Jewel of Two Crowns (Aelfric and Bliss)
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Aelfric on 03-04-2008, 04:38:25</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Jewel of Two Crowns (Aelfric and Bliss)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aelfric</strong> on <strong>03-04-2008, 04:38:25</strong>
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				Pennons fluttered in the warm breeze that hearkened the coming summer, winding an aerial path from the coastal bay and dancing about the castle like a maiden around the Beltine pole. It dove and played, twisting through the towers and walkways and eventually circling to bat fitfully at the standards challenging one another across the wide cobbled courtyard. The elves had arrived. <br><br>Officially they had arrived yesterday but this morning they had finally assembled, a dozen outriders resplendent in their multihued armours, standing silent sentinel astride their glorious mounts. Opposite them, in equal number, stood a mounted rank of the Queen's personal guard, field armour burnished to a brilliance that refracted the sun and patterned the walls with twisting motes of light. Such an stunning assembly was rarely seen in the courtyard of the Anheuron, for most of their assemblages were held in the fields below the town, yet the air was thick with strained anticipation more suited to a tournament than a parade ground. <br><br>“What are they waiting for, sir?” Theryl muttered lowly, voice pitched only for his commander's ear. Companions they had been through eight years of campaigning, and Garef would tolerate all but the basest of insults from his sergeant. Such a mild question was hardly such, however, despite Garef's insistent order for silence. <br><br>The man referred to their guests' nearly intolerable laconic nature. For the last half hour they had stood still as statues, bearing no word, the only motion present that of their pennants and banner, the last held proudly upright by the one beside whom Garef could only assume to be the leader. It was difficult to discern between them, for the elves seemed to have no uniformity at all to their armour or colouring.&nbsp; Conversely, Garef was alone in the Queen's Guard possessing armour enamelled and with delicate filigree, patterned in his house colours. His shield too was emblazoned with his crest, a sable gryphon, rampant, atop a crimson field bordered with argent roses. The rest of his men bore fine armour as befitted their position, but it was uniform in appearance nearly a echo of his own, filigree and enamelling absent, and their shields each divided <em>sinister</em>, sable gryphon on red below a passant <em>Or</em> lion on green to denote their loyalty to both him, as their commander, and their queen. <br><br>Garef studied the gathered elves, watched them as an artist examined a scene before committing it to medium. Pride and individuality exuded from them, apparent in their stance and outwardly displayed in their brilliant array of armours and embellishments. It was hard to focus on just one of them; the training he had received as a ranger immediately appreciated the way the mottled patterns and loose tendrils of ribbon and pennants. Riding amongst forest or grass they would appear as part of the ever shifting canvas of nature, flowing with the wind. Each set of armour was unique, moulded it seemed to the wearer, and comprised of multiple layers of composite panels. While they all showed signs of similar design, none effected the same patterning, or the even the material. Some startlingly looked as though they were composites of wood or even bone, while others were clearly metallic or leathers. The vibrancy of the patterns brought to mind fields of wild flowers, or canopy of butterflies at midsummer, their colours shimmering in the breeze. A full half hour as measured on the sundial, emblazoned on the north wall of the Keep, and no indication of greeting or acknowledgement. <br><br><em>They're waiting for the princess,</em> Garef wanted to respond, but that would imply that she was late, which while specifically true was not, as one approached such matters, polite to remark upon. Instead, he allowed some of his uneasiness to be reflected in his mare, who adjusted her position marginally in response to his shifting knees. “They're waiting for us,” he muttered, “or rather, me.” Tradition suggested that a supplicant or guest came forward first, as a gesture of goodwill. That no officials yet awaited the elves was <em>irritating</em>, but he clearly was expected to fill the role. Still, having to ride forward and greet these impassive strangers was not something he was well suited for. He sighed in frustration and walked his mount forward a few steps, slipping his shield onto his saddlebow. “Pray for me, they say elves can be fierce when offended,” Garef murmured to his friend, and then cantered forward cautiously. <br><br>As though in parade, the elf Garef had identified as the leader moved in unison, his mount nimbly closing the distance in silence. The commander was uncomfortably aware of the ringing cadence of his own armour and his mount's barding. In contrast, his counterpart made no more noise than wind through tall grass, his armour glinting and shimmering and the folds of fabric floating behind him like the wings of a dragon. As they neared one another, Garef brought his mount to a halt and regarded the elven warrior for a moment before dismounting and removing his helm. He shook the accumulated sweat free of his tightly curled locks and clipped the heavy enclosure of metal to his saddle. Stifling the urge to scratch at his closely trimmed beard, Garef approached the visitor, noting that he too had dismounted. This close he could see violet eyes flashing beneath the brow of the elegant helm, and he paused slightly before offering his arm in greeting. “Well met. I am Commander Garef, of the Queen's Guard. You are well come to Anheuron Castle, lord,”<br><br><hr><br>Legate Lavi'lial Quaed'nta remarked little on the humans, although he noted and in part empathized with the nearly subvocal comments from his companions. Companions they were, in deed and truth, for they were a company of equals with him as their nominal head. None of them had seen less than a thousand winters, such as they were, for cold scarce ever came to the land the humans called the Summer Country. All had proven their worth on countless battlefields, loved and lost, fathered, and in the case of Ienia borne children, some of whom had now passed into Twilight. All were the worth of ten of regular soldiers or more; all fiercely loyal to their Prince, and the daughter he'd sired so far from their home.<br><br>The smell was cloying, everything reeked of the middens here. It took a significant degree of his control to prevent himself from showing his distaste and the sacrifice was a mask of impassivity, one that settled uncomfortably on him. He had been chosen to both protect and teach Princess Revelia of her heritage, so chosen as much for his easy mannerisms as for his prowess in war. However, this growing impatience, coupled with the impudent showing of the guard opposite them had him rankled. He had a desperate desire to wheel his mount and ride into open air. <em>Humans and their need for cloistered living!</em> he grumbled inwardly. He shifted in his armour, multi-layered plates giving in to the easy motion, as though they were a second skin of scales. <em>Where is the Princess?</em> <br><br>Relieving it was then to finally see the commander's hesitant movements forward, and Lavil'lial took secret delight in mimicking the horse's sedate pace. <em>Boring and predictable,</em> he considered as they neared one another. Dismounting, he noted and compared his own fluid grace with that of the human, who seemed almost to struggle under the weight of his considerable armour. He approached slowly, and arched a brow as the human removed his helm, revealing the sweat that his pungent odour had already proclaimed. How they could live like this was a mystery. Elves, like all living creatures, had bodily functions, but they were careful and considerate enough to bathe and perfume themselves against the stench. <br><br>Not to be outdone by the human, Lavil'lial removed his helm, revealing long golden hair tied loosely with an amber ribbon, and tucked it under his arm before stepping closer. “Well met indeed,” he countered, the human tongue uneasy on his lips after so long a furlough. “Where is the Princess?” he asked, avoiding pleasantries for with any luck this human would be long dead before he ever returned to this land. His eyes, like shards of amethyst, sparkled in the sun. “We arrived at the appointed hour and yet none are here to greet us. Someone lesser than I might take of offense.”<br><br>The human looked confused, and to a degree had the grace to look contrite. “It is not my place to know that, lord. We are merely here to assure the Princess' safety on her journey, her personal affairs are not my concern. I'm certain they will be along presently.” <br><br>The human's words gave way to motion at the corner of Lavil'lial's vision, and he was spared further conversation by grace of an approaching party of retainers and women, one of whom could only certainly be the Princess. He shuffled from his mind the distracting thought of the addition of human guards. They would slow the party down, and certainly create more risk, but if they were attacked would provide easy targets for any foes. He turned and returned to his horse, and prepared to meet this Princess, and her mother perhaps, who possessed sufficient beauty and grace to distract and seduce his own fair Prince. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Jewel of Two Crowns (Aelfric and Bliss)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bliss</strong> on <strong>04-04-2008, 22:37:00</strong>
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				"You know, just because they seem to live for ever does not necessarily mean they are content to wait forever," came the wry observation from Proseline of House Celenton. A hand lifted to idly push back a lock of straw-brown hair that was attempting to slid forward past her ear, as Revelia of House Anheuron, dark-haired daughter of Queen Daronna Anheuron and a certain prince of the Summer Country, twisted her generous mouth into an inelegant moue and dragged the last three things out of the final remaining bag to be packed. <br><br>"I know, I know," she lamented, scowling down at the things on the end of the bed, and casting a furtive glance around the room; the last looks she would have of it for quite some time. "These things fit last week, but now they don't seem to want to..." She trailed off, and looked up at the other girl, arching a brow that, though brown, looked dark as midnight on her fair skin. "...what?" she asked shortly, trying to keep from smiling herself at the sight of the bemusement upon her dearest friend's sweet, ovoid face.<br><br>"Were it anyone but you, Revelia," she responded, rousting herself to scoot forward over the bedcovers where she'd set herself to watch the princess wrestle with the one bag she insisted upon packing herself, and reached for the errant items, talking as one hand pushed down into the bag and rearranged, before fitting the things in one, two, three, and laying the flap over to knot closed. "...anyone else, I'd think you were delaying leaving this place." An observation that, were it from anyone else, or spoken with others present, might have had grievous consequence - but alone as they were, the pair held more confidence in each other than anyone might suspect could lie between a bastard princess and an elder daughter of one of the kingdom's oldest noble Houses.<br><br>"But it IS me," Revelia responded - somewhat querulously, but her knit brow had smoothed as her friend managed what she had not, and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips - "and I'm not delaying... exactly-"<br><br>A firm knock at the door interrupted her playful defense, followed several moments later by a voice calling, "My Lady, your queen mother awaits without."<br><br>"Come," she called back, stifling a giggle as Proseline scrambled to get off the bed, hands flitting to smooth coverlet and gown, so that when the door was open they simply stood together, the bag upon the bed between and behind. A guard slipped into the room with a respectful inclination of his head, and took up silent post just inside the door, as Revelia's mother swept in. Looking upon them, it was far from difficult to see from whence the young woman had gained many of her features - the gentle wave of her hair, the wide ingenuous eyes, the straight aquiline nose appeared in both young face and old as Queen Daronna smiled, stopping short of the pair in a gentle swirl of dark blue skirt. "You are prepared, my daughter?" she asked simply. Much they had spoken of this journey, of what it meant, and the many things that could come of it - there was little now to say, particularly in the presence even of trusted others.