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<br/>
<br/>
<b>Full Name</b>: Brandon Grant<br/>
<br/>
<b>Age</b>: 28<br/>
<br/>
<b>Height</b>: 2.05 meters<br/>
<br/>
<b>Weight</b>: 125kg<br/>
<br/>
<b>Hair</b>: Black<br/>
<br/>
<b>Eyes</b>: Green <br/>
<br/>
<b>Occupation</b>: Knight<br/>
<br/>
<b>Parents</b>: Lord Maurice and Lady Jennifer Grant<br/>
<b><br/>
Siblings</b>: None<br/>
<br/>
<b>Hobbies: </b>Saving the weak and innocent. Praying to the goddess. Practicing weaponry and war tactics.<br/>
<br/>
<b>Character Background:</b> Brandon as raised on his parents villa. From a young age he proved to have a talent as a fighter, but a noble would never be a common soldier or hired mercenary. With the backing of money and name, Brandon was raised in the monastery as a squared until he turned seventeen before he was raised to be a knight. He proved himself many times as he fought in various skirmishes and small border wars until he was finally given the name of Brandon ‘The Banisher’ Grant due to his ability to keep fighting until none of his enemies no longer stood. Now that the war with the elves have finally taken root and was in full swing, the knight felt he was ready to prove himself once more to the people and the throne. <br/>
<br/>
<b>Hammer</b><br/>
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<br/>
<b>Full Name</b>: Brandon Grant<br/>
<br/>
<b>Age</b>: 24<br/>
<br/>
<b>Height</b>: 1.89 meters<br/>
<br/>
<b>Weight</b>: 105kg<br/>
<br/>
<b>Hair</b>: Brown<br/>
<br/>
<b>Eyes</b>: Blue<br/>
<br/>
<b>Occupation</b>: Squire, former street urchin turned brawler. <br/>
<br/>
<b>Parents</b>: None he could remember. <br/>
<b><br/>
Siblings</b>: All the children that grew up on the streets with him.<br/>
<br/>
<b>Hobbies</b>: Gambling, drinking, women, archery and sleeping. <br/>
<br/>
Character Background: Hammer didn't remember who his parents had been. When he was still a child, they had both died. His father died when he owed money to the wrong people and his mother died from a disease. Since then, he grew up on the streets. Learning how to be quick. Quick on foot to run away, quick with hands to steal, quick with his wit to come up with lies when caught. And he learned how to defend himself with a well hidden dagger. It was only when Brandon took him in when he learned his true talent with a bow. Had it not been for that faithful night when he had fought against three other men in the street and Brandon had come upon them, he would be dead or sold into slavery. <br/>
<br/>
<br/>
<u><b><span style="font-size: 26px"><i>Twisting Every Plan</i></span></b></u><br/>
<br/>
The head the fell from the shoulders and rolled across the ground belonged to the elf of a family held high in regard. When war raged, everyone was seen as the same. No one was safe from its ravages or brutality. That included the royals, the nobles, commoners, man and woman alike. Only this was not the war. The war was on the verge of happening. Two armies, each facing off against the other. Catapults, men on horseback, archers, Pole arms, they all waited in their camps for when word would come that peace was done with. <br/>
<br/>
Brandon hadn’t waited for peace to collapse and war to begin. Instead, he had been tasked with an important mission, one that would change this war into their families our. They had a chance to stop this, a chance to once more have peace if he was successful. His orders were clear. Go to the elf king upon his request, do whatever it takes to become the groom from the princess and end this war before it truly began. For Brandon, it had already begun in this small forest clearing. <br/>
<br/>
The Lord had thought he would be able to cut off Brandon from the city and end his life in the forest where no one would be able to find his body. Instead, it was not the Lord that laid dead with his head removed, his soldiers dead along side him and Brandon that stood still strong, along with his squire of course. No Knight would be caught dead without a squire. <br/>
<br/>
Hammer stood well to the side, the long bow propped under his elbow as he leaned on the strong wood. With three arrows in the matter of seconds, he had dispatched half of the lords men. One of those thick shafts had pierced right through one of the soldiers and into another, saving Brandon the effort of having to dispatch them himself. Unfortunately their horses had not survived the attack, well one had, which had decided to run instead of hang around to take an arrow through the neck as the one stallion had done. <br/>
<br/>
Brandon sheathed the long sword and gave a silent prayer for the dead whole Hammer gathered the supplies they still had on the dead horse. The food was not an issue. The city was right past the forest, not even an hour’s walk away. The Lord had been very brave in his decision to try and stop them here. Anyone could have seen it happen, now he would never return to the city. <br/>
<br/>
“So? Are we burying these assholes?” Hammer asked as he pulled the bag over his shoulder. <br/>
<br/>
“Nay. The corpses of mine enemies shall be a feast for the black birds.” Brandon replied as he used a cloth to clean off blood from his armor, speaking ad any noble from his home would. <br/>
<br/>
“Fine fine. Let’s just get going. There’s some really good cunt in Zarré I hear.”<br/>
<br/>
As always, Hammer was not a very tactful man. He was good with a sword, he was great with a knife, he was unbelievable with a bow. The man seemed to be able to sue the bow in any way he wished. As a close quarters weapon, he could take the wings off a butterfly at over two hundreds paces. Brandon had thought a few times why he would want to be a squire but over the years of service, he had proven himself trustworthy and a companion without equal. <br/>
<br/>
With the immediate threat now taken care of, the two left the clearing and continued on their way, making quick work across the open country dotted with farms and small homes until they reached the massive city of the elves. There were spires that reached unimaginable heights, walls that seem to sparkle in the light and enough people that streamed in and out of the city that it made the human cities look almost dead. <br/>
<br/>
The knight and his squire entered the city with hard gazes from the Elfin guards. With the war on the edge of a knife, they did not like humans coming to their home. It was still however a peace that reigned and while it held, they respected the peace. Brandon had suffered long Knights thinking of poems and speeches to retell to the princess in order to win her heart. He knew of promises he could make that he could keep and deeds he would perform to keep her safe. Anything to win over the princess was allowed, as long as it brought peace. <br/>
<br/>
Hammer stayed behind the knight, the bow strung over his chest as he walked, whistling to himself and giving a few elf girls a wink as they passed by. He showed no interest in the goal his mentor had or what peace it would bring. He was a simple man raised on the streets and learned how to survive on his own until a kind hand had shown him a better life. Now he would do what his mentor required of him but he was no Lord. He didn’t know politics and he didn’t know how wars worked. He knew honor from all the lectures he had received from the knight and he could find ally read and write, but this was all still too much for his mind to take in. So he did what he did best, he followed Brandon through the packed streets, making their way to the huge palace rising up in the middle of the city. <br/>
<br/>
It was a marvel to gaze on. It had banners flying on the highest towers, gargoyles standing guard on the wall. Of course, they were just stone but there were rumors, there were always rumors. In this case, Brandon and Hammer didn’t believe in those rumors. Rumors or not, those statues were still intimidating when they stood by the silver gates, those statues looking down on them. <br/>
<br/>
“Mine name be Brandon Grant. High Knight of Broggast, first to the king’s guard and protector of those that call upon me in their time of need. Mine duty brings me across thy land to speak and woe thy princess in hopes of a peace.” Brandon announced to the two Elfin guards, who had clear signs of confusing on their faces. <br/>
<br/>
“He’s here to see the princess about marriage and creating peace.” Hammer clarified for his mentor. <br/>
<br/>
The two whispered to each other before one of them entered the palace grounds and headed for the palace at a jog to relay the information. Hammer wasn’t very happy with the situation. Usually they would immediately be invited in. Now they stood outside the gates like beggars. <br/>
<br/>
“Mark my words. They’re bringing reinforcements. By nightfall, our heads will be held by these fucking gargoyles.” Hammer whispered, feeling extremely nervous by all of this. <br/>
<br/>
They were deep in enemy territory. As much as there was peace, there was a deep hatred that ran between the two races. They had fought for centuries, they had discussed peace before and it had never happened. Nothing stopped the elves from killing get them and hanging their heads from the gargoyles. <br/>
<br/>
“Calm thy self friend. For they request the peace our hearts wish to see become truth. Thine eyes need to open to the world.” Brandon smiled confidently with a hand on Hammer’s shoulder. <br/>
<br/>
I’m truth, Brandon was just as nervous but he knew how to keep it hidden, and his belief was strong that this would bring peace for them and the elves. All they needed was a chance, a moment to of hope to make sure that no loves were lost over a senseless war. All they could do was stand by the gates and await word from the king and princess. <br/>
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<a class="username" data-user-id="88" data-username="@Vixen" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/88/">@Vixen</a>​</div></div>
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<br/>
Eva Liythein<br/>
Age: 21<br/>
Brown Eyes<br/>
Brown Hair<br/>
The Princess is the only current living heir to King Wyn Liythien, she was born out of wed lock when the King had an affair with a human female. She was exiled for her own protection and brought back to the King on her 21st birthday. She has magic within her, a blessing from her mother, giving her visions of the future and some elemental powers although she does not know the truth behind these.<br/>
The King now needs to find a suitor for his only living heir, one that will safe guard his lands and people.<br/>
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King Wyn Liythien<br/>
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Queen Evaliaesu Lythien <br/>
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Jino<br/>
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<br/>
King Wyn's guards were astonished by the human's blatant words of marrying the Princess, with the threat of war among them and the lines of battle cast both guards spoke of the unlikely nature of such a ploy, and how they would welcome the opportunity to slay such men from even attempting to touch their Princess. Of course neither guard would marry her as she was not pure blood, but they wouldn't kick her out of bed either, she had a peculiar sense about her and they both worried for her life. <br/>
<br/>
The King heard of the humans arrival and laughed from his gut, such of the humans to suggest such a marriage, however he knew that he did not wish for war, the suffering of his people, no doubt they would win but at what cost, they had other enemies within the realm and perhaps with a marriage to the humans it would forge an alliance that would strengthen both sides. His men of course had no asked of the line or position of his daughter's suitor which angered him, "Bring the men to me at once, rid them of weapons and have them meet me in plane (the plane was a room the King used to hear his people's concerns and troubles), knowing it was empty. The men nodded and walked back in the direction of the humans. <br/>
<br/>
The King sent for his most trusted advisor, his Queen, knowing she would see the things he himself overlooked during this next discussion, the Queen was not far of course and sat next to him to aid his council on many occasion. The two guards returned to the gates and looked upon the two humans, "The King will see you", before allowing them entrance he held up his arm, "Leave your weapons and you may enter safely, no blood shall be split in the plane", he assured them. Once they had shed their weapons, a third guard appeared and took the weapons for safe keeping whilst the two guards walked in silence in the direction of the King, one of them caught eye with Hammer, "You will not fight here", he told him. <br/>
<br/>
They arrived at a rather large grand white stone door, the men pushed the door open and there stood the King beside his wife who was sitting on a chair heavily cast with iron. "Please be seated", she begged the men kindly, once they were sat, the King sat and nodded for the guards to close the door and leave. It was the queen who spoke first, "Which one of you sees themselves as a suitor for the Princess?", she looked at the two humans, neither fitting for the Princess in her eyes, "You wish to wed my King's daughter, why?", she asked them. <br/>
<br/>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br/>
<br/>
Eva may have only been in her father's grasp for a matter of months but she had learnt quickly who she was able to trust and who she needed to keep a watchful eye on. She had two whisperers in the guards who came to her with news and a confident she <br/>
relied on for assistance handling herself in court and throughout the elven land. Jino was a pure blood elf and the daughter of one of her father's council, she was a lady of Eva's now and her best friend, Eva had never had this before and so Jino was a wonderful surprise to her. Jino was just as wild and rebellious as Eva, and fierce about her heritage. <br/>
<br/>
Once the guards had safely deposited the humans within the plane, one of the guards rushed to Eva's room with news of her potential suitor. "Your father meets with him now to discuss your hand", he informed the two females who were sat practicing a small vision exercise when they had been called upon. Eva was furious, "My father discusses my hand like I have no say in the matter, Eva you must come to court, Eva you must entertain, Eva you must bow to your Queen who is not your mother, Eva you must marry someone I choose", she dismissed the guard, and looked to Jino for counsel. Jino raised an eyebrow, "He is your father, unfortunately his will is the only one we cannot ignore", she touched her friends hand reassuringly, "We can spy on them though....come...I know a place where we can witness the plane and it's happening", she chuckled deviously and pulled Eva with her to a secret entrance at the back of the plane, it was a tight squeeze but the girls managed to fit themselves in and closed the spy door behind them, Jino placed a finger on her lips to signal Eva to quiet herself. The entrance allowed usually for one member to watch the plane without the counsel hearing, used normally during negotiations by the King who would seat himself in such a place to watch his business associates deliberate on his offers. <br/>
<br/>
Eva nodded and the two girls watched the men speaking to the King and Queen, her eyes were drawn to a muscular man in full view of her, whilst she had no clear view of the other man, "Perhaps being wed won't be so bad after all", she whispered quietly to Jino who nodded smiling, Jino was very experienced in the world, and had two lovers within the guard who visited her, she had encouraged Eva but her father had forbidden any contact with men, saying it was important she was pure.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">The contradiction of the room was quite a marvel. Where the large stone door shut the room off to the world and the chair cast from iron seemed solid and unmoving, the rest of the room was completely different. The flowers that seemed to grow in abundance in the small room, the soft fountain running down from the handmade fountain. The rocks were placed just perfectly, creating a a waterfall that didn't splash. Instead the water ran down smoothly, dropping from a height that almost caused a tiny rainbow to form from the mist.<br/>
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It was a spectacular mist, it was a gorgeous room and the small pool at the bottom of the waterfall was filled with hundreds of fish. Thousands of colours darting through the water, each group seemingly intent on playing their own little game. Brandon gave the pool only a moment of notice before he moved to where they were requested to sit. The padded chairs were comfortable but he could feel the hard steel through the cushions.<br/>
<br/>
"For peace. For love. For hope." Brandon replied quite plainly, shifting a little on the chair, his full armour making it rather uncomfortable to sit on the chair.<br/>
<br/>
"He's like that." Hammer shrugged. "He likes being honest. It's one of his codes that he's trying to beat into me. So far he hasn't managed to succeed."<br/>
<br/>
The grin Hammer gave was playful and honest in his own right, but it was not the reason why Brandon was here. He would teach Hammer proper code another time. For now, the importance of this was beyond either of them, beyond the king, beyond what their personal beliefs or ideals were. Brandon made sure to act the part as well.<br/>
<br/>
"Thy daughter is naught just a possession Majesty. I doth request her as my wife to preserve safety and peace. Her presence will be but a small light that will illuminate the entire world in peace. Does thy own needs require her presence? For this request is for us both."<br/>
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"If he marries her, there will peace and happiness and little lovely fairies throwing dust all over the world." Hammer sniffed before turning his gaze towards Brandon. "You know that it won't happen, right? You can see it on her face. She doesn't want us here. She's doing all she can just not to kill us right now."<br/>
<br/>
Hammer didn't know the meaning of being tactful. He always said whatever he felt, no matter what it was. There were times that Brandon could kill the man for speaking things that he should keep to himself. A time just like this, a time when they needed diplomacy and respect. One day Hammer would have to learn those things, he would have to or he would never be able to become a knight, he would forever be a squire.<br/>
<br/>
"Hammer, quiet thy tongue." Brandon snapped quickly. "What doth her Majesty judges upon our words is by her own thoughts to decide. For such an act, we must show respect and be humble. Lower thine eyes and bow thy head."<br/>
<br/>
Brandon wished he could for once give Hammer a smack across the back of the head, teach him some humility. He was not that type of man, he did no believe in fear and violence would bring someone to bend the knee. He wanted Hammer to become a proper man, a real man by his own accord and choice and the only way to do so was for him to finally understand what it meant to be a knight. <br/>
<br/>
