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| Congratulations Gala | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jul 13 2008, 05:06 AM (1,355 Views) | |
| Jasella Alcott | Jul 13 2008, 05:06 AM Post #1 |
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Jasella stood aside a long table with the most decadent treats and foods on it that anyone could imagine. The castle was not bright, rather it held a warm yet darker feel to it. Even with the basic feel of it and the layout it was majestic in its own right. They had all been announced - each of them in turn. The lady warriors with Wendell's knights. As Gretel's 'duke' was Venya, her mother - who was in some secret meeting, she (as next in line) had been forced to be announced with the Captain of the Guard. Even with the impostor to the north Jasella still found herself in a red gown. It was a statement in and of itself, proof that they held no allegiance or care for her. After shedding her escort she moved across the dance floor where a small orchestra was tuning their instruments. She smoothed the folds of her gown as she spotted a familiar face. She was not uncomfortable in the dress, though she would have preferred her riding clothes - they could be formal. She was most aggravated about Belle being dismissed from the ball. She had to understand her queen's reasoning - even so it gave Jasella one less pillar with which to tolerate all these men. Cocky, arrogant, egotistical - just like their king. They probably thought they'd fought off the trolls alone while protecting the women. She skirted the table and came up next to him. "You're name - did I hear it right, Sir Kaden?" She asked. "You're good with a board sword." She offered. It was the best compliment one could recieve from Jasella Alcott. If she found the skill in battle worthy of mention again it was certainly a compliment indeed. However, immediately after the man with the trumpet sounded it loudly and the woman aside him announced the king first and then the queen. Jasella turned to look up the staircase where the top line royals arrived. Her mother close behind. Venya was waring a dubious glower as she followed in the wake if the king and queen. The orchestra had already struck up a waltz and Jasella forced herself to avoid looking at the king for fear he might immediately ruin the mood of this most festive occassion and rather to look at her queen to try and ascertain through her expression if something had gone wrong. She, however, did not wear a bitter mask of resentment as the chancellor did so Jasella kindly turned back to Kaden wondering he'd said something and she completely missed it in her attention on the new arrivals. |
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| Kaden Levawitz | Jul 13 2008, 05:23 AM Post #2 |
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Kaden was not at all foriegn to the world of balls and elegant clothing--underneath Wendell's court, and even before his rule, he had been dressed up in his finest garb on many occasion. However, never quite for the reason they were then. A battle fought deserved congratulations but Kaden could never remember attending a dinner of such grandeur for the sake of a single victory. But he took it no less--it was not in him to question what he did not fully comprehend. He turned at Jasella's appearance, a soft smile crossing his face as he gave her smallest of bows--if only out of habit--before standing up straight with his hands tucked comfortably into the pockets of his pants. "It is. And your's Jasella if my hearing hasn't failed me." He offered her, the smile growing ever slightly as he opened his mouth to thank her when the trumpets cut him off and he looked up towards the staircase as the king and queen were announced respectively It as once the music started that Kaden's eyes drifted back to Jasella and he caught her purposefully turning away from the staircase and all that surrounded it. A frown crossed his face before he replaced it with a smile again the moment her eyes landed on him. "For the record--you're not bad yourself. I wouldn't want to face the end of your sword for all the gold in the nine kingdoms." He told her with an honesty that came flawlessly to him--he didn't even notice it. Kaden was a knight, a warrior, a solider even, for the 4th Kingdom but it went miles beyond that. He submerged himself into the title, he became it--he bowed when he was supposed to, he fought with all his heart, he was brave and courageous when the moment called for it--he was fearless on the outside and did his best to remain so underneath. Defending those in need was all he had left and he adored each and every moment of it. "May I?" He asked after a moment, eyebrow arched before he waited for her agreement. Kaden took her hand and pressed his lips against the back of her hand before drawing her in a bit closer and placing his arm around her. There was a moment where he was quiet, the smallest hint of a smile on his face before he spoke the words a part of him feared to say--if only because it felt out of place. "For the record--a second, at least...the arrogance simply becomes a bothersome fly over time rather than the large, raging bull before you. And luckily enough, flies die very, very quickly." Kaden told her simply--it wasn't clear whether or not he believed his own words nor was it clear what his words were referring too--but Kaden was certain that she would take it at her own value and apply it just as he had intended. |
