Advice to a King

[PRSCB]

Victor


I sat in the throne room of the palace, accompanied by River, who was leisurely stretched out across the floor, two servants, and Matthew- Craig's advisor. Matthew resigned after Craig's suicide, citing grief as his main factor for leaving, however I was convinced that it was really because I was a terrible king. I mean, seriously. I had never trained to become King, but ever since my eldest brother's passing, everything was thrust upon me. Of course I have no idea what I'm doing- hell, I'm not even 100% sure how taxes are supposed to be managed, let alone warfare and anything else! Matthew did offer his daughter to replace him as principle advisor, although she had already been Craig's strategic adviser, and she was the very girl I was waiting for now. It was comical- a girl, advising me. However, desperate times call for desperate measures, and at this point, I was ready to anyone to come and help me. Matthew waxed poetic on how his daughter was smart, adequately trained, etc. etc., so she'd better be good. Being late, however, wasn't setting a good first impression.


"She should be here shortly," Matthew assured me in his usual calm voice. I glanced again at the door, impatient.


"She better," I muttered.

 

[Zaryn]

It was at that moment the door swung open, one of the footmen entering and announcing "Lady Zalyanna Kliar" before bowing and exiting the room. Passing him into the room was a rather flustered girl. Her face was slightly red, but not from the embarrassment of being 5 minutes late on her first meeting with the newest King. Once catching sight of the King himself, Zalyanna forced herself to calm her rage and fell into a graceful step. She stopped the customary 10 feet from the throne and bowed to the ruler. "I apologize for my slight tardiness, Bishop Maxwell would not allow me to leave, even given our meeting." The Bishop gave no care about the new King, not in private anyway. She had only needed to gather a book when he cornered her in the castle library. It'd taken all of her patience to deal with him, her hurried running to the throne room had not done much to ease her frazzled nerves. Knowing it was not the time nor place to dwell on her own mental issues, not when there was a job at hand. Bringing her mind to the present, Zalyanna bowed once again in apology and gave a light nod to her father before returning her now undivided attention to the King.

 

[PRSCB]

Victor


I glared at Zalyanna. "Indeed, Bishop Maxwell," I repeated in an annoyed voice. *Who the hell is Bishop Maxwell?!*


An awkward couple moments of silence ensued, before I cleared my throat and said loudly, "There are things to be done, I suppose. Let's go my study." I stood up, grasping River's decorated tassel leash. One of the servants scurried forward to help me down the three steps, but I wrenched my hand away, scowling. "I can help myself," I growled. I strode out of the room, the footmen racing to open the doors fast enough. Pointedly ignoring my new advisor, I stepped out, but stopped abruptly in the hallway, my brow furrowing. *I know the Prince's study is to the right… where is the King's study?* I cleared my throat again, glancing around awkwardly. River looked up at me, and I glanced down at him unsurely. His innocent face gave me a bit of confidence. *Come on. King! You're a king! Act like one!* "Zalyanne, I trust you know the way to my study," I said in a challenging tone, trying to cover up my ignorance.

 

[Zaryn]

His glare caused a barely imperceptible frown to crease her lips. Surely he couldn't be so cross for such a short delay. If he was, this assignment was not starting out well at all. Zalyanna would only take so much, she hoped not to be pressed to that point so early. "As you will." Nodding she moved to the side of the throne, awaiting him to lead. She watched him quietly as he fumbled his way down the throne, passing off the other servants. The dismissal amused her. At least he tries to get things done himself. She mused to herself, not following until she was called. She was and Advisor, not the dog at her King's feet. Though at the moment she believed the dog was more loved than anything to the man who owned it. His words surprised her. Does he not know...of course he does. "Of course my King." She replied in an even tone, quickly exiting the throne room and walking past him to the left, slowing down her walk until she knew he was following.

 

[PRSCB]

Victor


I followed behind her, River panting happily as he tugged on the rope. "We'll walk later, bud," I murmured under my breath. Zaryanne lead me into what was presumably the King's study- but honestly, it was a scholar's dream. Books and scrolls and precious artifacts sat nestled on shelves that soared up to the ceiling, and a large, imposing oak desk stood stoically in the center of the room. It's intricate designs and clawed feet made it seem like a predator, growling threats of paperwork and… political stuff. On it already was a stack of paper, scrawled with classical script covering topics I didn't understand. A grand velvet high-backed chair squatted behind it, with a simpler chair next to it, probably for Zalyanne. I walked around the desk and pulled out the chair, huffing for a second, as I wasn't expecting it to be so heavy. As I settled in, I looked at the floor, displeased. "We need a dog bed," I announced to Zalyanne. "Is there such thing as a royal dog bed maker?" I immediately felt foolish for asking, and scowled again.

