlest sense were foreign things to those of Prudence…but that he made the move at all painted a lucid picture of his adoration for her; she could likely read the tension in the lines of his face as well, he considered idly, for Fedora knew him better than anyone who had ever before graced his presence.
The heels of his boots kissed the marble flooring with a refined cadence to them, producing a few commanding clicks as the only sound of his initial entrance to the place. He cast the guards which flanked either side of the room a cool, if not disinterested glance, and as he stopped to wait for the reaction of his wife, he marked their entrance with only a few commanding statements, aimed to any servant or host who might be standing within earshot of them. ”I should like to see my children, now. That is the reason for this visit, is it not? I haven’t time to waste chasing the eldest down, either- I’ve many things to attend to in my homelands, and I did leave the God with warning that he might try to flee upon hearing of our arrival.”
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Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 9:34 pm
A lady with a violin,
Playing to the seas
Hearken to the sound of calling
I tied myself to the wheel
The winds talk to my sails, not me
Come to me....Come to me... Somewhere _____________________________________________________ there my fate revealed...
I hear but how will I see?Kingdom Lust Rank: Youngest Princess Location:Meeting his parents As they approached the carriage that held Haven's parents, Lorelei felt their unrelenting stares on her form, undoubtedly wondering just who she was, as her face had been kept well hidden from the public. And as the pair made it to the king and queen of Fortitude, the siren's grip upon Haven's arm tightened just slightly, a subtle gesture that would inform him that she was indeed nervous. Reginald greeted his son with something less than compassion encompassing his tone, and Lorelei was quite surprised to see that. She'd have thought that as good of a person as he was, that he'd be a favored child.
She released his arm, dipped into a motion of reverence with her chin falling towards her chest, eyes not quite ready to meet their own. The princess could almost feel icy ebbing from the man beside her when he spoke with his parents, and she wondered quietly if he'd done it for her sake, already anticipating that they'd be less than satisfied with her as the future queen. But as she caught the bitter taste of his words, the siren realized well that there was more brewing betwixt the trio than she actually knew. Sad, because her presence would do nothing but add fuel to the fire.
Her betrothed gently squeezed her arm, a small but saving grace as she fell back next to him, unwilling to give any more space between the pair. He spoke her name, and Kingdom, and Lorelei's jaw clenched as she waited for the blow.
Elizabeth's screech pierced the air, and immediately the tremors of her fear shook her to the core. Why had he brought her here? Why would he pull her along, saying that it was best that she be properly introduced to her in-laws, if he knew of his mother's certain dissatisfaction? Had he learned of her midnight meeting with the heir to Envy, and was punishing her for it? Did he share these sentiments, and didn't want to say it himself? Silently, Lorelei stood there as the wretched woman sullied her name, pairing it with words like “whore,” and “slut.”
All she wanted to do was let the silver tears that welled in her amber eyes fill to the brim and stream down her face. No matter where she went, the siren child of Lust would be met with scorn, an insurmountable amount of abhorrence, simply because what she was. Instead, she took the insults silently, her countenance giving no indication that she was upset; Haven would feel the slight quiver in her stance, and she hated that she had to depend on him to stand, when he'd willingly subjected her to this. He hadn't seemed the man that would torture her, and the whole endeavor left her bamboozled.
Until he defended her. As the queen's face became the shade of a plum, Haven smiled, biting out a bit of sarcasm towards a person who Lorelei would consider worse than the banshee from Hubris. He called her shallow, and Lorelei's tension lessened a few hairs. At least, he wasn't of the same opinion as his parents where she was concerned. Her betrothed called the future queen kind, loving... and said that she'd serve her position well. They were just words, but the words were the right ones to make her forget the names for the time being, and allowed her to focus on his aged visage with a note of growing adoration. She didn't deserve the compliments, especially seeing as she couldn't provide him heirs without being the cause of the fall of his court. But in every other aspect, she'd do her best in the future to live up to his expectations, to not prove him wrong. But how could she be a good queen of Fortitude, when she herself hadn't the courage to stand up for herself? How was she to be in a position to help lead a kingdom with such valor, if she hadn't the temperament for it? The thought caused a certain misery to return to the pit of her stomach.