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| Belle Copeland | Jul 13 2008, 05:40 AM Post #3 |
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The music from the castle could be heard throughout the exterior as Belle knelt in the garden, collecting herbs to use the next morning in Jasella's tea. The song wafted and flowed around her and she hummed along as she worked, grateful to be our here in the open and not inside participating in the festivities. She had practically begged Jasella not to ask for permission for her though the girl hadn't listened and did it anyways. She didn't mind being left out, it was fine with her and she understood it and her place. And it was simply not her scene with the dancing and the socializing. No, she much more preferred it out here where she could be alone with her thoughts. Picking one last sprig of mint, she wrapped it carefully in a hankerchief and slipped into the pocket of her blue dress, brushing her hands against each other to get rid of most of the dust as she walked to an old well that sat in the grounds. Filling the bucket with water, she pulled it out and dipped her hands in, rinsing them thoroughly before taking it and letting the rest run out into the flower bed nearby. Moments spent by herself were rare and though she had sewing to attend to, Belle was faced with the rare privilage of being able to wait. For at least a little bit she had nowhere that she had absolutely had to be. Jasella was at the ball, her chores were done. She could just sit there at the edge of the well and hum along with the music, thankful to be home. |
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| Jasella Alcott | Jul 13 2008, 06:05 PM Post #4 |
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"Nor I for yours!" She said gladly. With talk of swords and such Jasella was perfectly content opposite this man. His words boasted her already strong ego and she would take it happily; yet she found herself complimenting him in the same - and meaning it. She, like may nobles and royals, was subject to the flaw of ego stroking when it served her purpose. Should he have told her how graceful she was and started spouting a sonnet she would have been likely to lump him in with the rest of the fools she either told, rather pointedly, or simply and blatantly ignored. This was a ball and required her to act accordingly; though the words didn't have to display it her actions did. It was with that in mind that she issued him a deep and graceful curtsy and allowed him the use of her hand. The tradition was archaic among these women; the generally let the hand kissing and giggles to the courtiers of other nations. In fact Jasella almost despised it, and she did when it wasn't in formal events such as this. She did not hate it here, it was simply a numb performance. She considered herself a simple person - needing only food, clothes and a sword to survive. Though she considered herself such it hardly meant the rest of the world viewed her as such. She would have been happy to stray from courtly life if the rest of the 9 kingdoms didn't rely on it. As they did she wanted to be part of the top (and would be if her life depended on it, she demanded respect), just as she would if they lived in a hunter-gatherer world - there she would fit only with the men as they sought out wild buffalo or elephants. Because the kingdoms were so reliant on 'civilized' life Jasella found herself torn between the frilly clothes and pretty words and the true passion that lie in her breast which was welded to the land itself and her allegiance to her court. She often went with her wilder and more passionate side on any matters, in fact it was what drove her and allowed her to deal with the courts at all. The truth was she actually loved it (toying with the courtly life and challenging it), she lived for the passion and those who would stand against her only so she could feel more alive by defending anything - even words. She wore the dress well, she even wore the facial expression and fancy hairstyle perfectly; and it was her shell and her properly place facade used just to get near them so she could challenge their view and test their will. But first she had to earn that spot, and if it meant niceties she'd play along. Kaden could, and probably would, turn her away if she threw herself into one of the many challenging tests she would bestow upon those who couldn't dismiss her so easily. It was that passion and constant devotion to the cause that she figured had won the Alcott's place in Gretel's court all those years ago. But even now she liked this man's honesty and his ability to compliment that which she already