It wasn't about being in armour, it wasn't about having people do as you say or command respect or have skill in some weapons. It was none of that. It was about virtue, belief, strength to uphold that belief until the end of time. Hammer needed to learn these things and Brandon would spend his entire life teaching Hammer those values if it took his entire life.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">The King and Queen listened to the two humans whilst they quarreled and seemingly disagreed to their reasoning and notion of success of their endeavor to take the Princesses hand. The Queen eyes narrowed towards Hammer but she did not speak, it was the King who spoke freely, "As a Squire I'd suggest you learn your place boy", although his words were stern, his tone was somewhat amused, in truth Hammer knew his wife would not agree to such a match, but he was King, and he was not his wife. Something about Hammer reminded the King of himself as a boy, it amused him to see it in a human. <br/>
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The King stood, he considered the human, he paced the floor and sat down, in truth this union could please him if he could get agreeable terms, he knew this was wanted by the humans as much as he, however he also knew now was the time to bargain, if he married his daughter off elsewhere, he'd receive gifts, here in his own lands he would pay a price, with the humans, he wondered. <br/>
<br/>
Eva and Jino listened to conversation intently, Eva was about to protest when her father questioned them further, Jino eyes were focussed on her friend, she did not want to lose the Princess as her association with her had alleviated her own place in court, but in truth she loved the Princess like her own sister. She held her hand tightly, Eva's eyes that had been full of lust for the men, suddenly softened as she realised if she was to wed, she would be sent away. "You must come with me", she whispered to her friend. The girls watched the room, and Eva decided her fate would not be decided by her father. She grabbed Jino's hand, "I will not allow my father to marry me off to some human who I've never met", her anger was apparent, and she was overcome with emotion. <br/>
<br/>
Standing behind his wife, he rested a hand casually on her shoulder, ready to calm her foreseen outburst, "Tell me your title and rank with the humans, and tell me what you will give me if I consent to this union?", he asked Brandon, glancing to Hammer to wager the measure of his response. <br/>
<br/>
Eva squeezed back out of the hidden room and glared at the two guards who were appointed to guard the door, "Open this door or I will have your heads", she told them angrily when one had threatened to not allow her through, the doors were soon opened and she stood looking frostily at the four of them. "Father, I assume my invitation to this meeting was lost?", she asked him without making eye contact with the two men. Jino stood behind Eva, she did look at both men, it was obvious to her who the noble was, and she winked at Hammer with a smile, catching the eye of the Queen, she lowered her gaze to the floor, "My Queen", she said respectfully. <br/>
<br/>
The King raised his hands to the air, "Princess Eva, my daughter, my heir, please be seated", he gestured for them to sit across the table from the two human men, the King took a seat, and looked towards his Queen, who spoke once more, "Won't you introduce yourself to the Princess, and then proceed in answering our King's question", she gestured her hand towards the two girls, Jino shifting uncomfortably, the Queen added, "Jino is the Princess Lady, she will be present throughout this rather larger discussion", the Queen smiled warmly at Jino, glad that the Princess had an ally.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">The king was well within his rights to ask for such things. To not ask for such a thing would have made Brandon suspicious. He had been waiting dkfor the king to ask what he would gain out of this marriage. He had been prepared with everything he is allowed to offer them in exchange for peace, even a peace that would hold only for a hundreds years, it was still a good beginning.<br/>
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Brandon was about to speak when the door opened and the princess barged in, which came off as extremely rude to Brandon. If she had been invited to these talks, she would have been here. By her words, he did not assume that she had not been invited, making this intrusion extremely poor representation of her royalty. Hammer did not feel the same at all. He liked the straight forward wink and smile from the girl behind the princess, returning her wink with a light lick of his lips.<br/>
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"The terms are simple." Brandon said as he removed a scroll that held the king's seal. "As thy is clearly aware, the importance of this marriage is the peace that it will brought. Currently mine rank is that of the captain of the king's guard and I also have the full weight of the Knights at my disposal. I have been given the title of Lord three times over. I am the Marquess of my own land, Duke to the mountain ranges and mines and I have some of the best horses in all of the lands. Mine words are backed by the king. The peace will be assured as well as trade routes, ships, and we have land available for those that wish to come across the border and farm."<br/>
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The trade was extremely fair. They did not have to give the king anything but it was in a gesture of good faith to show their compassion in this matter. If peace would be achieved, then they would finally be able to return the world to what it had been before. Hammer wanted to give his own input to what the king was asking but he knew better than to disobey a king, even one he didn't bow to, something Brandon was very thankful for.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Eva sat and watched this man, a captain of the human Kings Guard deliver the news of what her hand would mean to him and what he gave in return, she was frustrated that whilst he spoke, he made only eye contact with her father. She knew it was her father that must approve the match but Eva hated the tradition, the fact she had no choice in her own life. Eva had known freedom growing up, of course she'd been under protection and in hiding, so she had not enjoyed the luxuries she now enjoyed, however now she often yearned for the freedom she once enjoyed. She watched Brandon as he spoke of lands, and peace and knights, and sighed, he spoke nothing of love or passion, or indeed of her happiness.<br/>
<br/>
Eva's gaze strayed from Brandon towards his squire Hammer, she shared his gaze for seconds then cast her eyes towards her father, the King. The King caught his daughters eyes and struggled to maintain contact, in knew the Princess had the spirit of her mother, and as such would hate the prospect of being wed without love, it shamed him deeply to use his daughter's hand in this way, but he had only one child and he must wed her for his own benefit.<br/>
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The King nodded at the news of land for his people, and ships, something the King could greatly use, together with peace and trade, this was surely enough to wed his daughter, but the King only had one opportunity to negotiate, that time was now. The King looked towards Hammer, "And you, my chatty friend, you have nothing to say now? Speak truthfully", he gestured his hand for Hammer to speak.<br/>
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The King smiled at Brandon, "Such a good first offer from the Captain of the King's guard, tell me what more you can offer me?", he looked towards Eva, and felt a shallow ache in his heart, "Tell my daughter why she should consent to marry you as well", it was all he could offer her, a simple gesture.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Brandon didn't know what more the king could possibly want, but he didn't answer immediately. He gave Hammer a stern gaze first, ensuring his squire didn't do as the king told. It was nothing more than a simple ploy to create more tension, tension that already had the lives of millions hanging in the balance. He didn't need the unchecked mouth of Hammer causing the possible peace to collapse and create a war they could have prevented.<br/>
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"Because she would be able to prevent this war Majesty. If she consents, we can bring peace to this world. I believe the lives of millions are more important that what we want. She will be well taken care of, she will be protected and she will have a life as happy as I can possibly give her Majesty. More, I can not promise. Peace is what I desire."<br/>
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Brandon felt that the king had another motive, something he was not telling but in the end, it did not matter. Brandon knew what he was here for, he knew what was needed and what came first. He had never needed to be happy in his life. He needed only his duty, duty was what mattered, it was what kept the world safe and what ensured everyone was protected the best to his abilities.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">When Hammer did not speak, the King raised an eyebrow, perhaps Brandon did have a hold of his men, the King thought to himself. The King knew all to well what he desired in exchange for his daughters hand, "If you marry my daughter, I will lose my only heir", he mused aloud his gaze looking beyond the room to the wall, "I do need ships, I will need at least a dozen", he spoke freely knowing the humans held ships as well as he held bows. The King listened to Brandon before speaking once more, "Excellent, however my real need will be an heir, therefore, your first born son will return to me the instant he is born and I will raise him to become the future ruler of my kingdom. <br/>
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Eva stood up outraged, "Father, you wish to take my child from my breast the minute they are born to the world, must you be so cruel, and what if I only bare girls, you wish to keep them away until they are old enough to marry off for land and ships", she wiped a tear from her eye before looking over towards the Captain Brandon, "You desire peace above love, you desire not a woman but an army?", Eva felt hatred towards this man who wished to wed her, he had no plans to woo her it seemed. <br/>
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Jino reached for her friends hand, "My King, if I may", the King waved a hand to allow Jino to speak freely, Jino held Eva's hands in her own, "Princess, and my best friend, you are like a sister to me, please know that the bride is usually not present for such distasteful discussions", she looked towards Captain Brandon, "I am sure the Captain wishes to romance his bride, but first he must settle the wishes of the King, your father, I would ask a request, that as your lady, I accompany you to the human lands if this union is made, I am sure my father can find a match in time", she looked towards the King. "Also your first son may be raised here, but he will be your son, and my friend, you can visit him", she knew this was unlikely but a necessary tale to soothe her friend. <br/>
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The King nodded, "Of course, this goes without question", he looked now to Brandon, "If you agree to my terms, you may wed my daughter, the marriage will take place in my lands, and soon, then you may depart, as husband and wife", he stood and held a hand to Brandon, "I will draw up papers of course". The Queen looked thoroughly displeased, but remained silent.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Brandon nodded. Everything the king had said, he agreed to but only because he had to. He had no delusions. He was certain there would be nothing romantic between him and his new fiancé, and they were certainly not going to have a child together. Asking however for a dozen ships was already pushing the limit. Those ships could be used in the war if the king decided to against his word, hence the reason he was not completely done with his own terms.<br/>
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When he saw the sadness that crossed the princess's face, Brandon felt for her but he knew this was for the best. If there was a war, there would be no children. If there would be to be bloodshed, there is no telling who would be the ones that had to cross the river of the dead. This way there was hope and it was the price of a single child, something he could accept when so much in this world needed to be saved.<br/>
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"I will accept your terms Majesty, unfortunately, I must speak freely for a moment. The past of your daughter is well known. Her...absence in your court is well known. For her to become my wife is simply a beginning to our agreement. We will submit to your terms, but we must make another of our own. We would ask that three garrisons be stationed within your borders. A matter of principle only Majesty. They will not interfere with your citizens except to help where it is needed. They will patrol the roads and the forests as needed. If this is acceptable, we can move forward with our agreement."<br/>
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Brandon understood the need for have their own men within the borders of these lands. It would mean they could strike within the range of the king should he decided to break their agreement. Of course, it wasn't a large force but the men they would station here would be some of the best and most talented in various fields, not just simple soldiers. Hammer however didn't like what he was hearing. His eyes narrowed when Brandon made the terms.<br/>
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It was the first Hammer had heard of this and he was certain he knew of everything put together in the terms. Nothing stated an army being placed within the borders. This was very much not like his mentor. Breaking the rules? Taking things into his own hands, it made a smile come to his lips. His mentor was after all not as perfect as he had imagined. But it didn't take away his fear of the man. He had seen Brandon in a fight, he had seen the man wield the sword as if it was a part of him, a part of him that was not suppose to move that quickly or kill so easily.<br/>
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At least he had something he could get drunk on, something to taunt his mentor on, if that man would ever break that solid face of his that never smiled. Hammer had sometimes believed it was nothing but rock under that hard skin. Granite, dragon skin, something that didn't move because the man had no expression, even when he had taken an arrow through his chest, he didn't winch, he didn't cry out in pain, he just looked as he did, sitting right there, stoic almost.<br/>
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Hammer had met hard men before. Guards who hard served for decades, sailors that had faced the roughest seas, none of them compared to the pure expressionless mentor. Hammer didn't know if he should one night crack his face with a hammer to see what happened or just get him drunk. Not that the man ever drank anything, or smoked a pipe, or even ate anything. Everyday, three times a day, the exact same meal. Rice and stew. Plain stew as well. Nothing added except chunks of meat. The man was a monser in more ways than Hammer had ever thought possible.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">The King would not show his true thoughts of the suggestion of having men in his lands, of course this could mean an attack on his head at any time. He did not like it, and his face showed as much, he also read the squires face at such a notion, this was not a sanctioned request. It was however the Queen who spoke before her King could speak, "I am sure my King will consent to this ridiculous request, if the kingdoms are to trade and remain in peace, no such Garrisons would be required", her eyes further narrowed at Brandon, "However if you require such a token, I will suggest that our Princess be accompanied by a small guard of her own, to ensure no attack on her may be made of course", this would ensure her security and also allow the Royal's to receive word of the human court.<br/>
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Eva received no such comfort from Brandon's words, as he completely ignored her own, she sat, she appeared to be willing to accept her fate, however her mind was busy with it's own thoughts. Whilst the men and Queen discussed her fate, Eva's eyes cast towards the human squire, she looked him up and down, and winked at him for a moment whilst Brandon's eyes were busy with the King. No one but the Queen spotted their exchange, and the Queen remained silent, knowing she would discuss this in private with her step daughter. Jino held the hand of her friend, whilst Eva sat and stewed, she refused to shed another tear in the presence of these men who showed her no such courtesy.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">"I would prefer to have a guard with her Majesty." Brandon agreed with a nod of his head. "She is important and needs to be kept safe. In order to arrive here without incident, it was best to travel in as small a group as possible. Returning with her own guard would be welcomed. Of course, the garrisons are not here to cause trouble, I will assure you of that. I am concerned however for the people. They do not always agree with our actions. If we are to traders, our traders will have to be kept safe as well."<br/>
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Brandon didn't know who the queen would put on the guard for the princess. They might be trustworthy, or they maybe there as assassins to kill the king when they got close enough. Whichever the case, he could not refuse the agreement, it was for the best for them all. Brandon was also certain this was the end of the discussion. They have given and taken as much as they would each dare under the circumstances. Rising from his chair, Brandon gave the royal family a bow.<br/>
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"If there is nothing else Majesty?"<br/>
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Hammer could only look on in silence. He didn't like any of this. They were supposed to get to the princess and leave. Nothing else. That was their orders and instead, Brandon had taken it upon himself to do this. He might have created peace for a while but it would not liking stay that long. Hammer knew people, he had been one of them for a long time. If their princess left, they would surely want to riot and it would take only one man to lead them into such a riot. Those thoughts however disappeared when the princess looked to him. She was a beautiful woman and he couldn't resist but give her his best smile.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">The King nodded consent for Brandon to leave, but it was again the Queen that held the room, "Captain Brandon, may I suggest a courting of the Princess, to allow her to enjoy your company and learn of her intended, I will arrange a private supper for the two of you this evening", she hoped that the man would show the Princess a little tenderness however much she disapproved of this match, the Queen did not wish to see the Princess unhappy. Eva looked on completely dismayed at this suggestion, she was to eat with a man who had just bought her hand in exchange for a few ships, she nodded acceptance, as Jino pressured her hand on the Princess, knowing it was the only choice. <br/>