 

[Zaryn]

Zalyanna did not sit once they entered the Study. Whether the King knew it or not, it was now obvious that this was his first time there. The woman watched quietly, pleased to watch his reactions to such a grand room. She had been in only a few times previously, normally being over in the Prince's Study, but she knew enough to know her way. Zalyanna moved to the outer area, once more 10 feet away from the King, taking a look around the area to make sure it was tidy. Her attention snapped back to him as he spoke. "It shall be done sir. What size would you like and is there anything specific you'd need for your dog?" She had instantly pulled out a pad of paper and pencil, awaiting the King's reply. "Sir, if you would like to appoint one, that can be done as well. Though the carpenter in town is more than up to the task, I assure you." Even with the permanent scowl on her lords' face, it was good to know that for whatever reason, he did indeed care about something enough to be pleasant to it. Zalyanna had been around the royal family before, but only the elders. It was curious to see just how Victor differed from his family.

 

[PRSCB]

Victor


I glanced at all 176 pounds of River. "No, we don't need a dog bed maker," I said hurriedly. "The bed has to be really big. It's got to be- uh- at least as big as a saber in length, and maybe a sword and a half in width." *Idiot, just because all you do study weaponry does not mean that that's even a term of measurement. Does she understand what I'm even talking about?* "And blue. Blue with gold trimmings. D'you like that, River?" He panted and whined happily, not having any clue what I was talking about.


I cleared my throat for the third time that day and said, "We should start working on the work." Looking at the first sheet of paper, though, my heart sank. I had literally no idea what this was. "Zalyanna?" I called "Explain this." My voice was curt as I made in effort to retain some source of dignity through my cluelessness. Already, though, I itched to be outside, on my horse Savage, or in my room fooling around with River. To think the rest of my life was to be like this- what a sullen prospect.

 

[Zaryn]

Zalyanna did not bat an eyelash at the odd source of measurements for the dog bed. Thankfully her time with the other Royals had given her some idea on how to deal with the bizarre requests and thoughts. She dutifully wrote down what he said he wanted, noting it and addressing it to her favored carpenter in town. She would remind herself to give it to a courier later. Hopefully the estimate wouldn't be too extreme, though if the countrys' new Lord was going to spend anything, she was sure it would be on that dog.


At his now repetitive cough, Zalyanna almost had the nerve to ask if he needed water, but it was far too soon for that sort of familiarity and teasing. It was times like this she misses the other Prince. He was easy enough to get along with and had encouraged a relaxed atmosphere. She was pulled from her thoughts at her name. She looked at him and then to the paper he was holding. She cleared the six paces to the table instantly and began looking over the paper. Her brow furrowed as she read the beginning paper. "It looks like it has started already my Lord; people offering us their 'protection' during our troubled times." She flipped through the next few papers, all indeed more letters offering assistance. The more she read them, the more outrageous they seemed to become. "Several of our neighboring Kingdoms would like to visit you." She looked at the male calmly. "They would like to be in your favor...after a fashion."

 

[PRSCB]

Victor


"Ah..." I said, looking at a letter. The cursive was ridiculous. Did I need to learn to read classical script? Should I learn to read classical script? My script was a messy scrawl of letters written in a shorthand fashion, so did that mean I also had to learn to write classical script as well? Annoyed, I growled at the piece of paper, almost doing my habit of running a hand through my hair before remembering how my hairdresser had just did it. "I don't think we should accept their offers," I said cautiously. "I don't like being in debt." I wrinkled my nose when she said "after a fashion."


"What the hell is a Fashion?" I asked brusquely. "Do they want clothes?" *Why the hell would they want clothes, you idiot?*


As I reached over to grasp another letter, I noticed quickly that it was signed by the Kingdom of the North Isles, the kingdom that my now dead sister-in-law, the one my brother was engaged to. "Reject this," I ordered immediately, slamming the page down on the desk before even bothering to read it. "Why do we even need their army anyway? Craig's death doesn't compromise the army, does it?" *If anyone is going to be the cause of a troubled time, it's going to be you.*


(I wish i could rp more, but i happen to be in venice on a vacation, and the time zones are screwing me up.)

