Realistic or Modern A Heart For A Kingdom

[SirDerpingtonIV]

"But you see, there was no king to give food to my people and I. The Northern Lands are too cold and frozen to support much. My people had to look elsewhere. And when no one would help us, we decided to help ourselves." Thronvir explained, watching Gavin, clutching his axe.

 

[Egyptiankitten2113]

"But you could have done so without this." Elena said, and dropped to her knees next to Gavin,pressing her hands against his cut to stop the bleeding, a look of alarm on her face now, but she spoke calmly as opposed to the anger from before. "Had you come to my father, or to me, we could have helped you. I would have gladly given you assistance or formed an alliance to aid your people. That is what being a ruler is about." She stated, her icy blue eyes staring up at him, "We can form an alliance even now, just state your terms and remove your forces from killing more of my people."

 

[Ney]

"Princess!"


Vanny spun at the voice, it's low tone soothing her nerves a bit. She ran over to meet him halfway. "Nico, have you seen my sisters?"


He nodded, panting from his sprint. "Yes, your two older sisters are fighting off the intruders. Isabella is safe."


Vanny's eyes widened. "What?! Maria and Elena are fighting them off?!"


He nodded again, this time taking hold of her hand. He started to pull her along. "I think they received training behind closed doors, if you know what I mean. But you, we have to find safety for you."


Fear shot through Vanny's heart. She tugged Nico back, forcing him to stop. "Wait, we have to help them! They're all I have left, we can't just leave them to die!"


Nico shook his head this time and led her forwards. "No Vanny, they'll be fine I promise. They have help, you have to come with me to safety!"


Vanny ripped her hand out of his hold and refused. "No, I'm not going to hide if they're in danger!"


Nico could see the fear so clearly in her eyes, and it worried him that she wouldn't listen for her own sake. "Princess, they are safe! They have help!" He saw the resistance in her demeanor and decided to act for the both of them. "Oh to hell with propriety!"


He swooped forward and scooped her up into his arms, then started to run for their lives. He wove around the people in his way, viking and non-viking.


Vanny gasped, her arms reaching up for support around his neck. Once she realized what he was doing, she started to beat at his chest. "Nico! Put me down, I order you!"


It was only when he'd gotten them on a horse, in one of the stables that she stopped. Nico kicked his heels and the horse charged, away from the castle. "I'm taking you to a safe house until it's okay to return. My family's cottage is just over the hill, but it's far away enough that we'll be fine for the night."


He looked down at his friend, only to see that she was silently crying. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and sniffled. "I left them. I can't believe I left them."

 

[Endless Love]

"Where are they?" Isabella demanded, feeling childish at the urge to stomp her foot on the ground. She was not fearful of her own life, but fearful for her sisters'. No doubt the brave and protective Elena would be fighting, and Maria never passed up an adventure. This would be easy for her. But where was Vanessa? Vanessa was not usually one to fight, being a very peaceful girl who took to her piano for entertainment. She'd be worried sick to know that her sisters were in combat with vikings, just as much as Isabella if not more.

The guards both shook their heads, and looked down dismissively upon Isabella as if she were a child. "Our orders are to keep you here in the countryside. "Why have you not taken my sisters with us?" Isabella persisted. "You are not yet even sixteen, your majesty." One of the guards spoke up. "You're the youngest of your sisters and our orders were to take you into the village." Isabella looked around, and then up at the sky. It was a clear night. The moon was a pure white and the commotion around her seemed to freeze. Isabella felt as though her parents were there. Like they were telling her something.

And then she ran. She ran faster than she'd ever ran before, all the way up the mountain. The braided bun that the maid had her hair fixed into fell undone, and shiny golden waves fell down her back, swishing wildly behind her.

Isabella came to a stop in front of the castle. Her breath was hitched in her throat as she quickly burst through the enormous main doors and slipped into the castle. What she was brought a terrible sting of sadness to her eyes. Why had it happened? And so shortly after the death of her parents? Isabella felt a sudden surge of hatred for the vikings as she stormed by them, frantic to find her sisters.​

 

[Dak]

"I do not know what it is like to starve through the winter… I do not know what it means to lead a tribe up in the cold north… but I can tell you, from a standpoint of where I am standing… this deal is the best thing you could ask for… as a leader you have to what is best for your people, even if it means working with people you despise." Gavin said still holding his arm. "I will throw down my sword, and bring help personally. If you need it."


Gavin held up his sword as if to put down his weapon. "I give you my word that I will put this down." He motioned towards his sword. "And go up there and help plant crops… build houses, and try and help you."