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Before they left, the King nodded towards Hammer, "You, my boy, you can come for supper and some good ale with myself and my men this evening whilst your Captain woo's my daughter", he chuckled at the prospect and watched the two men retire. This allowed Brandon and Hammer to exit the room, the guards held the door, and the men were taken to their chambers, a suite with a-joining doors to allow freedom for the humans in their company, each suite had a balcony with a view over the lands, and allowed their luxurious space. The guards nodded, and left the men to their own company, closing the doors behind them. <br/>
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Once the men had left, the King looked towards his daughter, but Eva stood without making eye contact and left the room with Jino, who shrugged mouthing an apology to the Royals, the Queen placed a finger to her lips signalling for Jino not to worry. The King had his head in his hands within a moment, who the couple were alone, the Queen then ordered the doors be closed, "It is a sad day my love", she whispered, "You have lost all I know in one short day", she rested her hand on the King's shoulder before leaving the room herself, leaving the King alone to his thoughts. <br/>
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Eva walked silently with Jino back to her room, arriving back to her chambers, the guards closed the doors after receiving her orders to call for her intended in three hours for their supper. The stone doors to her room closed, and Eva sank to the floor, the tears flowing hard, sadness and anger flourished through her body, overpowering the Princess, she gasped for breath, and Jino stood silently, allowing her friend to grieve. <br/>
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Jino waited for two hours in silence, whilst the Princess wept and screamed and wept some more, "Princess, in private, you may mourn this time, however you have to meet your intended in one hour, we need to get you ready", she whispered softly. Eva took a deep breath, she stood shakily and nodded to her friend, "Yes the time to be strong has come, thank you Jino".</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Brandon and Hammer both gave their respectful bows to the royal family before leaving, moving to the room they would be using until they left for their home once more. Brandon would be happy to return home. It was a place he knew and loved. As much as the elves had their beauty, home would never be any other place, he hoped the princess would come to find his home hers as well in time. If she did not, he would have to make arrangements until she was comfortable. He was however glad for the respite from their travels and talks.<br/>
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Coming straight to the palace might have been his first mistake but he was not known to be a man for flowers and scented oils. He was a knight, not a lord trying to woo a young lady. He did not enjoy the way the king assumed he required to woo the princess. His work was not to make her fall in love with him. They simply had to be married, a symbol for the people to follow, a union for peace, not love or devotion. He would have no choice but see to the king's request, ensure that his wishes were respected.<br/>
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At least now he had time for a bath, maybe even a shave and some time to relax before they would have to see the princess, or he would have to see the princess. As per usual, Hammer was going to ensure to do everything a knight was not supposed to. Even if it was the king's request, a knight would deny such a blatant request, instead Hammer looked far too eager to enjoy a night of drinking. Once the door was closed, Brandon started removing his armour as Hammer fell down on the huge couch that cost more than most people made in a year.<br/>
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"So? How are you going to do it?" Hammer asked as he picked up the pear from the table beside him and took a bite. "I actually want to see you woe anything! You haven't got a single piece of you woe in you even if a witch had to give you the powers of the greatest charmer in the world!"<br/>
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"I'm not going to woe her." Brandon replied straight as he laid the armour pieces neatly on the bed as he took them off. "I will tell her the truth and that is all that's important."<br/>
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Brandon had no wish to lie to the princess, to fill her with false hope that he was not going to fulfil. The least he could do was give her that much. He could at least give her someone clean to have a dinner with, and shaved as well. It was not easy to shave when traveling through the rough parts of the world.<br/>
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"You're not going to win her over that way, trust me on that. You want her to want to marry you at least. Otherwise, you're going to have hell Brand. Trust the words of a man that knows women." Hammer warned carefully.<br/>
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"I will not betray my oaths and duty Hammer. Something you will have to think about tonight when you decide to get drunk. You've been doing well lately, don't ruin it." Brandon warned before he removed the last piece of armour. "Now I'm going to bath. Remember what I said."<br/>
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Hammer just waved his hand, intent on sleeping while he had a chance to rest for the night that was going to come. He had heard Brandon but getting drunk wasn't so bad after all. It was just a few drinks. It's what he did while he was drunk that made the difference. He was going to be with the king, nothing was going to happen when the most powerful man of this land was with him, Hammer was not bothered by Brandon's warning.<br/>
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Brandon left the room, moving to another adjoining room where it was nothing but smooth stones, a bath half way laid into the floor, the rim producing from the floor with a gold inlaid on the rim. It was a fantastic bathing room with every possible need seen to. One entire wall was nothing but soaps and oils and fragrances. Brandon climbed into the hot water, feeling it almost soak into his skin, easing all the tension from his body and all the traveling they had done.<br/>
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As good as the bath was, he didn't have the whole night. He washed every bit of dirt he could from himself. From his hair, down to his feet, getting everything off with the sponge that felt soft on his skin, it was not what he was accustomed to, though he did enjoy it. He finished washing, shaving and eventually dried himself off. With a towel wrapped around his waist, he headed back into the main room, finding Hammer already fast asleep on the comfortable couch.<br/>
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Hammer was so fast asleep, he didn't know about the servant that had come in and laid clothes on the bed for him to wear. He did not wear clothes. He wore his armour and plain leather beneath to ensure he was protected as much as possible. The silk clothes with the boots that looked thin enough to tear if he pulled them on didn't seem very logical. He didn't have much of a choice. He pulled the clothes on though. He didn't want to disappoint his future bride or the king for that matter.<br/>
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Brandon had some trouble getting into the clothing, struggling to figure out what went where with all the buttons it had. He did he luckily manage it before he was able to Don the coat, doing up the buttons carefully, as if he could feel it would break any moment.<br/>
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Nothing broke or tore when he was done and he felt naked. The clothes were too thin and too smooth, it felt like he was wearing nothing, that his naked body was out for everyone to see. Taking a deep breath, Brandon stepped out of the room, feeling almost embarrassed about being seen by anyone else, but he knew he would have to do this. At least he didn't have to dress this way when he was back home again.<br/>
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With so much time before he would have to see the princess for dinner, Brandon took the time to work on his Armour, polishing out anything that hindered the shine and luster of the Armour. The heavy steel had been a gift from the king. The gold inlaid was extremely expensive and also pointless but it was only ceremonial.<br/>
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There was still enough time before the dinner with the princess by the time Brandon finished with his armor, giving him time to explore the palace but he was in no mood to walk around without his Armour. Instead he asked for one of the palace guards to direct him to the dinning hall, which was done with utter silence form the guard. At least the guard didn't try to get him lost, taking him straight to the huge hall that had a table that could seat twenty.<br/>
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There was no one else there. There was still time for the princess to arrive. Brandon still didn't like this. It was a pointless dinner. There would be more than enough time to learn all he needed of her on the trip home. Maybe the king wanted to see him squirm under pressure, a pleasure he would not be able to derive from Brandon.<br/>
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Instead Brandon say by the table, back straight, shoulders squared and hands folded in his lap as he waited, his mind thinking over what he was going to tell the king of all the terms that had been agreed upon, terms that he had not been granted.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Eva's hair was luckily immaculately in place, and so she was able to bath without disturbing her hair, she used the scent of poppy on her pale skin, and dusted herself with a shimmer powder that Jino often used to highlight her features. Jino decided to select clothing for the Princess, knowing she was otherwise distracted. She took the liberty of sending clothes for the Captain and decided to have them compliment one another that evening, hoping that small touches may convince her dear friend of an affection that was so obviously not there. <br/>
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Jino placed the Princess tiara upon her head once her<a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=http%3A%2F%2F41.media.tumblr.com%2Fb6a2550dfcddea25ae55385557186e81%2Ftumblr_nxs0dk5vB71rxotrro3_500.jpg&amp;hash=6bfcd46854a1aec3c63466b522362fbe" href="http://41.media.tumblr.com/b6a2550dfcddea25ae55385557186e81/tumblr_nxs0dk5vB71rxotrro3_500.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank"> golden gown</a> was in place, "I hate him", Eva sighed, she knew in her heart she could never love or indeed bed should a cold military focused man. "You only have to bed him once to make an heir, and if no heir comes", whispered Jino, "Then you will be Queen of these lands and you will return", she whispered to her friend excitedly. Infidelity was a serious matter among them but it was known that humans were more tolerant so Jino continued, "And...if you cannot bare him then, well you will take a lover", she giggled as did Eva, as they both thought of the squire and his muscular physique. <br/>
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Once she was ready, Eva stepped outside to find her loyal guard awaiting her, "He is already waiting my Princess", she guard walked in step behind Eva, and Eva as usual slowed her pace to allow him to walk with her which was usually forbidden but she cared little for the rules, "Is he wearing armour?", Eva asked, she couldn't stand how indoors with no threat, guards off duty still wore armour, she could not see the point. "No Princess, he is in silk", the guard replied. They reached the dining hall that would be used for their dinner, it was a private room of the Kings, and crafted with the most beautiful ornate paintings of previous royal couples, and a water feature that twinkled in light. It was in truth a very beautiful room, and since Eva had been to the castle, she imagined courting her love in this room.<br/>
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Entering the room to see the very serious looking Captain Brandon was not what she had in mind, she smiled weakly, "Captain", she spoke confidently and nodded for the guard to close the door behind them. A servant appeared and began pouring them wine whilst Eva was seated, she looked over towards Brandon and could not think of a word to say, then thought of his travel, "Is the distance far to your residence?", she was unsure of exactly where Brandon would call home, perhaps a room within the human's royal castle, or perhaps he had land a home or his own, she was unsure.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">When Eva entered the dinning hall, on time as what had been set out, Brandon rose to his feet, giving the princess a bow as was customary to greet royalty. Even if she was to be his wife, she was still not and deserves that much courtesy at the least. Once she was seated did Brandon only take his seat, seat well away from each other but still close enough that they didn’t have to yell to be heard. The knight waved away the wine when it was offered to him, instead pouring himself water into the fragile looking glass. <br/>
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“It is a good distance Majesty. If we stay to the road and make good pace each day, we should teach capital in just under two weeks. If there is issues, we will have to take a different road or wait for it to be cleared. Maybe three weeks then at the most, but you do not have to worry Majesty. The inns and towns along the road will suffice for our stays during the evenings. If you wish, you can on some days ride on horseback or we can walk.”<br/>
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Brandon knew the truth of the marriage and he was accepting of it. They would be a symbol for the people. If the princess required her freedom or wished to travel, she was free to do so without his interference. Unless official business called for them to be present, he saw no reason why she could not do as she pleased. She would be a married woman, able to go and do as she pleased, no one would bother her.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Eva took the offer of wine, noticing that Brandon did not, of course, this was nothing but business for him. She was angered by that, and immediately sipped the sweet honeyed wine that was brought to her, served in a crystal chalice. She listened politely as Brandon explained the trip on foot, and she couldn't help but sigh, two to three weeks was a long time to be on the road, but at least she could enjoy the air, and the scenery. She sat quietly as the servants brought food to them, a platter of their local delights, seafood, meats, and fruit lay before them, a small dish of crushed nuts and herbs something her people enjoyed but Eva lacked the flavour for herself, she decided tonight she would graze but looked towards her intended, "Gentleman eat first as custom", she informed him. The servants retired to their, not before leaving jugs of various ales and wines, and flavoured waters for the Captain. "My step mother has created quite the feast for us it would seem", she laughed as she knew the Queen would have insisted upon a grand display. Eva felt dreadfully uncomfortable, so decided wine would become her friend, if her intended would not, and so rather than eating, she sipped more wine. "What do you want from me?", she asked the Captain, "Do you not have a woman back home?", she knew men, and she knew the men that were in her guard enjoyed the company of women regardless of their status at home.<br/>
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The King quite a different evening planned, a vast banquet and ales were brought to a rooftop above the castle overlooking the grounds. The King sat upon a large maple crafted chair, and benches brought either side a long table, his men sat aside were busy enjoying fine wine, ales, and meat of every kind that night. Musicians played and cheered of the King and his accomplishments, this all in play as Hammer would arrive. On his arrival, the King had ordered he be sat as his side. The King had plans for him and his men to enjoy the company of the honest human, the name the King had given to Hammer. When Hammer arrived the King waved happily, "Hammer the Honest, come and sit my boy, drink and fill your belly", he laughed patting the chair beside him.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Brandon carefully eyed the food. It was not that he was uncomfortable with the food, it was simply something he had abstained from, finding that the lust for such things made him weak, it made him turn away from his purpose. Having set goals and standards were what made a knight who they were, to be different from the people. The people could yearn for money and power, Brandon had a goal to ensure they had the lives that ensured they could have those dreams. It was not his goal to help them achieve those goals, but it was his duty to ensure they could have a chance to reach their goals.<br/>
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As good as the food was, Brandon had to admit that he was disappointed that his choices and wishes were not asked of during his visit. It was only respectful to ensure your guests were comfortable. When a servant wanted to lay more food on the table, Brandon waved the food away.<br/>
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"Could you please bring me stew and rice. Stew with only a little bit of meat, nothing else. No vegetables, no extras. Just beef. Thank you."<br/>
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The servant looked quite puzzled at the request but did as requested. The servant didn't care who they were serving, only that they had to be served as asked. With a bow, the servant left the two alone to see to the request.<br/>
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"I want nothing from you." Brandon finally shook his head, addressing the princess's question. "All I ask is that we are wedded. By doing so, there will be peace for the land. I do not believe you should have my children. I will not lock you in a room. I will not tell you what to do. I have enough money that is impossible to spend in a life time. You may use it as you please. I am not home very often so you may entertain yourself as you wish. All I ask is that if the time comes that we should be seen together, balls, banquets, games, that you attend them with me."<br/>