believed about herself; he hit the one thing that she would accept another man to compliment her on. However an eyebrow arched high on her head as he pulled her close and spoke philosophical words. It was then that she knew she could hold her own against this man and he might be entertaining. "Then I shall wait it out - unless," she smoothly turned to him and placed her hand on his shoulder while the other remained in his hand, "there comes a point in which the fly doesn't die quickly enough even against their shortened life span. My annoyance meter is quite short, therefore I'll fit the situation to suit me. A swatter would do the trick I think, or even a rolled map or parchment in the absence of the proper tool for the job. I will use any object necessary to serve my purpose as long as the outcome remains the same. I have no fear of flies - or bulls for that matter." "Tell me sir, where did you learn to fight as you have? Skill or practice and natural ability I should think. I have held a sword since before I could walk I think." She moved a little closer to him. "Are you going to dance?" She challenged, almost playfully as she gave him a little nudge stepping still closer. Though her movements and such were prim and proper, the only coarseness shown through her words but not her voice (and she opted to use the words, they were not directed at this man at all; even so she let it remain if only to remind him that she considered herself a viable opponent and not simply a lady of the court - she was both) - Jasella prided herself on her ability to play both worlds. It was an art she had learned from the queen herself. |
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| Dexter Murphy | Jul 14 2008, 12:28 AM Post #5 |
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Dexter was there, the only fairy invited. Or course he had been on the front line with the rest of them. He was flitting about excitedly. He wasn't nervous like some royals might be, he was never nervous. Dexter felt things differently than most; he rarely got mad - it was sort of annoying to his enemies and his friends that tired to get a rise of out him. He had a habit of being obnoxiously curious or happy, or even mischievous - never nervous, annoyed or angry. It was a feat if you made Dexter Murphy any of those things. He picked up a flute filled with wine and took a sip. He then picked up a second for the heck of it. He wasn't sure why he'd lifted it as he had one and he didn't intend on drinking both. He passed the marquis of the second kingdom and a knight of the fourth. He gave them a little cheerful bob of his head just as he came upon the queen. "Ah - your majesty." He said issuing her a little bow and offering her the other wine glass. He had not picked it up with the intention to give it to her specifically, but now that he had it and she was there she seemed the most appropriate to hand it over to. "For you my dear." He said. "It'll save you a trip to the table. Congratulations too, to you - for your victory." He was a little flightly, like all elves though right then it didn't entirely show as he gave her all of his attention. He meant his words, even beyond the wide smile he gave her. "Your troops are trained beyond any that I've seen. It's a skilled infantry that you have. And let me also say it was freshing to see their queen on the front lines with them. Bravo." He told her genuinely. |
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| Gretel the Great | Jul 14 2008, 01:33 AM Post #6 |
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Gretel stood tall aside King Wendell as they descended the stairs into the ballroom, moving surprisingly gracefully beneath the large folds of her dress. She wasn't sure what Venya was thinking, her footsteps behind her, and she was almost glad of it as she was almost positive it would not be pleasant. But she had had to make an executive decision and a quick one. She was positive that Josephine would be thrilled with the idea and silly enough to do whatever Jasella told her. It wasn't their original plan but she had had no idea that her Marquis had made such a lovely impression on the man. It was her job to roll with the changes. At the bottom of the stairs, the two parted ways with plans to meet later in the evening for a dance and speech. It was the business of the night underneath the fancy clothing and pretty music. Balls were not meant for fun to a Queen or King. It was here that they had to put on the biggest show of all. Almost immediately someone was at her side, offering her a glass, and she thought for a moment that it could be a server, pleasantly surprised to find the Elf Duke nearby. "Oh, thank you." She said, taking the glass and letting her fall in a small nod of appreciation. "For the drink and for your kind words. You're help did not go unnoticed either and I am extremely grateful for it." Gretel could play the game of manipulations better than many but right then, speaking to Dexter and all who actually helped in the fight, her thanks came from the bottom of her heart. Whether needed or not, they had put their lives on the line to help protect her people and that would never go unnoticed by her. "I am quite proud of them myself though I cannot take all the credit. I am lucky enough to have some of the best commanders in the Nine Kingdoms living within these very walls. The credit must truly go to them. I am simply another soldier when out in the field." She passed on the credit as humbly and geniuniely as she could, meaning every bit of it. "There is no other place that I could be in that moment. If they are willing to go out there and risk their lives for me then I should be able to do the same for them." |