 

[Zaryn]

She nodded her head in agreement. Letting the other Kingdoms in so soon would be a mistake. They clearly just wanted a foothold in before they began leeching off of the Kingdom and it's parties. "That would be the wisest course of action sir. We would not want to seem weak while you gain your bearings as King." She began sifting through the papers, writing down which Kingdoms that she would have to send gracious refusals to. His speech about clothes stunned her. Zalyanna stared at the man before her incredulously. Is he...making a joke?


Deciding to leave it alone, she shook her head and continued writing down her list. She took a step back when he slammed down the paper. Her confusion was masked by a blank face as he spoke. Understanding soon dawned on her, immediately writing down the next name onto the list. "It shall be done." Pausing a moment to consider his question truthfully. "While it is a strike against morale. In practical terms, it does not compromise our army. Though they will now look to you for leadership. You will have many members of our Military, and other parts of the Kingdom for that matter, coming to you for decisions. How the Kingdom continues on will be now up to you my King."


(No worries, life happens. )

 

[PRSCB]

Victor


"Yeah. The kingdom rests on me." *Oh shit. Oh damn. Goddamnit. I'm screwed, this whole kingdom is screwed, this entire thing is going to blow up and why on earth did Craig have to off himself because I'm never going to be good enough to match up and-* I looked down as River pawed my leg, sensing my rising stress levels. His tail beat the ground twice before he reached forward to lick my palm. I took a breath, leaning back. I was not going to be a failure king to died after less than five years. I was going to be the king who's rule lasted decades. *Or the King who's rule ends after a week.*


We'd barely been in the room for thirty minutes, and I was always drowning in anxiety and doubts. Great.


I looked at the next stack of papers. I wasn't sure what the hell it was, but I was pretty sure it had to do with taxes. "What is this?" My question wasn't exactly addressed to Zalyanna, but to myself. I mean, look! My own advisor thinks I'm either joking or seriously a freakin idiot anyway.


"Can we- can we take a break?" I asked, my tone sharp. "Outside?"

 

[Zaryn]

The woman continued shuffling through his discarded papers, putting things into piles for disposal or for dealing with. Thankfully things didn't look too backlogged. Craig, even when completely dispondent, still did his best. She frowned at the thought of the deceased and sighed, tapping the papers on the desk. This was a delicate time for the Kingdom. She would have to teach and help this new Royal as best as she could without stepping on anyone's toes. Well, the wrong toes at least. Her position did grant her a bit of leeway when it came to certain matters of business.


Zalyanna nodded her head at his request, giving him a light smile. "Of course. Nothing here is too pressing for you right now. There is time." Not much of course, but he didn't need to get through all of this today. She was sure that some of the items were from when his father still reigned. Her head tilted slightly to the side, looking past him out the window. "Perhaps a horse ride will settle your mind." Her smile brightened a little as she looked at the dog. "I'm sure River would enjoy it too." She could always keep working inside while he was out. There were letters to hae written and tasks for a certain Carpenter that needed to be done.

 

[PRSCB]

Victor


I let a small smile escape onto my face at her response. "I was thinking more of a walk- or run- in the woods or something," I said distractedly as I hurriedly pushed the heavy seat back, leaning down to untie River's leash from the chair (I had tied him earlier so he wouldn't wander off), and left the room with no 'goodbye '. I headed to my room, ignoring servants in hallways and the two footmen that threw open my doors before shutting them quickly after I gave them a brief, warning glare. I waited a second until I was sure nobody was going to come or something, then broke into a grin. "Heaven!"


I immediately pulling my uncomfortable formal shirt off and collapsed onto the bed. River panted happily, his tail thumping against the floor. I laughed at his goofy expression, before stripping completely and changing into my more sturdy, comfortable clothes. I swapped out River's elegant leash to a simple, worn rope that I looped and knotted around his collar. Taking off my dress shoes and replacing them with simple leather ones, I tugged on a string that rung a bell behind the door after taking a moment to compose my face into the usual passive-aggressive expression. The footmen opened the doors dutifully, shutting it behind me, as I walked back out, River loping beside me. I gave any servants who looked questioningly at my dress a dirty look, but was mostly left alone.


I paused by the- my- study while going to the exit, and said shortly to Zalyanna, who was somehow still looking at the desk and not bored out of her mind, "Be back in an hour." As I turned to leave, I hesitated. Should I invite her to come? I knew Craig told me it was good to be close to your advisor, but still.