<br><br>"Yes, mother; we'd just finished," Revelia said with a glance to Proseline, and then the bag behind them. "This is the last... Javon, can you carry for me?" A guardsman waiting in view in the hallway stepped forth when the young woman called, and pressed a fist over his heart, inclining his head with a smile. "An honor to assist, m'lady, as always," he answered, and took up the bag over one shoulder, while the girls picked up the cloaks that waited cast over the backs of chairs.<br><br>Side by side walked noblewoman, princess, and queen, followed by her mother's guards, and they made a pretty picture descending the broadening stair that led to the great hall, doors thrown open to the courtyard, through which they could see the two groups of escorts waiting in the bright sun. "Mother... your husband my king, does he not intend to see me off?" she asked softly, drawing her sky blue cloak around her shoulders as she gazed out at the mounted company, and watched one - Garef, of course - break forth from ranks and cross to the glittering elven contingent. She'd been able to see them from the distance of her window, but to be on a level with them, see them ever closer, was a delight. At least once a year a messenger had come, but an elf alone and a mounted group of them were two separate things of interest entirely.<br><br>"Do not think ill of him, Revelia," Daronna murmured. "Just as your arrival was mingled joy and pain, so your departure is as well, in Anheuron."<br><br>If Proseline overheard question or answer, she had the grace to make no comment as they strode out into the sunlit courtyard. The princess two full hands taller than the human women to either side of her, wearing a traveling gown of white and blue, like the tiny whitecaps of the deep but windblown ocean, and her boon companion similarly clad in a shade of green one catches in the sea on a fine summer day. Their party came to a halt at the bottom step, and Daronna's hands, until now clasped before her waist, seemed to spill out before her and spread in a gesture of open welcome directed toward the elven party, and the one who seemed to be its head. "I am Daronna of Anheuron, and bid you welcome and thanks this day. Come forward and meet my daughter." She spoke no great speech, but as she did her dark-eyed gaze slid over those assembled before her, and a smile curled the corners of her lips - offering each one who looked upon her a warm welcome to the shining castle that sat upon the edge of the wide ocean from which their kingdom had long drawn bounty and joy. She was quite obviously the mother of the taller girl; once smooth skin has gained gently encroaching lines at the corners of her eyes, and long sweeps of white strands lightened the gleaming chestnut hair that was twisted back off her head under a low crown glittering under the morning sun.<br><br>Beside her, Revelia’s lips curved as well, but the smile did not quite reach her eyes as she looked upon the waiting assemblage, human and elven alike – while beside her, Proseline’s eyes seemed to smile where her small mouth did not, skittering from elf to elf; for while the gathered company of humans were known and familiar, these were strange, almost alien, and by the delightful chance of fast friendship, she was being allowed to go among them.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Jewel of Two Crowns (Aelfric and Bliss)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aelfric</strong> on <strong>08-04-2008, 05:23:21</strong>
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				<em>“What is she like?” Lavil'lial had asked before departing. Curiosity and familiarity gave way to politeness, and he waited patiently while his prince had pondered the question. His own thoughts turned inwards to the dozen times he had visited human places in the last hundred years. Humans could be fair, and even approach the grace so prized amongst elvenkind, but to have captured Prince Eial'annan's fascination she must have been singular amongst them. <br><br>His beloved Prince, so like himself in height and colouring, considered his memories, closing his eyes to shut out the ever-present and spoke slowly, pacing his voice to the rhythm of his recollection. “Free-spirited. Joyous and bright, like sunlit dew. Quick, with a wit as sharp as a kingfisher's beak.” He looked up at Lavil'lial and frowned, his seamless face creasing with the expression. “Brimming with sorrow,” he added at the last. “I do not think she expected much joy from her husband, the Anheuron King.”<br><br>“Did you love her?” Lavil'lial dared to ask, knowing the answer as he did, for a deepening sadness overtook the Prince's features. He regretted then using the past tense, inadvertently reminding the Prince of her eventual passing, and implying that his love could wane before the woman it had been bestowed upon faded into Twilight.</em><br><br><em>Love such as I will never again experience,</em> had been the Prince's whispered reply, and those words echoed in Lavil'lial's mind as he murmured a command into his mount's ear and watched her trot back to her position with the others. Trepidation was unknown to him, but he hesitated all the same, regarding the group paused at the foot of the stair and prepared himself. <br><br>Eyes keener than a hawk's recorded and observed, noting the three women and identifying two of them from description. The third was a mystery but he expected her to be a handmaiden, or given the seeming familiarity, perhaps a close friend. Easiest to recognize was Queen Daronna, whose beauty, until now only rumoured in his mind, was breathtaking even at this distance, and a younger girl whose regal features where almost a duplicate of her mother's, aside from her father's mouth and ears tapering to a acute tip at the apex. He felt the world stop for moment for what merely stole his breath at sight of in the elder had his heart hammering at in the younger. <em>Had this been what it was like for Eial'annan when he first met Daronna?</em>&nbsp; Lavil'lial forced himself to breathe.<br><br>Fascination was not unknown to him, nor indeed any elf. That immediate pressing attraction and thief of attentiveness was long the bane of his people. He had known brethren to become lost in the play of light on a brook or the subtle shift of wind through willow branches, enough so that they would sit for days immobile in the wash of sensual experience. He could feel it, lurking in the back of his mind, daring him to continue his examination of the Princess, to drink in the sheen of the morning sun off her chestnut locks, or to gaze into the quick brilliance of her eyes and examine the tiny nervous movements of the hands clasped at her waist. <br><br>Lavil'lial denied himself, forcefully, and instead focused on the mother, his Prince's former lover. Easier by far it was, and he was at last able to step slowly forward. She had spoken, a lilting melody that lent him further strength of will, subjecting himself to her offer and approaching. As he approached he loosened the ties that held the folds of his cloaks in place and the light fabrics unfurled in a billowing train. The dagged edges fluttered and struggled in the wind, snapping and curling the cloth in continuous undulation metered by his step. The layered garment was cut to resemble the wings of a wyrm, beating furiously as it rose to unleash fury upon its foes. It was the colour of autumn, the tiers of fabric evocative of a gusting breeze through branches not yet bared of their livery. <br><br>The elf smiled as he closed the distance, meeting the Queen's eyes and bowing fluidly once he came within a couple of dozen handspans. He flourished the edge of his undercloak, snapping the long drapes of it such that the entire garment settled behind him in a broad semicircle as he fell to one knee. “Your Grace,” he spoke, the fluid cadence of his voice carrying in the broad courtyard. “I am Legate Lavi'lial Quaed'nta, and my companions and I have come to escort your fair daughter to her father's homeland.” <br><br>Lavil'lial bowed his head and slipped a small case, intricately carved from a dark wood, from a pouch at his waist. He offered it to her with both hands, keeping his eyes on the stone steps beneath her feet. “My Prince bade I give this to you. He offered no words, and I must confess my poor tongue has been struck dumb for tales of your beauty were insufficient to prepare me for the vision of loveliness you project.” He looked up at her with his lavender gaze and smiled, allowing the fullness of his admiration for her to glow through his mask of impassivity. The Princess he ignored for the moment, not wanting to compare, and for fear that the fullness of a returned glance would immobilize him fully. <br><br><hr><br>Garef watched the elf approach the assemblage with a mixture of envy and irritation. To be treated with disdain was almost expected, but he felt as though his worth had been measured and rejected in an instant's glance and the unreasoning urge to drive his fist into the elf's face nearly undid him. Only his loyalty to his Queen saved him, and he let the clenched fingers slowly unfurl as the lithe figure stalked away. <em>This is going to be a long journey,</em> Garef mused, examining the elves at his flank from a closer distance. <br><br>From where he stood the distinctions were clearer for the motley figures yet remained stationary almost like exotic statues. Not one piece of armour was the same and every warrior was girt with a different selection of weapons. Nor were the dyes uniform. Although the wafting garments all were displayed in complimenting hues, it was as though they had encouraged the very plants and animals to rise up and pattern them with all the assortment of nature. They were imposing, undeniably so. Had he been a lone warrior, afoot, he would have quailed at the sight of them bearing down on him, and he dared not imagine a circumstance where that might become necessary. <em>Perhaps there was justified reason for the disdain,</em> he allowed.<br><br>Drawing himself away, Garef followed their leader, booted steps loud in the wake of his newfound ally's light grace. He did not enjoy the unsettling feeling creeping through him, nor did his mettle ride well with this travelling companion. <em>Arrogant. Flamboyant. Dismissive.</em> he summed with every step. Taking up position to the left of the elf, and far enough back that peripheral vision would not immediately reveal him, Garef heard the elf's address, glowered his way through the compliment and awaited his Queen's response. <br><br>Looking up at the Princess he wondered what the elf would think of her. She possessed all of the grace of her mother, and much of the curiosity and playfulness of Daronna's youth. Garef remembered well his childhood as a squire in her father's castle, her nearing the age of marriage and doting on a younger cousin so far from his home. He had fallen in love with her, foolish childhood infatuation that is was, and never really let go of the wistful desire despite her endless love for her elvish Prince and gradual affection for her ever-patient husband.&nbsp; As such he saw Revelia like a little sister to him in many ways, although he doubted she thought much more of him that an annoying fixture at her mother's constant attention.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Jewel of Two Crowns (Aelfric and Bliss)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bliss</strong> on <strong>09-04-2008, 21:56:14</strong>