The kiss, though naught but a simple peck on the cheek, warmed her, and assured her once more of his kind nature. ~Thank you, Mi'lord. I hadn't expected you to come to my aid against your sires.~ To have asked that would have been too much. Lorelei wrapped her arm more fondly around his this time, following his lead as he bade Reginald and Elizabeth to follow them to the dining hall.
She'd rather skip the experience, having no real appetite with the idea that her father would likely be there. But to retreat while Haven's parents were still watching would have shown a weakness that she didn't want them to think he harbored.
But, I fear your mother is right. Lorelei thought to herself. I lack the qualities required to be a good Queen for you. Head held high, and auburn tresses falling to her back with ribbons artfully decorating choice curls, Lorelei kept all thoughts that might have ruined the moment she'd just shared with her husband-to-be to herself. Maybe, just maybe... life with Haven might bring her something closer to being without all the turmoil she often felt.
But, as she caught sight of her future in-laws... that thought quickly dissipated.
[[Oddly Oafish Commentary:]] The siren sang so sweet and watched the sailors go down, anyone would drown
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Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 9:43 pm
Alec Riley, Veritas' Castle Grounds
The King of Humility sighed as he traveled in the bumpy carriage. It was times like these that he missed his wife. She was good company on long trips, and it was not a short distance from his home in Humility to Veritas's land. He would suffer the trip though, for the chance to see his children again. He missed them all dearly, but with all of the assassinations going around, it was safer for them to stay with Veritas. The man was trustworthy, his lands would remain neutral as they always had been.
He rubbed his brow. He felt like he had aged more in the past few weeks than he had in the last few years, things were not good at home. Though Humility had always been a peaceful nation, a change was on its way. There was nothing they could do now, it was time for Humility to go to war, most likely against Avarice. He closed his eyes, feeling the burning that came with a lack of sleep. A village had been completely destroyed, the forests were being raized to the ground. Why were they being attacked so heavily now, what had changed? But as much as recent events bothered him, he would put them aside for now. The issues would come up later, most likely in a discussion with Ryan, his son would want to know what is going on in the kingdom, but until that time he would enjoy the time he was allowed to spend with his family.
The carriage finally halted in front of Veritras's castle. The coachman opened the door for Alec who stepped outside with a polite thank you. He groaned slightly as he stretched his limbs. He could feel age starting to set into his bones, his joints were hurting him slightly, his muscles were cramping quicker than they used to. Though most though that age was an enemy, Alec did not. He would grow old and eventually he would die, that was life, he just wished that he would still be alive in time to play with his grandchildren.
Ryan was betrothed. He remembered getting the message from Veritas. He had been against it at first, but he would agree for now. He would talk to his son later about how he felt. Perhaps would even get to meet his soon to be daughter-in-law. Perhaps Ryan was in love with her, that would be the best. Many Kings did not care about emotions, only bloodlines. But he wanted his children to find what he did, for love was powerful.
He strode into the Main hall, there were people around, many he did not recognize, mostly servants. He pulled aside one of the servants. "I am Alec Riley, King of Humilty, my children are guest of your Lord. Would you please tell them I have arrived." With a bow, the servant turned and scurried into the castle halls.
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Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 9:52 pm
Veritas' Study
Veritas gave way to a wry grin as he stared at Altonair, feeling giddy, much like a child on Christmas would in anticipation of their choice gift being under the tree. “You're late.” he said flatly, fully aware that he'd not given Altonair a specific time. “But all the same.. your present is ready.” And he fully hoped he regretted the smug attitude and lip that he'd given the god three days prior. “You'll have his company for three days. I figure that the waiting three days will be satisfied with the same amount of time spent with your brother.”
With a snap of his fingers, Veritas gifted Altonair with his little brother, only not in the way that he knew the prince had expected. Or even wanted. Instead of the whole little boy that those of Envy had adored, he was the decomposing corpse that had been planted in the ground, his flesh smelling of rot and decay, and perhaps even of the soil that had filled his grave. His eyes were haunted, and as he stared up at his big brother, Veritas dissipated from the scene, unable to hold his laughter fully until he was gone, which left a very haunting echo.
