Advice to a King

[Zaryn]

((It's okay))


"Of course my lord." She answered quickly. He really was quite prickly. She wasn't sure which stereotype he was going for right now, but he was filling quite a few of them. Zalyanna came over to River and tied the sleeves of the folded up coat around River's neck. She couldn't help but smile at the sight. Such a regal looking dog. Once she was done she stood up, pleased to be free of the heaviest of her layers. She returned her hands to her pockets and looked to Victor, wondering and ready for wherever they were to go next. She kept a safe distance away from him at all times, it was easier when they were walking as she had a true excuse. She'd given up on trying to save the skirt and walked freely, still getting the occassional catch of the fabric.


If there was anything the woman was used to, it was silence. Other than the sound of rain, it was what she preferred. When all she could hear was the crackle of the fire or her own thoughts inside, she was happiest. She didn't mind conversation of course, as long as it wasn't mindless gossip. She'd had to endure quite a lot from visitors, she did not want to have people she chose to be around have the same nonsense.


Her eyes followed River, chasing after the pine cone until she could no longer see him. A quick glance to Victor proved she shouldn't be worried about the dog, so she let the thought go. They had clearly come through this place before enought to have a comfortable routine. She hoped she wasn't getting in the way. Surely she wasn't, he invited her didn't he? Her eyes widened a bit. What if he had only done so to be polite. No, that couldn't be it. Polite was not something she thought Victor would do just to spare her feelings.


"Ah..." She wasn't quite sure what he was asking. "What do you mean?"

 

[PRSCB]

Victor


I have her a sidelong, unimpressed expression, although I was embarrassed on the inside. *Be literate, idiot!* "Out of all things a women would like to do, how did 'advisor' become a priority instead of… sewing?"


I paused for a second as River trotted back in with the pinecone. "Do you want it?" I mock-taunted him, before chucking it back into the woods.


How lucky was she, to be able to decide what she wanted to be. I… well, I was stuck with a career path before I even got to consider anything. Maybe I would have liked to be Keeper of the hounds? The stable-master? Who knows. Maybe I'd just be a nomad.


River came back quicker this time, dropping tha pinecone at my feet. "This thing is wrecked," I commented, picking up the now drool-covered object. Maybe Zalyanna would like a dog. Maybe a smaller one- a cute Maltese, maybe. Or a toy spaniel.


*What the hell are you thinking???* I grimaced, then threw the cone into the trees violently- if that makes any sense.

 

[Zaryn]

Her cheeks reddened a bit at his look. It wasn't her fault he couldn't just ask her what he meant instead of being vague. She stared at him dumbly as he spoke. "Sewing is a priority forced on women. Very few of us actually enjoy it." She slipped her hands into the pockets of her dress, watching River return before bounding off again in search of the pine cone. "My Father raised me to be his replacement. I enjoy the work, hence my taking this position. I suppose I didn't want to be stuck in the boring life of other women, seen and not heard." It was one of her greatest fears; to become one of them would destroy her.


Zalyanna was quite opinionated, and working as an Advisor allowed her to be able to express them without the social contructs normally placed on women.


She noted Victor's sudden gusto at playing with River. Clearly something was going on in his mind. She was curious, but knew better than to ask so brazenly. They did not have that sort of relationship yet. When he was dressed like this and just out playing with his dog, it was easy to forget that he was indeed the King. She would have to keep vigilant so as not to seem overfamiliar.

 

[PRSCB]

Victor


When River came back with the pinecone, I paused before giving it another battering, looking up at the sky. It had somehow become twilight before I noticed. How didn't I notice how long I was out here? Time always seemed to speed up in the woods.


At her comment on women disliking sewing, I looked away to the other side of the forest. "Well, I wouldn't know what women like," I said bitterly. I'd never known any. But then again, I'd never really known any men either.


Women- not seen and not heard, by men at least. That's how I almost preferred it. Men and women, separate, never having to deal with each other. Because that invariably becomes love, which likewise ends in disaster.


I realized belatedly my absinthal expression, and said suddenly, "Let's go back." Night has fallen, and I knew creatures would be out and about. I wanted to stay, maybe stay the night like I often did- talk to the animals and introduce myself to new ones. But I didn't know if I wanted Zalyanna with me on those moments.