Tag me if I have to see it

 

[SirDerpingtonIV]

"An alliance?" He asked, looking over at Elena, "And how do I know you speak the truth?" He asked, eyes narrowed. Obviously, he didn't trust them. He trusted Gavin, a warrior far more. He nodded, to Gavin's words, and grumbled, "You have a good point. This is the best for my people." He dropped his axe. "Although I support this, many of my people won't. This will tear a rift in my people, but I so not know how large." He pulled a hollowed out Yak's horn from his belt, and put his lips on the end that used to have the point. He blew one loud note, that echoed throughout the castle. Throughout the halls, the Viking warriors fell back, retreating to the forests they attacked from. "If I cannot persuade my people, they will surely kill me, as is the way of High Choeftan, and then they will come here to kill you," he warned.

 

[Egyptiankitten2113]

"You can trust me because I am my father's daughter. You can trust me, all you need to do is name the terms you wish for, just say what you want or need and my Kingdom will provide it for you and your people." She swore and stood, dropping her blade to the ground as if to further that promise to the Chief that she would do him no more harm.

 

[Dak]

Gavin nodded at the man, and just before him and his warriors left he yelled. "If they are not convinced , bring them in front of the castle gates tomorrow... I will put any doubts to rest."A couple of minutes had passed after the viking left. It was a precaution so that way if he would come back, Gavin would be ready. But after a couple of minutes, took a big whiff of the air. “Their gone for now.” He had said. The night had fallen upon the land. It was a beautiful night out. The stars were shining, it wasn’t to hot, or too cold. The smell of the air still had the smell of the fresh rain. There was still rain drops that were on the leafs on the grass, and the hedges. The light from the lamp posts were flickering. A light breeze had come in.


Gavin looked at Elena. “Your majesty.” He said holding his bloody arm. “The night has fallen, and I do not know if they will be back.... I hate being like this, to someone who is so... So... so beautiful, and nice as you....” He took a step towards her. “But I need you to go into the castle...” He took another step towards her. “And I won’t take no for an answer.” He said as he motioned for the door to go back inside.


@SirDerpingtonIV

 

[Egyptiankitten2113]

"Well Gavin, I hate being like this to a man who saved the life of many people tonight, and my life as well, but I am not going anywhere." She said stubbornly, and stood her ground, her chin lifting in defiance now as the rain droplets now slid from her skin to the ground below.





She would not simply run inside and hide, no, that was not who she was. She would stay out here and defend her people, but more importantly her sisters. "If you are going to stay out here and fight again when you are injured, then I will be staying out here with you, making sure that you are not injured any more."

 

[Dak]

Gavin nodded, she was her own person, and she could do what she wanted to do. "If you wouldn't do it for yourself. Then would you mind going in for me... I don't want it on my soul that you got hurt because you wanted to stay out here with me... I couldn't live with myself." He said as he put his sword into his sheathe. He looked at her, with caring eyes. "Guards will patrol the grounds." Gavin could hear a faint marching sound, like metal clanging on the ground. "I think that is the sound of the army... They will most likely stick around or a couple days, until everything is clear." He pointed towards the door. "Please, I beg you go inside... I will follow you inside."

 

[Egyptiankitten2113]

"I understand you care Gavin, and I see that you are very brave in the fact that you would sacrifice yourself for this kingdokm and I can only wish that more men were like you." Elena sighed, and reached out, placing her hand into his as he extended his arm out, "I will only go in if my knight escorts back in to my sisters. After all...you led me ot here and I only wish that you lead me back in." She stated with a firm finality, looping her arm through his uninjured one so that she would not cause him any more pain.

 

[Dak]

After Gavin had shown her in, he closed the door. “Your Majesties!” He was speaking to the princesses, and anyone else who was in the room. “The time is late, and we do not know if they will be back... I would ask for the guards sake, and for mine. You all would either stay within this hall, or go to bed....” He cleared his throat. “And if you go anywhere on the grounds that you take either a guard, or someone else. Do not go out alone.”


His chain mail was causing some noise. After he was done speaking with the crowd he moved over to Elena. “Elena... I wish that you could stay in here.... I am going to go out and walk outside... Make sure that everything is safe outside... I wish to see you tomorrow.” He said with a smile.


He then turned to face the door and walked out, but was stopped by a guard. “I am going to go out and walk the perimeter.” The guard walked aside, but as soon as Gavin walked out he followed.


Once outside Gavin found the closest fire. He drew his a simple short sword, one of three on his body, and stuck the end of the blade in the fire. After it was nice and hot Gavin did the only thing he knew that could make sure that the wound would heal. He stuck the hot blade on the cut.