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| Kaden Levawitz | Jul 14 2008, 01:31 PM Post #7 |
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A smile crossed Kaden's face at her answer. It was refreshing to hear something more in depth than the likes of which he heard from women in his own kingdom. There always seemed to be a certain damsel in distress persona that a majority of the women he had had the company of adopted. They were weak and meager--if by habit or by trickery, Kaden didn't know. He didn't mind it any as he understood it was the royal lifestyle but when moments like this presented themselves to him, he took it with a little more enthusiasm than he did any other woman he danced with. "Ahh...I see your point. But fear aside--not that I have imagine you a fearful sort. Anyone who can easily destroy a troll with a flick of their wrist doesn't subject themselves to fear's grubby paws. But fear...and annoyance, perhaps--forgone, is there no compassion at all for the fly? Or bull for that matter? No understanding that maybe that fly means well but it's endless chatter doesn't do that fly any justice--beneath their arrogant, annoying surface is something worth keeping alive. Something you wouldn't swat away with your trustee swatter." Kaden's eyebrow arched for a moment. He would play devil's advocate to her game if only because it kept her talking--it kept her interesting. Kaden followed by the royalty traditions completely--he wore the clothes when he had to, he fought and he danced when need be. Subconsciously, it was all comfortable to him--it had order, it reason. Without that consistency, Kaden didn't think he could actually function with such a clear mind. He was defender by nature and when he had nothing to defend (whether it be a single person or a whole kingdom), he was lost in his own right. The smile on his face grew only wider as he laughed quietly. "If only because you question me--I had originally plan to just stand here but if you're interested in a dance, I imagine I can handle that." He shot back in the same playful manner before directing her out into the dancing group, moving skillfully with her. It was yet another courtly trait he knew so well. "Your question--I imagine you'd like an answer. I was trained as a kid to fight by my father. He too was a solider for the 4th Kingdom and his father before him. But if I'm allowed a moment of arrogance--if you're willing to hold back your swatter for a fraction of a second--I believe it comes as naturally as the day and night." Kaden tipped his head lightly to the side as they moved along to the music, his movements almost absentmindedly done. It was odd to meet a woman--or many, in fact--of Jasella's strength. The entire kingdom was full of these sort, he knew, but that didn't mean each and everyone of them surprised Kaden throughly. The courtly clothes and elegance was only a facade for something deeper underneath, something more passionate and experienced. He had fought along some of the most well trained men and they hadn't measured up to the skill of any of these women in the room--even he would admit to himself that he hadn't measured up to Jasella's skill out on the battle field. It both intrigued him and terrified him. The order to men and women was rather simply laid out before them all--men where the protectors, the savers...and the women were wallflowers, sweet and innocent in their place. Jasella through that order out of balance by a single jab of her sword. "And you? You've held a sword since birth even but you hold a sword as if you've seen the world and all it's splendid mishaps. You have, haven't you? It's..." Kaden trailed off for a moment, bringing her into a turn before he pulled her back to him and a smile crossed his face. "admirable." |
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| Jasella Alcott | Jul 15 2008, 12:09 AM Post #8 |