 

[Zaryn]

She was surprised at his tone, speaking almost angrily about it. He kept bouncing back and forth between emotions, Zalyanna was having a hard time keeping track. She ran a few fingers through her hair in exasperation. This assignment was going to be harder than she thought. This male was so very different from his other family, she wondered what had made him so.


"As you wish." She replied neutrally, walking over to River when the dog returned and taking her overcoat off of him. She shook it out a bit before putting it back on. It would survive the trip back and cover the bottom of her skirt. "My Lord, once we return, will you have any other need of me for the night?" She asked, stepping over a few thorn branches that had snaked through the underbrush.


From how he had been speaking to her, she highly doubted he'd want anything from her. The woman didn't think the other would want to return to the Library. She would have to order the dog bed and send off the refusals of aid once she had time to herself.

 

[PRSCB]

]Victor


"No. You can return home." I replied shortly. I worked hard at stabilizing my emotions- it was confusing for me. I was naturally a happy, carefree sort of guy. However, happy and carefree men usually ended up dead. But acting harsh 19/7 took its toll, and I often ended up swinging from emotion to emotion. I decided I needed a good cuddle session with River once we arrived to my room.


Surprisingly , we didn't come across any more animals as we neared the exit of the woods. I suspected it was because we had a newcomer- the forest critters generally stayed away from things they didn't know, unless they provided a threat.


Long shadows of invisible creatures and trees started stretching across the forest floor, adding an air of darkness which I thoroughly liked.


My heart sank as we finally reached the end, now facing a trim grass lawn and a view of the setting sun. It was a beautiful thing- shades of lavender blending together with reds, pinks, yellows, and the faint tinge of a dying blue. But it still was a stinging reminder that I was no longer in the woods.


Just before opening the door that would bring us back inside again, I glanced at Zalyanna, hoping my silence wasn't too strange. I opened my mouth to ask her a final question, but closed it before it could escape, since my mind went blank at things ask. I roughly shoved open the wood and picked up the torch, ushering the two others inside before shutting it. My footsteps echoed against the stone walls and steps as I jogged up, suddenly aching to be alone. Which was annoying, because my forest time was supposed to be my time alone in the first place. Before I opened the exit door, I said to her, "You don't have to worry about being caught, but I do. Go in and act normal. I'm going to be running. See you tomorrow." I was talking fast, tripping over my ending. Turning the door open, I repeated, "Act normal, and try to distract them from me." I paused hesitantly. "Please." Then, I bolted out the door. I was a fast runner, from all my running with (and away from) the forest animals, and I knew I could probably outrun the racers who ran at the kingdom races. But fast wasn't always enough. The guards noticed me, and as I sprinted towards the doorway to the servants entrance, River bounding next to me, I heard a "Hey! Stop right there!" From one of them. Praying that Zalyanna would cover up, I slammed into the other staircase entrance, shut it behind me, and with my adrenaline pumping in my veins, starting ascending to my floor.


(I hope that wasn't too rushed!! Feel free to add on scenes from Zalyanna's POV if you think that was too little description.)[/color]

 

[Zaryn]

"As you wish my lord." She replied, silently pleased she would be able to go hide alone in her room for the rest of the night. She'd had quite enough of the hostile awkward she was being presented with by her King. Zalyanna hoped this awkward phase would soon be over; she wanted to have actual conversations, ones without the overwhelming fear of offending him and thus being thrown away like refuse.


The woman walked silently, a few steps behind Victor, her eye darting around the forest looking for anything she may have missed on the way there. Her eyes lit up as the familiar greenery of the castle came into view. Her pace slightly quickened, though she stopped herself before she got too close in passing him. River has nudged her slightly and she pet the dog gently before he ran off toward the door.


They ascended the stairs in silence, the only sounds being the flicker of the flame and their steps as they traversed the cold wooden steps. A part of her wanted to stop right there, the stone being a lovely contrast to the heat she was under. Tomorrow she would wear something lighter, propriety be damned. She stopped behind him, looking at the male as he spoke. "Alright. See you tomorrow then."


"HEY! STOP RIGHT THERE!" One of the guards yelled loudly, almost directly in Zalyanna's ear. "Just what do you think you are doing? Trying to burst my eardrums Travis?" She rubbed her ear a moment before crossing her arms. "It's just the messenger off to go into town. He took my words of 'as soon as possible' quite literally it seems."