It burned, of course it would burn, but it was necessary. If he left it as is then it would get infected, then Gavin would have to have it cut off. After a couple of moments of it being on the bare flesh he took it off. “Bloody hell that hurts.” He said, but if he didn’t do it then it could get cut off. Gavin and the guard kept walking.


“Even thought you are younger then I... The guards thank you for protecting Elena, and we would ask you... Stay around.” The head guard said. “ The guards need a leader... I would ask as a favor that you would become that leader.”


Gavin was awestruck by this. He was humbled, but he couldn’t accept the position. “I am no leader... I am just a man, doing the right thing.” He said as he began to walk around the castle.


The guard still followed. “My lord... I beg you consider.” He said. Gavin kept walking. “I am sorry, but I am a man of the people... And the people come before myself.” Gavin had said.


The guard sighed. “If not for me, then for Elena.” Gavin stopped dead in his tracks. He took in a breathe, then let it out. “Give me a night to think about, your offer.” Gavin said.


The guard nodded. “I will expect an answer tomorrow.” He said before walking away. When gavin was finally alone he looked at night sky. The stars we sparkling. “I need some guidance.” He mumbled.


After a couple of hours, and the lights in some of the rooms in the castle had died down, and people that weren’t chosen to stay left, Gavin made his way to the stables. He walked up to the stall where Haywood was. “Looks like they have been taking good care of you... Some nice hay, a roof over your head... and a nice view.” Gavin had walked into the stall and made a couple of bales of hay into a make shift bed.


Gavin had laid down on the make shift bed. “At least we have a roof over our heads.” Gavin said to Haywood. “G’night buddy.” He said as he began to fall asleep. Halfway through the rain had started up again... and this time the thunder and lightning had come.


Gavin was dreaming of the night, that terrible night. He saw his mother, and his father. They were crying, but Gavin wasn’t. He could see his brother, who is still alive and well. “I.. I hate you.” Gavin could hear over the sound of his mother crying. “I never want to see you again!” He heard again. It wasn’t his brother that said it, it was Gavin who said that.


In a flash the lightning hit near the stable, and Haywood reared, which woke Gavin up. He walked over to Haywood and patted his stomach, then began to run his hand over Haywood’s nose. “SSSHhhhh.” Gavin said, calming down the horse. “It’s alright, its a little lightning, nothing more, nothing less.” He said as Haywood started to calm down.


After about a half hour of petting Haywood, Gavin went back to bed on the hay bales. He had the dream again. But this time, he could see his brother, who was holding a sword, swinging at Gavin. Gavin knowing how to handle a blade, hit the blade out of his brothers hand, accidentally cutting his hand clear off. Thats all Gavin could remember from the fight. The next thing he remembers is being out of the country and working for the man who trained Gavin.


Gavin woke up the next morning. After the lightning storm, and rain, the smell of fresh rain could be smelled all over the castle. Gavin was up early, it was something that he had done a lot. It was still night out when he woke up. His master would always say. “The only way to become a true master swords man, is to rise as the sun does.”


Gavin never really could understand the sayings of his master. Gavin walked out of the stable, and found a rock upon a hill that over looked the forest. He sat upon the rock, facing the forest. He laid his sword in front of him. “Master.” Gavin said faintly. He crossed his legs in front of him. He closed his eyes, and began to meditate.


Gavin’s master was the best sword fighter in the land, undefeated in combat in fact. He would even teach the king on how to sword fight. When Gavin was about 3 this master, took on no more students, and lived within the deepest, darkest cave, the demons cave. A cave filled with demons and bears, and anything that wants to kill. When Gavin left home, it was to find this master.


Gavin was saved by the master, while searching for him (the Master). The master asked if Gavin had anything that could be worth training. Gavin didn’t, he wasn’t worthy of learning, but the master found that he was worth it. Gavin spent the next 4 years learning from the master. He even came close to beating, but that was only close.


The sun was beginning to rise. Gavin opened his eyes. “Thank you master.” He said before taking his sword and walked back into the castle. Where the guardsman was waiting. Gavin could only say one thing. “Yes.” The guardsman bowed and handed Gavin a shield, it would become his shield. It is a statement that he is now the leader.


Gavin walked over to the throne and dropped to his knee, again. After a moment of looking at the floor, he got up. He approached the throne, but walked past it. He saw a sword, a very old sword. It was gathering dust. “It can’t be.” He exclaimed. “The kings blade.”