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				None of the women could quite help it - as the elf snapped out his cloak and sank to his knee into a perfectly elegant picture, they each drew a soft breath. Daronna's let out a moment later, the smile upon her lips quirking just a little; an odd expression flitted through her eyes, and was gone, saw perhaps by none except the light-eyed elf who offered the small, dark case up to her. She was, of the three upon the bottom-most stair, most intimately used to the grace that lived naturally in each movement of elvenkind, and yet even still it affected her. Where humans were tied to sea and rock, elves seemed always to be creatures of air and starlight, and never did she see one of them but she was reminded of how it felt to be looked upon by one with the intense passion that echoed inside as if it might forever sustain her with the energy of pure emotion. "I offer to you my thanks for conveying it safely unto my hands, and bid you to relay him my thanks as well, and a proper letter will be forthcoming," the queen said quietly, words meant for no more than the very few close enough to hear them. The sunlight gleamed off the richly toned wood as if it had just been oiled and polished, and the queen let her fingertips drift across the surface of it before letting her arm fall, and turning to raise a hand to Revelia's shoulder.<br><br>"Legate Lavi'lial Quaed'nta, meet Our daughter, Revelia of Anheuron. The light of Our life and the future of Our house, We think We need not tell you how very precious she is to... Us." Voice lifted and tone changed, Daronna made the introduction with the royal plural - perhaps to impress upon all those present the gravity of giving over her daughter into the care of others. Perhaps to disguise a subtle reference, hidden in that small last word.<br><br>Revelia's shoulders straightened subtly as her mother turned toward her, and with a few words and a lifted hand drew all the eyes of the courtyard squarely upon her, human and elf alike. She'd let out the unintentional breath she'd taken just after her mother had, but while other eyes had stayed upon the Legate, hers had lifted, looking toward those nearest before her to see how others reacted to the strange beauty of that perfectly curved line of the edge of cloth, and she found herself looking instead at Garef. An odd expression tightened the corner of his dark eyes, and thoughtlessly her teeth caught at the inside of her lip. He appeared almost... resentful. But why? Was it of the grace and dignity of the kneeling elf, in comparison to his self? Or was it perhaps at her, for being the reason for a journey that would take him far from her mother's side?<br><br>She knew he had a single-minded devotion to their queen's service, loyalty strong than most of the other men who ranked under his command, though there was never any thought but that they would fight like beasts for the sake of their Queen, if need be. Never had it occurred to her what it was about her mother that garnered such selfless devotion, but now she wondered - a wondering that held her attention just long enough that she was slightly belated in lowering her eyes once more to meet the Legate's lavender gaze, and to offer him a smile, and one of her hands. "Glad I am to meet you, Legate Lavi'lial Quaed'nta," she said, and where her mother was able to curl her mouth perfectly around the man's oddly-inflected name, it tasted strange upon her tongue. She had to stop herself from trying to repeat it just to see how the sounds moved. "I bid you welcome, and thanks for your presence among this company. I had a letter from your prince," she said more quietly, "who told me that I might trust you as I would him."<br><br>Carefully she said 'your prince'; to call him 'her prince', or her anything, even in quiet tones, would be begging the patience of the king who had quietly suffered these many years the evidence of his wife's great and distant love.<br><br>Beside her, finally, Proseline let out a long and silent sigh of the breath that she had taken, only because her lungs refused to hold it no longer. Only ever from a distance had she seen the messengers and ambassadors who had traveled hither from the Summer Country, and to be so close to one now was like being struck with the all-over strangeness of him. Pale of hair and oddly coloured eye, mismatched clothing and armor that seemed to glisten in the sunlight as if metals had been crushed into it. It was unlike anything she'd known, this elf-man, and she teetered upon the balancing edge of revulsion and fascination. He was completely and unabashedly inhuman, in ways she'd not expected.<br><br>Daronna's eyes lifted to Garef, while her daughter spoke, and she gave him a slow, definite inclination of her head. "Commander Garef of Ursiron, I see that you've taken the initiative to introduce yourself to Legate Quaed'nta. Into his care and yours, I now entrust the issue of my House - I know that you will not guard her with anything less than the care and confidence that you have always shown in my service."<br><br>With that, the older women stepped back, and up a step. It brought her head level with Revelia's, but also made it clear that she felt no need for further speech-making, and Javon who had waited several steps back and to the side circled silently down and around to one of the two horses that awaited, fixing the bag the princess had so carefully packed to the rear of the saddle on her mare.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Jewel of Two Crowns (Aelfric and Bliss)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aelfric</strong> on <strong>14-04-2008, 05:59:58</strong>
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				Enchanted. Few words could describe better the serene rapture that descended on Lavil'lial as he turned his gaze from Queen Daronna and fastened it on the Princess Revelia. It enfolded him in a soft blanketing fascination, suffusing his thoughts and awareness with every tiny detail of the lovely maiden. Had her face been turned to his, he doubted he could resist the sublime rapture of the fullness of her gaze, but as it was he had the chance to drink in her beauty and inure himself to the transfixing effect she had on him. The curve of her jaw, the soft sensual lips and delicate cheeks and nose drew his lavender gaze and he had to remember to draw breath. Her eyes were narrowed in thought, the brow furrowed as though those imaginings distressed her, and he realized that it was the human Commander that her attention was fixed upon. <br><br>He wondered what it was about the human that had her vexed so, but he had not the chance to explore his curiosity as her eyes, dark and welcoming like deep pools of azure light, shifted to examine him and the world surrounding the fair elf faded into obscurity. Her smile graced those perfect lips with a radiance that challenged the sun, and her cheeks coloured as though&nbsp; reflecting the heat in his own. How long he stood there, entranced by her loveliness, snared by her aura and gentle spirit he could not say. His chest felt tight, and his eyes dry when he finally broke the spell. She spoke, her words in the same lilting tone as her mother, and he watched in fascination as her mouth formed to the shape and sound of his name. <br><br>Lavil'lial drew in a heavy breath and stood, the fluid motion bringing him to his full height, a head above that of the Queen, standing on the step before him. He swept his arms behind him and sidestepped in a rippling current of fabric and glittering armour before throwing a leg behind him and bowing deeply before Princess Revelia. “You grace me with your words, Princess. I can say with absolute authority that my Prince is most anxious for your safe arrival.” He was tempted to take her hand and press it to his lips, but the act would be uncouth, especially given that it was not offered. In his society touch was sacred, even between lovers each meeting was approached with respect tinged by uncertainty of physical affection. The desire for her touch was unmistakable and he fought the urge with silent grace. <br><br>Drawing himself fully upright, Lavil'lial met Revelia's eyes with his own and gave her a considering look. Not all of the elven principalities were in agreement with on another, and many alliances were tense. Bonded word was&nbsp; held in the highest esteem and was broken only on the threat of death. The Su'reilawei were the strongest of the Summer Kingdoms, and he had served them without regret for nearly seven centuries. What he did in that moment was impulsive and he often considered it later, although never with remorse, even at the end as Twilight approached. The elf lord, long the unerring servant of his Prince, drew his sword with a ringing shout and dropped to one knee before the maiden who was his liege's child. He bowed his head, golden locks falling about his face, set the ancient blade at her feet and with his next words broke faith with Eial'annan, his Prince and dearest friend. “This sword is yours, Princess. Drawn at your will and in your defence may it serve you until the path of your life leads you into Twilight. It would be my deepest honour if you would allow me to bear it, and wield it at your command.”&nbsp; Eial'annan would have to forgive him, or the end of this journey might mean his life. <br><br><hr><br>Garef felt Revelia's eyes upon him and he broke his concentration on the elven Legate to return her intense regard. Those blue orbs, the exact shade of her mother's, examined him with what he imagined as irritation. Perhaps she resented his inclusion in the escort. While he had often campaigned with the army, when at court he was a constant fixture at her mother's side. Revelia might see him as a chaperone of sorts, her mother's eyes and agent on this progress. His inclusion had been long decided, however, and as a matter of practicality. The Queen did not trust anyone from her retinue so deeply as she did Garef, and her confidence in his skills and devotion to her daughter's safety was unshakable. His thoughts turned inward, even as her attention drifted from him to the elf. <br><br><em>“Is it not terrible, Commander, to love one whose devotion is lost in another?” The King of the Anhueron stood with his back to the room, watching the sun set over the dark waters that guarded his home. The guards had been dismissed, and Garef felt awkward alone in the presence of his King.<br><br>He shifted on his feet and examined his liege. “I would not presume to know, Sire,” he replied, the tension of the King's lament taut as a bowstring strung between the two men. “I cannot claim to have loved,” he added haltingly.<br><br>Rikkeld Anhueron turned from his introspection slowly, and examined the Commander. “Politic statements do not suit you Garef, you have been part of Our household long enough for you to be frank.” The King sighed and motioned for him to sit with him. “There are hardly secrets between us.”<br><br>Garef moved closer, curiosity at this new-found familiarity overcoming his wariness. On the morrow the Queen's bastard daughter, ever a painful reminder and silent source of disquiet between the monarchs, would be gone from court, perhaps never to return. “No, sire, there are few secrets here.” he agreed, waiting for his liege to be seated before sinking into the high-backed chair, upholstered in lush velvets. <br><br>“I will not be in attendance tomorrow,” Rikkeld admitted, watching Garef for a reaction. “From your lack of surprise I assume you have been informed.” He took Garef's silence as assent and continued. “I accept that my absence might pain the Princess, but I cannot...” the King looked away for a moment, and when his gaze returned Garef could see tears welling. It was a startlingly revealing sight, for as long as Garef had known him Rikkeld had been a great warlord, given to few emotional outbursts and never showing signs of weakness. “She is a daughter that will never be mine.” he stated, seizing control of himself with a firm even tone. “Yet I love her all the same.” He looked up at Garef challengingly. “Few would credit that, but she brings light and joy to this court, such that should have been when her mother first arrived. To watch her leave would see me undone, and I cannot allow that.”<br><br>There was along silence, which the commander felt inclined to fill, “You need not explain yourself to me, sire.”<br><br>“No,” Rikkeld replied slowly, “I do not. I do, however, need you to understand that I intend her no harm.” Garef listened intently, aware that the Queen felt quite the opposite. “Theosis, I fear, is another matter. It is not my place to make apologies for my son, for he is his own man now.” The King sat still and seemed absorbed in his thoughts. “I fear that his impulsiveness will lead him astray. In this I urge you to be cautious of any and all outriders.” He grimaced and clutched the armrests. “I also counsel you to be on your guard with the elves. I can guarantee you that not all of their houses will be pleased by her arrival. From what I understand, half-elves such as her are rare, and not always viewed fondly.”