Travis and the other guard, one Zalyanna hadn't had any interaction yet looked at her a moment before shrugging their shoulders and trading a look. These two clearly didn't want to do their jobs "too" well after all. A word of passage from a Royal Advisor was enough for them not to get too involved.


She waved the gentlemen goodnight before heading down the stairs, eager to leave the Castle. She walked with purpose, waving off anyone who happened to call her name. She needed to be alone. She needed to be safe; something that she wouldn't neccessarily get here. Not in the most important way anyhow.


After a few quick stops at the Carpenters and Messengers Station; Zalyanna was free to have the night to herself. She headed directly home, almost sprinting up the stairs to change.

 

[PRSCB]

Matthew


I looked up from my books in the study when I heard footsteps trotting lightly and quickly up the steps. I chuckled to myself, removing my spectacles before bookmarking my page and shutting the cover. The bookmark was a strip of embroidered silk imported from China- Craig had given it to me as a gift. He was generous like that. Victor, on the other hand- I had rarely seen him at all, apart from necessary meals and parties, even when i was his brother and father's advisor. But he had never talked much. I could count the amount of times I had spoken to him with my ten fingers, despite serving his family for 30 years. But times were busy back then- I hadn't the thought or time to seek him out. Meeting him formally today, however, and he seems to have developed into an impatient, passive aggressive, silent man. How bizarre- his predecessors were both full of love and hearty laughter, passing their wealth around and visiting the people like nothing. I doubt Victor has ever even made a public appearance.


Shaking myself out of my thoughts, I stood up and opened the door, heading out to the stairway, since my study was located under the stairwell. "Zalyanna!" I called up affectionately. "Finish dressing and come say hello to your old man! Mother is still in the marketplace, but she promised us a blueberry pie. I'm swear, she wants to spoil you as much as possible before you permanently move into the castle. You have to tell us about your first day on the job!"


At that moment, Trisha, my wife, bustled in with her basket brimming with fruits. "You really do have to tell us," she agreed enthusiastically, catching my last comment. "During dinner you will- I prepared some chicken stew. You need to eat up, because heavens know you can't cook for your life. You'll be begging for my food once you move out. Now, if your brother doesn't return home on time we'll never have dinner, but we can hope optimistically."


Fredrick always enjoyed staying out later- I suspected he was rollicking around the town after some girls with his friends- but he was a dependable young man who worked a good job and always came home eventually.


Victor


I walked quickly to my room, growling at my footmen as they tripped to open the doors fast enough. They barely had the time to bow, but I didn't care. I collapsed on the bed face-down the moment the doors shut. "Heaven," I sighed, grinning as I rolled over. I stretched, ripping of my shirt so I my abs were exposed. "Clothes are overrated, don't you think, River," I mused as I crumpled the shirt up and gave it a toss. It landed a good mile away from the laundry bin. "Well, I'll make it there someday." I looked around, realizing River was nowhere to be seen, then peered over the bed. Sure enough, the tip of his black snout poked out from the bedskirt. I stifled a laugh and leaned over, poking his nose with my finger. He shuffled out, tail thumping loudly as he rolled over, begging for a belly rub. "Big baby," I teased, giving him a scratch. "You deserve it." I sat up, looking down at him thoughtfully. "Should we go out for a midnight walk today? See if we can meet Lupa or Samuel?" He peered up at me balefully. "C'mon. After dinner?"

 

[Zaryn]

Zalyanna had hoped she wouldn't be noticed entering the house, but the moment she fell onto her bed she heard her Father's bellowing. Could she not have a moment to herself? She grunted loudly, hoping to express her annoyance clearly. She was tired of putting on a show. The more she heard her parents speaking, the more she couldn't wait to live in the Advisor's area of the Castle. Her irritation showed as she pulled off her clothes a bit too quickly, throwing the destroyed fabric onto the floor. "Stupid blueberry pie, I don't even like the damn things. You'd think she'd figure it out by now. Spoiling me with food? Indeed." Her words were barely whispers through her teeth. The day was catching up to her and something told her she wouldn't be staying in the house long tonight. She needed an ale...or five.


Brother? What brother was Frederick? He was never home, never had a good word for her, and sucked up to their parents. At the moment she couldn't care less about his eating. He was probably half gone under a barrel by this time of night. The edges of her lips upturned in a small smile. That part of them was at least aquired honestly. Zalyanna, resigned to having to actually talk to her parents, put on a simpler and lighter dress for the evening. Her eyes caught herself in the mirror, causing her to stop and force her normal mask on again. Hopefully dinner wouldn't be too tiresome and drawn out and she could leave sooner than later. She descended the stairs, walking into the kitchen and sitting down at the dinner table, drumming her fingers on his wood. "He's quiet, when he does talk he almost always seems angry. There's not much else to say."