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Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 9:54 pm
One dead brother, below the ground... slowly and softly begins to make a sound Max's eyes were probably the only thing that Altonair would have been able to recognize, the rest of him was mottled with the effects of death. “Brother.” he said, his joints moving stiffly, rigor mortis not exactly leaving him in Veritas' magical state. His arm twitched in a seizure-like movement, and the boy cried out in pain. “I'm dying! I'm bloody dying.” But there were ways to fix this.
Ways that made this wish in particular, everything that Veritas could have asked for. Zombies, in order to stay active, needed blood. “Feed me brother! Save me from this dry rot that encompasses me, so that we might climb that tree you once promised me.” His steps brought him closer to his brother, stiff movements not giving way to what, exactly little Max would have thought was food. It wasn't until his arms encircled the very alive prince, and bit down on the first piece of him he could get, aiming to draw blood, intending to rip flesh. “It's just a little bit brother, feed me your life.” Already rigor the was loosening, and his teeth clamped down once again.
“Oh Altonair. Three days for us to try and make amends. You for you to fix the promises you continued to break. Start by feeding me.” The boy snuggled into his brother, stealing his warmth as though it were a lifeline. “Didn't you miss me, big brother? Didn't you mourn me, when Manuel took me off to fight the war?”
The bits of his flesh fell upon Altonair's shoe as he hugged the man, as though he didn't carry the stench of death, as though he weren't oozing bodily fluids and liquified internal organs.
He pulled back then, letting the elder look at him, his big eyes searching for all the answers to his questions, and allowing Altonair to see, just exactly how he'd been killed. A blow to the back of his head... as though one of his allies had done it.
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Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 10:25 pm
Location:Main Hall
Kingdom: Wrath
Rank:Priestess tickxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxtick tickxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx tick tick tick xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxtick tick xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxtick xxxxxxxxxxxxxxtick"Dreams are bad...when all they do is leave the truth behind...” Finally. How many days had it taken to get here? Somni pushed the doors of the main hall opened with her gloved hands. She stared into the main hall, watching it for a few moments behind her mask. Now what? She looked side to side before deciding to enter the main hall and close the doors carefully behind her. Somni rested her back against the doors for a moment before walking forward quickly to get a better look around. Her feet made only the slightest sound with every step she took. The metal staff she carried made more sound with every other step, as she used it for a walking stick.
Somni came to a stop in the center of the main hall, she stood still and silent, gold eyes looking over everything once again. This was where she had been sent? This was the place she had abandoned her collection for? Had abandoned her post for? She sighed quietly and shook her head. Her left hand wandered towards one of the pockets of her cloak, then another, then another. The weaver simply remained still as she checked her pockets, doing her best to suppress her cough that she felt slowly beginning to form in her throat.
Everything seemed to be in order still. Her book, her journal, some of her thread for weaving, some of her weavings which were finished, wrapped up charms of luck, and of course her pocket watch which still remained ticking. Somni pulled out her silver pocket watch which ticked rather loudly, and opened it. She studied it for a moment before closing it and tucking it back in her pocket. Not too bad of time made considering most of the trip was made walking. But who was she to speak with about her stay here? Hm?
Somni glanced about, there were some servants moving about, but they already seemed busy handling other tasks. She gave a quiet cough, and stared at one of the servants silently as they disappeared down the hall. Well. Perhaps this could be entertaining and interesting? This would provide her the chance to people who were not from her country. It would be interesting to say the least to see what other dreamers were like here. At least she hoped it would be interesting.
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Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 10:43 pm
 ▶ When I'm free, when my sun has set ▷ Release my soul forever, I'll have no regretxxxxxxxxx
▶ ▷ ◀ ◁ ▶ ▷ ◀ ◁ ▶ ▷ ◀ ◁ xxxxxxxx
 The trail of Body, survive a month in the mountain with nothing but your body, passed with ease. The trial of Mind, an oral examination given by the great master to show knowledge and understanding, passed on the first attempt. The trial of spirit, a test with no objectives except to realize, it had taken him a while, but eventially he found the understanding and connection that unlocked the third pillar of the being. He was truly connecting to his self now, but he had not yet reached the great understanding. There was one more trial that he needed to pass, on more pillar that he needed, that of Humanity.