<br></em><br>Garef's memory was cut short by the ringing of steel drawn from a scabbard, and the glinting sun on the edge of an exotically curved blade, It was all the tale he needed to fuel a distrust seeded and nurtured within him since the late conversation with his King. His own sword cleared its sheath with a grace that would have startled an unfamiliar observer, and he darted forward with the intent to drive its honed tip through the newcomer's spine. He stopped short, however, upon seeing the blade placed at Revelia's feet and he was awash with chagrin. <br><br>Letting out a heavy breath he turned his drawn sword, reversed to better pierce the plated armour with a two-handed grip, blade down and grounded it at his feet, before looking up at his Queen. Her speech to him then seemed tinged with sarcasm, although she certainly held no reproach in her cerulean eyes. He met her gaze and nodded, for no further acknowledgement was needed between them of his trust. He would die before allowing harm to come to Revelia, and had in that moment shown his unflinching intent. Garef resettled his focus on the elf, and awaited the Princess' response. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Jewel of Two Crowns (Aelfric and Bliss)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bliss</strong> on <strong>18-04-2008, 22:59:37</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The only sound in the courtyard seemed to be the twin rings of drawing steel, as each man here sworn to accompany and protect the daughter of two very different Royal houses brought forth their weapons in the presence of Princess and Queen - the simultaneous stiffening of every human guard in the courtyard was a soundless thing, not one of them thinking for a moment that to touch their own weaponry would offer any more protection to the ladies than that afforded by Garef, as he stepped toward the elf.<br><br>Lavil'lial's offering was clear, even to those who could not hear the words he spoke to the princess, and though most were well-trained enough to hold their whispers to a later time, there was one who was both close enough to hear the words, and knowledgable enough about elven ways to understand the import of what had just happened. A quiet gasp escaped Daronna's lips, before her eyes turned to fall upon Garef once more. Even in the warmth of late morning sun, she'd gone a little pale, but gave the commanding guardsman a faint nod - acknowledging both his dedication to the task for which she'd chosen him, and the quickness with which he'd responded not only to briefly perceived danger, but to the realization of what was actually occurring.<br><br>The sudden draw of blades, one and two, widened Proseline's eyes as well, and she watched and listened with silent wonderment as the tall creature that stood before them, gazing unflinchingly up at her friend, offered his to the Princess' service. Many things she had been promised, by many men, and sometimes she had dared them to follow through upon their promises before granting them her careful favor, but there was a purity, a swift and unabashed completeness in the way that the elf offered his sword to Revelia's service that made those many promises somehow seem unenviably fleeting. Subtly, she stepped closer to Revelia, shoulders brushing green cloth against blue, and Revelia's hand slipped almost imperceptibly backward through the cloth, seeking the other girl's hand that she knew was waiting to clasp it and to squeeze. Knuckles turned almost white in a little line of soft bumps, but the touch was enough for each young woman to steady the other.<br><br>"I would be remiss, Legate Lavil'lial Quaed'nta, in doing aught but accepting the honor of your blade in my service." At her other side, there was the faintest sound in her mother's through, almost like that of a dove being strangled, and though she wondered what it might be that she was blundering through in this exchange, Revelia knew enough that to refuse an offer would be an insult, and certainly not one she could afford to give to one of the men who was meant to protect and guide her to her new home. "It is my sincerest hope that I shall have no occasion to call for your blade upon this journey, but it gladdens my heart and soothes my spirit to know it might be availed of me."<br><br>Often she had seen the knighting of men in her not-quite-father's court, and so that was her guide now as she stepped down off the step, gently disengaging from Proseline's hand to lift a hand - for she had no sword of her own - and lay palm and fingers for a brief moment upon his right shoulder, her arm crossing between them. "I accept and thank you for the offer of your sword, Legate Lavil'lial Quaed'nta."<br><br>A brief silence followed that hung in the courtyard, sapphire eyes gazing with unabashed curiosity into lavender, until Proseline stepped up beside Revelia as well, and one of the horses far down the lines of men whinnied softly. It drew her attention from the moment, and her fingertips tailed softly off the fine cloth of the cloak that draped the elf's shoulder. "Let us be off, then, and all the sooner gain that distant destination that awaits us." Her voice, lifted with a light confidence that she did not entirely feel, stirred everyone to action, and she afforded the kneeling Legate a widening of her ever-present smile as she spoke beneath the sudden controlled chaos of readiness. "Rise, and let us go."<br><br>Then she was turning, catching up her mother's hands to squeeze, press her lips to knuckles with unabashed affection, and receiving in turn a kiss upon her fair brow, and whispered words that reached no ears other than her own, and gained a long look and slow nod in return before the princess was released to walk swiftly past Garef to her horse, Proseline moving quickly at nearly a run to catch up with the strides. A small single-horse wagon waited as well, carrying the provisions for the journey and necessities for encampment.<br><br>It was with a comfortable, practiced grace that the two young women swung up to the horses, setting carefully side-saddle and each holding their own reins; perched on the seaside though the castle was, the boats of the land were not unknown to them by far, and when all were mounted and ready, and with a last backward look and wave to her mother and the Castle behind her (for it did not escape Revelia that though for many reasons few had come formally to the Departure, there were numerous faces watching with avid interest from windows that overlooked the yard), she set a gentle heel to her mount's light side, and the company moved to file out the arching stone gate.<br><br>And if one of the pairs of eyes watching from a high window was that of her Not-father, the King of Anheuron, it escaped her notice.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Jewel of Two Crowns (Aelfric and Bliss)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aelfric</strong> on <strong>23-04-2008, 03:55:42</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The two men eyed one anther warily, blades held loosely in their hands. Garef moved to sheathe his blade and in mocking unison, the elf Lavil'lial, slid his own sword home with an elegance that Garef grudgingly admired. The Commander offered his hand once more, wondering if the elf would dare ignore it again in front of so noble an audience, and was privately pleased to see the discomfort evidenced on Lavil'lial's features as his hand was gripped tightly in return. “Well met, Legate,” he said, not daring to attempt pronunciation of a name far beyond his rough tongue's grace. “We will need to discuss deployment, and watches, although today's travel should be free of peril.”<br><br>The elf inclined his head, ever so slightly, in response, eyes flickering in seeming contempt for Garef's men. “I am certain we all have our strengths,” he allowed, voice even, “and weaknesses.” He smiled slightly. “We can find time to discuss them.” Lavil'lial turned and bowed deeply again to the Queen then strode for his mount without further word to the Captain. His horse approached without prompting, and the lithe figure leapt into the saddle with liquid dexterity. <br><br><em>Pillock,</em> Garef muttered under his breath, watching him mount. He bowed to his Queen, placing a hand over his heart. “You have my warrant,” he vowed when he straightened, “My life for hers. I will see her safe to the Summer Country.” A solemness lingered between the two of them, pangs of parting and long companionship, before he backed away. Once he reached his stallion he donned his helm and pulled himself up into the saddle with deceptive ease, despite heavy armour. <br><br>Garef signalled to Theryl and wheeled his horse around to follow the elves, who had already enclosed around the princess and Lady Proseline. He sighed as he urged his mount and half his men forward and past the elves. Point and rearguard then it would be, at least for the day, alongside a generous dollop of irritation. He glanced at the pair, sheltered in an elliptical array of elegant guards, alien and strange, stately while clearly displaying an eclectic and artistic flair. The gnawing in his belly felt like indigestion, but he knew in the hidden valleys of his heart that it was jealousy. For all his men's training and experience, it was but a fraction of what the immortals could offer. Garef had never felt so superfluous. <br><br><hr><br>Lavil'lial nudged his mare with delicate grace toward the Princess' mount, silently commanding his companions to encircle the pair in a protective wall. Ienia alone rode ahead, her eyes the sharpest, the layers of her cloak billowing in the wake of her passage until to his perspective she was little larger than the nail of his thumb. Lavil'lial doubted the human guards would even notice her once they were in the trackless grasslands a day's ride to the east. The folds of his own cloak were carefully tucked and tied to avoid distracting the princess, although enough of it trailed behind him to provide cover for her from ranged attacks. He glanced around and was satisfied with the arrangement of his escort, then pressed his knees to impel his mount to begin the progress. Side-saddle as the women were, their speed would be hobbled, but there was at the moment no pressing urgency to their pace and he remained silent on the issue. <br><br>The Legate studiously avoided looking at Revelia directly, or indeed her travelling companion. It was a matter of self-preservation, for he could sense the drawing allure of his fascination for her and he feared being rendered speechless and oblivious to the dawning world around him. That he could not afford, however compelling the call those azure eyes were to him. Instead he focused on riding; first through the town, busy with the morning catch and ships new come to port, and then into the rolling fields of grazing land surrounding the settlement. <br><br>The stench was lessened in town, made fresh by the air blowing across the bay, although even on the cobbled streets he saw signs of refuse and filth, and alarming poverty. There were few class distinctions in elven society. Food was gathered or hunted at need, and crafts made by those who desired the art. Monetary trade, excepting that conducted with outsiders, was unheard of and thus penury non-existent. To see the destitute state of some of the residents here , even at the capital, made him wonder how humans could condone such suffering amongst their own people. Part of him wanted to ask, but the populous area dwindled before he could form an appropriate turn of phrase and he allowed the distressing thoughts to dissipate with the warming spring day.<br><br>Once on the meadows, Lavil'lial at last turned to his new liege and smiled, fiercely resisting the keening siren call of his fascination, although the breeze on her hair and the sunlight shining on her milky skin only worsened the struggle. “I hope that the day finds you well Princess Revelia, and Lady,” he paused and then frowned, the crease marring his seamless features. “I believe in our haste to depart I missed properly introducing myself. My most sincere apologies, dear Lady.” He managed a fluid bow whilst maintaining pace, and then smiled at the both of them, his violet eyes sparkling in the sun.<br><br>“I did wish to convey that while my principle purpose is to see you safe, my...” this time the pause was more evident, and a flush suffused his expression. Eial'annan was not <em>his</em> Prince, not any more. “Prince Eial'annan requested that I provide for any curiosity you might have towards our homeland. Please feel free to make any inquiries as desired, I shall not take offence.” He looked away for a moment, then returned his gaze. “Once in the Summer Country, however, displays of ignorance may be to your detriment,” he admitted. “I will be at your side to answer any questions should that arise, however.” &nbsp;Provided of course, that Eial'annan did not exact punishment for breaking his bond to him. Lavil'lial smiled wanly, and awaited his liege's word. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Jewel of Two Crowns (Aelfric and Bliss)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bliss</strong> on <strong>23-04-2008, 20:56:53</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Riding through town was so very familiar a thing to both young women, and yet they looked around them with new and hungry eyes; it did not escape either one of them that it would be quite some time before they saw such mundane things again as had been ever taken for granted - the thick stone that made up many of the houses of the seashore city, the hawk of fish sellers and the ever-present salt of sea breeze. In their youth, before womanhood had sprouted and the princess and her friend had been allowed a somewhat freer measure to roam the city, and had explored delightedly while under the watchful eye of discreet guards.<br><br>The trip now was something else entirely - not only because each knew it was to be quite some time before they saw the place again, and not just because it was a view from horseback as adults, rather than from the level of childish underfoot scurrying, but also because it was seen from within the loosely protective ring of elves, straightbacked and silent. Revelia was quite used to being stared at - it was a part of life as who she was, to be watched over or looked at with curiosity of some flavor. But now there was a new coloration to the stares; eyes that had absorbed her had often relayed the sight of the lithe woman into their minds and categorized the princess as being someone of rare beauty, and her bloodline much-gossiped about as people tried to imagine what it was in her that was uniquely elven instead of human. Now, with her odd and protective retinue, they had a direct source against which to make comparison - able to whisper as she passed about how like the mismatched and yet beautiful elf-folk riding with her were the young woman's eyes, the set of her bones.<br><br>It didn't exactly damage her pleasant, adventurous demeanour, but often she exchanged looks with Proseline as snatches of conversation reached both slightly elongated and round ears alike. Simply being used to being openly talked about did not necessarily mean that one ever quite got used to it.<br><br>Finally reaching the edge of town and striking out into the countryside was a relief, then, rather than a sadness.<br><br>As they rode at the easy gait that had been set, Proseline watched in silent relief as the elven contingent, which had been closed around the two girls, moved like one unit to expand their circle - never leaving an opportunity for danger, it seemed, but drifting very deliberately away from the pair to set a broader circle around them. Her curiosity lingered still, hand-in-hand with her unease around them. Unselfconsciously, she looked them over, one by one, attempting without realizing it to find some manner of theme, some common color that somehow tied them all together, identifying them or giving them rank.<br><br>Her concentration was broken by the fluid sound of their leader's voice on Revelia's far side, and at his contrite confession that he did not know her name, she leaned forward a little to see him around the princess, and offered a polite smile. "No apology is necessary, sir; I am Prosline of Celenton." More she might have said, but the Legate's attention seemed, aside from his perfectly elegant apology an inquiry, to be fixed entirely upon the princess. That satisfied Proseline just fine - it gave her the chance to continue her observations, and to listen, without yet needing to contribute. Normally with any man, the young noblewoman felt after a few moments quite at ease in any kind of conversation; lesser minds would have called the girl a coquette for the ease with which she conversed and lightened hearts. But these elves did not strike her to be quite so simply divined as a human man's, and she wanted to learn more before delving into her favorite pasttime among them. Though that captain, Garef - her mind drifted betime to thought of him, wondering how tight a hold he might be keeping on the men in his contingent, and upon himself.<br><br>Revelia might have guessed at least a little at the direction of her friend's thoughts, had she but paid attention to them. But instead, she gladly favored the Legate with a smile as he rode up to join them, setting his horse alongside her own and revealing the dual purpose of his presence. "Then I believe I must offer you, and he, my thanks yet again. There is I am certain so very much that I do not know of the Summer country and it's people. I have no wish or intent to offer offense nor trouble, either during this journey nor after our arrival, so I think I will spend much time taxing you to teach me even the things that you would expect a child half my age to know with ease."<br><br><em>"What can you tell me of them, mother, of the elves?" A child of 8 summers standing at the window gazing out at the many colored sails bobbing upon the harbor, Revelia had tossed the question thoughtlessly over her shoulder to her mother the Queen whilst in her majesty's chambers, working at a fine bit of embroidery upon a handkerchief for the Prince's upcoming birthday.<br><br>"They are..." Daronna had begun the sentence automatically, and then thought better of her words, the handkerchief lowering to her lap as she turned to gaze at her half-blooded daughter. The eternal reminder of what she'd had and lost always brought a wistful smile to Daronna's lips when no one was looking, and this time was no different. "They are strange, Revelia my sweet, and they are beautiful. Their lives to ours are like ours to an ants, and in the full course of such an expanse of time they gather to themselves learning and experience that dwarf what even the greatest of our scholars and warriors might together offer. They are careful; they are elegant. An insult might live forever among them, but so might devotion."<br><br>The queen had risen, and joined the girl at the window; already the princess was as tall as to reach her mother's shoulder, and the Queen bent to press her lips to the crown of the girl's head, lingering for a moment in the imagination that she could nearly catch the sweet scent of sugared greens in the warmth of her daughter's hair. "They undertake nothing lightly."</em><br><br>The distantly remembered conversation drifted now through the princess's mind as they rode, and the hand not occupied with the rein's lifted to catch an errant wisp of her own dark hair as it fluttered across the line of her cheekbone in the warm breeze, and draw it back, though when she released it the strands drifted forward again, tickling her cheek. "Anything at all you might teach me would be of aid," she admitted softly to the legate. For example, greetings... today's departure was somewhat formal, and I do not imagine that such greeting as you gave me was common? I hope I did nothing that might've had potential to offend? How should I introduce myself - or should I expect instead to be introduced?"<br><br>Unflagging, her blue gaze sought his, bright with youth and hope and curiosity as she pressed questions to him, taking his offer of knowledge and assistance entirely to heart.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Jewel of Two Crowns (Aelfric and Bliss)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aelfric</strong> on <strong>29-04-2008, 05:44:43</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				“He seems a right prig, I'm surprised you didn't run 'im through, Commander. Y' looked like y' were intendin' to, whatever he said to y'.”&nbsp; Theryl's voice drew Garef from his brooding and brought light laughter to his throat. Always had his sergeant known what to say in order to bring him from a darkened mood. <br><br>“I wanted to, trust me.” The commander tossed a glance back at the party and suppressed a grimace. How they would have seen it behind the mask of his helm he could not have said, but habitual stoicism was difficult to depart from. Life as a guard, however trusted, had taught him more about politics and careful expressions than he had ever desired to learn. “I hope it does not come to that.”<br><br>“As you say, sir.” Therl's tone conveyed considerable sardonic humour. “They've the look of a people that need a proper hiding, if you take my meaning.” He coughed and spat out a wad of phlegm to the side of his horse. “Still, thousands years've likely taught 'em a thing or two 'bout fighting.” Theryl's mount danced to the side, avoiding an unseen pitfall and he unconsciously shifted his weight to compensate. <br><br>“I have no doubt they have a collection of considerable talent,” Garef replied in an even tone. His feelings of inadequacy had burned away in the springtime sun, but the irritation had not faded. He had to be careful not to let it show, as any disrespect he held towards their allies might well translate to his men, and he could not allow that. He accepted that their aloofness could be his own imaginings, and more a cultural distinction, but Lavil'lial had spoken with a tone that left little to misinterpret.<br><br>The commander looked back at the group and grudgingly admired the myriad assembly of warriors surrounding Revelia and Proseline.&nbsp; They were superb riders, moving with their mounts as though one creature. The barding matched their riders', and seemed to hinder the beauteous horses not at all. Mares to a one, they stepped with the same grace as their masters. His own men's mounts were hardy stallions, towering over their allies' but with considerably less poise. He could hear the muted chain armour jingling with each hoof beat, even from the rearguard. <br><br>Returning his eyes on the horizon, Garef squinted through his visor and <em>thought</em> he could spy the elf that had ridden ahead. Cursing under his breath for the diminished vision he flipped open the faceplate and searched until he was certain. While it was impossible to be sure, the patterns on the armour and subtle shape of the waist and torso implied that the elf was female. It was odd to consider a woman fighting alongside them, but he found the idea intriguing. He had been raised to shelter and treasure women, for they were the fairer, yet weaker sex. He wondered if elven women were as frail. <br><br>“Find Evard,” he said slowly, careful not to let his voice carry past Theryl's ears. “Have him ride ahead and meet the elf scouting our route. I'd like him to attempt a conversation and collaborate. Let us see if their mask of impassivity holds when they are alone.” Evard was the youngest of the squad, and admittedly the fairest. He also spoke with a clear Anheuron accent, having been raised in the lowland kingdom since he was a small child. As such he would be easer to understand than the rest of his men to a non-native listener, for most of the others save himself had a thick highland drawl. <br><br>“And keep an eye out, I find my self desirous of the Princess' company.” Garef tugged back on the reigns, held loosely in his shield hand, and allowed the slower progress of the guarding elves to catch up to his position. He was startled and a little impressed, when without pause the wall of warriors parted around him, allowing him into the center of the encircled group, alone with the pair of maidens and the Legate. He had expected resistance, and so with wordless acceptance he increased his pace to match and listened to the Princess and Lavil'lial converse, nodding in respect to Proseline, the only one of the three who appeared to have noticed his entrance.<br><br><hr><br>Lavil'lial considered Princess Revelia's question for a moment, too long of one for propriety, but he had difficulty forming the right words in her tongue. He finally met her eyes, dazzled by their sapphire depths and answered, avoiding the most of her question adroitly. “No, my greeting would not be considered <em>normal</em> under any circumstance. You may, of course expect to <em>be</em> introduced, although your hair, if not your features, will unmistakably proclaim your identity once it is known you have arrived in the kingdoms.” He smiled tightly and looked away, lost in thought.<br><br>The difficulty was not in what to say, but rather how to convey the critical elements of life in the <em>Tapai'd'rioch</em>, the lineages, the clans and classes, the seven kingdoms and their rulers, including her father's mother, who was perhaps the greatest and fiercest of them all. He had few Anhueron words sufficient enough to express the beauty and majesty of <em>Tir'an Claud'aigh'ba,</em> her family's seat, nestled on the shores of the <em>Siar'muira</em>, which the humans called the Western Sea, or the rolling silver glades of <em>Draioch'a'chol</em> shining in the summer sun. He wanted to tell her how welcome she would be, coming into her father's land, but he could not, for few even expected her arrival. Also, how could he yet express the risk he had placed himself in to offer himself fully into her service?