<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 150%; line-height: 116%;"><span style="color: #00FF00">On the Boarder of Creria and Cadoania</span></span></div><br/><br/>Saffire rose out of the large<a class="postlink" href="http://savannahcollections.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/essex_bed.jpg?w=529&amp;h=428">bed</a>. The thick wooden frame was carved into intricate patterns that looked at odds in its elegance with the rest of the stone keep. Cold stone covered with thick furs of Wolves, Bears and Leopards that stalked the cold wasteland of the border. These pelts had been taken from the large beats the castle's occupants had killed on their hunts, mostly Brynnan and Saffire. Saffire was of course the late sleeper and thus Brynnan was nowhere to be found when he finally did rise. The thick comforters of down and soft cloth were a mess across the bed. Saffire smiled lightly at the sight, picturing his boyfriend in the folds of the blanket from the night before. Without wasting more daylight he left the room. Ignoring the rest of the rich furnishing that made up the rest of the rooms sparse decoration.<br/><br/>He made his way into the washroom taking note that his clothing for the day had been laid out for him by a servant no doubt. He quirks a quick brow at the simple black pants, loose-fitting white shirt and leather bracers that would lace up across his arms so he could add his vambraces over them. Black leather boots and a sturdy black leather belt also sat folded neatly beside the shirt and pants. The belt was studded with silver workings of wolves across its surface and a large wolf head would make up the buckle. A few steel rings would be used to hold his weapons once he was ready to head out. He pulled off the heavy amulet he wore and hardly ever removed from around his throat. Six large metal plates intricately carved with arcane like symbols made up the sides of the amulet held by small almost delicate rings of steel one to the other. The large center amulet was intricately carved brass, copper, gold and silver all worked together to make a large oval that held a pure black amethyst stone.<br/><br/>Saffire's fingers gently stroked the stone with deliberate sadness and a slow almost absentminded purpose. His eyes closed at the cold almost deadly feel of the stone. It was something he never talked about to anyone, it was something he treasured and was oddly quirky about having it near or on him. It was the first and only gift his mother had ever given him that  he really cared about. Deep within the amethyst stone was his family crest in minute intricate details carved and painted on the back of the slightly transparent stone before it was set into its frame. This one pieces of jewelry alone was worth far too much money. Letting his hand and the memories fall away from the jewel he entered the shower.<br/><br/>He showered quickly, dressed and returned the amulet to his throat where it sat right at the base of his throat and gleamed in its black splendor. Once dressed and ready, gazing into t he mirror with that wry little smile that always graced his features whenever he looked at himself int he glass. His oval with a slightly curving jawline and an almost feminine gentle baby like softness to his features and face. The delicate nose set between heavily lashed almond shaped ice blue eyes. His face was framed by a short cropped mat of almost spiky bone white hair making him look wild, free and cute all in one. Devastatingly handsome and yet somehow soft and delicate. His heavily muscled well-defined frame quite evident beneath his clothing. He left the bathroom and went to the side dresser where he kept his Kohl Jar and his armor and weapons. With practiced ease he lined his eyes with thick lines of Kohl. He fastened his vambraces and added the mail shirt over the white cotton shirt. The amulet on his throat gleaming brighter than the silver and gold links in the heavy mail shirt. He laced up his boots added his sword and daggers to his belt and ran his hand through his hair in an attempt to make the tousled mess into something fashionable.<br/><br/>Satisfied he grabbed his cloak swung it over his shoulders and fastened the clasps to his mail so that his throat was left exposed leaving the amulet visible. His rings were on his fingers gleaming in the light of the fires, making the precious stones and metal gleam. Just as Saffire liked it. He walked through the keep with quick sure steps knowing exactly where Brynnan was. The practice field. His pace was unhurried, calm. There was no rush to his movements. Today they would be heading to Deorsh, the capital city of Cadoania. Three days' ride from here. At least at their speed anyways. They didn't waste time on stupidity when traveling. Something that Saffire liked.<br/><br/>Just as he had anticipated Saffire found Brynnan in the practice yard just outside the keep. He walked out of the shadows of the doorway after having watched him in silence for a few long minutes admiring the man he loved. He walked out into the open and called in his every quiet almost musical baritone<span style="color: #8080FF">"I have finally woken,"</span>he called as greeting, knowing that Brynnan would mercilessly tease him for his habit of sleeping in past the dawn.<span style="color: #8080FF">"Shall we brunch before taking to the road?"</span>He asked his tone refined and melodic. His words precise and dainty. Something that had annoyed Saffire's father to no end and something he did simply to get to the man. He smiled. A bright smile that reached his glowing ice-blue eyes with delight and made them dance.