Gavin pulled it out of it’s sheathe. It was a very beautiful blade. Not to heavy in the blade, the handle was a bit short, but this blade was made for the king, who had smaller hands the Gavin. The blade was darker, made of a stronger steel. He knew helped the King craft this sword, because who helped with the blade, helped Gavin craft his blade.


He swung it around a little, to see how it would swing. It wasn’t bad, it cut the air as smooth as Gavin’s sword.


(Sorry it has two post's worth, But my mind wouldn't go to sleep until I had it on paper. It's just how I work.)

 

[Egyptiankitten2113]

Elena now stood beside the guard that had given Gavin the blade, and watched as he swung it around, testing its strength and weight. It brought tears to her eyes though she tried to hard to put the barrier back up. Her father had held that sword in battle...he had used it to knight every man, inckudong Gavin, and he had never used that sword for ill will, and she hoped Gavin would do the same.





"Sir Gavin." She began, stepping forward and holding her hand out for the sword, "For your bravery and courage in thebattles last night when every ther man on the force was ill prepared, the Kingdom of Ember gifts you with the charge of head of the palace guards. Youre responsibilities will include training new guards and protecting the lives of the royalty and guests who enter these halls. Will you swear to lay down your life for your feelow men as a guard and knight?" She asked, and once more, the barrier fell into place. Gone was the sparkle in her ice blue eyes, gone was the playful smile. She was back into place as the eldest princess, in charge of managing affairs and her sisters. Gone was the playful Ellie, this was Princess Elena...the way she should be.

 

[SirDerpingtonIV]

In the days to come, not a single Viking had been seen. Thronvir had kept his word. And it seemed his people had agreed with him. It was clear, that the Vikings would not trouble Ember any more. However, a rather large Raven would arrive, several days after the attack on the castle. The Raven would carry a large scroll with it, requesting Ember's assistance in making The Northern Wastes suitable for the Viking People. This way, they would have to raid no longer, and could cease terrorizing every country in the region. (You guys can choose when the Raven arrives, tag me when you choose for this to happen. You don't have to timeskip anything, you can get to it when it comes. :3 And now, I shall be absent from the RP for a while, have fun. :3)

 

[Dak]

Gavin nodded. "I will..." Gavin was now the leader of the guards, and personally responsible for everyone and everything that enters the castle. He would gladly give his life for the king and queen, whoever they would be. "But you must do one thing for me." He spoke to Elena. He was going to make sure that she wasn't going to forget about him. He knew that she was trying to put her sisters need before her own which was noble. "You need to follow me." He exclaimed, as he made his way towards the door.

 

[Egyptiankitten2113]

"I..." Elena was struck with confusion when he so suddenly made the request of her, and with a glance at the guard, who was no help and simply shrugged, she nodded her head and walked after him. She did not know what she could possibly do for him...he was a knight and now was the head of the palace guard as well, he had a wonderful job now, one that could help him provide for himself and anyone else he wished.


"What is it Gavin?" She asked, her tone void of any emotion except for mild curiosity now." 
"I..." Elena was struck with confusion when he so suddenly made the request of her, and with a glance at the guard, who was no help and simply shrugged, she nodded her head and walked after him. She did not know what she could possibly do for him...he was a knight and now was the head of the palace guard as well, he had a wonderful job now, one that could help him provide for himself and anyone else he wished.


"What is it Gavin?" She asked, her tone void of any emotion except for mild curiosity now."

 

[Dak]

He was outside, in the garden. "I understand that you are looking out for your sisters..." It was blatantly obvious that she wanted her sisters to become the next king and queen. "But don't forget about yourself... I do care for you... I have never really had this feeling in my life... In my twenty two years on this earth I have never had the feeling I had towards you." He took her hand. "I don't know what this feeling is, but I like it... And when ever I am around you I get this feeling." He looked into her eyes with his deep blues. "Last night, I would have died happy if I knew I saved you."

 

[Ney]

"How long are you going to stay mad at me, Vanny?" Nico groaned, urging the horse to go faster. Vanny said nothing, instead crossing her arms and giving a harrumph. She'd decided to sit backwards on the horse, her back to Nico's. It wasn't such a good idea, now that she realized how bumpy the ride was. Especially since Nico wasn't an expert with animals, and the horse he'd taken so hastily did not have a liking for the servant and the Princess. "Oh, come on Princess. It was for your safety, I couldn't let you stay."


"Just take me home, Nico."