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“Annoyance is not a trait sentence-able by death if that’s what you mean. Though wars have been drawn out over pettier things than annoyance. No, it definitely doesn’t disqualify the pathetic creature from life. However, perhaps I’d simply be bringing it to a hastier end and saving it the trouble of waiting out the inevitable.” She arched an eyebrow. “You said yourself it dies very, very quickly. Some would call it mercy.” This time it was with fire and passion that she challenged him. A smile even found its way to her face by his instigating her. This banter was safe, harmless and worthy Jasella figured. “The bull however I don’t see as a creature of annoyance, simply one to be reckon with. Forces of that nature are bigger and more deadly. I have no room for bothersome creatures, even if they be sentient and human in nature. Isn’t life to short to fill it with that which, when given the time, enjoyable?” She raised the ante on the challenge. “Unless of course you wear this mask all the time and there’s not some other Sir Kaden that maybe you only show to yourself behind closed doors or even do your dearest friends and family. If that’s the case then I have mistaken you and you must forgive me. I meant no disrespect.” She smirked. There was no part of Jasella Alcott that could keep the real woman beneath hostage for longer than necessary. He had given her reason to at least speak frankly about that which she was passionate about; if there was one thing the woman had – it was conviction. “Well I thought we might look a little silly just standing here, particularly after that rather showy kiss.” She flicked her wrist at him, further seeing how far she could push her bounds in words. “Looks better this way.” She told him with the same coy little challenging smirk. Her footfalls fell into place with his and they moved gracefully as one among the other couples. The waltzes were designed for individual couples unlike most group style dances that went on at these formal gatherings. “I intend to take every spare moment I can dancing if not to make myself look like a lonely biddy who’s outlived her wear.” She told him. “I detest things that have outlived their use.” She passed him a smug almost approving look as they swept across the dance floor. “No!” She gasped in mock horror. “Spare me the theatrics. I also detest modesty; so please go on – pride is not something to be hidden and those who think it a vice are simply too weak or shy to embrace it.” She meant it too. Jasella was a proud woman and she liked herself for it. One day it might be her undoing but she figured it would be an admiral defeat the say she met her match and her defeat. “I would say your skill is exactly what you say; I can’t fault you for addressing it as such. As for my own I learned all weapons at an early age as is customary for all ladies of the court.” It sounded odd in context, ladies of the court and learning was typically reserved for which fork to use and the proper blush to apply to win hearts. Jasella’s first education was that of protection and defense. She took it quite seriously. “Though I took to the sword immediately. There’s something noble, if killing is the only option, about facing an opponent face to face. I would say it’s natural, only because years of training can’t teach you everything there is to know – but I would also say my craft comes from my love for the weapon and diligence in training in it.” She did not miss his compliment, rather it only allowed her that much more with which to answer his question honestly. |
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| Dexter Murphy | Jul 15 2008, 01:32 AM Post #9 |
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“No matter, no matter!” Dexter said waving a hand cheerfully, once it was free of the glass. “I was glad to help, you have not to spare me any of your words of kindness. I was happy to help. We elves make it no secret that we ally with any in need and it’s also widely known that your kind ladies live in our court with his highness Olaf.” He offered his hand to her, as a mild suggestion to dance. “And I see it!” He told her. “Your commanders and warriors are simply to be admired and praised. And I daresay that’s why we’re here – at least partly.” His slim smile was telling, though he dared not challenge her or attempt to pretend to know any of her secrets – he merely indicated that he understood the intricacies of the game of court. “It warms my heart for your inviting me.” He said as he set his own glass aside hoping to earn the dance. He was not surprised at her grace. The ladies he’d seen of her land were both gracefully and lethal – dangerous vixens. He had worked with them closely before going to live in the 4th Kingdom himself. He admired them. Dexter was not afraid to admit his admiration either. Too frequently these sorts of things went either unnoticed or unsaid. His eyes scanned the ladies among the court as they moved around. “Your majesty, there is a lady I owe a thank you to. Perhaps you could tell me where I would find her. I have not seen her yet. She is taller than most of your warriors. Dark hair.” He opted not to explain any of the other details he’d noticed about her lineage that he thought he’d save with question to ask her specifically. “She was with your marquis in the 4th Kingdom during the negotiations.” He smiled lightly, he was glad to be present for that as well. He appreciated experiencing the wild personalities of the nobles; it saved him from later surprises. |
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| Gretel the Great | Jul 15 2008, 02:13 AM Post #10 |