*Don't do it. But it'll be nice to have at least one friend. A friend?!?! No, a walking companion. In case River runs away. He's never done that! You've only known her for an hou-*


"Coming?" I asked briskly, turning for a second to look at her.<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_06/image.jpg.d4049e1d0124992182a4f7050e549d24.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="56542" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_06/image.jpg.d4049e1d0124992182a4f7050e549d24.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p><p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_06/image.jpg.79d9bb82dfa28ea77f8ba34ec140d9f1.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="56543" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_06/image.jpg.79d9bb82dfa28ea77f8ba34ec140d9f1.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>

 

[Zaryn]

"Enjoy yourself my Lord. You will most likely find me here when you return." The woman gave him a lone wave as he left, relaxing once the door closed. She sighed and began moving 3 times faster at what she was doing. Zalyanna didn't want to make Victor feel uncomfortable for being so confused at what his new job would be. After all, it's what she was there for, what she was groomed for; to teach him what he absolutely needed to know and get done everything he needn't be bothered with. Not expecting him to return for the rest of the day, she moved the papers to the ground and sat with them encircling her. Pulling her hair out of it's bun, she let it fall around her, happy to no longer be distracted by it's tight pull on her head.


The large piles that had accumulated on the desk were now turned into far more managable things. It had seemed like the previous inhabitants of the room hadn't cared to look through it all in their grief and just let it go. Thankfully there was a pile that needed no response, as they were pleasantly informative. She wrote a list of key points he would need to know about, but otherswide they were to be discarded. "Ahh." She whispered, a grin placed on her face. It would be a much less daunting task to get through all of them then. Satisfied, she began putting the piles on the desk in order of importance. Zalyanna was still cleaning up when he entered. Her eyes widened slightly at the intrusion, but when she realized who it was and her face flushed slightly for being caught out of normal proper dress with her hair.


Though after catching a glimpse of his outfit, she felt a bit better. She supposed it wasn't so bad if it was just him, if he wasn't alone, she would have been ribbed about it later she knew. "Alright then. I've made things a bit easier to start with." An hour more would do good. She could probably get through some of the papers regarding some of the Castle's maintainance. She had gone back to reading when he spoke once more. Coming? Was he inviting her along? Zalyanna looked over at him and paused a moment before looking back at the papers and nodding. "I'd like that." So early in knowing each other, it would be foolish to refuse. She casually pulled my hair up into a looser bun as she joined him at the door.

 

[PRSCB]

Victor


I had never been around many females before, so I watched for half a second, mesmerized, as she tied up her hair. How did girls deal with all that... stuff? I could barely manage my hair. I rolled my eyes and walked briskly down the corridor, neglecting to give her a spoken answer of acknowledgment. Throwing a dirty look at the armed footmen by the main entrance doors, I was rewarded by them rushing to push them open, and strode through. River ambled good-naturedly next to me and gave the guards what looked to be the canine version of an apologetic look. "River!" I scolded him under my breath. He peered up at me wide-eyed. "You disloyal brat." I rubbed his head affectionately, jogging down the stairs. I glanced behind me to check on Zalyanna, who seemed to still be alive, before continuing my descent until we reached the bottom floor. However, instead of going out the doors, into the courtyard, I stopped and had River sit. "Be quiet and look normal," I ordered Zalyanna. *Or I'll seriously whack you in the face because I really want to go outside and you better not ruin it*


"Guards!" I said loudly, fixing a grimace onto my face. They looked at me, standing a little bit straighter. I was never known to be as nice to the workers as my predecessors. "I need another rope to contain River. Go get one."


"But your Majes-"


"Go get one!"


"Yes sir!" As he scrambled off, I looked at the remaining guard and said to him gravely, "Your behind has dirt on it. How improper"


"S-sir? I'm- so embarrassed, I apologize!" The guard stammered as he hopped around in his stiff uniform, trying to get a look at his back.


In that half of a second, I reached back and grabbed Zalyanna's hand, pulling her across the room in a run and ramming into the tapestry on the other side. Pulling it across, I pushed on the stone wall behind it hard. The wall turned slightly to reveal a secret room, and I dragged my advisor inside, River following knowingly. I shoved the door shut, and before we knew it, it was over in a heartbeat. I stood there breathing heavily for a moment before reaching over to light the torch with the box of matches I always left. Once the small room was illuminated, I finally had the conscience to realize what a fright this might be for Zalyanna. I basically just forced her into a small, hidden, enclosed space with a man she's just met.


"Sorry that was so dramatic- I'm not going to rape you. You alright?" My voice wasn't warm by any standards, but it was less detached than usual, since I sorta felt bad.