Nico bit his tongue, his frustration growing. "Alright then, Vanny. But whether you like it or not you're gonna have to grab a hold of me sooner or later." He purposely jerked the horse to the side, earning a gasp from Vanny. She reflexively grabbed at his back behind her. "Ugh, Nico! This is not how you apologize!" He shook his head, stopping the horse and getting off. "That's because I'm not apologizing, Princess. What I did kept you from getting yourself killed, and I'm not sorry for that. I don't care that you slept outside, I don't care that you screamed at me, and I don't care that you haven't talked to me since we left this morning," Nico hesitated. "Okay, maybe I care a little, but my point is that I only wanted you to be safe. I can't believe you're getting upset with me for it." Vanny sat speechless, her jaw dropped slightly. Nice just gave her a look. "Now would you turn around? We don't need you falling off on the way back to the castle." Silently and slowly, she faced the front of the horse, and Nico got back on.


For the rest of the ride, neither of the two spoke, and when they arrived at the castle, Nico didn't say goodbye. Upset with herself, Vanny walked back into the castle, greeting the guards on the way and thanking them for her service.

 

[Egyptiankitten2113]

"Gavin I...I don't know what to say." Elena had not exlected this, not at all. She was not meant to have feelings towards anyone, not meant to take time for herself or even look for a suitor! But she could not deny, that he was the first man to break past the barrier she had put up to keep others out, and she could not deny that she felt the same feeling he did. "I feel the same Gavin." She said at last. "This feeling came to me the moment you took me away from the older men last night, and I stayed and fought the Viking last night because I could not allow you to be killed."





"But...I have a duty to my sisters, to make sure that they are happy and find suitors of their own. They are all so young, and...and..." she couldn't say it. "You strike me again Sir Knight..." she sighed, "For the first time in twenty years, I do not have the words. You have striken me silent, why is that?"

 

[Dak]

Gavin was a little surprised by her reaction. "I am glad you feel the same way... I understand that you have responsibilities to yourself, and your sisters... But that doesn't mean that you don't have the right to be happy." He looked at the green grass. "I don't know why I have struck you silent... You like me it is easy to tell... and I like you... I'm not preposing, not right now. Because I don't know how I fully feel about you, but I do want to spend more time with you..." Gavin go a little closer to her. "I will protect you to my dying breathe."

 

[Egyptiankitten2113]

"Gavin..." she sighed, and did something she knew she would regret.





She stepped back, and pulled her hand fromhis, letting them drop to her sides. "Even if you were proposing, I could not accept. And as much as I truly wish to spend more time with you, I cannot. My sisters need me to help them, they are so young and my parent's wish is that all of their children find happiness...and I would sacrifice my ability to do so to see them happily wed to their suitors."

 

[Dak]

Gavin knew that she had responsibilities, to her family and her friends. "I understand that you have responsibilities and that you want to look out for your sisters..." Gavin sighed lightly. "But every person on this green earth has a right to happiness..." He turned his back to her, he was facing the hedges. "I am happy with you... Thats all I want, is to spend time with you... If you want, I wouldn't mind helping you with your sisters."


He turned back towards her. He was a little sad that he was shot down. 'She's responsible thats good. She cares for her family that's another good thing.' He thought. "I care about you, and I want you to be happy... and if that makes you happy then I wouldn't mind helping." HE wanted her to be happy even if it was helping her find the right person for her sisters.

 

[Egyptiankitten2113]

Elena stepped up behind him, and did something that she hoped he would accept, he was slowly breaking down her barrier again. She laid her head against his back, closing those ice blue eyes with a sigh, "I want to be happy as well Gavin...and if things were different I would gladly sneak out here to see you in this moonlight." She admitted. "Perhaps...I can sneak away from my duties long enough to see you, but my first duty is to take care of my sisters." She offered at last, hoping that he would take it. She could not give him all the time in the world, but she would do her best to give him time period.

 

[Dak]

Gavin felt her hand upon his back. "I accept that your responsibilities are to your family first. Thats how it should be." Not in Gavin's life. "I am fine with that. I happy that you are going to make time for me... Later today find me within the courtyard, and we shall spend sometime together. First You should check up on all your sisters. See if they found anyone, and all that great stuff.... I have to check in with the guardsman, and some other boring official stuff."

 

[Egyptiankitten2113]

"I shall. Do be careful with the guardsmen, they tend to be a tad bit feisty after battles and raids." She whispered and lifted her head from his back and looked at him, " I shall see you then Gavin, though I will be happy to report to them myself of the gentleman that I had found, and a hero at that." With that statement, Elena turned, and with a small movement, blew a kiss to him, her pale lips puckering as she blew it to him, then headed off back into the castle to find her sisters, and leaving her brave knight in the courtyard alone.