 

[PRSCB]

Trisha


I looked at my daughter and noticed her impatience, my smile dimming. I could tell, with a mother's eye, that she was annoyed. Well, it was predictable. I had gotten the itch to get away from it all when I was her age. It wasn't as strong as her's, but it was there. My little girl had gotten the taste of the bar, and I had a strong suspicion that she had felt the whizz of being inebriated and in bed with another. But, I still loved her, even if she was a more sour daughter.


I patted my hands against my apron before moving over to her. "Zalyanna," I sighed, stepping behind her and combing my hands through her hair. "Darling. You'll make a fine advisor. He'll see your worth soon- a girl like you will make men both jealous and awed." I undid my ponytail and tied the end of her braid with the ribbon, our hair the same reddish-brown color. "How about you go outside and spend some time with your friends before you move out?" I said soothingly. "I'll pack some food, and you can leave." Matthew glanced at me. "But first, you have to talk to your father."


Victor


River panted a little, his tail thumping once. "Good! Midnight walk it is." I rolled off the bed, landing in a heap next to River before crawling under my bed next to him. "Now- don't- oomph!" I gasped as River shifted his weight and unwittingly bashed me in the case with his furry behind. "You giant monster, you," I grumbled, turning so I was at my back. I fidgeted with the underneath of my bed before finding the latch to my secret compartment. When I opened it, a single notebook fell out into my hand. I shimmied out from under my bed and smiled, looking at the worn leather binding. It was a beautiful notebook- stamped with golden and forest green ink, the binding made of gold as well. I didn't intend to have such an elaborate notebook- all I did was ask for a notebook. But apparently being King (or Prince, as I was at the time) entitles me to a fancy one.


I opened the cover of the notebook as was greeted with my own messy scrawls- sketches of animals with names and bios scratched next to them. Diagrams of weapons I had stolen from the army, on how to use them with citations of various combat textbooks. Doodles I made of river- River with his tongue out, River running, River and Kingsley (a coyote in the woods) sleeping next to each other.


I flipped to the page with a snake illustration, the name "Matthew" written next to it. I walked over to my desk, pulling open my drawer and fishing out a quill and inkwell. Dipping the goose feather in it briefly, I wrote, "Still alive. Somehow. Cloudier eyes- blindness?" Hopefully I could track him down later and test my suspicions.


Waiting for dinner to be delivered- I'd long since stopped eating in the dining hall- I pages through my weaponry guide that was sitting on my desk. "A machete- haven't stolen one of those yet. Maybe tomorrow," I sighed to River, making a quick note of it it a clean page in my notebook.


(I'm writing about Victor in the same time frame as the other characters. Also, Matthew the dad and Matthew the snake was just a coincidence.)

 

[Zaryn]

(I figured that, though next time you introduce a member of her family, run it by me first? Little irked at the whole brother thing, but it's whatever.)


The woman let her mother fuss over her, there wasn't much use in fighting it as the elder would just continue on. "Mother, I don't quite care to make anyone jealous nor be in awe of me. I just want to live my life and do my job." She was slightly calming down, though the mention of friends riled her up a bit more. "You know better mother, I have never had time for friends and thusly do not have any." While she did eventually enjoy her schooling, in the beginning it was pure agony. Zalyanna had felt her life was being taken from her, forced to do what her parents wanted with no thought to what she wanted for herself. While this fact was true, the alternative was to be thrown out on the street. In some ways she wished she had been born a male, they would not be so stricken by her then. Even after growing to like her work, that thought always lingered in the back of her head. She shook her head and walked away from her mother, walking into the other room to find her Father. There was nothing else to tell. Her true opinions, they didn't want nor need to hear.


Without a word she sat down in the chair opposite her Father, arms slipping onto the armrests. She did her best not to grip them too tightly, even if it was the only thing keeping her from fidgeting. She wanted to be alone and outside. After being in the forest all day, she needed a roof to lay on. Zalyanna felt like she had been nothing but a bother to Victor, even if he did invite her to come. She should have said no, he was clearly only being polite...or something to that effect.