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"Yes, King Olaf has been very good to us. Please give him my regards when next you communicate with him." Gretel had always held a special place for the Elf King and she regarded him with maybe more respect than any of the other Kings and Queens. He had always held their side and was not afraid to stand up to the others. All things that Gretel had admired. The fact that he did not shun them as most others did did not hurt her view of the man either. She smiled as his observation as she took his hand and, in a sign of respect, gave a curtsy, albeit a very small one. After all, she was still Queen and this was her castle. Anything more than that would like a sign of weakness to all those congregrated. "You are wise as well as a good fighter, I see. Very admirable. But, alas, at least we have the chance to mix in a little fun with the business tonight. You are a skilled dancer as well." A small smile on her face, she lifted her chin. "A man of many talents." If anything could be said about Gretel, it was one, that she was tough and two, that she was charming. She lived in a man's world and she played by their rules but sometimes you had to use what God had given you to your advantage. He had decided to bless her with a natural flirtatious disposition, one that she pushed down when in business. Did it mean that she was actually interested in you? Rarely, if ever. But it did usually mean that at that moment she was enjoying your company enough to let the person behind the Queen shine through a little bit. "That would be Belle Copeland." She told him, thinking of no one else it could be, her attendence in the Fourth Kingdom with Jasella the giveaway at the end though she was curious as to why he would want to speak with her. "She won't be attending tonight. I would suggest maybe her quarters. I could have one of the other servants go check for you if you would like. They would be more knowledgeable to her whereabouts as I." She offered with a smile. |
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| Kaden Levawitz | Jul 15 2008, 03:18 AM Post #11 |
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Kaden laughed, this time with all of his face--even his eyes seemed to light up as he shook his head slightly. "I cannot even beat that logic--I did say that, didn't I? Perhaps I only meant a certain few flies---ahh but no, that doesn't fit either. All flies are annoying--and the arrogant ones are even more so. Therefore mercy indeed." Kaden tipped his head to the side. "Therefore I yield to your argument of mercy but I counter your words of bulls with a little more strength and certainty. I imagine it both as an annoyance and as a force which you must fight. Maybe for that reason in and of itself--the fact that it is there, snorting and clawing the ground at it's feet in attack, is why you have the need to fight at all. And is that not just annoying to the fullest extent?" Kaden challenged her, eyebrow raised. His smile only grew as he dropped his voice lower and shook his head, eyes focused on on her. "Don't lie--I think that even if I admitted to such a facade, you would mean every word you say, disrespect or not. In fact, I daresay you would enjoy it a little more if it disrespected my entire being--if it tore apart my ego and left me wounded on the floor at your feet." Kaden told her with the utmost seriousness. He would take her banter in stride and right then, he was enjoying it. The ball was meant to be enjoyed and he was glad, in that moment, to have been accidentally paired with her in battle. It made the ball itself all the more interesting. Kaden nodded sagely as she spoke, his smile seemingly glued to his face. He was a simple man in most aspects--incapable of playing two sides of the card if he even tried. He could be coy, he could be sweet and charming too--but he couldn't be anything he wasn't. He couldn't be funnier just for the sake of it, he couldn't put on a show like these women could. He was who he was at all moments and it was because of his inability to put on a facade that he didn't quite see the one Jasella or any of the others held. He knew them all to be both warrior and courtly ladies but never did it occur to him that it was a job, an act in and of itself. "Which, of course, explains your willingness to offer a fly his death card. A fly that is on the brink of outliving his use deserves such a fate." Kaden told her simply with his wide smile as he brought her into another turn, the music guiding their steps. "Customary?" He repeated but fell quiet again as she went on. He took in her every word, committing them and all their meanings to memory. He would no doubt reflect more on it later--on how odd it was that a woman, even of her standing, was trained so young. Or at all. "And it shows--your passion for a sword. Although I do disagree--I detest a sword, in fact. It's barbaric...I am fighter, a solider in my own right but that doesn't mean I haven't some heart. Some semblance for that's that I may take of the life of, no matter the