<br/><br/>---<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 150%; line-height: 116%;"><span style="color: #00FF00">Cadoania Capital Deorsh</span></span></div><br/><br/>Xerus Zansule ran his hand over the growing bruise on his jaw feeling the bone beneath making sure it wasn't broken. As usual Xerus bore the brunt of Geraint's anger. Today was no different. The sun had barely risen and already his Lord was trying Xerus's anger, it was something of a dance between them. Xerus never displayed anything except humble obedience. Most of the time if one got three syllables out of the young man one was doing good. This morning's dispute had been over the fact that Geraint's room servant had failed to deliver the great lords breakfast on time and that had resulted in Xerus being kicked awake and shouted at before being struck hard across the jaw and thrown bodily from the room in nothing but a pair of breeches in which he slept in the small cubicle off of Geraint's room so that he would be within easy reach should Geraint need him.<br/><br/>Xerus, groggy and shivering with cold made his silent quick way down the hallway and then down the servants stairs all the way from the upper levels of the great castle where the nobility had their rooms to the bowels of the castle where servants and slaves alike worked in the great kitchens preparing food under the watchful eye of the matron who was a hawk-eyed and sharp-tongued demon of a woman who beat royal brats and slaves with equal fervor should they be in her domain or misbehaving. This woman was much feared. Even Xerus feared her, and she didn't dare touch him since Geraint was a little possessive of his proper and thus  would most likely be the only one outside of Descan who could demand for her head. This was something that tended to happen a lot when Geraint was in a mood. Something Xerus hoped fervently didn't include his own head being removed so eloquently from his shoulders by a large blade wielded by the big man himself.<br/><br/>Xerus coughed softly to get the matrons attention between tirades of renting the overweight and purple-faced woman was lecturing three girls who could be no older then Xerus himself. These were servants he could tell by the lack of metal around their wrist. She turned her glower on him and Xerus gave her a polite bow as befit his station. He was after all a slave.<span style="color: #FFFFBF">"My Lord Geraint wishes to know why his breakfast has not arrived yet, it is long past sunrise enough for it to have reached his rooms."</span>Even though Xerus would prefer to remain silent, he knew if he didn't deliver the message in crystal clear terms that left no room for wiggling he'd be receiving a worse beating and most likely be missing his head, which he did treasure even though it wasn't technically his at this point.<br/><br/>The woman blanched and turned from him to scream at her kitchen in general. He didn't care enough to listen and within minutes he was joined by a shift of a girl who was shaking so bad the tray she held rattled in her hands. He took the tray least she drop it and make his life worse. Of course he only did this when they were well out of the kitchen and the girl babbled thanks to which he just shrugged and led her upstairs. It didn't matter enough for him to speak again. He carried the tray right to his master's door and then handed it back to the girl and pushed the door open holding it for her. She darted in set the tray on Geraint's table and bowed low pressing her head to the floor in obedience. It was evident she wasn't his usual servant and Xerus could only hope he didn't kill her outright. The bloodstains would be hard to get out of the expensive carpet and he would have a long day of boring work if she did indeed die here.<br/><br/>Xerus didn't care about anyone else but himself and pleasing Geraint that was evident in his distant manner as he walked to Geraint's side and slid to his knees head bowed and arms set on his lap waiting his lords desires and commands. This is how Xerus spent most of his time when not busy doing whatever it was that Geraint desired. He was after all Geraint's personal slave, to be done with as the great Lord desired. Though really Xerus figured he wasn't worth killing as it would mean that Geraint would then have to train a new slave to be as obedient and good at his job as Xerus was. A task he knew Geraint wouldn't want or be bothered to do. He was relatively safe, at least of death he was anyways. The rest was power for the course of his life.<br/><br/>---<br/><br/>Hayanne had risen with the sun as she always did, of course Hayanne never left her apartments this early, not even to see Geraint her fiance. A noble lady could not be expected to leave her rooms before at least four hours of preparations had taken place of course. She had learned at an early age that the world was happy to wait for a noble woman to be made ready so they could gaze on her beauty and she could be a compliment to her man. For Hayanne this was a lifeline. Rising she ate the small breakfast that was set on a tray by her bed as her servants came in starting to take out her clothing and raising her handmaidens who slept in the adjacent room. One that was almost as large as her own holding all six of the young woman who were suppose to wait upon her hand and foot and make sure that Hayanne was delivered to her wedding bed with her treasure intact.<br/><br/>Hayanne finished her meal just as Treasa came to stand by her side and a servant took off with the tray. Hayanne regarded Treasa and smiled lightly<span style="color: #afcfaf">"Good morning Treasa, you are looking fine today,"</span>it was expected that Hayanne's handmaidens be awake before her and that they be made ready in matching gowns that would complement her own daygown. Today her handmaidens were wearing a rich black gown trimmed in silver and gold with heavy jeweled necklaces and earring offsetting stylish updos. Hayanne was a slow eater and she figured it had probably taken her roughly an hour to eat her meal and drink her Kopi, a rich dessert drink that was similar to coffee but came from the far reaches of Kaelath. In that time Hayanne figured her servants had prepared the six handmaidens and then proceeded to pour her a bath and lay out her clothing. An army of servants were after all dancing about her room like ants around their queen. A thought that brought a brighter smile on her cold features. Hayanne slid out of bed.