 

[PRSCB]

Matthew


"Well, daughter, it's high time you took the King's Chastity pledge," I said, getting straight to the point. "It's time for you to become the next great advisor of our kingdom, and because of that, it is imperative that you aren't distracted by trivial things, such as a crush on the king. So, here it is." I briskly pulled out a sheet of parchment paper, elaborately inked with golden swirls and the kingdom's seal stamped on the top. "The chastity pledge is the swear to never engage in intercourse-" I cleared my throat uncomfortably at the thought, "-romantic relationships, seduction, or flirtation with his Majesty. Should you break this pledge, you will be subject to immediate dismissal of your post." I slid the paper over to her. "The king does not know about this pledge, it is considered something that the Advisor is responsible for. However, should things take a route to the inappropriate, it is your job to stop the situation. Sign on that line. I will send a courier to deliver it to the Royal Administry." I waited a second for her to finish. "You look irked today," I commented, before retrieving the sheet from her. "Take your mother's food. You can go out and have fun," I said good-naturedly.


(I'm pulling Victor from my writing until he becomes relevant.


Also, mind is I tug in a temporary side character [Zalyanna's 1 & only friend or maybe just an acquaintance] to meet up with Zalyanna when she exits the house? Or do u have a plan for when she goes solo.)

 

[Zaryn]

(Either of those is fine, it wouldn't interefere with what I'm thinkin', so go ahead)


At the mention of the Chastity pledge, the woman almost choked on her own saliva. "Father, this is one of the silliest things I've ever heard, but if it makes you and the Kingdom feel better, I'll sign the thing." Zalyanna calmed down with a deep breath and picked up the quill to sign. "I don't think it's remotely possible for any romantic feelings to appear between the King and myself. He's colder than any winter night in the rain. Except to the dog of course." She signed her name with a flourish and got to her feet. "Well, I suppose you'd be irked too if you had the day that I had. Will that be all?" At his dismissal she grabbed the basket of food and her cloak. Slinging it over her shoulders, she exited the house, calling behind her "Don't stay up for me."


A few strides down the road, she took a look inside the basket. There were only a few items she'd eat, the rest she would take to the orphanage on the other side of town, near the edge of the woods. There was no use in wasting food. She hated how much was wasted during parties at the castle, it would be a good move for the new King to change a few rules, giving the leftovers to the less fortunate instead of letting them throw it out. As well loved as the previous royals had been, they were not always coherent of the lower world around them. If they saw the problem, they would fix it, but otherwise the issue ended up at the bottom of the pile.

 

[PRSCB]

Vanessa


"Hey Zalyanna!" I shouted from the other side of the market square once I spied her exiting her house. Hoping she heard me, I shoved my way through the crowd to try and get to her, balancing my basket full of market goods precariously on my hip. I hadn't spoken to her at all besides the quick pleasantry during the past two weeks, since she was busy preparing for her new role as principal advisor to the king. I wasn't nearly as ambitious or intelligent as her- my goal was to marry well and to be a good mother, and my skill sets were limited to the kitchen and children. I actually met Zalyanna as an apprentice for her mother as a cook, since her mother was really amazing. We hated each other at first, what with our opposite likes and personalities, but I suppose exposure breeds familiarity, as we were now the best of friends. I finally made it over to her, dodging merchants and evening shoppers in the process. I switched my basket over to my other hip as I blew an annoying curly strand of hair away from my face. "Can I snag a bite?" I asked, panting lightly from my journey across the market, motioning to her basket. "Haven't seen you in a while! How was your first day on the job? How was the king? Is he as hot as rumor says? What's the palace like?" Unlike Zalyanna, I was remarkably chatty. "You look like your in a sour fit. Want to spend some time together, or are you busy?"<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_07/curly-hair-color-ideas-10.jpg.ccfb94621b1e50a60ef73a0578039112.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="59740" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_07/curly-hair-color-ideas-10.jpg.ccfb94621b1e50a60ef73a0578039112.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>

 

[Zaryn]

The woman turned when she heard her name. The voice was familiar and she soon saw why, Vanessa was halfway down the square, moving through the crowd toward her. Zalyanna headed in the other girls direction, amused at the looks the other townspeople were giving the redhead as she pushed and plodded through. "Of course. Chicken stew if I remember correctly. She pulled the crock out and gave it to the other girl. She couldn't help but laugh at her friend, always talking a mile a minute. "I'm grumpy, but for you I suppose I could spare some civil chatter. Come on, walk with me to the alehouse."