wrongs done by my target. Face to face means dignity for your own self but what does that mean for your victim? The knowledge that they are close to death--that they are seconds away from pain." "From a far is just as brutal, yes--to use an arrow takes your opponent off guard and gives them no time to fight back. However...ah yes, there is a however. I am advocating the usage of a bow and arrow, am I not? Therefore I must have a pro to accompany my con." Kaden smiled softly but there was seriousness in his voice and on his face. "There is a certain amount of dignity for your victim that way--if they do not know of the pain they are about to feel, they aren't left to die a moment of fear and absolutely terror--they are left with their own thoughts. Would you rather be the person to instill fear into those who have already terrorized you and your people or would you rather the chance to be the bigger the man--or woman--and allow them to their own devices just before death? If it's the former than by all means, pick up your sword and defend your land." Kaden told her simply, more than happy to take part in whatever discussion she would throw his way--it was all civil at that point and Kaden was glad for it. |
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| Venya Alcott | Jul 15 2008, 03:41 AM Post #12 |
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Venya had stood mostly still for the entirety of the waltz. She was having a very difficult time with Gretel's words. She had called Josephine 'lovely' - she knew her queen wasn't daft; however there was a moment she had a mind to call her out on how absolutely retarded the girl actually was. It was respect that had her not questioning the queen in public. She held onto it. Perhaps, if Jasella had offended the king as much as it seemed, there was some better choice that Josephine. She also wouldn't have put it past the youngest Alcott to have offended the king. That flustered her, but what flustered her more was the way he spoke of her in confined quarters. Part of her wanted to be glad that she'd probably stuck it to a haughty royal - but that was the selfish and boastful side of Venya; the rational side (the one she forced to rule her) was reasonable and partly embarrassed for how red the king's cheeks got at the very mention of her name. She was scowling at the pair on the dance floor; she saw the light Jasella's eyes at the man who had a hold of her. She had to shake the gaze and she found herself just as skeptical as she spotted her queen with the elf duke. She slipped over to Wendell and his Captain of the guard as the song came to a close. "Your majesty the girl, Josephine is that fresh little one over there." She pointed across the way to a pale and blonde girl. "If you gentlemen will excuse me." She moved into capture Gretel. It was Venya's responsibility to be the queen's handler when things seemed amiss or when they needed to be addressed. The last thing she wanted was trouble with the 7th Kingdom because the queen kicked the duke out of bed the next morning. It was not certain that would be the case; even still it was a possibility and Venya wanted to catch it before it happened. "Your majesty." She said in a low voice to her queen. "I've shown King Wendell the girl, if only in passing. Are you certain about this? I trust your judgment and me for it not be a question of you - but Josephine?" |
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| Gretel the Great | Jul 15 2008, 04:01 AM Post #13 |
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Feeling Venya move up beside her, this time there was no mistake for who it might be. She could sense the woman from a mile away - well, maybe not but she liked to think that she could. Pulling a little ways out of the dance with the Duke, she worked hard to keep the frown from falling across her face. She couldn't possibly think that she was going to just send Josephine down there on her own to screw this all up. Turning towards Dexter, she gave a small nod of her head as she began her exit with Venya. "Thank you for the dance but it seems I must get back to work. But, if you still wish to see her, feel free to ask any of the servers if they know of Miss Copeland's whereabouts." Once she had turned though her face was much more serious as she whispered to Venya, "Let us walk real quick." Off to the side of the ballroom was a small room, placed just for these moments when the Queen needed to escape. It took a moment to reach it as she had to stop with every group of people and welcome then and thank them for the presence but finally the door shut behind them, leaving them in privacy to speak openly for the first time since meeting with Wendell. "You say you've shown her to him? Then all we can do is hope that she manners can get her through this. I assure you that I will not be sending Josephine alone. She might be ambassador but not in duty. I will still send Jasella along with her and the Earl will not say or do anything that does not first go through her." Josephine's title hanged in the balance, Gretel always so close to taking it from her, her loyalty to the girl's mother the only thing that saved her time and time again but if she disobeyed these orders, she would be right back in Second Kingdom in a heartbeat, stripped of all nobility. "Hopefully this will give us time for Jasella to improve the King's view of her and once he accepts, she can take the job completely and we can bring Josephine back here to tolerate. Until then, let us view it as a vacation." She told her with a proud smile. |