<br><br>This thoughts at last settled he returned his gaze to the Princess, noting that as he did so that the Commander of the human warriors had stopped in order to join their group. <em>So be it</em>, Lavil'lial thought darkly. This Garef might as well hear what was to be said, for there were dangers to be warded against and he and his men needed to be on their guard. Lavil'lial's eyes flicked to Siel'ethe's and with unspoken command his companions parted way sufficiently to allow the Commander access. The Legate did not deign to acknowledge him, something about the man rankled him and he suspected it had as much to do with his unknown relation to Princess Revelia as it did with the man's imposing authority. At the moment it mattered little, and he instead focused his attention on the Princess.<br><br>His fascination with her had not diminished, although he found he could sate it by examining her face while conversing with her. If he allowed it to fall to her neck or to the locks of hair he was lost, but his focus was certain, and the words came easily to his lips. “In not knowing the extent of your education, I am at a loss of where to begin, but I will convey two keys things you must know now, at the outset, so that you are prepared for them when we cross into the Summer Countries, or the <em>Tapai'd'rioch</em> as it is called to my people. <br><br>“The first, and perhaps the one most pressing, is that your existence is not widely known outside of the borders of your family's lands. Half-bloods are uncommon, and there are more radical elements of our faith that feel such union is an abhorrence to the gifts the gods have given us.” His expression remained neutral throughout, and his raptor's gaze was unbroken in its intensity. “I tell you this not to frighten, but rather to forewarn you. You may trust, without fail, any elf in this party, your father and your grandmother. Outside of that circle you must take great care. While there are few that will take active steps to injure you, many would see you fall for the hurt it might cause your family.”<br><br>Lavil'lial paused and gathered his words, trepidation at his rash action creeping into his expression. “The second thing you must know, is that I have sworn an oath to you father, to live and serve him all of my days. Such oaths are not undertaken lightly, and indeed are not common even among those who serve loyally for centuries. The details of why are irrelevant, but suffice to say such an oath can only be broken by the one it was sworn to, on pain of death.” He straightened and allowed his gaze to fall upon the fullness of her, drinking in the sight as a man drowning. “I broke faith this morning when I swore that oath to you, and there may come a time when your father will call for his due.” He breathed in heavily, and let the tension slip away with the slow exhalation. “For that I apologize, as my time in your service may last only the extent of our journey.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Jewel of Two Crowns (Aelfric and Bliss)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bliss</strong> on <strong>02-05-2008, 23:18:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Revelia’s blue eyes met his strange lavender ones without fear or reservation; the humans were entirely straightforward in the regard of paying attention to those to whom they were speaking. If she realized that there might be any kind of strange and untoward reason for the length of his pause before he answered her, other than to collect his thoughts as the glances away from her seemed to indicate, it certainly didn’t show in her open, trusting smile.<br><br>Some many long minutes they road after he began to answer her queries, during which a shift in the smooth circle of elves caught the corner of her eye, and she glanced that way long enough to see that Garef had slowed and was being let in to join with them. Inwardly she sighed, though outward sign of her quiet discomfort with the man was kept to but a slight tightening at the corners of her eyes, and a minute shift in the curve of her smile.<br><br><em>Why was it that the man feels the need to hover so?</em> Always he had done so with her mother, or so it seemed; rarely had they been ever able to go anywhere but that the group of men from the Queen’s guard accompanying them included him in particular, and he was always nearby, always watchful. Always, she quietly imagined, critical of the Queen’s eldest, the proof of infidelity. <em>Perhaps that’s why he’s come,</em> Revelia thought, knowing it uncharitable but unable but to think it in her drestrained discomfort with his presence, <em>to make sure the proof that his Queen was anything but perfect was finally well and truly gone from Anheuron.</em><br><br>Her silent gaze remained on the Legate even as she entertained these suppositions, and soon enough he spoke again, his eyes locked unwaveringly upon her own as he spoke, giving first warning… and then a confession that shocked a soft gasp from the princess, who went slowly pale. That she as a half-blood might be regarded in a land of strangers with suspicion and possibly dislike was not outside the realm of the speculation she had entertained; there were those that had smiled to her face and yet whispered dark things about what her elven blood might make her do even in the very Castle of Anheuron.<br><br>“You broke a vow to my father in order to make one to me…” she repeated what he’d just said softly, and in brief, unconsciously breathless as if she'd actually been set a blow to the stomach by his words, and on the other side Proseline, who was in the midst of quiet smile and nod of murmured greeting to the man who had joined them, looked round at her friend, recognizing the shock and even slight sound of confused horror in the Princess’ voice. “But…” the word ‘why’ died half-formed on her lips, gazing at the graceful elf riding by her side. The depth of shock she felt, washed coldly through her veins, told the royal girl just how deeply she’d taken to heart the oath he’d given to her, and to know that he’d already made such a one and broken it brought up too many possibilities and questions to actually put that simple, single question to him. She did not know if she wanted to hear any answer just yet, not until she’d had time to consider it.<br><br>“For the first time I find myself hoping the journey to be a long one,” she murmured with a wan smile, and finally broke with his gaze, urging her mount despite her words to a slightly faster gait to draw away from the others.<br><br>Proseline watched her friend push forward, toward the front of the broad circle of elven riders, and glance not then to the Legate, but at Garef. She’d been so ready to strike up conversation with him, to begin the first little foray of attempts at flirting to keep herself diverted while Revelia’s attention was diverted with putting the sword of eager questions to her elven companion, but it seemed that the chance was not to be, not yet.<br><br>“Pardon me for a moment, won’t you?” She had the chance to offer him an apologetic smile, at least, and the offer of a resumption in the near future of conversation that hadn’t properly begun, before she too kicked up her horse to catch up with her Princess just ahead, trying to keep from openly frowning her concern.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Jewel of Two Crowns (Aelfric and Bliss)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aelfric</strong> on <strong>11-05-2008, 18:39:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Garef rode beside the elf in silence for a while, long enough for the princess and Proseline to be out of earshot. At last he looked over at Lavil'lial and gifted him with an appraising look before arching an eyebrow and speaking. “While not intending offence, Legate,” he began slowly, “I have to wonder what will keep your <em>allegiance</em> from changing again?” His eyes narrowed and he returned his gaze to the Princess for a long moment before examining the elf once more. “It is a considerable journey to the even the borders of the <em>Tapai'd'rioch</em>, if the maps are correct, and much of it through the masterless wilds.” Face hardening Garef scanned the elf's face for any sign of deception. “I need to know if I can trust you.”<br><br>A chill descended between them, the very air seemingly frozen by Lavil'lial's considerable will and silent intensity as he returned Garef's gaze. It was delivered with the poise and subtlety of a fall frost and Garef shivered involuntarily. He did not halt in his appraising look, however, and gave no outward sign of his discomfort. The elf narrowed his eyes, slightly as though warding the brightness of the sun. “You presume to understand the nuances of a relationship that has existed longer than your very nation. I would forgive that, but doing so would be akin to forgiving a child its ignorance; little else is expected, or required.” The serene face continued its frozen impassivity, the statuesque visage broken only by the involuntary shuttering of his eyes, the lavender orbs shining with a cold light. “Your word, <em>allegiance</em>, implies that I have earned an enemy while trading for a new and different ally. I have merely shifted dominion of my actions to another of the same lineage. I had thought the distinction clear, but was mistaken, obviously.” His face turned to look upon their mutual charge, “I will be steadfast in my devotion to Princess Revelia, of that you may be certain.”<br><br>Garef refused to be baited by Lavil'lial's biting comments, instead meeting unflinchingly the steely gaze with his own steadfast resolve. His lips broadened in a predatory smile. “As you say Legate, my <em>ignorance</em> has diminished my ability to understand the <em>nuances</em> of your culture or circumstance. I am just a simple solider, and unversed in the finer aspects of courtly authority or bonded word.” He allowed a small smile to flirt at the edges of his mouth. “Of course I will accept your word that you will remain true to the Princess, and trust that you will guard her safety tirelessly and faithfully.” His tone, one used often with the nobility, bespoke acquiescence with an inflection of bored irritation, lightly laced with dry sarcasm.&nbsp; <br><br>Slowly, like the dawn, the frost between the men evaporated. It was a subtle thing, and Garef nearly missed the shifting mood in his elven counterpart. Lavil'lial remained silent, seemingly immersed in his own considerations, barely even glancing at the horizon or his own troops. Garef could see the flicker of attention drifting to the Princess, but not once did the elf's eyes stray to the man riding beside him. Finally he spoke, voice light with the echo of mirth. “I may have misjudged you, Commander. Perhaps you are not so insipid after all.” The elf looked over at him and bowed his neck slightly, expression as unreadable as always. Without further word, he rode forward and began speaking to one of the elven guards.<br><br><hr><br>Like petals unfurling before the sun, Lavil'lial felt some of tension release in him. The human, as tactless as he was, had brought to light concerns that were valid and may well reflect the Princess' own worries. It was not these thoughts however, that had melted the icy ire within him. It was rather the dawning realization that the guard commander had, in fact, more oak to his spine than Lavil'lial originally had considered. It meant that the humans had the distinct chance of contributing on the journey, for invariably troops reflected the competence of their officers. He stopped his mount short next to Siel'ethe, and spoke in his native tongue.“[Collect Ari'rven and scout forward past Ienia to the grove where we camped last eve.]”<br><br>Siel'ethe nodded and signalled to Ari'rven who broke free of the group to join the pair.“[Are you expecting trouble, this close to her home?]” His eyes, just visible beneath the mask of his crested helm, flickered to the Princess and her Lady, riding a short distance ahead. <br><br>“[trouble is most oft found when unlooked for. Perhaps if we are diligent and search for her along our journey, she will remain elusive.]”&nbsp; Lavil'lial had little hope of avoiding danger on the journey, for what was trackless wilds to Commander Garef was in fact populated with all manner of uninviting creatures. Twelve were the least he could bring and yet maintain Revelia's safety. Thus he had worried, bringing another dozen with uncertain skills or untested valour. <br><br>Lavil'lial could sense the wry smile beneath Siel'ethe's helm, although his companion was too well-schooled to allow a trace of it to grace his tone. “[As you say, Legate]” He saluted and upon collecting Ari'rven rode forward, their cloaks and armour trailing in the breeze. They faded quickly against the backdrop of rolling hills of grazing land and rock, seeming little more that the wind through tall grass to the untrained eye. Lavil'lial watched them until their progress was hidden by the rise of a hill. Urging his own mount closer to the women, Lavil'lial remained politely silent until their attention was drawn to him. He had reparations to make, and much to explain and discuss. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Jewel of Two Crowns (Aelfric and Bliss)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bliss</strong> on <strong>20-05-2008, 18:02:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The hooves of their horses were in no way muffled, and Revelia heard the approach long before Proseline reached her side. The two women rode side by side in silence for a short ride, the young Lady glancing over at her Princess and waiting, before finally breaking the quiet to ask, albeit quietly, "What in the world is wrong with you?!"<br><br>The blunt question was precisely the sort of thing Revelia enjoyed from her friend, in comparison to the stiff formality that met her at nearly every other turn, as both royalty and a half-blood, and a smile leapt to her lips before she even gave it thought. "Oh, Proseline... Did you hear what the Legate told me? The promise that he made, swearing his weapon to my service - that is not something the elven people take lightly, not by quite a long shot, and in making that promise, he broke the very same vow to my father. In offering me that, and in my accepting it, he may very well find that a death awaits him as an oath-breaker, when our journey reaches its end."<br><br>A smile to answer Revelia's had curved Proseline's lips, but it slowly faded at the princess explained her upset, and the young woman twisted a little in her saddle to peer back at the Legate and the Commander, who were now in very serious-looking conversation. "Well, if it's any consolation, he looks rather concerned now as well... as does the good Commander. You don't really think your father will put him to death, do you?"<br><br>"I... must confess I really do not know." The princess' hand that was not already occupied with the reins drifted slowly past her hip, coming to rest upon the one bag with which she had so insistently wrestled before the journey began, and which had been lashed at her insistence directly behind her saddle, upon the mount's rump. "I have had a few letters forth and back between he and I each year, but there's no way of knowing from such missives what sort of man he is. Or what sort of elf. Or what sort of prince. The legate says that I should trust my father,, as did Mother; and I only hope that, when we get where we are going, I'll be able to speak to him on this before judgement is made. Perhaps he might be made to see that this oath of Lavil'lial Quaedn'ta's blade into my service is an extension of his former oath, rather than a change to it. He seems a good man and leader - I'd not want him put to death for my sake."<br><br>"Is that all you're worried about?" Proseline shifted in the saddle, gaze resting on her friend's profile as she asked the pointed question. Revelia glanced over with a delicately arched brow, and shrugged, waiting in silence as one of the intriguingly outfitted elven warriors rode past, another falling in beside him, and the pair picked up their speed to fade into the landscape, lost surprisingly quickly to sight even though she watched their progress carefully. "If it really is a breaking oath that leads certainly to death..." she said softly, and trailed off - the question <em>why would he do such a thing for me?</em> hung in the air, unspoken, but understood. Proseline shrugged in return, a form ghosting up upon the other side of the princess, and she withheld her answer; it certainly seemed clear enough to her, seeing the way the Legate's eyes had been doing a dance of looking at the Princess and yet trying not to stare, yet still attempting to never look away from her... it was a dance with which Proseline was quite familiar, and an increasingly accomplished practitioner. She didn't wish to cut in, though, and if Revelia hadn't noticed, or didn't wish to notice - well, that was up to her.<br><br>"My Lady, would you excuse me? I've a discussion to return to with the Commander. Thank you. Legate," she acknowledged him with a nod as Revelia waved her away, and Proseline drew back on the reins a little, letting the other two pull ahead and have some measure of privacy, while she awaited the Commander to resume speed alongside. "She'll be fine," the young woman murmured quietly, before finally pulling her gaze from the straight-backed pair ahead to smile at her new companion. "As I'd meant to say before," she said more clearly, eyes sparkling a little with an unspoken amusement as she resumed a conversation that hadn't properly begun, "Good morning to you, Commander. Commander Garef, is it not?"<br><br>As Proseline had faded politely back, and acknowledged the Legate's resumption of a position by her side, Revelia tried to swallow without it seeming too loud nor obvious. the question that pressed against the back of her lips was one that she did not feel ready to ask directly of him, and behind her, her fingers stroked softly over the surface of the bag, minutely tracing one of the shapes underneath as she attempted absently to discern which thing it was. "Legate," she said quietly, forcing herself to look directly at him, "I must offer an apology at my too-swift departure of your company just now. I found myself in need of a quiet moment to collect my thoughts, and intended you no offense." There was naught but sincerity in her apology, but her eyes settled upon his face to search them intently, attempting to divine there the answer she sought; a tiny shadow appeared in the furrow between her brows.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Jewel of Two Crowns (Aelfric and Bliss)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aelfric</strong> on <strong>26-05-2008, 03:57:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Garef laughed, lightly, the grim tension that had suffused him since the morning fading with the sound. <em>Perhaps you are not insipid after all,</em> the elf had proclaimed, an announcement for which the Commander found great amusement. Too often had nobles and other officers thought such to their detriment. Queen Daronna did not demand his service for the skill of his blade alone. While he was hardly the most circuitous of thinkers he had proven his ability to plan and execute interesting strategic counters, both on the field and at Court. He often used his affected simple wit to gather information on his Queen's foes, or provide tactless warnings couched in bland statements, bolstered by the breadth of his shoulders and height. Few challenged him despite that, although he'd no doubt some had arrayed battles in an effort to be rid of his troublesome presence.<br><br>The Commander watched as Proseline maneuvered her horse beside him, mildly impressed at her handling given the seemly awkward perch. He did not mind it at the moment, for it afforded him an excellent view of her shape, skirts drawn tight where they curled beneath her seat. Of course their riding habits would need to be remedied for the journey was a long one and niceties of formal riding would need to be set aside. He had been certain to instruct the Queen that divided skirts would be a requirement, even if only after they had departed. He had not dared suggest breeches, although clearly the elves had not such reservations if his suspicions regarding the forward scout were correct. He was not certain the seeing the pair in breeches would be good for the men, although he doubted there would be complaints. Distracted by the thought for a moment, he was delayed in responding to the Lady at his side.<br><br>Garef returned her gaze, his own eyes bright with amusement, “Good morning to you, Lady Proseline. Your memory serves you well, I am indeed Garef Ursiron. We've not formally met, although I daresay that I have recognized you. We are well met now, at the least.” Revelia had few close friends, and none so close as the young Lady of house Celenton. Although, admittedly, few of her friends paid much heed to the Commander of the Queen's guard, many in fact never realized he was their peer. “I know your father, I must confess. I campaigned with him for a few summers.” He looked away wistfully, immersed in the memory, before returning his azure eyes to her. “Much of what I know of mounted strategy I owe to him.”<br><br>Garef examined her carefully, considering how best to proceed. He had yet to see her measure, although he knew that Daronna held her in good faith. “You are an excellent choice as companion for the Princess, although I wonder if either of you yet understand the breadth of the journey.” Garef looked ahead at Revelia, engaged in conversation with the Legate. “This is no idle progress through the Kingdom. The lot of us,” he gestured to both the elven soldiers and his own, “are here for your protection. You, and especially the Princess, will need to heed our advice.” He smiled to soften the comment, reaching a gloved hand the idly stroke his beard. He had no doubt that Revelia would prove challenging, for she was ever willful and curious. Proseline was more of a mystery to him, although she seemed full of eagerness and grace. <br><br><hr><br>Lavil'lial continued to gaze forward, even when Revelia first acknowledged his presence. His ire abated, his senses were now permitted to revel in his surrounds. The budding spring air, the scent of grasses and early wildflowers, wafted over him as though washing away the smell of the human city. The rich loam beneath his mount's hooves was soft and each step brought forth a verdant melange of earthen smells and pollen that reminded him of his home. This was certainly used as grazing lands for the humans, and his people perhaps did the same, millennia ago when they once ruled here. On the journey, he had seen much evidence of their structures, faded and eroded with the passage of time. <em>Tresi'etim</em>, the great thief of the gods always had her due.<br><br>The elf arched an eyebrow and gave her a sidelong look. “I have taken no offence, dear Princess, although I will be bold and suggest that such sudden changeability is a trait of your mother's.” He turned to face her and smiled broadly, his humour shining brightly in his lavender eyes. “I am given to wonder how far from your home you have travelled. There is a copse of trees not far ahead where we camped on the approach.” He imagined somehow, that she would not have seen it, for it was far from established roads or settlements, and he doubted her mother would risk her only daughter's health exploring the wilds.<br><br>“The forest will be an ideal place to break for a meal, for it provides shelter and concealment. It as well offers something I have not seen often outside of the Tapai'd'rioch, a grove of Rowan trees. They were not yet in bloom, although if we are fortunate the petals will have opened in the intervening days.” There was also an oak at the center of the grove, although he did not mention it for he doubted its spirit would make herself known with the humans present. “It was once the garden at the center of an Elven palace,” &nbsp;he said, as much to entice as to inform. That much he had confirmed when the dryad spoke with him, for she had remembered clearly the shining walls and conversing with bright young fae. He doubted that the humans were too clear on the history of this land before their time of rule, and the knowledge might well come as a surprise to her. He watched Revelia silently then, awaiting her response.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Jewel of Two Crowns (Aelfric and Bliss)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bliss</strong> on <strong>29-05-2008, 23:25:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Well met indeed," Proseline responded easily, glancing sidelong at the Commander. "Any man who rode with my father is one I am glad to know." Her smile quirked but faintly, well aware from the corner of her eye of how he was studying her. She was more than used to being looked at - as a woman, as boon companion to the Princess, and as&nbsp; Lady of one of the upper Houses in her own right, eyes followed her almost daily for a myriad of reasons. It only ever remained to divine in which interest it was that an observer was looking at her.