Zalyanna felt lighter when Vanessa was around. It wasn't an easy friendship in the beginning, the other embodied what she would hate to be. Though after some time it was clear that Vanessa did indeed have a brain in her head and was just as capable as any in her own way. "It's been obnoxiously busy, otherwise I would have come to visit. The first day was...not as I expected in the slightest. Though I can't say I have high hopes for tomorrow." She sighed, walking with the other at a slower pace than the thinning crowd was moving at. She tried to remember what other questions she'd asked, the girl really did talk too fast. Oh right she'd asked if he was... "Well, I suppose if you're into men who look like they'd rather be anywhere else in the world, he's attractive. Not my type really. " She shrugged off the thought. It's not like it mattered, she'd signed the little Chastity Pledge and that was that. Knowing Vanessa, if she'd told her, the other would start on a diatribe about forbidden romances. Zalyanna had no time for such silly things.


"The Palace is a lovely as usual, busy as it is here, just with a bit more sparkle."

 

[PRSCB]

Vanessa


"Ugh, sounds like an ass," I said, jumping to conclusions as usual. "Why the alehouse? We all know you're the best drinker out there." I whistled as I remembered a night a couple weeks back. "I mean, 8 glasses and still able to walk a straight line! You'd think it would be boring by now. I was done by half a pint." I accepted the soup gratefully, sipping it as we headed to the bar. "I've been tressed up and down trying to find a suitor- but most of the good ones have been snagged by the upper classes, and I'm too poor to appeal to the others," I complained, cursing my poverty. "I'd grow out my hair, but it gets in the way of everything. I'd much rather keep it short. How do you manage?" I motioned with the bowl to her long locks, managing not to spill while I took another gulp of it. "What 'type'?" I scoffed. "Last time you were with a guy, it lasted, what, a week? You never talk about men with me." At the mention of the palace, I said eagerly, "That place just looks dreamy. You lucky, lucky girl." I bumped her hip lightly, switching the basket over again.


"Are you going to the orphanage later?" I asked. "The kids have been complaining about a phantom." I rolled my eyes. "Maybe you could go and keep them preoccupied?"

 

[Zaryn]

"While my drinking may be legendary, it's not the night I'm looking for. I just want a pint for the road and go relax on a hill somewhere. It's been that kind of day." She let the other girl talk, there wasn't much to say when she got into these type of moods. At least someone was enjoying the soup. They walked through the square, she could see the alehouse from here. "You'll find the one you're supposed to be with eventually Vanessa. You're still young, I wouldn't worry about it so much. Also, Geoff was an idiot, a beautiful idiot, but an idiot. I need more than a pretty face y'know." Of course she didn't talk to her about men, if that door was opened, a whole river of gossip and dreams and all sorts of things she had no time for would come out. Zalyanna did not have the patience. Still, a smile appeared on her face, bumping her hip back as they walked. "You're right, it's a lovely place to be in." She raised an eyebrow at her last comment. "A phantom? Really? Xania and Tyrus haven't dissuaded them about those things yet?" Shaking her head, she sighed lightly. "I suppose we could do that for a bit. I was going to bring them whatever you didn't eat of mothers' food. I just want the bread. I'm not particularly hungry tonight."

 

[PRSCB]

Vanessa


"A beautiful idiot, indeed," I agreed. "What with those abs and all..." I raised an eyebrow suggestively before laughing out loud. "Still young? We're in our twenties, you know. I refuse to be single at thirty- unlike you, I don't exactly have a job lined up." Done with the soup, I gave Zalyanna back the bowl and peered into her basket. "Oh lord- is that blueberry pie??" I looked pitifully at Zalyanna. "Please? Can I have it?" I begged. "Your mother is the best at those. I can never get the damn crust right- apparently it's too floury, but any less and the entire pie turns to mush. I mean, could you believe it?" I snorted. "It took me 4 whole hours last time. Insanity! Your mother should cook at the palace. Your house is nice, though, you have a handsome pay." I paused as a stray dog came up and yipped at my basket. "Scram!" I scolded it, holding my goods closer to me. "Those cursed mongrels are out and about everywhere. I mean, seriously- dogs in of themselves are annoying! Except for Taffy," I said, referring to my mother's dog at home. "Taffy is the best. Speaking of dogs, the children at the orphanage want a dog to protect them from the phantom. Absurd- I swear it's all an act to get a puppy. Xania is too soft on them, and Tyrus encourages such fanciful tales. Those children will grow up to be rascals!" I was fond of them, though- I went there regularly to help tend to the kids.