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| Theron Landers | Jul 15 2008, 04:14 AM Post #14 |
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Theron had taken back to his king almost immediately. The girls and their zeal was a little awkward to him. Though they proved their worth in battle it hardly shook his foundation in tradition. "Do you know that woman?" He asked as she passed them by. She seemed to be in a dreadful hurry. His eyes went to this woman, Josephine. He glanced back at the king and an eyebrow arched on his head. "Is there some sort of treaty between these women and our kingdom I should know about your majesty?" He asked with a stern face. His first concern was that of the safety of the land. He couldn't say he didn't trust them, from what he knew of them, but his first education had been that they sided with Hood. However Hood had not been, as of late, too keen on maintaining the bonds. Gretel on the other had was rather stellar at it. There was a thought that perhaps the king was in negotiations for a marriage treaty; which might be the only reason it wasn't mentioned yet. He hardly thought the king would pick one of these girls. They were...bold. Thought perhaps with queenly agendas, and they proved to be just as graceful as any lady of his own land, they were perhaps too strong willed. The independence was a little intimidating actually. Josephine seemed mild mannered among the others, it was perhaps why she stuck out. But the Captain's eyes trailed the other ladies about the room. "Say, your highness, is that Marquis Alcott with Sir Levawitz?" He asked with both his eyebrows raised. "I nearly didn't recognize her. They clean up nicely." He almost chuckled as he sincerely meant it in jest. "Shall we go to this Josephine - surely she was pointed out for a reason." |
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| Wendell White | Jul 15 2008, 04:37 AM Post #15 |
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Wendell had been in his element for the entire ball thus far--it was what he did on a daily basis and what he did rather well too. He could put forth each smile, each perfected compliment, with such ease and flawlessness that he considered it an art form. But the magic behind it, despite Wendell's obliviousness, was that he did actually care about each person he spoke to. He cared that they fought to defend their land--he cared that they were there at all, celebrating a wondrous victory. He just didn't quite know he cared that much. Wendell had ignored the question at first, his eyes trailing over towards Josephine--he studied her for the briefest moment, wondering if this was the best idea he had agreed to. It still seemed so choppy to him, so contrived..if only because he really did fear what it would do for the image his kingdom portrayed. His eyes, however, moved back towards Theron as the question grew in length. "There is--not the sort I imagine you're thinking of either." Wendell said as he shifted in his spot and offered an absentmindedly smile towards a group that walked before before he shook his head. "Queen Gretel has asked for a bridge between our kingdoms--in fact, that woman there...she will be the connection between the two. An ambassador to our kingdom--please, don't start." Wendell told him quickly. He did it often, interrupting people before they could speak--it was a part of him that was sure he knew what everyone was going to say next. Theron was another of his court that he could--maybe one day--consider a friend. They had been through so very much together and Wendell found himself comfortable around the man. "I know exactly what this means for our kingdom but I've been promised no damage between other...allies of our's. It's all purely political." Wendell reasoned before his eyes followed Theron's and settled in on Jasella and Kaden together on the dance floor. His eyes grew hard for a moment and he gave the smallest, almost childish, roll of his eyes before he waved forward towards the Earl. "I imagine it takes hours to clean off the dirt and grime--at least on the surface. Come--we shall indeed." Wendel led him towards where Josephine stood in the crowd. "Earl Josephine, I presume?" He asked with a polite smile on his face. It didn't matter who he might be interrupting--he was, after all, king. That meant a great deal more than any knight or lord or lady. "Your Queen sent us to meet you--I am King Wendell White and this is Theron Landers, my Captain of the Guard. Are you enjoying your night thus far?" |
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4:37 AM Jul 11