Changing the world was not something that was easy, which was why this was the hardest of the 4 trials, and the one that was saved for the end. Everyone changed the world just by living, he needed to change is majorly, for the better. This hard task was made harder by the war that ravaged the lands, everyone wanted help, but everyone wanted help to kill their foe. Peace through force was not true peace, though most seemed to argue otherwise. Keirnan could be a great warrior, he was trained in combat, but he had the wisdom not to fight, only to defend. He would help bring peace to this world, end the war that was going on. That would be his trial. This trial would not be quick, but time meant nothing to him, time meant nothing to any of the monks. He had an endless supply of time, the gift granted from the trail of Body.
He looked at the Castle looming in front of him. People from all kingdoms were here, the perfect place to begin change. He was certain that the God that ruled over this place would understand. God's may be mischievous, but this one would not mind change. He was probably going to get bored of having this set of visitors and would welcome assistance in getting rid of his large amount of guests. No reward was needed, or desired. If one needed a reward after doing something, they were not doing it for the right reasons.
Keirnan Dysis shouldered his small pack of belongings, mostly clothes and medical supplies, before walking to the doors. In some cultures knocking was the polite thing to do, but there were no locked doors at the monastery as there were no untrustworthy people, those who broke trust were kicked out. Gripping his staff, he opened the door and walked inside, ready to meet the inhabitants of the Castle.
It was a grand place, decorated lavishly. It made sense to him, a god would want his castle to look as nice as he could, most people with power desired material good to display their wealth to visitors. Keirnan did not judge, he himself had a rock tucked into his pocket that he kept because he liked the texture and the appearance of the rock. As long as material possessions were not used to degrade others they were permissible, foolish but permissible.
He nodded to servants as they passed by, he would find where he was sleeping later, right now he was curious to look around, he had not been to many castles, were they all this over the top? He would have to be careful here or he might become spoiled. One day when his trial was done he would return to the monastery, and he would once again have simple living. It was less stressful honestly. When one had nothing there was no fear that ones belongings would be stolen, something he found that people frequently though about.
His eyes stopped at a figure cloaked in black, wearing a mask. She was not a servant, he could tell by working here. Was she a new arrival or someone who had been living here for a while? She might even be one of veritas's people. There was only one way to tell. Peacefully he walked over to Somni. "Greetings. I am Keirnan Dysis, I have just arrived, do you live here?"
▶ ▷ ◀ ◁ ▶ ▷ ◀ ◁ ▶ ▷ ◀ ◁ xxxxxxxx To be free ◀ xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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OOC:
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Kingdom:Patience
Rank: Monk
Location:Main Hall
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Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 11:55 pm
 Envy is thin because it bites, but never eats...  Envy obscures joy. | Altonair Wood |
Prince of Envy 
*~Location: Veritas' Study -- Currently: Seeing Max....in a new light~*
Arms crossed, a scowl hanging off his handsome face, and dark eyes narrowed in annoyance. "Bite me. I'm here, aren't I?" he spitefully replied to the antagonistic god, unaware of the irony that his would later contain.
Altonair was nervous the past few days, unsure of how he should spend time with his brother. Would Max be aware that he passed? If so, would it be uncomfortable to bring it up casually? And what would his siblings say to Max? Altonair had neglected to tell neither Nathaniel or Evony what he wished for, though it was because he wanted it to be a sort of surprise for them. Evony and Max were close, and Nathaniel....well, he would play the part of responsible older brother, as always.
When Veritas' snapped his fingers, Altonair's serious facade dropped, and his eyes widened. It was really happening. He was actually gonna see Max again! He uncrossed his arms, but he wasn't sure what to do with them, so he let them fall to his sides non-nonchalantly. He wanted Max to see him casually, and not stern and stoic when he would lay his eyes on him.
However, as the form came into focus and materialized, Altonair suddenly took a step back. His eyes widened even more, but in horror. His breath hiccuped in his throat, and he could feel the very core of him suddenly shatter and bleed.