 

[Zaryn]

Zalyanna rolled her eyes at the others fawning over the male. "Do what you need to woman." She eyed the woman with a chuckle. "Fine, take this blueberry pie and by eating it, realize that you will never attain it's doughy glory, never." She said officially, holding the piece of pie above her head ceremoniously. She handed it to the other. She saw the dog come by and bapped her friend on the shoulder. "Be nice. Dogs are fine." She thought of Victor's Dog, River. River was a lovely dog, very good and silly as all dogs should be. Zalyanna wondered if she should bring something for the dog since she would most likely be seeing it every day for the rest of her days as an Advisor. "Now come along, let's go play with the children." With that she walked past Vanessa, leaving the ale for later since the other clearly wanted to see the children.


(Ch-ch-ch-fade to black- ch-ch-ch--------))

 

[PRSCB]

(The next morning)


Victor


"Your Majesty!" I heard a knocking at my door. "It's time to rise." I squeezed my eyes shut, irritated. "Leave me in peace! I'll be out in thirty minutes!" I said loudly, my voice as official-sounding as I could muster half asleep. "Of course, sir."


"Fuck you," I muttered, rolling over and covering my face with my blanket. I still was tired from last night endeavor into the words, late until 1 am. What was it- 7 am? I poked my head out from the covers. "9? Already?" I marveled. How time flies when you're asleep. Heaving a sigh, I dragged myself into a sitting position, my hair flopping over my eyes and my back hunched. I looked over at River, rolled over in his back with his paws over his eyes. I chuckled to myself, before whistling softly. River opened his eyes, blinking once before rolling over and wagging his tail once, twice. I patted the bed next to me, and in a flash, he leaped next to me. Correction, he leaped onto me. I was thrown backwards in a flurry of fur and licks. "River boy, I haven't been anywhere!" I laughed, giving him a pat on the side and a rub on his stomach. Eventually, I did end up crawling out of bed, hiding the weapons I had been practicing with last night, and started getting dressed. I remembered going to the edge of the woods last night to practice with my saber, but all that ended up happening was me being forced to go away by a bunch of screaming children declaring I was a phantom. Stupid kids.


I managed to scout out Matthew again, and also Felisha the cougar, Samuels the wolverine, and Gerald, another wolverine. We had a rollicking good time, but I had to leave after before the mama bears started hunting. As much as I loved Ginny,you do not want to see her with her cubs. She will kill you without hesitation. I'd marked down all my stuff, as usual, and rehid the notebook under my bed before washing my face and cleaning my teeth with the bowl of water and a washcloth, and went to bed with mint leaves in my mouth as usual. Now, I repeated the steps, but spat out the mint leaves before leaving the room.


------


After dressing, and being tressed by the hairdresser (I didn't have very long hair at all, I don't know what the hell he was doing with it), I was sitting in the throne room, a stern, slightly bored expression I had perfected in the mirror resting on my face as I waited, again, for Zalyanna. Déjà Vu, much?

 

[Zaryn]

Zalyanna entered the Throne Room shortly after, the Guards announcing her loudly and following after her, trying to keep up with her gait. Her outfit far ore reserved but still fine enough to be considered appropriate in the Castle. Once close enough to the throne, she curtsyed per protocol and then nodded her head toward the male. "Good morning my Lord. Ready for the day?" She asked calmly. The woman knew there was much to do, but if yesterday was any indication, she wasn't sure what to expect from the King today. The moment she had entered the Castle, she'd been harried by couriers and staff, trying to get her attentions on their messages and plights, hoping she would present them to the King. She'd not heard one she thought he should hear, so she had simply continued walking. Zedanya had never been so glad as to see the Guards and the throne room doors.