 

[Zaryn]

Zalyanna followed obediently, hands held clasped behind her waist as they walked throughout the castle. She kept in step with him, not noticing how quickly he was actually walking. Eyeing the footmen, she couldn't help the smile as he moved right through them, trying to do his own thing without their intereference. She kept with his pace, even as he ran, not wanting to be left behind. His meanderings were odd to her, but she knew she would have to get used to it. It was clear the male was used to being alone, save his ever present companion in River. She hoped she wouldn't be intruding too much on his life, though in some cases it was needed; Zalyanna didn't like to force her presence on people and normally kept to herself. While others were outside at the Tavern or other events, she hid in the Library.


To be fair that is what she was raised to do. It was a surprise, even to her parents, that she would take to it so well. As a girl she craved the knowledge her Father gave her. Even going above and beyond to read as much as possible. While other girls were reading fantasy and romance, she was busy with ancient wars and politics; things an Adviser to the Crown would absolutely need to know.


Quiet and normal? He was the boss. The woman immediately stared down the other guards, daring them to refuse him and shaking her head at the guard hopping around. Did it matter that his uniform was perfectly clean? No. Zalyanna knew a distraction when she saw it. It was more of curiousity of why Victor needed one. That answer soon revealed itself as she found herself pulled into a secret room, completely into darkness. She immediately backed up into the wall, knowing it's presence was the only surety she had. The flicker of the flame calmed her, her body relaxing slightly by having a sense of her bearings. His words, along with the excitement of what had happened caused her to let out a laugh. "Rape me? Now who's being dramatic." She let out a sigh and nodded her head. "It's quite alright my Lord. Unexpected, but quite alright."


Zalyanna made a mental note that the male cared enough to assuage any normal worries she might have. Though in honesty with the tales of Royalty, had he wanted to do so, he wouldn't have been stopped in any area of the Castle. Taking a girl to a hidden place was only for those who cared about how others thought about him. Of course if that was what he intended, the Royal before her would have had a few surprises in store. She would take death or exile over having to endure such atrocities. She was pleased that she would not have to worry about such things with Victor.

 

[PRSCB]

Victor


I gave her a weird look. "Okay," I said. *She has a nice laugh. A solid one. A little breathy, but a good one.* I didn't hear laughter often, so when I did, I tried to hold on to it. I quickly started down the staircase, holding the torch in front of me. As I listened to my footsteps echoing against the stone walls, I said to Zalyanna, "It's an abandoned servant's entrance. I don't like being seen going out." My sentences were short and formal, as I wasn't used to talking to others. After what seemed to be forever, we hit a large wooden door. I looked at Zalyanna, handing the torch to her. "Don't drop it." I turned, grasping the iron ring that served as a doorknob, and set my shoulder against the wood. I took a breath before starting to strain to push it forward, my muscles tensing up against my shirt. The stubborn door creaked and scraped against the stone, before giving in and swinging open with a bang. I sighed in relief. "You should've seen the first time I tried to open that," I told Zalyanna before grimacing at my non-biting comment. *I shouldn't be too nice*.


Besides, the memory was embarrassing. I was maybe 6, and had wandered downstairs. I had huffed and puffed and shoved, but the door had been long out of use, and my six year old strength was no match. I brought Luka, the English Mastiff/Newfoundland mix who had basically been my nanny, downstairs the next day, and she put her great, furry head against it and helped me push it open.


*I miss Luka.*


Shaking away my thoughts, I told Zalyanna in my normal curt voice, "Leave the torch there," pointing to a stand a yard away from the door.


As I stepped outside, I could see we were in the back fields, right next to the woods and beside an empty side of the castle. I was happy to see we were alone (as usual), and couldn't stop a smile from appearing on my face. I raked my hands through my hair, undoing the wax my hairdresser had applied, shook my head like a dog, my hair flipping wildly before coming to a rest as a mop on my head. I laughed outright when River galloped forward and butted into me from behind, knocking me forward. Before I could get too festive, though, I remembered Zalyanna standing by the door. Awkwardly trying to recompose myself, I said formally, "You can come out." My dignity was ruined when River jumped up behind my back, standing at 6 1/2 feet, placed his large paws on my shoulders, and drove me to the ground, snorting over me as I batted him away. He collapsed on top of me, my breath whooshing out out of me, and I wheezed out a chuckle as he gave me a large, slobbery lick across the face.<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_06/image.jpg.bef571f2615a8615db8899437653505e.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="56763" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_06/image.jpg.bef571f2615a8615db8899437653505e.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>