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It was the truth, plain and simple. Brandon only wanted them to be a symbol. She did not have to perform any wifely duties, she did not have to carry children or await him hand and foot. She simply just had to be there when necessary. If she could agree to this, he would give her whatever she desired, within reason of course. He could not give her his king's head on a steak or go on a killing rampage. As long as it was within his code as a knight, he would grant it to her.<br/>
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It was quite easily the most comfortable couch Hammer had ever slept on. However, when he did open his eyes and look to see the sun had settled behind the horizon, he rolled out off the couch in almost a dead run. He was going to be late and he was certain the king would not be the type that waited on others. Others awaited his presence. Running out of the room, not bothering to find out where Brandon was, he skidded to a halt just outside, quickly getting directions from one of the palace servants before he bounded off.<br/>
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Finding the room where the king waited was simple enough and not far away at least. He came to a half in front of the doors, fixing himself to look presentable before he let the grin on his lips and entered the room. The music filled his ears as well as the scents and shows inside. It was truly a getaway for a king, a place where he could escape all the struggles of ruling, even if it was only for a little while. Taking the king up on his offer, Hammer flopped down on the chair, one leg slipping over the arm rest of the chair.<br/>
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"Hammer the Honest?" Hammer questioned with a raised eyebrow. "Majesty, that's very kind of you. And I'll gladly accept this, and this, and this, and this."<br/>
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Hammer wasted no time in taking two chalices of very expensive and very dark wine along with a plate full of strawberries the size of a fist and another plate filled with cooked pork, each one sliced perfectly and cooked as it should be, slightly burnt and the fat cracking when he bit into it. With a mouth full of meat, he took a deep drink.<br/>
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"So what made the king himself ask me to join him?" Hammer questioned curiously. "Usually everyone wants to meet with Brandon. He's the knight after all."</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Eva found Brandon rude when he dismissed their food and customs without even trying anything, she closed her eyes as he ordered a servant bring him a meat stew, however when she thought further, the food he was ordering was definitely something she was more accustomed to before she came to the castle.<br/>
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She realised one of them needed to bend a little, "Mira", she addressed the servant, "Could you clear the table please, and bring the meat stew for both of us please", she told Mira, who nodded obediently and got to work at once.<br/>
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When Brandon spoke, his words seemed to physical attack Eva and her eyes widened, her face serious, "Very well, a marriage of convenience it is", Eva realised that now she would never know the love her father and Queen had, perhaps it was for the best. Something deep inside her began to change, the rebellious side of her, she downed her glass and poured more wine, "You want us wed, without children and to attend public functions together", she sipped her wine, "Will you expect to consummate the union?", she asked him directly.<br/>
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In truth from the place she grew up, what Brandon offered was grand, but in the heart of the Princess she would rather be penniless and happy than rich and empty.<br/>
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The King's men were drinking and enjoying food and ale, some were singing along to the musicians playing, and a couple were in deep conversation about lands and titles. The King paid them little attention but watched Hammer carefully as he choose pork, and strawberries and wine.<br/>
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When he spoke the King smiled, "You see that is a mistake, a King rules on behalf of his people and elects Knights by his side to help in that rule, but the Knights and the Royals serve the people. If the King does not know his people, how can he rule. You, my boy are the man at this Captains side, his closest adviser whether he care to admit it or not. You see all, hear all, and are free to comment on all that happens. I wish to dine with you, because you are honest, you speak the truth. I like that. Means I can trust you. I look after the men I can trust", he nodded towards the doors, and two of the most beautiful maidens in all the lands walked into the room, they sat in the corner of the room away from the men.<br/>
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"I want you to enjoy yourself and speak freely here, nothing you say will be held against you or your Captain. But I ask you, my daughter, the Princess, she has a soft heart, she craves love, romance, all the things women crave. Hearts and flowers. This Captain Brandon, will he show her such a thing?", he asked Hammer.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">The question surprised Brandon somewhat. He was not expecting such a question, he had not suggested such a thing, he had never had the time to find a wife, let alone consummate anything. As much as she question surprised him, he refused to let it show it had touched him. Laying down his foot as he was eating, he looked his would be wife in the eyes.<br/>
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“We will not do anything of the sort. Under our laws, it is not necessary. It’s agreed upon but it’s not a formality. As you stated, this is a marriage of convenience, but I will not put in such a way. It’s a marriage for peace. That is far more important than merely convenience.”<br/>
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If there was an option, Brandon knew he would not be doing this. This was important and he was certain there were a great many others that were far more suited to this than he was. One of the sons of the nobles would be exactly the perfect candidate for this. A man accustomed to wooing a woman, who wanted to actually bed as many women as they could possibly get their hands on. Sometimes Brandon didn’t know why he was trying to protect some people, such as the criminals that freely roamed the country since they did not have any evidence to stop them.<br/>
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Hammer liked this king’s hospitality. He had wine, food, and good company. Still, the king’s question did offer him questions that left him having to think for a moment. He had known Brandon for a very long time, longer than he thought was ever possible. It was the longest relationship he had ever had in his life.<br/>
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“Brandon? Show love? The man shows nothing.” Hammer laughed. “If there is two things you can know about Brandon. One, he never lies. Never. Trust me, I’ve tried. And secondly, he doesn’t show anything. I was sure he was once going to lose his arm from an axe. You know what he did? He smashed the man’s skull with his head and used the axe to kill three others and not once did he even flinch. I don’t know if he likes your daughter Majesty. Maybe he does, maybe he doesn’t, but I can tell you, he will not do anything to harm her, he will always keep her safe and he will never smile.”<br/>
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It was the strangest thing in his life to think that he had been this long around Brandon. He had always had the plan that he would gain a little from the knight and simply disappear one night. Now he was still with the man so many years on and he had no plans to leave, it was very strange but enjoyable. The times he had enjoyed with the man, the fights, the travels, the adventures, they were all exciting and not once would he ever want it to stop.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Eva listened to Brandon carefully and simply nodded in a way of reply, she knew nothing to answer him with. A servant came to interrupt their lingering silence explaining the stew will be with them momentarily and brought over freshly baked bread. Eva thanked the servant who scurried away as quickly as she arrived.<br/>
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Eva looked down at herself, she had gone to great care to present herself this evening, she knew that the Captain's clothing was sent to him, but he'd worn it. Eva sighed, so instead of marrying for love, or indeed being forced to love a man she didn't know, she was instead to remain in a loveless marriage, trapped in a place she knew little of, in a place where she knew no one, apparent freedom, but she knew she would never know the love of a man. She'd been forbidden to date when she was younger, and her father had ensured she remain a maiden for her betrothed. Eva felt a tear at the side of her face, and she lifted the napkin to dab her face carefully.<br/>
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"You have no desire for me or any women", she spoke matter-of-fact, and could think of nothing further to say to this man however she could not simply let this rest. "I don't accept this union", she told him, "Why would a woman want to enter a marriage with no conceivable future of a family nor love or friendship, why would they consent to live an existence of loneliness?", she paused but didn't give Brandon time to talk before she continued. "I am one of the most sought after hands in these lands, as Princess, and I am told beauty and intellect", she stood up suddenly, "I hope you enjoy your dinner this evening, but I see no reason to continue this discussion", she pushed her chair back in place and turned to leave the room.<br/>
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The King laughed at Hammer's words, although underneath he was hoping for a different message he at least knew the truth. "Right my boy, and what about you?", he asked taking a sip of his own ale. The King watched the two maidens who smiled and waved towards the two men, he shook his head and they remained still for the moment.<br/>
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"Hammer, those women are yours for the evening if you so wish to enjoy them, but tell me, are you looking to wed yourself one day or is that forbidden in the human world?", the King knew the answer of course, but he wanted to see what the young Squires intentions of his life were.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">"Are you so selfish?" Brandon asked as he sat back in the chair, his back straight from the years of practice, it came as second nature now. "You're hand might be sought after by others, but I'm not asking you to do this for the love of me, but for your people. Or are you so selfish that would will ask millions to die simply so you can have a good romp with a man you supposedly love. Don't you love your people? Your home? Do you have so little love inside you that it only extends to one person. To answer you, no, I have no interest in another romantically. I have a duty in my life. My life does not mean much. I have no delusions. I have no made the gods proud and my parents would surely disinherit me if they knew some of the things I have done, but I have done not them for myself, but for the people of this world. I have done it so they could have peaceful lives, so that they can dream and wake in the morning with a smile. I have done what I had to to ensure young girls don't get raped in the middle of the night by bandits. I have done what I had to to ensure those fathers could walk their girls to their wedding one day. You're mistaken if you think I'm doing this for myself."<br/>
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Brandon also rose from the table, believing this girl was not the one to ensure peace. She was selfish, self centered, and far too prideful. He required a wife that had compassion and sympathy and a warm heart and a soft touch. <br/>
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"Since you seem to have no one else in your mind but yourself, I do agree with you princess, this marriage is not for you. I will find another that cares."<br/>
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"Well no, not forbidden. For Brandon or for me. Having a wife is fairly normal, except that Brandon doesn't see things like everyone else. He's...different." <br/>
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Hammer looked to the girls for a moment. There was time he would have been over them before the king could have finished speaking. Now he seemed to resist the urge. He was holding back, hearing those hundreds of lectures of Brandon go through his mind. Maybe it was true, maybe the man was turning him into a knight as he had promised he would do. Hammer didn't like that idea. He liked who he was, he liked the way he had always lived his life. Now he looked to the women and have to force himself almost to enjoy what he was seeing.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Eva turned and listened to Brandon's outburst, what he said startled her, and angered her, he thought she was selfish, she was nothing of the sort but Brandon did not know that and had not tried to understand her at all. She walked after him, and took his arm to turn him towards her. <br/>
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"You think I don't care, you know nothing of me, and have said little to attempt to understand me or my culture. Every part of my life has been lived for my people, I was banished as a child so it did not offend the people to have a princess born out of wed lock, and now as their heir I was brought back, taught to be proper and live as one of them, understand their culture, their values and how to lead them. My entire existence has been for them, the people. Now the only thing I was told was to be mine, was a husband, and it looks like that too is to be a bitter disappointment. You are the most opinionated, and disrespectful men I have ever met. You do not care for your people, if you did you would want to unite them and show them love and passion, and what could be between our lands, but you do not even wish to give our lands an heir. You think that my father will allow you to wed another if you find his daughter unworthy of you, he'll have your head before the morning, and what a pity that would be", she felt a rage inside of her. <br/>
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Eva had tears in her eyes but she could not break down not here. "Goodnight Captain Brandon", Eva said and closed the door behind her. The minute she left, she ran out of the castle and into the grounds, deciding to hide away in a wooden summer house that had been built for the Princess. The guards on hand had been told to alert the Queen when the dinner was over, they did as they were told and the Queen had expected such so left her own room in search of Captain Brandon. <br/>
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The King nodded, "Hmm, I see, different, yes", he noticed Hammer's lack of interest in the girls, "You needn't worry about them, they will accompany my men if you have no need for them", he assured Hammer. The King nodded, and the women <br/>
took seats on two of his men knee and began singing in tune with the music. <br/>
<br/>
"I have asked you a great deal this evening Hammer, thank you for your company, would you like to accompany me on a hunt tomorrow?", the King asked him, sure that Brandon and his daughter would have plans thanks to his Queen. "I am sure we should give the betrothed a little more time together", he smiled. "Now if you don't mind, I have some business to attend to, thank you for your company, take as much as you wish for a supper", he clicked and servants appeared ready to take food and drink back to Hammer's room.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Brandon didn't understand what the princess was going on about. She wanted dreams and fantasies instead of truth and peace. Whatever she wished however, this was not her choice. The king had already agreed on their marriage. The princess would have to accept this as truth or she could run away. He didn't think that would be very successful. After all, she would have an entire army looking for her. And it might just cause the war to actually break out. They would be blamed for her disappearance, enough of a reason for any army to launch into an attack.<br/>
<br/>
Leaving the dinning hall behind the princess, he didn't run after her. He was not a man for running, he was not a man to toe to the small wishes of over people. He did what was best for everyone, not just the one. Moving through the palace, Brandon didn't exactly know where he was going, he was just simply walking through the palace, eyeing the statues and small figurines and paintings that adorned the palace. They were all beautiful and no doubt expensive. Still, it was interesting to see the art of another country. Art was a very special part of any society.<br/>
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"As much as that sounds relaxing Majesty, I will have to decline. I'm being graced by being allowed to be here. After all, I'm still a squire. I still have a lot more to learn from my mentor."<br/>
<br/>
Hammer wished he didn't have to say those words but he knew what it would be like if he didn't attend to Brandon a second day in a row. The man would no doubt banish him from being his squire. Hammer had never actually taken the risk to try and be away from Brandon for more than a day other than when he was ordered to do so for some reason.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">The King shook his head, "I insist", he said, he gaze a lot more serious, it was not a request, he was saying with all of his body language. He then smiled, "I shall send word to Brandon to relieve you for the day, I shall lend him my squire in return, a swap, a gesture of the union that will happen shortly", he turned and before leaving the room, he raised a hand, "In the morning, nice and early". the King sighed as the doors were closed behind him and he retired to his room.<br/>
<br/>
The Queen found Brandon walking the halls and walked in step with him, "Join me for some air Captain Brandon", she said taking his arm and guiding him through the castle grounds towards the front of the castle and near the lake. "How was your dinner?", she asked him, "The Princess is not what you expected?", she questioned him further.<br/>