Max was there. But he wasn't what Altonair imagined him to be. He was...a corpse! A walking corpse! A walking corpse with decaying flesh and...those eyes. They seemed hollow. They were the eyes of death. And they stared up at him as Max uneasily stood close to him.
"By the gods....what have you done with-!" he began, his voice rising as he tried to address the old villain. Alas, he had departed already, his laughter of ire echoing in the room.
Shakily, his gaze returned to Max. He didn't know what to say. He never imagined a reunion with his dear baby brother like this! "Brother." he called, and a mixture of awe and uncertainty welled up with Altonair. He tried to speak, but all that escaped his mouth was a soundless exhale. His eyes trembled as his reanimated brother's arms encircled him, at a loss of how to react.
Then Max bit down on his older brother's arm.
The only way he could react was to draw a sharp breath, but he didn't scream. No, he only trembled a bit more. And again, Max bit him. Okay, the bites weren't painful, but how was he supposed to react to this?
He tried to ignore the bits of flesh clinging on to him, which was easier than he thought, as he did have experience of this in the past (Asuna Bellerose's decaying flesh splattering on him, the catacombs horrors and injuries upon him...). But he had to say something to Max! What though!? THINK. THINK. THINK. his mind rattled, as Max stepped back to him and looked up at him, seemingly waiting for him to speak.
"I-it's good to see you, M-Max." he dumbly stated, though he didn't know if he was telling the truth or if he was lying. Probably a mixture of the two. He wasn't ready to answer Max's questions regarding letting him 'feed him his life'. Avoiding it for the time being would be the best option at the moment.
"Well, Max, you look...." Dead. Soiled. Dead. Horrifying. Dead. Ravaged. DEAD. "....well." he decided, feeling his mind hurt after he mentally kicked himself for such an idiotic thing to say. He removed his black coat and placed it around Max's shoulders, wanting to clothe him properly since Veritas' had the nerve to NOT do anything pleasing for Max at all. It left Altonair wearing a nice white long sleeved shirt. "B-before we do anything, we should probably head out of here. I'm not particularly fond of the old....man." he said to his brother, opting to use a much more friendlier sounding name for Veritas to protect Max's ears. Well, what was left of them.
Gods, this would not be the finest experience he had....but three days was three days. Three days with Max Wood. And he would try to make the best of it.
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Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 3:35 am
"I gave my life away, Ther's nothing left to say."  "I gave my life away, You take it in your way." Outside:
Soaking up the Sun 
Lucien curled his fingers upwards to the sun as he stretched out among the grass. Three days since the underground hell that the God called a game. Three days of peace and quiet. Thankfully there hadn’t been too much to interrupt that, mainly the clatter of servants and meals here and there. He could almost pretend that his kingdom wasn’t at war and that all was right in the world. He could almost pretend that his mother was a soul-sucking-b***h and that his sister was as pleasant a person as could be.
He’d tried pretending that for years to see if it would come true, unfortunately for Lucien he wasn’t the one who won the competition for a wish of the gods. And he definitely was still engaged to be married to Maelona still. Wherever she was. Oh, don’t get him wrong…she was a nice girl in her own way but they hadn’t gotten off on a good start. Plus there was the fact that he didn’t want to be married or settle down in any sort of the way. He was still very young considering the lifespan he could possibly have. Plus the fact that if this whole transaction did go through it would just be another way his family had betrayed him.
Lucien’s hands fell to his side as he stared up with squinted eyes into the daylight. Off in the distance he could hear the sound of horse-drawn carriages, the sound loud and unmistakable as most working animals were. Plus it sounded like there was a banshee of a woman (Queen Elizabeth Green) screaming. The exact words could not be heard, but he smiled a wry kind of smile at the thought of facing an angry mother. Hell hath no furry like a woman scorned, and if she were a mother double that thrice over.
 He stretched out, feeling the sun seeping through his open chest as he took the moment just to breath in. All good things would come to an end soon, it was just how things worked in Lucien’s life, but he was going to enjoy this for as long as it was possible. Still, relaxing was a little boring…like a spoiled little boy he absentmindedly wished for someone to come entertain him as he rolled onto his stomach and stuck his head in his hands.
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