 

[Zaryn]

Zalyanna followed him down the staircase, careful of her footing the entire way down. It wouldn't do for her to fall and make a fool out of herself. What little regard, if any, he had of her would be lost. She refused to be relegated to just a stupid "girl." "I see. This one is new to me. I know of the two on the second floor, but not this one. It definitely looked abandoned, dust and cobwebs in a few places but clear enough on the stairs to warrant his occasional use. Once they reached the bottom, she accepted the torch from him and held it, watching him use all of his strength to move the massive door. Once it opened, the stairway flooded with light. "I can only imagine." She replied, nodding her head in affirmation before putting the lit torch in the stand.


She stifled a giggle as she watched Victor shaking his perfectly coiffed hair out. Good to know that she wasn't the only one who took issue with Court mandated styles. Her eyes widened a bit in shock as she heard him laugh for the first time. Who knew the boy could be happy? From how he acted inside the Castle, she was beginning to wonder if his face was always stuck in that irritated scowl. From their actions, it was clear to her that this was quite a usual occurence.


Zalyanna didn't neccessarily need his invitation, but previously she had been content watching him and Rivers' antics. Stepping outside, the woman smiled at the sudden breeze they were caught in. It was nice to be outside sometimes, in the fresh air instead of the stuffiness of the Castle. Not to mention how hot she was in all this regalia. As it was her first day, protocol dictated complete formality in dress. She hated how many layers women had to wear, skirts and overcoats and corsets and ugh! There was far too much involved for her taste. Give her a mans breeches and a shirt and she was happy. Though whenever she did dress that way, she had to hide her hair and only do so under the cover of night.


Letting the irritation go, she looked around the area, gaining her bearings on where they had actually come out. It was then she witnessed the King's undoing by his own hound. Biting her tongue not to laugh at his expense, she watched with amusement as the dog laid out his Master.

 

[PRSCB]

Victor


I gasped under River, grinning up at his goofy dog smile. "I need- oxygen." In a well practiced move, I placed my right hand against the ground and used it as leverage to flip over so River was on my back. Then, positioning my hands on each side of my head, I did a half push-up, straining under River's weight. I skipped my legs under me like I was squatting, then stood up quickly, keeping my weight backwards to push the beast off me. River hit the ground on his back, letting out a yelp, then rolled over and wagged his tail happily. "Oh, boy," I chuckled, giving him a pat on the head before brushing myself off and looking at Zalyanna. She looked better out here, with looser hair and an easier expression, although with that same infuriating, mature air that showed that she knew what she was doing, and what she's was going to do. Everyone else seemed to have it all figured out, but I… I was still looking. "Well," I said. Every time I spoke to her, my voice changed from boyish and playful to apprehensive and cold. "Into the forest." I walked forward, River trotting beside me and veering off to sniff things and chase squirrels. I let him- no point in holding him back. The trees loomed over us, and the forest was dark, save for some sunlight that fought its way through the canopy. It wasn't a sunny and friendly cluster of trees. This was the forest they told in stories of witches and weres- pines and hulking oaks that had stood for centuries blocked intruders and light mad left the area a dim and human-free area. The woods teemed with the rustles and growls of wildlife, hidden from sight but sensible all around us. Some might describe it as creepy, spooky, unsafe… but to me, it was safer than the castle. It was home.


Whenever I was troubled, uncertain, or simply bored, the woods beckoned me inside and showed me their secrets. In their dark crevices hood cougar kits and coyotes, wild boars and wolves and snakes. If I had a person to talk to, I would tell them stories of near death experiences and exhilarating escapes, and quiet moments spent sitting in the trees. Luka and I ventured in here first the day we opened the door, and I was a scared thing, frighting at every noise and snap of leaves. But Luka protected me, and I learned how to relax and how to interact with woods better than people. River and I preferred this place over anywhere else. River was truly a fearless dog, despite his mellow disposition. The number of adventures we had had together was... A big number.