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Eva closed the door to the summer house and crumbled to the floor, she sobbed, not wishing the tears to stop as they were the only thing she had control over it seemed, every choice taken from her and now she would wed this cold horrid man. Eva stood up, she wiped her face and she decided to go in search of her father, this wedding could not go ahead. she spoke with one of the guards, who told her of the evening the King had planned. She stormed off in the direction of this rooftop, finding not her father but his men and Hammer who looked like he was leaving, she was startled at his presence and smiled, "Hello, I was looking for my father but perhaps you can help me, would you walk with me?", she asked Hammer. Although no physical tears were visible it was clear through her red eyes that she had been crying, but the Princess smiled politely.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Brandon was a little surprised by the queen coming to see him. He didn't believe this was purely coincidental. No matter if she was a queen or a peasant, all mothers loved their daughters and this one as much as any. She had planned on finding him after this meeting, he was sure of it, but he was fine with it.<br/>
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"She is exactly what I was expecting." Brandon corrected the queen with a nod. "She is selfish, she is only thinking of herself and she believes that something is owed to her in this life. I had expected as much from the beginning Majesty."<br/>
<br/>
Brandon wasn't sure if those words were exactly what he should tell the queen but they were the truth and he didn't lie. The queen had asked him a question and he had replied to her honestly.<br/>
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******<br/>
<br/>
Hammer was enjoying his time with the other men. They were relaxed, calm and quite friendly for men that would kill him with no second thought if the order was given. Then again, he would do the exact same if Brandon told him they had been betrayed. The laughter and drinking ended immediately when the princess entered. The men all snapped up from where they were seated, giving the princess a salute. Hammer however didn't budge from his seat. he was far to comfortable, far to much enjoying this evening with Brandon not hovering over him.<br/>
<br/>
"Ah princess! A stroll would be utterly lovely!" Hammer said as he imitated his best noble voice.<br/>
<br/>
With a quick drink, finishing the mug of wine, he left the area and walked away with the princess, rather curious why she was seeing him instead of being with Brandon. To him, this meant that things didn't go very well with his mentor.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">It was true the Princess was unruly but selfish was not a word the Queen would use to describe this girl. In her first week back in the castle, the Princess had invited the lower classes into a royal dinner to feed them as they had too much food, she also made her father build a home for children whose parents had been lost in the war. She visited these children weekly, reading to them and taking them gifts. <br/>
<br/>
The Queen did not agree with this match but she knew her husband needed such for the good of the land and she also knew that the King wanted his daughter to be happy. <br/>
<br/>
"You speak your mind well Captain Brandon, let me share something with you. I do not agree with this match. I was unable to give my King an heir and so he sought comfort in another as is a Kings choice, however he loves his daughter and will see her happy. Do you understand? You do not know the Princess but she is not selfish. Yes she is a romantic and she has read too many books but a desire for love is not weakness, it means your heart is open to another, and your country. Tell me Captain, would it be the worst thing to woo your intended to ensure you show both our lands a happy union? As let me tell you a happy union carries a bigger message to the people than an unhappy one". The Queen looked out to the lake, she waved her fingers in circles and the water rose and fell in small waves. "One happy ripple and affect the whole lake", she commented. <br/>
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When the Princess left with Hammer, the guards looked dumbfounded, one of them was paid by the Queen and would see she had the information by the morning. <br/>
<br/>
The Princess walked with Hammer outside back towards the summer house, the grounds were quiet and the flowers pretty and colourful, blooming as she passed. The Princess took several deep breathes and went to talk but stopped herself, she was now walking with his squire what was she thinking. "Im Eva", she said finally, the walked towards the summer house and she stopped, "Will you sit with me?", she asked him. <br/>
<br/>
Once sat she looked towards Hammer and smiled, he seemed kind, unlike Brandon. "Why is he so mean", she asked him. "Im sorry thats wrong of me", she blushed and looked to the floor. She felt like crying again but decided not to.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Brandon shook his head as he walked with the queen. He had many thoughts on the matter but there was only so much that he could say to her and only so much he could do as well. The queen and the princess both did not seem to understand this very much. <br/>
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"I cannot woe a woman that does not wish to be woed Majesty. She simply does not wish to have this marriage take place. She wants it to appear out of nothing. This is not a marriage of love or companionship. This is a marriage to save millions upon millions of lives. Love between us is not important. What is important is the people. First and foremost." <br/>
<br/>
Maybe the princess wanted love, she could have it, maybe. He did not love her yet, he had met her only earlier that day. If she had been patient, maybe in time love could grow and blossom, if she could give it a chance and not expect it to happen within the first few moments of happening. <br/>
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Hammer hummed to himself as he walked with the princess in silence, unsure of what she wanted of him. He hoped she wasn't going to ask him for anything that would turning against Brandon. He didn't think he would be able to do anything like that. Entering the summer house with the princess, Hammer started feeling nervous. This was becoming very suspicious, the way he was led away from everyone and everything so they could speak. When she did however speak, Hammer was clearly relieved. <br/>
<br/>
With a chuckle, Hammer sat down on the bench, reclining back far with his legs stretched out ahead of him. "He's not mean." Hammer chuckled. "He looks it. I swear, he could make a rock confess to a murder it never did. But he's really kind. Next time you ask him, ask to see his back. He burned almost all his skin off when he tried to save a kid from a building that was on fire. I've seen him do great things you know. He's not as mean as you think. Practical and a little cold when it comes to things of the heart, but he's a very good man." <br/>
<br/>
Hammer didn't know how else to explain Brandon. He was a strange man indeed. He would do the strangest things at the strangest of times. Even so, he was a man that was unique, but maybe not a man for the princess. He couldn't see the princess and Brandon ever being happy together. It was maybe best if this wedding didn't happen, though of course, without the wedding, there would be a massive war.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">The Queen nodded, "I'll speak with the Princess, would you consent to spending the day with her tomorrow, perhaps allow her to take you to visit her home for the children, a guard will escort you of course", the Queen thought to perhaps give them time may be best. Eva would soften, she had a soft female heart, and then she would be gone, along with Jino. Two birds with one hard cold stone.<br/>
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The King poured himself a sleeping elixir and retired knowing the Queen would join him in slumber, and he's awake for his hunt refreshed. Before climbing into bed, he wrote a letter and sealed it, placing it into his top drawer, the envelope reading Jino.<br/>
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Eva could see that Hammer was a kind and honest man, she smiled at him, he was certainly pleasing to the eye, and she found his company a little more pleasant and calming than her betrothed. "I shall ask him, that certainly isn't a side of him I've seen this evening, he does seem cold", she paused looking towards him. "Can a woman be happy with him, is he truly cold?", she asked him, she looked into his eyes concentrating on his words.<br/>
<br/>
"I guess if I am to marry your Captain, I will see a lot more of you Hammer, tell me about yourself", she asked him. "Where did you grow up and how did you end up here?", she asked him genuinely interested.<br/>
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She listened to his story of his life, smiling and nodding occasionally, making mental note of his story and questions she may have. "You know I did not grow up in this castle", she told him.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">"I can go with her." Brandon nodded his agreement. "But do not worry about a guard Majesty. I will keep her safe at all times, a promise on my heart."<br/>
<br/>
Brandon didn't know if he wanted go alone somewhere with the princess. By the way she seemed, she hated him completely yet she had never even spoken to him properly. She had accepted him to be something he was not, that much was clear. Maybe a day with her would be welcomed. Maybe it would be enough to change her opinion of him and see through this marriage so they could finally have peace in the world for a change.<br/>
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"He's not actually cold. It's hard to tell you what he's like." Hammer sighed, locking his hands behind his head. "I mean, he's got this really kind hard, but the man never smiles. I've asked him before why he never smiles and he just doesn't answer me. I've tried before but he's rather the quiet type. Maybe if you talk with him he'll tell you about himself. And I doubt you would want to hear about my boring life Majesty. I grew up in the slums of a big city. I was in jail a few times. I've robbed from anyone I could get my hands on. Eventually Brandon gave me a chance to redeem myself from the life I was leading and here I am, talking with a princess. You know, there was a time I would only want to bed you. I mean you are a princess. It would be a great story to tell."<br/>
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Hammer couldn't help but give a bark of laughter. It was a silly thing to even think about. He couldn't believe he had been such a man before, to do such things without worrying about the consequences. Now he actually thought about things, well some things. He still wouldn't give up his freedom to say what he wanted when he wanted, even if Brandon would chide him over it from time to time. Still, the best times of his life had been with the strange knight.<br/>
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"So then where did the lovely princess grow up? I'm sure if must have been somewhere away from all the men in the world. With your beauty, any other place would have been a dangerous place." Hammer said with a wink.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">The Queen smiled, "Well I'm glad that's settled, I will send some suitable attire for the occasion, and have Eva meet you for a late breakfast at 10, give you both a little time to relax and prepare for the day", she commented without needing a reply. "I do think my King will be wondering where I am so I think I might retire for the evening, thank you for your company Captain Brandon", she smiled, "I do hope you find our culture a comfort and take a piece of it with you", she said, hoping that he would realise it would be important for the Princess.<br/>
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The Queen nodded, and turned to walk back to the castle.<br/>
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Eva listened intently to Hammer, every second he spoke seemed to peel a layer of intrigue away from her betrothed and indeed his interesting squire. So far she'd learnt Brandon was kind to the young and homeless, and indeed had taken Hammer from a life he obviously didn't deserve.<br/>
<br/>
She chuckled at his cheekiness, and smiled. "Many men do think with that one gift they were given different to females, I do believe you, however I doubt most would only be interested in such a thing, fear is in the eyes of most men that converse with me, my father strikes fear into the bravest of men I can assure you", she smiled.<br/>
<br/>
His mild flirtation, made Eva blush but she had to admit she enjoyed the attention, something she'd lacked that evening, "Well, I don't remember an awful lot about my childhood, I've never met my mother, and have no memory of my father until I turned 21 and was brought here, we have bonded a little, he tries hard but he also frustrates me due to my 'Royal expectations'. My actual childhood and teen years were lots of fun, I grew up in a small remote town in no mans land really between your lands and mine, the family that raised me taught me so much, and I was free, I had friends, I could come and go as I pleased, and they told me that one day when I turned 21 all my dreams would come true, that the love of my life would claim me and I'd finally meet my dad...", she paused, "This wasn't what I was expecting", she sighed. "But I have it much better than others", she told him.<br/>
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"Do you have a girl back home? I bet you're a real heart breaker", she smiled.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Brandon gave the queen a nod. He understood the need to get closer with the princess but he didn't know how to do it. He didn't know anything about women. He didn't know how to woe them, how to talk to them, how he should act to their needs and wants. He might have to ask Hammer for advice if he was going to make this work. For now, he watched the queen walk away for a few moments before he headed in a different direction. He didn't have anywhere to be or anywhere to go. He just wanted to walk and think.<br/>
<br/>
The palace was huge, it had hundreds of rooms and corridors and places he didn't think should exist but they were all there, ready to be used. Brandon ignored them all, only focusing on the endless corridors stretching ahead of him in all directions, corridors that could take him to anywhere in the palace. Instead of taking him to places he had not been, the corridors lead him through the various twists and turns until he stepped through a side door, stepping out into the fresh air of dusk.<br/>
<br/>
The sun was beginning to set, the sky quickly changing colors, everything was coming to a halt for the day. Even the courtyard he stared out on was mostly empty. A few people still walked about but it seemed they were all heading towards the end of their day, finishing with the last of their tasks. The garden was mostly quiet, the fountain spraying to no one in particularly and the flowers would soon close themselves for the night. In the midst of the garden, Brandon saw someone that he recognized, someone he could actually talk to. Moving across the garden, staying on the flagstone path, he moved until he stood in front of Jino.<br/>
<br/>
"Evening Miss Jino. I saw you sitting here and thought I might be able to talk with you. It's about the princess and I believe you are the only one I can talk to her. You know her best to any other."<br/>
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*******<br/>
<br/>
Hammer gave another bark of laughter. The princess was a strange one. Living as a normal commoner and then suddenly becoming princess. She complained about it but most wished they could step into the shoes of royalty. Hammer had no such thoughts. He was happy with his life for the most part. There were nights and days he would wish to revisit but they were a part of him, part of what had molded him into the man he was that day.<br/>
<br/>
"Come now princess! I'm sure before all of this, before your father and before being a princess, you were really a free woman. I'm sure there are hundreds of men that wished you with them, and I'm sure you didn't deny them all. After all, why would you say no. You weren't the princess then, were you? You could do what you want, when you want, with whomever you wanted." Hammer winked, feeling assured the princess wasn't one of those girls keeping herself for the special man and the special moment and the special day.<br/>
<br/>
"And you know who I stay with, right? It's Brandon, the man never stops. If he's not away on business for the king, he's out roaming the world looking for somewhere he can do good. In all the time I've been with him, the longest we've ever stayed in one city was maybe three days. There hasn't been time to break any hearts. Now mind you, breaking open a few legs, well, I'm sure I don't have to tell you anything about that!"</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Jino had big plans for the early hours of the morning, a guard who she was having a secret affair with had the night off, and had slipped a yellow rose under her door. She would then meet him in the garden and they often spent their night together in the summer house. Jino would return to her bed early that morning before the cleaning staff rose for the day. She was peacefully enjoying the evening air when a familiar face approached, someone she least wanted to be seen sat with, "Good Evening Captain", she greeted him politely, whilst she hoped to the gods he would leave soon, her guard would be arriving shortly.<br/>
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When he began speaking however, she raised an eyebrow, Jino did not like where this conversation was headed, did he want secret information about Eva? "I do know the Princess like a sister, what information do you require? Was your dinner unsuccessful?", she felt remorse now for arranging to meet her guard, she should have gone to Eva following their dinner to see how it went. She assumed by the Captains arrival, that it was a terrible failure.<br/>
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When Hammer spoke of Eva not denying men and being with whomever she wanted she frowned, "I was free to be with whomever I wanted until I arrived here", she smiled at Hammer, "I believe you're questioning my maidenhood", she winked at him, "That is unfortunately still in tact, I watched the family that raised me and they were so happy, and the they were each other's first love, I believed in love, and having not found it yet, well....", Eva looked down at the floor for a moment. "I guess I will now die with that in tact as my betrothed has little interest in me, he said as much this evening", the more Eva thought of him the more she could not see the man that Hammer described, he was so cold and unyielding, he wouldn't even eat their food.<br/>
<br/>
He continued talking about, and whilst he did Eva looked at him, she studied his eyes, his mouth, his smile, she imagined the women he had been with, how he would touch them, speak with them, perhaps how he danced. Eva shook her head, what was she doing, she was fantasying about her betrothed squire. Eva blushed, she couldn't help but allow her face to speak for her this time.<br/>
<br/>