The night had ended earlier than she had wished, but she knew she would have to have all her faculties the next day and couldn't spend her night as she had originally wished. She'd caught a glance at what the children at the orphanage had called a phantom. Nothing up close of course, but it was a shape of a man in the darkness. Zalyanna had tried to get the children to simmer down, but Xania kept encouraging them. Vanessa was right, the woman was soft as fresh bread. Not that she thought that was a bad thing.<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_07/bbbbbbb.jpg.b34eba4a8c90507a770b7e4678143fc1.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="60024" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_07/bbbbbbb.jpg.b34eba4a8c90507a770b7e4678143fc1.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>

 

[PRSCB]

Victor


"Good morning," I said stoically , looking at her. She was pretty, I noticed. I hadn't really looked the day before, but she was. And the dress was flattering. *What the hell??* I snapped to myself. Shaking myself and it of it, I said to Zalyanna, "Of course." Picking up River's rope, I shot a glare towards the footmen before they could try and help me down, and strode out of the throne room.


In the hallway, on the way to the office, I asked Zalyanna, "What's on the agenda?" River, oblivious to my anxiety about paperwork, wagged his tail so hard his butt shook back and forth as he struggled to lick Zalyanna's face without jumping. "River!" I muttered under my breath as we reached the double doors. The footmen opened then obediently (this time I didn't complain), and upon walking in, I not Ed a pile of paperwork already starting at me. My face fell, dismay apparent, and I resisted against running my hand through my hair.

 

[Zaryn]

Zalyanna followed the other dutifully, her hands clasped in front of her as they moved. "Well, I made piles yesterday of the important things. Everything else you get to when you get to." She spoke lowly, not wanting to advertise her less formal speech. She had been able to gather that it irritated the other, so she was going to try her best to get a balance of the two. Out of the corner of her eye she caught Rivers' movement ad couldn't help the smile that moved its way onto her lips. "Good morning to you too River." She gave the dog a gentle pet of the head before returning her hand to it's previous place.


Once inside the room, the doors closed behind her, Zalyanna's shoulders fell in a bit of relaxation. She walked over to the table and flipped through her piles, looking for the most pressing matters. "You're lucky my Lord, right now the worst you'll have to endure are a few visits from the neighboring nobility. Thankfully only two actually want to meet you. The others understand this is a busy time and only send their regards and renewed loyalty to the crown." She passed Victor the two requests of audience. "Lord Vaneir and his daughter Jennifer from Xoni and Lord and Lady Basley from Croytan. I'm unsure if you ever met them, but they have been to the Castle before."

 

[PRSCB]

Victor


"No, I don't believe I have ever came cross them," I said after a moment of faking thought. Obviously, though, I knew I would never have met them. It's not like I ever attended those balls or events or anything. "When do I have to meet them?" I looked stiffly at what she was doing, the papers scarier than any predator. Silently cursing girls and their gowns, and already starting to dread the prospect of human interaction, I asked Zalyanna on second thought, "Is there any way to avoid meeting them?"


As time passed in the study, my eyes started glancing more and more frequently to the window and door, the back of my neck prickling with discomfort. My fingers start drumming against the table, and my leg bounced restlessly. Eventually, looking over at Zalyanna, who seemed to be holding the fort down, I shoved my chair back suddenly and stood up before starting to pace around the shelves, my hands clasped behind my back. The titles of books were mostly dull, but I paused on the section of weaponry. My eyes ran over different weapons, pages on how to use them inside. I pulled out one on knife throwing, an exotic and relatively unused method of combat developed from China, the unknown land of strange people. I had tried and failed to start throwing on my own, so I needed this book desperately. I wandered back over to the chair, not breaking the silence that hovered in the hair, and starting flipping through the book.

 

[Zaryn]

Zalyanna was about to answer him when he asked his second question. Her head slightly tilted to the side in thought. "Well, you could deny their visit my Lord but..." She looked over at the male and gave a light frown. "It wouldn't look good to your supporters nor the other nobility. You've got to keep your allies happy, you know?" The woman wasn't honestly sure if he did. To her knowledge he'd kept to himself over being around other people.


Every now and then she would explain an issue to him, getting his opinion and then writing down the responses she would need to have the scribes fully write out later. Eventually she lost herself in conflicting accounts, her brow furrowed in concentration. She leaned on the edge of the table, biting her lip at the mixed messages coming through about the latest skirmish between their country and a neighboring border town. Xoni was disavowing any connection to the issue, noting that they could only try to control the rural area that bordered us. For the time being, there was nothing they could do but send the minor support they could. She ran a hand through her hair and sighed, finally through with the accounts of what was going on. Zalyanna finally remembered where she was and looked up, noting Victor reading. Removing herself from the table, she noted what he was reading and smiled lightly. "Need a break my Lord?"