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF80FF">"My lady your bath is read,"</span>Treasa said smiling lightly leading Hayanne into the bathroom continuing on in an even smooth tone that never rose above a low whisper as befit all nobles and highborn females.<span style="color: #FF80FF">" thank you my lady, Andromeda figured that the black would offset the rich rouge of your blood red gown that Shonna chose for you to wear. Today is the first day of the new month and in three days time it will be King Descan's birthing day feast, thus you must dress even more gloriously each day, until the feast in which you must look like the queen you will soon be my lady."</span><br/><br/>Hayanne nodded wisely slipping into the water of bath as the other handmaidens joined them. Their chatter flowed around Hayanne as the servants bathed her. She chatted and gossiped the whole while with all six of her handmaidens: Treasa, Shonna, Andromeda, Constance, Faith and Fauna. Treasa was tall, slight of build, with blond hair highlighted with a rich pale brown natural, she had a pale tawny complexion with a light heart-shaped face a little button nose and wide almost too big vibrant green eyes. Shonna was shorter then most woman, with  an athletic build, a light oval face. A long nose, normal almond shaped brown eyes, rich red hair and a very pale almost white complexion. Andromeda was tall, maybe a few inches shorter then Treasa, with a slightly heavyset build, her face round and slightly chubby, with a cute nose, azure blue eyes and raven black hair. Her complexion is a rich caramel which suits her.  Constance is average height, slight of build, with deep hazel eyes and rich brown hair. She has a heart-shaped round face with deep dimples and an ever-present smile. Her skin is rich and tawny, but not dark and she looks like a motherly type. Faith, well Faith is easily described as a fairy of a girl. She's thin, lightly built, tall and overly cheerful with a deep smile, glowing amber eyes, blond hair died of all colors most often found in candy. She looks like most would expect a fairy to look. Fauna is tall, slender, delicate and dainty, with a round face, deep green eyes and a light complexion. All six of the woman were dressed the same, except of course that their gowns were cut to suit their builds and their jewelry picked to heighten their appearance.<br/><br/>Hayanne finished bathing, the servants dressed her as her handmaidens did her hair and makeup. She wore a rich blood red daygown that heightened her light athletic and curvy figure. The gown was tight around her abdomen and hips displaying her assets quite adequately. Her hair spun up in a wispy updos, the pale rich caramel color of her hair heightened by the silver tiara she wore. Her face was lightly makeup to heighten her natural beauty and pale milky flesh. Satisfied Hayanne allowed her handmaidens to finish the outfit off with jewelry and rose to her feet declaring herself ready. It had taken almost five hours to prepare her for the day.<br/><br/>She left her room trailed by the six woman who were her shadows and headed towards where Geraint would be no doubt in the training grounds showing off the elegance of his skills. She always made it a point to go see her fiance in the mornings. She headed out to the training fields and found them empty. She frowned darkly. Turning on her heels she headed to the library in a bit of a huff. Wondering why Geraint wasn't out in the fields training and displaying his grandeur.<br/><br/>---<br/><br/>Descan had risen three hours before the dawn. He had decided that he would not go see his wife this morning, dining alone and allowing the servants to dress him in rich blues and purples before heading to his office to see what awaited him. His valet laid upon him the itinerary of the day and he gave a wry chuckle. He finished up the paperwork on his desk and rose to his feet.<br/><br/><span style="color: #40BFFF">"Very well Agrain, I shall be in the library, go deliver the message to my beloved son that he is to join me there, if we are to hold court for the peasants today I will have him in attendance, but first I must speak with him."</span>Agrain bowed low and the valet left leaving Descan alone once more. He looked down at his desk all neatly stacked with paper and called forth a servant giving orders for the papers to be delivered and the rest to be put into the vaults, libraries or sent to the scribes. Once done he left the office and headed for his library.<br/><br/>Descan was a tall man, with a huge muscular dominating build who could terrify anyone with his massive size alone. He had black hair that fell down to the middle of his back and was neatly braided into a million little braids each morning by an army of servants. His slight beard was trimmed short all except his goatee which was a  long braid that fell down to his chest. Rich jewels adorned his rich attire and made him look like a king few would wish to mess with. Descan was a hard man inside and out. He displayed only one emotion and that was anger. When he varied his aloof cold mask of detached calm. Something all rulers perfected. Descan had taken the throne as a young man of only eight and one (18). In a bloody war between brothers that had lasted for over three years. Descan had held the throne for going on thirty years now and he had two strong sons to show for it. One son was a complete disappointment to him and he was frankly glad the boy was gone to the north. The other was his pride and joy.<br/><br/>Descan headed to the library a huge and rich room that held more books than one could read in eighteen lifetimes and selected a small book off a shelf settling down into the huge plush armchair by the burning hearth to wait for Geraint to join him.  He had important business to discuss with his son. Chief amongst them was the upcoming wedding and his upcoming birthing day feast. Descan opened the book and quickly lost himself into it's pages he didn't even notice Agrain return to his side from his mission of delivering the message to his son.