"Well, I guess you will spend more time on the road once I am wed", she mused, "Do you enjoy your life, do you want a wife?", she asked Hammer, suddenly her quest for learning more of Brandon had faded and she now wished to learn more about Hammer.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Brandon gave a simple now. "I would have called it successful but the princess seems adamant about being selfish. She believes she has every right to live her life free and carefree with no care for others. A single choice in her life can save millions or kill millions. She doesn't seem to understand the importance of this. I think the only way she would understand what is going on is by showing her."<br/>
<br/>
Brandon didn't know if there was another way, a way he could get her to understand just what was going on in this world. She tells of her life but he believes that even then, she had been sheltered from the world and the reality of what was going on outside. <br/>
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"Well, a princess that hasn't sampled the staff or some of the lords? Now that is a little unique, I must say myself." Hammer said with a sly smile. <br/>
<br/>
Hammer found the question a little surprising, mostly to himself. It wasn't something he had ever truly considered. When he had first joined up with Brandon, he had thought about how he could escape. Now after all this time, he usually thought about how he could get a single day to simply sit and relax, like he was fudging now. <br/>
<br/>
"I can see myself having a wife, maybe kids. I'm not sure. I've never really considered it." Hammer replied with a scratch at the stubble growing on his chin. "And you really shouldn't blame Brandon for everything he does. He seems cold, but he's not. He might not be interested in marrying yiu for the usual way, but he always has a good reason for what he's doing. Like I said, he's a strange man! What we will do after the wedding, I really don't know. Brandon host said anything about what will happen afterwards, only that this needs to be done."</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Jino looked at Brandon and sighed, she had been asked by the King and Queen to prepare Eva for her role as Princess, Jino was rebellious and wild under her courteous exterior and she has to refrain from a number of her activities to maintain a proper perception. Listening to Brandon discuss how selfish Eva was, she wanted to slap him across the face, did he realise how much this girl had given up for her people already, she simply sighed, "I do believe you are judging someone before you know them, Eva has already given up a great deal for her people, and she works hard in this community, all she is looking for is what she sees around her, romance, and love. It is not a difficult task for a man to romance a Princess, particularly one as attractive, intelligent, wholesome and caring as Princess Eva", she replied matter of factly. <br/>
<br/>
Jino tapped her fingers against the side of the bench she was seated upon, her guard would soon arrive, and she wanted to ensure Eva the best chance to be happy so she thought about the best way of achieving this, she took a look at Brandon, "She will marry you, she will do her duty, no matter what happens Eva wants to make her father proud. So if that is all you care about then you have little to worry about, you will get your union. However I urge you to go easy on her, you have no idea what life Eva has had, and she deserves happiness, as her husband it's your duty to provide her that", Jino smiled, "If I can help you negotiate each other's differences I will", she promised him. <br/>
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Eva frowned, "Oh come on, surely some noble women keep their legs closed", she smiled softly, refusing to believe the world was as fickle as Hammer made out. <br/>
<br/>
She listened to Hammers words and nodded, "I guess tomorrow is another day, I hope to speak more with you Hammer", she told him. She stifled a yawn as it was getting late. "Perhaps I should retire for the evening", she mused.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Brandon sat down on the be charged but only because he was invited to do so. He was comfortable standing, it was something he did his entire life, something he preferred over being seated. When you sat, someone could attack you, you could become lazy and he didn't want either of those to happen. He needed to stay strong until this war at the very least was sorted. <br/>
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Jino was a but strange. He understood what she was saying but he couldn't understand what the big problem was. <br/>
<br/>
"I have treated her well. I have not forced her and neither will I, but we are not ordinary people. We are not a commoner that can choose how life should be, no. We have responsibility on our shoulders, we have the lives of people depending on our very decisions. Writing that off is selfish." Brandon disagreed. "I'm not asking her to love me or to do anything that she does not wish to. I merely ask that she thinks of others before herself. If her life is given up so that others might live, that is a sacrifice we should all be willing to make."<br/>
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Hammer barked another laugh at the thought of noble woman being noble. "The only noble women that keep their legs closed are those that are dead. You will be surprised how willing they are to give themselves if there is something they will gain out of it."<br/>
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Rising from the bench, Hammer offered his hand to help the princess stand. "Well I am sure we can talk some more tomorrow. Of course, if there isn't much else that needs to be done that is. There is the whole wedding thing of course."<br/>
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Hammer wasn't sure if he should be talking to the princess considering her betrothal to Brandon, not to mention that she was a princess. He definitely didn't want to die just because he was chatting to the princess. It was a little scary to think they could easily get caught but on the other hand, Hammer enjoyed the feeling of living so close to death.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Jino nodded, "Let me share something with you Brandon, war feeds cities, it provides distraction for men, human, fae, ogre, or otherwise, and it gives the lands something to fear. War will never end. The war between our people may be rested for a time with the marriage of yourself to our Princess, but if you truly think that will be the end of it, you are not as intelligent as I first thought", the words escaping her mouth where that of her lover, he hated the thought of their Princess being deflowered by a human. She turned to him and smiled, "Her life has already been sacrificed once before, I urge you to make this sacrifice worthwhile for her", she smiled and softened her eyes, she reached her hand out to Brandon, "Surely you would enjoy spending time with a woman, feeling her love for you after a tough day", she removed her hand just as quickly, allowing her words to sink in. <br/>
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Eva shook her head, "I have waited long enough, for me it's love or nothing", she sighed, "And it looks like the latter in my case". <br/>
<br/>
She took his hand with a smile, they were soft but calloused, working mans hands, strong and steady. "I'd like for us to talk a little more tomorrow", when he mentioned the wedding, Eva's smile faded, "Yes of course the wedding", she muttered. <br/>
<br/>
Eva paused before they left the summer house, she knew what she was about to say was wrong, but the words escaped her mouth before she had time to review them fully, "Perhaps we could meet her again tomorrow about the same time, I do enjoy the evening in here", on speaking the words aloud she blushed, he could report her to Brandon, her father would be appalled and yet a part of her had never been so excited.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">"War will always exist." Brandon agreed with a nod. "But war is not necessary. If it can be avoided, it must. War takes lives, takes hope and ruins everything we work towards. With war breeds hate, hate leads to more war. It is a cycle that must be broken by any means necessary."<br/>
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Brandon wished he had the answer of how to bring peace to work, what he could do to make everyone live in peace. He didn't have the answer but he could try, it was his only way of trying to ensure that the world kept turning and people could keep living. <br/>
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"For now, I must go. There is planning that must be done." Brandon told as he stood up. "I will think of your advice but I will still do what is necessary. As long as peace comes, any sacrifice is worth it."<br/>
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With a bow to the princess's handmaiden, Brandon returned once more to the palace. He one who needed to speak to the princess eventually, they would have to work out their differences somehow, they would have to come to an agreement. He didn't know how they would achieve such a thing. It seemed impossible with the princess, that she was only interested in living her life as she wished. It was a tough position but somewhere out there there was an answer. <br/>
<br/>
Returning back to the rooms given to them for their visit, Brandon could feel the eyes of the guards on him. As much as they were here to broker peace, they were still very close to the war, enough reason for the visitors to be viewed as enemies. At least once he was back in the room, there was no one to watch him. He might just be able to get some sleep in. <br/>
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Hammer found nothing wrong with the request. It was a simple enough request to simply be together and talk. He couldn't imagine it being anything but innocent, unless the princess had ideas that he didn't have. Considering she was to be wedded to Brandon, he didn't think he was going to go against the man. He was a Knight, a talented fighter and his code of honour would probably meant he would have to kill him there was any infidelity. <br/>
<br/>
"I'm sure we can do this again tomorrow. Maybe we can have a little picnic?" Hammer suggested since he had not enjoyed the same big meal as Brandon, not that the man ever ate properly. "But I'm sure I can be here tomorrow if your father doesn't keep me away too long. He did invite me join him tomorrow. I don't know if that lasts long or not."<br/>
<br/>
Hammer was a little nervous about the next day. He wasn't sure how it was going to go or what was going to happen. He had never done anything similar with anyone such as noble or Royal, he didn't truly know what to expect.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Jino waved Brandon goodbye and wished him a pleasant evening, hoping he would be well rested for the following day. She made a note to converse with Eva about the exchange before they met. Her guard did not make her wait for him long before she felt hands over her eyes, she smiled and turned to face him, her smile fading when she was not greeted by her guard but her father. He stared at her with complete disappointment, "Convening with the betrothed of our Princess alone just hours after they unofficial announcement of their engagement", he folded his arms, "How I would expect anything different, I am unsure", he glared at her. "Your life will be changing very soon Jino, and I am not in power to change the course of it now, you are a lady of the Princess court now, and you have a duty to uphold", he turned to leave, "Your guard will not be visiting you Jino, these liaisons will cease now", he ordered and left without another word. <br/>
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Hammer's suggestion of a picnic was exciting for Eva, "Will you eat our food, I'd love to share some of our local dishes with you", she beamed happily. <br/>
She nodded, "Hunting with my father, oh you'll have fun but be back mid afternoon, he hates missing dinner", she told him with a smile. <br/>
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Eva stood and curtsied to Hammer, "Thank you for your company and I look forward to tomorrow, good night for now", she told him and skipped off back to her room, she picked up a book on the way back to her room, something perhaps she could use as conversation with Brandon the following day. <br/>
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She combed her hair, and got ready for bed, laying her head on the pillow, but before long a knock on her door, she rubbed her eyes sleepily and walked to the door, Jino stood before her, with red eyes and tear stained cheeks, "Jino", Eva looked at her friend, pulling her inside and holding her before closing the door.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Brandon woke the same as he did every morning at exactly the same time. The moment the tip of the sun peeked over the horizon, Brandon rose out of the bed, standing up by what seemed to have been him lying down and not actually sleeping. In truth, he had endured a troubled sleep. His dreams had bothered him, they had shown here trying to do everything he could but unable to stop the war from happening. <br/>
<br/>
Brandon was on the opposite side of the scale. He laid on the second bed, spread out nude over the silk sheets, sprayed out like a star fish on his stomach, still fast asleep. He didn't stay that way for long when Brandon gave the bed a hard kick, rousing the sleeping squire rather quickly. <br/>
<br/>
"You do not have time to sleep Hammer." Brandon informed the squire.<br/>
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Hammer just rolled over on to his back, scratching at himself as he did so but he did finally wake up. Hammer rose from the bed and walked over to the water basin, splashing water across his face to help wake him. <br/>
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"Why do I have to be up early? The king wants to go hunting. I doubt he wants to leave at first light." Hammer complained. <br/>
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"I have an outing planned with the princess. You should be present. Not hunting." Brandon chided with a frown. <br/>
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"You tell the king that. I'm not in the business of refusing a man that can have my head removed on a whim." Hammer huffed. "Besides, you need to be alone with the princess. How else will you win her heart?"<br/>
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Brandon didn't reply to the woman in question. He didn't think he had anything he could do about the princess. Their arrangement had been made and done. All that remained was the simple ceremony. <br/>
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"I know you Brandon." Hammer said as he sat down on the bed, leggings already pulled on and pulled on his shirt. "You're a great Knight. You're the best Knight I've ever seen. Hell, I'm sure you're the best Knight there has ever been, but you are horrible with women. You should never be allowed to be with a woman, and I mean that nicely. You will only make them run away! But here's the thing, you can get better. So I'll give you a hint. When she talks, listen. Don't just assume her words are nothing. If you listen and talk to her, she will return the favour."<br/>
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Brandon didn't like the advice. It meant he would have to do something he knew nothing about. He didn't know how they should talk, what they should even talk about. He didn't think they had a single thing in common. But she was to be his wife, the least he could do was try. Brandon only gave a sigh and started dressing as well, this time ignoring the expensive clothes, opting for his regular leathers and armour instead.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">The next morning Eva awoke with Jino lying next to her, her tear stained face sleeping finally after Eva had heard the news of Jino's evening, and Eva had shared of her encounter with Brandon, Eva decided to omit her encounter with Hammer, thinking it inappropriate conversation. Eva was about to dress when a note was slipped under her door, in the hand of the Queen. <br/>
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<i>"Princess Eva, <br/>
<br/>
Your betrothed and I conversed and planned a day for you to share your work with the children of war, at his request. Please take this time to talk and find some common ground child, this marriage will go ahead, and I know your father wishes to see you smile on the day. <br/>
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Eva, I have also arranged for Jino to be within your court, you will need four ladies for this task, think carefully about the other three you choose, they will be wed to human men once you travel to their world, but they will be your maidens and loyal only to you. You will also take a guard, ten men to keep you safe and fight for you. Your father will pick six, and you four. I urge you to only take those you truly trust Eva. <br/>
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I have never been your mother child, but I hope you will find happiness in your new life. <br/>
<br/>
Your Queen"</i><br/>
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Eva starred at the letter, re-reading the lines, she had so much to think of, but in the meantime she knew one thing that would make her friend smile. Jino's guard would be coming with them to the human world. That much was sure, she woke her friend to speak of the news, Jino smiled, her eyes filling with tears at the news, and then at once, thinking of a list of suitable ladies of the court. Eva shook her head, "One challenge at a time, I must get dressed", she told Jino. <br/>
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Eva decided she would take masks for the children that day, to demonstrate to Brandon the difference between a royal responsibility masking a true life, she dressed in a<a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Fs-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com%2F736x%2F67%2Ff4%2F12%2F67f412e1a0edbb23cb0c002e8eb0c9b4.jpg&amp;hash=1b424d8c2265277a919e1f08416c137c" href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/67/f4/12/67f412e1a0edbb23cb0c002e8eb0c9b4.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank"> gold dress</a> with mask and feathers. She walked slowly to the dining hall to break fast before finding Brandon to spend the day. Jino was to spend the day conversing with the elvish women of their thoughts on the Princess and building a short list of those faithful to her. <br/>
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The King rose early ready for the hunt, his party were ready and waiting when Hammer arrived, "Good man, ready to this, tell me boy, have you the slightest clue what we hunt?", the King chuckled as they rode off into the forest, following the path of the river towards the lands frequented by dwarves. The King chuckled, "Sometimes we have dwarves attacking our farmers, and live stock, we chase them, it's a fun sport to watch the little legs of a dwarf running from us on horse back", he laughed his eyes sparkling with joy.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content"><b><i>Brandon</i></b><br/>