I sauntered easily through the darkness, kicking rocks playfully at River as he hopped around, trying to catch them. But as I looked at Zalyanna, I frowned. "Why so nervous?" I asked her, my voice still somewhat unfriendly.<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_06/image.jpg.8457e72778b4dab978c95e373188b78c.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="56848" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_06/image.jpg.8457e72778b4dab978c95e373188b78c.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>

 

[Zaryn]

Victor was so easy with River, it made her feel a bit jealous. Not of River of course, but more for the fact that Victor clearly had an unbreakable bond with his dog. Being forced to work inside the castle, until she enjoyed it that is, wasn't the best way to make friends. While she did her best to stay out of everyone's way, sometimes someone would stray across her path and they would enjoy each others company for a time. None lasted though, as the only young people who tended to go into the Royal Library were visiting nobility. They never stayed for long. Otherwise her only friendly interactions that weren't strictly protocol were with Craig, but with his death, Zalyanna found herself with no one. Perhaps she would look into finding an animal of her own.


As he called her, Zalyanna dutifully followed him through the woods. The brambles pulled at her dress, she could hear the tearing of the fabric. While it was a nusiance, she couldn't help but feel a kind of gratification at the destroying of her dress. She did not speak for the most part, occasionally making a noise of frustration as the branches held on a little too well to the hem of her dress. The noises that filled the air did not frighten her, but moreso put her on edge. While honor dictated that he help should they get attacked, a certain part of her wanted no help from the man who had shown her nothing but frigid contempt. Though as he was clearly lost in his own thoughts, she wondered if he would even notice. Giving a slight shrug of the notion, she cast her gaze around the area, eyes always on the lookout for danger.


He had been so quiet, she almost jumped at his words. "I...I'm not nervous per se, I'm just making sure we aren't bothering any beast around us." Her voice was light, carefully controlled in its evenness. "We wouldn't want to be intruding on any animals' territory." As she was in formal dress, she was not as armed as she preferred to be. With only a small knife hidden in her corset, she wouldn't be too much use in a fight should one occur. Nor with this heavy skirt constantly being caught.

 

[PRSCB]

Victor


I looked at her strangely. "Intruding?" I repeated. "We're not intruding. Don't worry." I looked down at the hem of her dress, noticing the rips and scratches the thorns had given her. I did feel sorry for women- how did they manage with all that fabric?


"We'll stop here," I stated monotonously, once we reached a point where I simply felt bad that she had to drag her dress through the foliage. There was a rock that she could sit on, and I motioned to it vaguely. Hopefully she'd understand that I meant she could sit. River whined, pawing at a stone, and I humoured him, tossing it into the woods. He bounded into the darkness to find it, then came back a minute later. I repeated that fetch cycle for a bit, leaning against a tree. Looking at Zalyanna, I felt awkward. I was never a conversationalist, and was searching for words in my brain to say to her. "It's a nice place," I managed to come up with. I sighed inwardly, noticing my voice was as emotionless as ever, but reminded myself that kindness was weakness.


I stood up straighter, however, at the rustle of leaves. It was near Zalyanna, a distinct sliding and rasping of branches that warned my what it was- a snake. Without hesitating, I moved towards my advisor, my eyes trained onto the ground. "Don't move," I ordered, standing perfectly still for a second right above Zalyanna. My eyes were alert, focused, and I held my breath in attempt for absolute silence. After a second like this, I flashed forward, my hands reaching out to scoop up a serpent. It was maybe four feet in length, and was an adder, from what I could tell. It's brown markings hid it on the forest floor, but it was relatively harmless. To me, at least. I knew this snake from its missing fang.


"Greetings, Matthew," I told him, knowing he didn't understand a word that I was saying. "Meet Zalyanna. Don't bite her." He slithered over my arm and around my neck, so that he was like a scaly scarf. I glanced at her casually. "You can hold him," I told her passively.


(Hope this wasn't too OP!)<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_06/image.jpg.ab230c7b467959dbdf8076179e64165f.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="56863" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_06/image.jpg.ab230c7b467959dbdf8076179e64165f.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>

 

[Zaryn]

"If you say so." She replied quietly, hands moving into the pockets in the folds of her skirt. She continued following him, not minding the walk as she was enjoying herself. She did like the smells of the forest. At his insistence she sat over on the rock, watching him play fetch with the happy canine. It was nice to have a calming break in the middle of all of the business at the castle. She leaned back slightly against the tree the rock was next to, damning her hair and the back of her dress. If it was already mussed up as much as it was, a few pieces of bark weren't going to kill her. It was a considerably old dress anyway. The styles had changed and it was becoming apparent that she need to update. A nice black and blue she mused, after all, the seasons would be changing soon and darker colors suited both her and the season.