<br><br>She let her gaze follow the arc of his gesture, openly taking in the strange sight of each of the elven riders in the broad circle around them, and the distant but more familiar forms of the humans extended beyond, in all directions. "I understand the caution you give to me, Commander; I have partaken in more than one such progress that you call idle, and know well how much effort is expended in companionship or protection - and how much sheer baggage is brought along."<br><br>There were a few moments of silence, filled by the sound of horse's hooves, and the low rumble of the single small wagon that accompanied them. That wagon was a fraction of what would have been brought along for a journey for the sake of pleasure, something that as one of the foremost guards of the Queen, he would understand as well as she.<br><br>"I have no wish to see anyone here put into danger, sir - least of all my Lady Revelia. I will gladly trust in you to see that any danger is kept from her, and follow what instruction or advice you can offer to that end." Her lips pursed a moment, and in a whisper of thick skirting she turned to look directly at him as she rode, and ask frankly, "Is there currently any known danger for which we might need to be prepared? I ask because i find that we tend to be somewhat like horses. ...we react badly when taken by surprise."<br><br>--<br><br>The mention of her mother brought a smile unbidden into the otherwise quietly troubled expression on her face, and she nodded as finally he met her eyes, and smiled - an expression that seemed to suffuse his face with an unnatural brightness, and in spite of herself and her good breeding she for a long moment simply stared, trying to remember how to breathe in the face of that lavender glow.<br><br>Belatedly his words registered, and she dropped her gaze to her own lap, her hand sliding back to that spot from its thoughtless caress upon the bag tied behind her. "I have made some small journeys before, usually the length of a few days of travel. This will be, as I understand it, a journey that will encompass all the days of such travel previous, and perhaps a few more, before we reach our destination."<br><br>She dared a glance toward him again, hoping that the warmth in her face was the heat of the sun, and not the subdermal tinting that she feared he might see. "That location sounds as if it will be an ideal place to break for our meal... and given that, certainly, you have far more experience than me in such matters as choosing time and location for meals and for evening camp, I'll defer to your suggestions. I want this journey to be, as much as possible, a pleasant one for all of us."<br><br>Revelia offered him a genuine smile, then, trying to keep her curious gaze from skittering all over the Legate; there was such strangeness to him, unexpected coloring and oddities to the cut of his clothing, that she wanted to stare and stare as if she were truly a child. But it would be uncouth and unbecoming - and besides which, they had many days in which she could begin to take in everything about him. "Tell me - how many days do you expect the journey to take?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Jewel of Two Crowns (Aelfric and Bliss)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aelfric</strong> on <strong>04-06-2008, 13:05:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Garef watched the horizon for a few minutes in silence, pondering his words, his bearings fixed on the small woods they seemed to be approaching. His patrols only infrequently took him this far west, but he recognized the copse, for it was the largest stretch of forest on the plains. Local shepherds claimed it to be haunted, but he put little stock in their dire proclamations. Certainly they were once inhabited, worn ruins dotted the landscape, and often formed integral parts of the herders scattered homesteads and fences. The Commander had never been in the woods himself, although he'd heard that another patrol had routed a band of ruffians from its boughs a few summers back. No rumours of spectres had filtered to his ears, certainly. Nevertheless it was clear that this was their intended destination for even as he watched a pair of mounted elves appeared outside of its bounds as though conjured from its shadowed depths. <br><br>Garef looked over at his companion, and smiled grimly. “I do not want to worry either of you needlessly, but I feel it pertinent to note that Prince Rikkorn was not at court when we left. I have reason to suspect that he was <em>displeased</em> at the prospect of Princess Revelia's planned progress, and may in fact attempt to halt us in our course.” Garef gave her a wan look, troubled at the idea of fighting his own countrymen. “I have no doubt that you will be safe enough here with us, and indeed even I was not privy to the course the elves have set. We may&nbsp; yet avoid him, whatever his Highness' intent.” His own men were loyal, fiercely so, but if it came to direct conflict with the Prince, he knew they were all but outcast. <br><br>It was a fact that few had truly given thought to, at least openly, but there was a schism looming in the Kingdom. There was great concern that the firstborn child of the only heir to Onderon might stake her claim to the throne, once her mother passed on, and where one nation split, others pulled into the Anheuron fold might follow. Garef himself was not a strong supporter of such action, for he knew only the combined might of the Anheuron nations were all that held her neighbours at bay. But not all leaders were as far sighted as he, and admittedly, Garef's views were coloured in great detail by his association with the Queen, who supported her union with the Anheuron wholeheartedly. <br><br>It helped that he had seen first hand the depredations of their principle foes, the divided tribes of gnolls that ruled the broad plains to the south. Kobolds, infesting the highlands perhaps four days ride west, were a constant scourge to the miners, and tribesmen further north raided deep into the Province of Cayth, Onderon's closest neighbour. Their route would need to be navigated with considerable care once they reached the borders of Anheuron, a fact that Garef intended to impress upon his new ally. While the troupe of elves had made their way here without much incident, he doubted their fortune would hold. <br><br>The commander smiled to cover his concern, and met the bright eyes of Lady Proseline with his own deep blue gaze. “I'm sure the most of the journey will uneventful, my Lady.” That much he was certain. As when on campaign, it was like to be long days of tedium punctuated by brief moments of excitement. “I do not think the Prince, her father, would risk his child's life on a journey fraught with certain peril, nor would the Queen.” He looked ahead to Lavil'lial and Revelia, and then up at the sun's position. “I would guess that the Legate means to stop for a meal, and you will get a chance to stretch your legs and relax. I can't imagine riding this long has been comfortable for you,” he commented with a considerate tone. He remembered clearly his first extended ride, and pitied the women for the doubtless discomfort.<br><br><hr><br>The Legate basked in the Princess' warming glow, and felt his heart stutter in time with the awkward catching of his breath. It was as though the timeless patterns of his self were knocked from their stations, their orbits askew. Seemingly oblivious to his disorientation, the Princess was radiant in the spring sun, her pale skin seeming to soak in its brilliance. Her azure eyes sparkled as she met his gaze, and he returned her smile gladly, while yet considering her question. “A season, perhaps,” he answered at length. “Perhaps more. It will largely depend on our progress through the mountain passes. If we are forced to skirt the heights altogether, it may not be until autumn that you will set eyes on the <em>Tapai'd'rioch</em>.” His lavender gaze narrowed, then softened. “This is unlikely to be a fully pleasant experience, certainly at first as your body becomes inured to the travel, but I hope that it becomes an enjoyable memory at its close.”<br><br>Lavil'lial glanced ahead and noted Ari'rven and Siel'ethe exiting the copse, this tall boughs affording them room to remain mounted. They appeared untroubled and the Legate was pleased that they would have the opportunity to stop and rest beneath the rowan trees once more. Trees carried power, like all living things, but rowans were of a few treasured and sacred to his people above the rest. A lone rowan was a source of joy. Groves, though common in his land, seemed scarce on the eastern shores. A chance to walk here before their journey fully commenced was welcome, and he hoped the Princess found joy in its subtle majesty.<br><br>The trees of the forest stretched eagerly toward the sky, many bare of all but buds, yet a few had gone to leaf, and some early budding flowers flourished among the branches. As the party approached, Lavil'lial could pick out wildflowers growing urgently in the spring sun, desperate for her warming rays as though conscious of their fleeting chance at her light. Soon the boughs would become full with leaf, leaving only shade beneath their towering heights. He returned his gaze to the Princess, admiring her raven locks and watching the breeze play fitfully with hairs plucked free of their stays. “Shall we proceed then, your Highness? The forest is safe for our leisure, although I bid you take care under her shelter. This is an old wood, and like to yet contain her tireless protectors.” He had spoken only with the dryad before, although she had hinted the the minor fae yet inhabiting the small forest. He felt certain that the party would be safe, however, given the warrant travelling with the elves provided. He suspected that they would be left be. It was a pity he could not bring the Princess in alone, for curiosity at her heritage might have brought at least the dryad from her oaken home. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Jewel of Two Crowns (Aelfric and Bliss)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bliss</strong> on <strong>01-07-2008, 18:39:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Proseline was acutely familiar with the Prince Rikkorn, Revelia's younger half-brother. The legitimate heir to Anheuron, she'd learned through the years of her friendship with the Princess, was the sort of young man who would very much indeed cut off his own nose for the sake of spiting the face upon which it sat. To hear Garef's words, despite the ease and assurance of safety that he attempted to give to her, unsettled the young lady enough that her smile faded, and she shifted somewhat in her saddle.<br><br>She'd had her own run-ins with Rikkorn, from time to time. At best, they avoided each other - her friendship with Revelia made her persona non grata as far as the Heir of Anheuron was concerned. It was not just for the sake of adventure and companionship that Proseline was making the progress. Even if the Princess had gone alone, there would have been little enough safety for her in Rikkorn's kingdom<br><br>Uncertain of what Garef might think of the Prince, she made a smile sidelong at him, and offered the suggestion, "I'd think His Highness would be pleased to see his sister departing from Anheuron." She followed his gaze toward Revelia and the Legate, who seemed to be having a difficult time looking at much other than each other, and her smile grew faintly wry with the thought that welled up - one that she would keep to herself for the time being. "And I do not doubt that the Prince her father would see to it that anything possible was done to provide her with every measure of safety for this journey."<br><br><hr><br>Meanwhile, Revelia was nodding to the Legate, her gaze shifting finally away from the elven man to take in the forest that grew steadily closer. "Yes, let us proceed forthwith; and I do not mind saying that my skin will be glad to be out from beneath the sun's warm smile for a time." A smile of her own she offered to the Legate, one that grew slowly mischievous as she regarded him. He seemed so very staid, collected, and while such apparent serenity was appealing, she found herself wanting to jostle&nbsp; it a little bit, to see what might lie under the demeanour of a man who would flout a vow that meant his very life in order to devote himself to her service.<br><br>"In fact, I wager I might gain the shade of those trees before you manage to," she offered daringly, shifting a little in the saddle - small movements that a sharp eye would pick out, her left hand securing a better grip upon the reins, her other sliding through the folds of her skirts to find and wrap around the saddlehorn pressed against her bent thigh.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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