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Brandon dressed himself, something he had done many times before and choose to do all the time. The other Knights, those that saw themselves as higher than anyone else, always had their squires dress them, bathe them and even feed them. Lazy men with titles they did not deserve. Those were Brandon's thoughts, thoughts he could not put into words. Sometimes he wished he did but it was not his place to judge, it was not his duty to call suspicion on anyone. <br/>
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With the plain clothes on, the ones he always wore. Nothing extravagant, but simple and practical, Brandon left the large room and headed through the palace, unsure of where he was headed truthfully. He didn't want to leave the palace without having the peace treaty signed and done. He needed reassurance, he needed to know that what he was doing was working on not merely tugged along until the king could find a better way to do things. <br/>
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At least a servant was able to point the Knight in the direction, a direction that took him out the front of the palace where a carriage waited by the entrance. The pure white carriage with six horses, all as white as snow and perfectly groomed, waited hitched to the carriage, patiently awaiting when they would set off. The horses has been trained extremely well. They didn't move except for their tails.<br/>
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The princess was nowhere in sight as of yet. Brandon would wait for her. He was patient and in no hurry to go anywhere. Standing by the side of the carriage, he folded his hands behind his back and waited for her to arrive. <br/>
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<b>Hammer</b><br/>
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Hammer walked quickly to the King's requested audience. He wasn't going to keep the man waiting for very long. Hammer soon reached the stables located to the back of the palace, to ensure the smell of the stables never drifted towards the palace. The king seemed to have just arrived. His horse had yet to arrive and the others stood around with him, all preparing their bows. <br/>
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"No Majesty. I find hunting something other than animals for too easy. I enjoy a challenge. Like a bear, or maybe a badger. They are for more dangerous than any human dwarf or elf."<br/>
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That wasn't truly how Hammer felt. He would gladly tell the king that hunting another such a dwarf or elf or human was just idiotic, not to mention the running, but even the archer had limits he needed to adhere to. Besides, Brandon would no doubt give him a lashing for saying such things and he would probably no longer be his squire should he hunt dwarves. Even if it was the King's order, Hammer knew what Brandon would say. <br/>
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Still, he couldn't exactly deny the king. He had no choice but to at the very least go along. If he could find a way to not partake, it would mean something, anything, not that Brandon would understand such a thing. Hammer was beginning to believe that this was going to be a very bad day for him.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Eva sat in the dining hall and pushed fruit around her plate, she had nerves taking over her body, and she could think of nothing but her plans for that evening with Hammer, the thought also filled her with worry. She stood after a few minutes, and thanked the gods for her gifts. Approaching the entrance, guards approached with the masks for the children and attached the boxed masks to the carriage, a lunch already packed for the couple.<br/>
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A guard held the door open for Eva, and she took a deep breath before stepping outside to see the most beautiful of the house horses lined up ready for the excursion, Eva felt a small smile lifting her cheeks as she saw Brandon waiting patiently for her, she blushed ever so slightly and walked towards him, "Captain", Eva spoke quietly, "Good Morning, what a beautiful day to visit the children", she told him, she held out a mask to Brandon, made with black owl feathers, much more masculine that her own. "I wanted the children to have fun today, so arranged a masked lunch", she recalled excitedly. "Shall we?", she proposed, taking his hand to step into the carriage.<br/>
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Once they were sat and the horses moved, Eva looked towards Brandon, trying to recall the kind words Hammer had used to describe his master, "Do you like children?", she asked him, hoping it would be enough to start a conversation. She concentrated on his eyes, looking for warmth, kindness within them as he spoke.<br/>
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When the King heard Hammer's words, a smile crossed his face, "Very well, let us take the mountain path instead, let us see our young Hammer catch us a bear men, let us hunt with a true warrior of the humans", he patted his hand on Hammers back. The King had no great plans with Hammer, he truly enjoyed the company of the boy who spoke his mind, and it allowed him time to hear of the man he had promised Eva to. Something about the King however was distracted today, and he knew another matter must be discussed, something he did not wish to think of.<br/>
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The men set off into the leafy mountains, surrounded by thick undergrowth and knotted weeds, the King used his magic to clear their path whilst his men searched and planned their means of attack on the wildlife. After some time on horse back, the King tired and wished to stretch his legs, dismounting his horse, he passed the reigns to a guard to walk beside, and he stretched his arms wide, "Walk with me Hammer, do you enjoy your service?", he asked of the young man.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content"><b>Brandon</b><br/>
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Brandon felt relieved when his future wife arrived. He had been a little unsure if she was going to show up at all. The way she had been with him, he had been certain she would not come, she would feign some excuse to rid herself of his presence. Instead she was there, with the box and dressed as any member of the royal family should be.<br/>
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Holding open the door, he let her enter first, hearing her line of questioning. It wasn't a strange question to ask, but one that had not truly been asked of him before.<br/>
<br/>
"I'm not sure." Brandon admitted as he climbed into the carriage as well. As soon as the door was closed, the carriage set off for its destination. "I have never thought about having children. My life has been dedicated to who I am. Children would not be possible for me. As for the little ones themselves, I have no issue with them. Some are nice, some are not."<br/>
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Brandon ended with a shrug. He had never given children much more thought other than he had to help them from time to time. Some were grateful for his help, others were angry that he caught them doing something and tried to put them on a better path. Children were as varying as adults, he could only see them as those that they were, ones that he had to keep safe.<br/>
<br/>
"Is this why you do this? Do prepare yourself for when you have children?" Brandon asked. <br/>
<br/>
He knew it was not strange for any of the nobles families or Royal to do such acts of charity. It helped the city view them in a better light and it ensured some of the city would always stand behind them. As for the goodness of it, he wasn't sure if that however was ever the intention of the visit. <br/>
<br/>
*****<br/>
<br/>
<b>Hammer</b><br/>
<br/>
There was a moment for relief for Hammer. He had been certain the king was going to insist he hunted the dwarves with them. Where was the fun in hunting such a thing? It was not an uncommon practice. There were whispers of Lords back home that did the same thing. Only the king did not allow it. Anyone caught hunting humans, Elves or dwarves had to face the axe man. <br/>
<br/>
Now that they were hunting a try pry, Hammer felt a little more at ease and able to enjoy the ride through the country side. It was a lovely country after all. What he had seen when he traveled across the land with Brandon had been beauty. The Elves truly did care for their people and their land, unlike most humans. <br/>
<br/>
Hammer was taken a little by surprise when the king wanted to walk after such a short ride. They could go for hours still if they kept the horses to a good pace. The king however didn't look the type to spend a lot of time in the saddle, so Hammer followed his lead and dismounted. <br/>
<br/>
"My service? You mean to Knight Brandon? Or is that captain Knight Brandon? I could never tell how those worked." Hammer chuckled. "As for your question site. I could say yes and no. He has shown me things of this world I would never have known existed. He trained me, he took me in and he gave me a reason to follow him. But I wouldn't say I like it. It's hard. We never stay in the same place. We never stop. He's always throwing us into danger. I swear I don't think I will survive another summer."</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content"><b>EVA</b><br/>
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Eva sat opposite her betrothed and felt as connected to him as any stranger, her mind remained calm as she listened to his words whilst her fingers traced the embroidery on her dress, she was nervous. Her visits to the children's home had become a secret pleasure, an indulgence where Eva could be silly, she didn't have to be <i>the princess </i>instead she could use her power to ensure the children were cared for, and indulge in a little innocence with them, however long or short her visit was. Hearing Brandon's answer, and looking over to see him adorned in armour once more, she realised his life was only ever going to be about duty and honour, even her father indulged, so she sighed. <br/>
<br/>
His question startled her, did she do this to prepare for having children, how absurd. "No!", she answered abruptly, realising herself, she coughed, and smiled, "I mean to say that is not why I do it, I had no father growing up for different reasons but the loss was the same, these children are alone in the world by no fault of their own, I wish for them to be cared for and treated well", she looked out of the window. "In my eyes we have a duty of care to our people". <br/>
<br/>
Eva had never thought of a future where she had no children, but looking at the man she was to marry, she realised it was a future she may have to embrace, then a thought occurred to her. "Does my father know of your lack of desire for children?", she knew he had not yet signed papers, and this may well be a deal breaker for her father. <br/>
<br/>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------<br/>
<br/>
THE KING<br/>
<br/>
The King wasn't ready to reveal his plans but hearing those words from Hammer was promising, "You could stay in my company, I have women and lands you could wed", he patted Hammer on the back as he spotted something far ahead in the bushes, "There, did you see that?", he whispered.<br/>
<br/>
The Kings men were restless and had not had a good fight in a long time, and some had gone on ahead, whilst others remained, guarding their King, it was obvious to anyone that not many trusted the human in company with the King. He however paid them little attention, he had plans in progress and he intended to see them realised by the end of this trip. He did not trust this Brandon one bit, he was prickly and lacked human emotion, something humans were famed for, and this unsettled the King. He needed a match, he needed his daughter wed, a human elf alliance was needed to keep the peace, but what if the humans were playing at friendship.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content"><b>Brandon</b><br/>
<br/>
Brandon was a little surprised by the fact that the princess had such a sense of duty for her people. She might be a better princess than he had thought of, she could do well for this land and his own land even. <br/>
<br/>
"I have told him all he has asked. If he asks any other questions, I will answer them trufully. Of course, this is a matter I have yet to consider and will do so in time to come." Brandon said without hesitation or fear of what her father would make of his words. <br/>
<br/>
Even as such, Brandon had trouble with children at times. They tend to not listen, they had their own way and they always seemed to find a way to get in trouble. He didn't know if he would be able to have children and still continue this life as this. It was something he would have to start considering. <br/>
<br/>
"Shall we?" Brandon asked when the carriage came to a half and opened the door, stepping out first to help the princess down from her seat. <br/>
<br/>
**********<br/>
<br/>
<b>Hammer</b><br/>
<br/>
<br/>
Hammer narrowed his eyes but he tried to see what the king was pointing towards. He couldn't see much in the forest ahead of them. The open fields on the other side of the road was empty, no animals jumping around or skittering to anywhere. <br/>
<br/>
"What exactly are we hunting now. Not women I believe. Those are easy to find anywhere." Hammer chuckled as he drew out the bow and slipped the arrow into the string, ready to be drawn at a moment's notice. <br/>
<br/>
He hadn't been able to use his bow for a good few days now. With Brandon, his bow was in constant use his senses always at the ready since they were always in enemy territory. Here, he felt as if he was slacking, as if he was becoming soft. He wasn't sure if he was actually enjoying it or hating it.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">EVA<br/>
<br/>
Eva was frustrated by his response, it was non committal, did not answer her question, and showed her a distinct lack of respect, "I plan of continuing my family line", she told him firmly. She was beyond irritated with his dismissive attitude and lack of respect but she nodded when he suggested they make their way inside. <br/>
<br/>
She took his hand to step down from the carriage and looked over to the building ahead of them, it was a wooden antique looking elvish building with a modest structure, "The children here have suffered great tragedy, they have lost their families or were born without them, please show them your respect and whatever softness you possess", she begged of him. <br/>
<br/>
Her guards brought the masks with them, and Eva stepped forward to enter the home, she was greeted by a senior elf of authority who explained their hall was assembled for a presentation, Eva and Brandon would be guests and would hold the stage at the end of the presentation. Eva smiled, "We shall look forward to this", her eyes glowed with warmth as the pair were ushered into a crowded hallway, taking seats at the front that had been reserved facing a stage. Once they were seated refreshment was provided and a play commenced that spoke of song, comedy and the children's love of the Princess. <br/>
<br/>
------------------------------------------------------------------------<br/>
<br/>
THE KING<br/>
"We are hunting what we can get our hands on", the King laughed, as he spotted a deer in the distance, he whispered, "Like that beauty on the left just off in the distance", he gestured to Hammer, testing his ability. The guards around them forged ahead in a circular motion and direction, focused on a number of rabbits to the right of the pair.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content"><b>Brandon</b><br/>
<br/>
The Knight only nodded, he didn't think he should say more. By her way and her words, it would be best he kept his silence. In time, she might come to understand, in time, they might come to an understanding. What Brandon knew for now that beyond everything else, peace was what had to be achieved. Not children, not wishes or whimsical dreams. Peace, for both sides, lasting, true peace. <br/>
<br/>
He had never been one to play with children. Unless they wanted to learn how to use a sword and shield. Those that had tried to train with him had ended up with bruises and usually quite a bit of crying. It wouldn't say it was fun making them cry but it was disappointing that the world would not endeavour any longer to have true knights. Instead, the children are coddled and treated as porcelain dolls, who would find themselves unable to protect themselves because they took a beating every now and then. <br/>
<br/>
For now, he kept his mouth quite and followed his future bride into the orphanage, not that he would have chosen this as something to do for the day. He would much rather had finalized the wedding arrangements and peace talks. It would be far more beneficial than visiting an orphanage, one that could easily be taken care of by anyone else. <br/>
<br/>
When he did step into the orphanage, Brandon half expected rotting wooden tables, floors that were dirty and a smell that he would never be able to wash out of his clothes. Instead, he was welcome into a fairly large home. The floors were clean, the tables old, but well looked after, the smell, that of children but not dirty or stomach wrenching. All in all, it was a good place for any child to grow up. <br/>
<br/>
"So what exactly am I supposed to do now?" Brandon asked as he watched the children who had turned so their eyes could meet the visitors. <br/>
<br/>
The look the children gave of joy made Brandon cringe. He had an idea if what was coming and he wished that would not be the case. He did not want children clamouring over him, their high pitched voices asking questions, the same question, a hundred times over. Of course, he had remedies for just such a thing. Children were easy, they were still simple minded and easily entertained, and easily distracted. All he had to do was just give the children the right incentive not to bother him. <br/>
<br/>
<b>Hammer</b><br/>
<br/>
How many years had it been? Hanmer could barely remember the first time he picked up a bow. He remembered the first time he shot a how. He remembered how good it felt to release the bow and hit the target he was aiming for. Over time and with lots of practice, from morning to night, he had perfected all his skills with his bow. He knew every secret his bow held, he knew every way to use an arrow. All of it was a part of him. <br/>
<br/>
He didn't even have to think. It had become a part of him, like his arm of his leg or his chest. It was there. When he reached for a cup, he didn't have to think about how to do it. He didn't have to think on how to breathe. He just did it. With the bow, it had become the same. He gave it almost no thought as he pulled the arrow from the quiver. With no hesitation, Hammer drew the bow and released, as quickly as the blink of an eye. <br/>
<br/>
The arrow shot free with a soft twang of the bow string and a whistle of the arrow. It arched through the air, drifting slight to one side on the wind but that's exactly what Hammer had expected to happen. The arrow thudded home in the deer's skull, killing the beast instantly. It was not the hardest shot Hammer had ever made. The deer was well outlined, unmoving and a fairly big target. <br/>