She smiled slightly at his words, noting him actually trying to have something of a conversation, even if his tone was as flat as a scroll. "I agree. Thank you for letting me come along." Zalyanna was about to stretch when he froze her. Her body went rigid, curious as to just what created such a reaction from the male. A moment later she saw the snake in his arms, alarmed at his quickness but not mentioning anything about it. "Matthew the snake huh? The last Matthew I knew was a raven." She stood once the reptile was safely ensconced in the King's care. "While I wouldn't mind, I think he's quite happy where he is." She spoke calmly, her smile returning, examining the animal from a safe distance away from both of them.

 

[PRSCB]

Victor


I looked fondly at Matthew. "He doesn't like ravens. At least, I imagine so." Matthew hisses, raising his neck and showing his long, slender fangs. "You're probably right. Grumpy old man." I smiled lopsidedly and set him back onto the ground, two meters away from Zalyanna. He lingered a moment more before disappearing into the forest again. "Didn't know he was still alive," I told River, my voice animated since I was talking to my dog. I stared off where he just left. "He's, like, eight now. Think Sasha is still around?" I was referring to the lone Siberian tiger that lurked here. She was an escapee from a traveling circus, but because she was a Siberian, she fit in fine in the wild. I hadn't seen her for a month, but she often disappeared for a bit before sauntering back. Looking at Zalyanna again, I said, "You'll meet them all sometime." I paused, confirming my voice was still as stoic usual, before continuing, "If you decide to still come." River padded to her, wagging his tail happily as he pushed his large head into her lap, and licking her cheek. I laughed inwardly at rivers fondness of Zalyanna, but was old as ever on the outside when I asked, "Want to go back or keep going?"


(Sorry that was on the shorter side )

 

[Zaryn]

"If I were a snake and something could easily carry me off, I wouldn't either." Zalyanna didn't move as the snake slithered past, waiting for it to safely be gone before moving around. She didn't want to accidentally step on the poor thing. She watched it go off, interested in all of the other animals the male was referring to. "Well, if you would like for me to, I think I'd like to come back here. Though I understand if you'd need some private time here." She looked down at the dog who was nuzzling her and ran a gentle hand over River's head, scratching him behind the ears a bit before rising.


"We can continue. There isn't anything so dire of your attention that we need to rush. It's...a lot to take in." She knew so many changes were hard to deal with. Family dying to suddenly having the entire Kingdom on your every movement, needing your attention and pulling you in six directions at once. At first she had passed him off as a jerk, as his speech and actions had clearly shown. But Zalyanna had caught a glimpse of the hopelessness and worry that possessed him, and found herself wanting to help him. So until the day he didn't need or want her there, she would stay.


"Though if we are to stay out here much longer, I would ask if you minded if I took off my overcoat?" It was very forward to ask, but the heat was starting to get to her. The only reason she even felt comfortable to ask was his current attire. If he would deem it alright to wear much more basic clothes, she hoped he wouldn't mind her taking off at least a layer of fabric. Zalyanna really couldn't wait for Fall to break. The cooler temperatures were what she preferred, especially if she was going to have to continue on in such formal dress.

 

[PRSCB]

(OMG! I thought I posted, but it never came through. Sorry!!)


Victor


"I don't want your sympathy." I scowled at the ground, thrown off by Zalyanna's comment of it being a lot to take in. River trotted back to me, upset at my change in mood. I stroked his back, deciding on where to go, when I blinked at Zalyanna's comment on taking off her overcoat. "Fine," I said curtly. "Put your coat on River's back," River bore the weight happily, glad to be useful.


It was funny, how a dog could be such a mirror image of who I was. Or at least, who I wanted to be. I set off as soon as she had removed it, moving deeper into the forest. The light grew sparser, which I enjoyed. The dark seemed to lighten the pressure of speech, letting me walk in silence.


I heard the hoot of a barn owl a little bit away, resounding through the trees. A second later, the crow of a raven in response. Communication was a nice thing, if one could afford it. But from what I could tell, such communication only ended in disaster. For that, I was grateful Zalyanna was seemingly comfortable in the silence.


I was still rattled, though. I'd never brought anyone with me into the forest- I had no idea what compelled me to bring my advisor whom I'd just met along. I guess I kind of wanted company. But I already had River.


I kicked a pinecone into the woods, and River chased it, disappearing for a bit. I didn't mind though, because if I knew anything, it was that unlike most people, we always came back.


I searched for a question to ask her, though, because even I wasn't comfortable with total silence. I usually chatted with River, but he was probably distracted. I opened my mouth to ask a question, something that had me curious, but I hesitated. Instead, I opted for a less emotionally weighed question. "Why an advisor?"