<br/>
"I should have asked if you wanted to keep the head for a trophy." Hammer realized, he could have aimed for the heart and the king would have a trophy for his wall, not an impressive trophy though.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">EVA<br/>
Eva heard Brandon's question and she smiled, it was her turn to educate him it seemed and she felt at last in a position where she could demonstrate her people in the kindness of them. She reached her hand to his, "We must show the children we are united and also that we value their performance", she held his hand as the small elf children took to the stage, performing a traditional elf dance and song, before a solo musician took to the stage, an older child, perhaps twelve who began to play. <br/>
<br/>
The song was interrupted by a loud crash and storm of the doors, children began to scream as dwarves filled the room, Eva's hand broke from Brandon, as she looked at him frightened, "What shall we do?", she asked him. Twelve dwarves in total surrounded them, the guards began to fight, one of them pulled Eva to one side, telling her to take as many children as possible and lock herself in a room until she heard them come for her. <br/>
<br/>
Eva took the hands of two children, in a chain, twelve of the children followed her down the corridors and into a lower staircase that was hidden away, one of the dwarves spotted them and began to run in their direction. Eva managed to close the stone door in time before he reached the corridor so the dwarf began to look for her. Children were screaming and running, some of the older boys got weapons and attempted to fight. Two dwarf men attacked Brandon, one of them sent backwards whilst the other advanced. "This union will be stopped", he screamed. <br/>
<br/>
Eva managed to calm some of the children as they cried, she pulled two of them into her lap, holding them closely as they heard screams and banging, clashing of swords beyond the walls. She worried for the men outside, feeling helpless, stroking the hair of the children in her lap.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content"><b>Hammmer</b><br/>
<br/>
The hunting party had done well for the day. For someone under the tutelage of a very strict teacher, Hammer was happy that none of his abilities had gone to waste, in fact, he seemed to only have gotten better. Brandon had taught him a great deal of things, things that he never would have thought of before. As stoic and heartless at times as the knight seemed to be, when it came to war, the man had no equal, Hammer had learned that well enough over time, especially when someone thought they could best the knight. <br/>
<br/>
Now his skills had been put to good use to impress the king, and it seemed to have gone well. They have four bucks capture, each one with a good shot to the heart so the king could still have his trophies and enough meat for a great feast, which seemed exactly what he wanted to do. In honour of the peace that would be brought by the couple, thought the king seemed to be more interested in speaking about his past. <br/>
<br/>
The king asked Hammer about everything. Where he grew up, how he grew up, who had been hi friends and enemies and what missions he had undertaken with the knight. Where they had traveled to. The king seemed to want to know everything. Hammer couldn't decide if the king was being careful or plotting something. The man was very curious but he was the king of the elves. Hammer had his personal way with words but he wasn't going to do something specific to anger the king, that would only mean an end to the peace Brandon was trying to achieve and to a degree, Hammer as well. <br/>
<br/>
With a blow of the horn from one of the kings guard, the hunt was called done for the day. The king wanted to return home and enjoy the spoils of the hunt. Which seemed to call for the buck to be cooked and served with very expensive wine and cheese and everything else the king could think of that he might enjoy with the meat. Hammer was only happy to oblige. A hot meal and some good wine was always welcomed. He only needed a woman on his arm and he would feel right at home, except for the pointy ears he struggled to come to terms with. He could never understand how elves could live with those ears, they seemed just impossibly uncomfortable. <br/>
<br/>
With their hunt at an end, the hunting party returned to the city, only not to make it to the city. They were half way down back to the city when a group of rider came riding in hard, weapons drawn at the ready. They were all the king's men, coming to his aid and they seemed serious about what was happening. Immediately the king was surrounded by the men while the captain stopped his horse in front of the king, giving him a deep bow. <br/>
<br/>
"Majesty." The captain bowed in the saddle. "A war band of dwarfs have slipped into the city."<br/>
<br/>
The king seemed more irritated than actually worried about this news, as if it was a common thing for their lives. Hammer couldn't remember the last time he had even laid eyes on a dwarf and it was nothing more than a merchant dwarf. He couldn't help but wonder what a war band would be like. He imagined them small and angry, enough to make him almost chuckle at the thought. <br/>
<br/>
"Majesty, they are targeting your daughter and the knight. The have vowed that this could not happen. It was a travesty to mix the blood."<br/>
<br/>
Hammer heard the king say the name Fultdik. It seemed as an important name, maybe on that Brandon would know of. The man did seem to know a great deal of all the leaders across the nations, even ones Hammer was sure they weren't supposed to know about in the first place. With the name spoken, the king quickly gave orders to the captain in elfish, leaving Hammer in the dark as to what was really happening. <br/>
<br/>
"We will go immediately." The captain bowed and left, leaving Hammer and the king with enough guards to stop a small army. <br/>
<br/>
Hammer was beginning to worry now. This seemed serious enough. The guards had been in a good mood all day long. They had walked with smiles and joked with each other in their native language. Now they were all steely faced with their weapons drawn. This could only be bad. <br/>
<br/>
<b>Brandon</b><br/>
<br/>
The place was quite peaceful. He would prefer it without the children as he had never been the biggest fan of children singing and playing. They could do so with each other, they had no reason to involve him in their enjoyment. The princes however had a different idea of this, but he wasn't going to sing and he wasn't going to play any games they might have in mind. Still, it was nice to see the princess enjoying herself with the children, but that was of course until the peace was broken by the short men that came running in. <br/>
<br/>
Brandon wished at that moment he had stuck to his own rules. He never went anywhere without his weapon but on this occasion, he had given in and agreed to do so. Now it was a decision he regretted. But he was not helpless. He was still a knight and he still had a duty that he needed to ensure was completed. The first dwarf made it through the doorway only to be met with a huge, booted foot straight to the face. It was enough to stop the bulky dwarf dead in his tracks, giving Brandon the chance to grab the double headed axe from his grip. <br/>
<br/>
Immediately Brandon swung, cutting the axe deep into the side of another dwarf that came through the door. Two dwarfs were quickly down, giving him a slight advantage but only until the managed to get into the room, pushing over their own dead. Brandon cut the axe up quickly as a dwarf rushed through the door, splitting its skull from the chin all the way to the top. That moment of being occupied with the one dwarf was enough to let three others rush in, but the small delay he had given was enough to allow Eva and the children to make an escape. <br/>
<br/>
That was all he needed, for them to escape. If they can make it to the carriage, they could escape the dwarfs and make it safely back to the palace. Hopefully the princess had some idea of how to drive a carriage, Brandon would be too occupied to get them back to the palace, this would be the princess's work now. Stepping back quickly when another dwarf swung an axe at him, Brandon sliced the dwarf's hand off and grabbed another by the hair, yanking the dwarf forward into his knee. <br/>
<br/>
Though with so many enemies surrounding him, he didn't have much of a chance truly. He would fight till his last but this was obvious the very end of the line for him. Maybe Hammer could still bring a peace if he tried. Brandon had tried hard enough to train the boy, the least he could do was think things through for once and act as he should. <br/>
<br/>
There was a moment of pain as a dwarf managed to cut him across the hip, pain Brandon immediately ignored. Instead he swung the axe as fast and as powerful as he could, cutting down another dwarf as there was another deep cut that appeared in his thigh, the blade of the dwarf sinking in deep. Brandon ignored every wound he received, ignored all the pain that eminated from attack. He just had to keep them busy, that was all that was needed of him, the princess only needed to escape. Brandon didn't let up, he fought as hard as he could against the dwarfs that outnumbered.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Jino<br/>
<br/>
Jino spent the day in court with the elvish ladies and her work was halved by the constant gossiping following Princess Eva and Knight Brandons departure. <br/>
<br/>
"The poor elven beauty must be beside herself, the thought of marrying a human monster terrifies me". <br/>
"Oh but she must wed him, the sake of our land demands so, and then she must rule both worlds". <br/>
"The human men may lack in refinement but they are said to be beasts in bed". <br/>
"Eva doesn't deserve this honor, she is half blood".<br/>
"They cannot sully the royal blood line with human filth". <br/>
"It is her duty to follow her fathers orders". <br/>
<br/>
Jino's head was spinning with the support and lack of that seemed in abundance towards her Princess and friend. She took her leave before her tongue was overruled by her heart to protect her friend, and weighing heavy with the advice she could offer Eva when choosing her maidens, she stumbled upon her own Father. "Walk with me Jino, we must talk of your future". She followed him with the interest of a broken elf. <br/>
<br/>
<br/>
The King<br/>
<br/>
After the chaos of their soldiers and the announcement of the dwarf attack, King Wyn was torn between anger and concern. He looked towards Hammer, "My men will return your Knight, is he a decent fighter?", he asked, of course he knew of Brandon's reputation but somehow needed the distraction of conversation as they made their way back to the King's grounds. <br/>
<br/>
The rest of the ride back was shift, with tense pressure the King paced the council chambers after issuing several messengers to alert the King's council at once for a meeting. He expected triumph against the dwarf's on this occasion but he needed to plan a thorough attack and ensure they fall in line. Elves began to arrive, and the King turned to Hammer, "You will join us for this meeting, and act as the Human interested party, representing your Knight Brandon". <br/>
<br/>
Jino's father arrived swiftly followed by the Queen. "We must join forces and annihilate the dwarves once and for all", the Queen urged. The King shook his head, "There is enough room for all my love, but I will not have them fighting us, we will stand firm". Jino's father looked towards Hammer, "And you, what do you say", all eyes fell on Hammer. <br/>
<br/>
<br/>
EVA<br/>
Eva led the children down a thin corridor, through two sets of doors and out a window, she managed to get twelve on the carriage, and signalled for the horses to go, the horseman, who had been sleeping in the carriage as the dwarves arrived. Eva eyes filled with tears as she looked around, seeing both dwarf kind and her own men dead obviously the fight had begun before the attack was taken inside the walls. She looked around, the horseman pleaded with her, "Princess, you must come too, now", she shook her head. "No, you go now, get those children to safety I command you to go", she demanded. <br/>
<br/>
Eva wiped the tears from her eyes, and lifted a sword from the body of one of her men, she walked slowly towards the grunting sounds of the dwarves, seeing Brandon under attack, she had little time to think and knew she must act quickly, she swung the sword hard at the head of a dwarf who was about to launch an attack on Brandon's back. He fell and another dwarf shouted, "The Princess", she swore Brandon smiled at her, as she put her back to him, and holding the sword with both hands swung it more like a hammer than a sword, she had little technique but moved quicker than the dwarves. "Brandon your left", she screamed as another ran towards them. Eva felt the slice of a knife along her left arm, and she almost threw the sword in the direction of the dwarf responsible.</div>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content"><b>Hammer</b><br/>
<br/>
The king's question was not an unfamiliar one. He had always heard that question, and it always came from everywhere. Sometimes a little boy with dreams of becoming a knight asked the question. Or a woman that had an idea that she would be able to make him a husband so she would be able to have a good life, would ask the question. Sometimes lords and ladies asked the question, well those not familiar with his work. It was not a strange question at all.<br/>
<br/>
"Honestly, I don't think that man can be killed." Hammer replied plainly. <br/>
<br/>
Silently Hammer hoped it was true, yet he didn't know why. If Brandon lived, he would go back to doing all the insane things the knight wanted him to do. If he died, Hammer would have his freedom. He didn't know why Brandon would have to die for him to be free but somehow he felt that he was obligated to the man, obligated in no possible way. <br/>
<br/>
At least he wasn't stuck with his own thoughts, his own worries. They soon reached the King's Grounds, the large building set aside for emergencies already prepared and ready when the news came. Even though it was an emergency, food, drink and even bowls of clean water had been set ready for those that wished to wash their faces from the ride. Hammer felt quite relieved when he took the opportunity when it was offered, splashing water over his face and neck and taking the towel from an elfin girl to dry himself. <br/>
<br/>
"Me?" Hammer asked a little shocked when the question was raised to him, causing him to stop mid dry. <br/>
<br/>
He didn't know what to say. This was Brandon's area, this was what the knight had been doing his entire life. Hammer was sure he had simply been following rules and getting a free ride to see the world, a safe ride for that matter. As long as Brandon had been there, no enemy would have been impossible to go against, and now they were asking him about dwarfs. <br/>
<br/>
"I don't know. Brandon always said dwarfs are dicks. I mean, they pose a risk. They attack human and elf like. They kill anyone not their own kind and have always been hard to get rid of but even so, he was sure there was a way to find peace with them. He said he wanted to go to their homeland and talk with them. I've been lucky to keep him distracted this whole time otherwise we would probably be there right now. Soooooooo....."<br/>
<br/>
Hammer knew he didn't want to make this decision. If he messed up, Brandon would have his skin, and he would probably be hanged if he took the wrong decision and this marriage was cancelled. It would definitely be on his head then. <br/>
<br/>
"We defend against them but we don't attack them. Well, not their home. If they attack here, they will find resistance but humans aren't in the business of killing kids, or women, or anyone unless we have to. So we just defend against those that come here." <br/>
<br/>
He was sure that was what Brandon would say, or something like that. He would no doubt use prettier words under this circumstance, just to sound official. <br/>
<br/>
<b>Brandon</b><br/>
<br/>
Brandon tried his best not to pull the woman over his lap and give her a hiding, like he would when a child did not listen. He was doing this to get her to safety, he was trying to keep her safe and instead, she threw herself back into danger. He wasn't sure why she would do something so stupid, but then she had probably saved his life, but that was not important. She had to be kept safe. He could be replaced. Another could take his place as he bride but for the elves, loosing her would be a blow they might not recover from. <br/>
<br/>
Brandon had to make sure she stayed alive, it was his only goal at that moment. Snapping his arm around, he grabbed the knife hand of the dwarf, snapping his wrist as he bent the knife up and stabbed it into the dwarf's own eye. His sword quickly blocked another attack and kicked, sending the dwarf back into another before shot forward at him. Brandon knew this was where they were going to die and it was going to just be him if she had escaped like she was suppose to do, now they were both going to die, but not without a fight. <br/>
<br/>
Driving the sword into the dwarfs chest and out the back, he let go of the sword, yanking the axe from the dying dwarf's hand and buried it into the skull of another. He ignored the sharp pain from his back, instead spinning around to the dwarf that had stabbed him in the back, yanking his sword from the dwarf laying dead on the ground, bring the sword out of the dead dwarf and into the other in a smooth motion. Exhaustion was quickly taking over his body, both from having to fight this hard and loose so much blood at the same time. <br/>
<br/>
But he found there were no other dwarfs left, none for him to kill anymore. And it wasn't because of him, it was because of her. He was a little surprised. He was sure they would have died, and he no doubt would have died if he had done this alone but she had helped him and now, they were both alive because of it. From all the bodies scattered across the place, he was surprised how many had come. It seemed that the dwarfs were targeting them specifically and that would be strange. Dwarfs never targeted anything, they always just attacked, almost mindlessly. <br/>
<br/>
"I think we should go back to your home." Brandon said as he cleaned off the blade. "You'll be safer there. I'll find the others still in the city." <br/>
<br/>
He hoped she was going to listen this time. He might not be able to find the dwarfs on his own but all he would have to do was just listen for the screams of the people, that would tell him where to go and where to find the rest of the attacking force, if it even was that. <br/>
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"I don't say this often, but thank you." Brandon said with a nod of his head. "If you had not helped, I fear I would be dead upon the ground. That being said however, I will inform you now that I intend to give you a stern talking to later about putting your life at risk, once this is all over." Brandon warned her, just the smallest of hint, a bare hair's width of a smile, came to the corners of his lips.</div>
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