Fantasy Compromise Brings Delusion (Arranged Marriage) (Open/Always Accepting)

[Elekta Kount]

Benjamin Raveran
Industrial Son

"Wha?" Benjamin was a bit startled when someone spoke to him. Looking over, he saw somthing rather peculiar to the background of blacks, grey, and occasional browns. A young women(older then him) with a red clock on her back. He suppose it wasn't uncommon to see people with bright colors on them, but generally speaking most workers he'd seen had similar look to him, usually a colored handkerchief or bandanna if they can afford it. If you were in a gang, well, maybe you'd have a colored cloth tied to your hat or elbow or a colored sash...

Oh wait, the women was talking to him.

"Oh, um, yeah, I guess, wonderful sunshine we've got today." Benjamin gave a delayed response, but it was then he did notice the sunshine piercing through the clouds. Such days were rare sight in the industrial nation, fact was there were people in the nation who'd thought sunlight was unnatural.

"Now that's a sight you don't see often here, sunlight...it's much differnt above the clouds." Benjamin kind of whispered the last part to himself, not knowing if the women had heard him.

BookishSnowWhite

 

[Elekta Kount]

Otto von Braun
Secretary

"Excuse me, but I do not think you have an appointment at this time." The man next to the prince said, in his hands he was flipping through another book, but he was not looking up.

The prince himself looked up from his desk to see the newcomer, before smirking and glancing over at the man. "You sure you didn't mess up the schedule."

The man next to him only gave the prince an amused look. "When have I ever messed up your schedule."

"Fair enough." The prince slowly nodded as his expression was thoughtful, before he looked down again to the letter he was writing.

"All business with the wedding and the glided orb has been schedule for after tea; that's princess will also be present." The man next to the prince said as he closed the book and walked over to put it back. "So if you would kindly show yourself to the door and come back later, we would appreciate that."

BookishSnowWhite

 

[lissamissal]

.

KAI BAYMOON
Water Princess

Kai jumped for joy at the sound of her brothers approval. She was sooo ready to get out of the palace! "The Purrsian tailor? Umm," Kai slipped a hand into one of her skirt pockets and took out the name and address of the tailor, "Oh yes, yes I believe that is the one." She looked at the note inquisitively, and returned it to her pocket. "I'm sure we'll find it." Kai wasn't in such a rush to get to the shop anyways, so if they got lost along the way it just meant more time to explore. Kai looked up to see Kale handing a letter to Serenity. "Could you also deliver this to Kurt for me? It's just some diplomatic correspondence. I was just going to send it with the regular mail, but if you're already on the way it would save me some trouble." It wasn't unusual for them to be communicating, but Kai thought it was a little strange that Kale didn't just send the letter by mail. It must have been very important if he didn't want to wait.

"Well, I'm going to go grab my backpack," Kai said as she backed out of the room, "the next ferry leave for the Fire Kingdom in about 10 minutes, I'll meet you down there Serenity!" She left the study, cakes and a loaf of bread in hand, and ran up to her room to grab her bag.

Kai's room wasn't you're typical princess room, in fact it didn't even look like a room, but more like a beach. It was a wonderful enchantment, that she had had placed on her room years ago. It mimicked the beach outside the palace, but Kai usually kept it in its night mode so she could see the stars. Kai walked through the sand and grabbed the bag she'd left on her bed. She tossed in it the bread and box of cake. Not being very fond of her palace attire and not feeling in the mood to be recognized, Kai changed into her classic black shorts, blue hoodie, and pulled on her comfy boots. "No way would I be caught dead walking around in heals out in the Fire Kingdom." With her bag in hand, Kai left her room and lightly jogged over to the ferry dock to meet Serenity.

Spoiler: Kai's Room

BookishSnowWhite Capricornus

coding; allrightsreserved@crucialstar

 

[Capricornus]

Serenity Arkents
Best Friend to Water Prince​

Serenity was glad to see that both, Kale and Kai, were enjoying her mother's melon bread. Seeing Kale's reaction to her question made her understand what he felt. She got almost lost in thought when Kai's voice caught her attention. "Actually, maybe you could help me? You see, I have a fitting today in the Fire Kingdom and seeing as I've already disappointed mother for the day, would you mind coming with me?" The Fire Kingdom? Serenity rarely ever left the Water Domain, but she gladly accepted. It was always an honor to be able to help. "Of course I don't mind, I'd actually love to tag along.", she replied with a smile.

"You're going to that Purrsian tailor, aren't you? I heard that the Fire King is over the moon with him." A Purrsian tailor? This wasn't the first time that Serenity had heard about him. As Kale said, the Fire King had always loved his work. "Devon Bronson is his name, if I remember it correctly? I've only heard but good things about his work."

Serenity noticed how Kale reached to the box of cakes, retrieving a letter from underneath it, which he held out to her.
"Could you also deliver this to Kurt for me? It's just some diplomatic correspondence."

"Kurt Wycleff, the Prince of the Fire Kingdom.", she murmured to herself while nodding. She stretched her hand out to grab the letter. She looked at the envelope, in which the letter was stashed, for a few more seconds before lifting her head and looking Kale in the eyes. 'Diplomatic correspondence', most likely something important that Serenity wouldn't understand, paperwork.
"Very well. I'll promise to do my best to fulfill your request." She stashed the letter away into a safe pocket.

"Well, I'm going to go grab my backpack, the next ferryleave for the Fire Kingdom in about 10 minutes, I'll meet you down there Serenity!", Kai said before leaving the room. Serenity got out of the chair and stretched her arms one last time before deciding that she should porbably get going. "I'll leave the basket with the rest of the loaves to you. Don't worry too much about Kai, I'll take good care of her.", she paused for a moment, "But most importantly, don't strain yourself, got it? Remember to take a break every now and then!", she finished her lecture with a wink. "Well then, until next time." With these parting words and a last bow she left the room, making her way to the dock where she'd meet Kai.

It seemed like she had arrived first, as Kai was nowhere to be seen at first. Serenity took a deep breath. The sunshine felt so calming, the light breeze soothing. It had been a beautiful day so far. Hearing the footsteps that came closer, at a slightly faster pace than walking, she turned around to see Kai in the distance. Serenity waved at her, signaling where she stood.

"I see, you've also changed your attire," Serenity chuckled, noticing her clothes, which looked way more comfortable than before, "Got everything you need? The ferry should be leaving soon, better get onboard."

Tamara Esgard
Guard​

"Oh come now, no need to bow. You've done our kingdom a great service capturing this vicious criminal." Tamara chuckled at her remark. She had heard multiple times, that Princess Teno was well-known for her kindness, but Tamara had never known that she could make someone feel so at ease in mere seconds.

"Tell me, what is your name? And what has this cat done to warrant one of my brother's fine guards chasing it down?"
"My name?", Tamara repeated after her. "Tamara. Tamara Esgard. It's an honor to meet you.", she replied. She wanted to go for another bow, but stopped midway as she remembered Princess Teno's words. Tamara looked at the cat, well, it was more like she was glaring at it, while it was happily purring by Princess Teno's side. It seemed like she was not only popular with people, but also with animals. Either that, or all animals seemed to mysteriously hate Tamara.
"Well, this fine guard", she scoffed, "wanted to help an orphan by rescuing their cat which seemed to be stuck in a tree. The cat on the other hand... didn't seem to be too fond of said idea, thus why it tried to escape. And well, me, being the stubborn girl that I am, will absolutely, under any circumstances, never, and I mean never, accept defeat. One thing led to another and here we are now."

Now that she had listened to her own story, I might or might not have sounded a little weird, if not stupid. "What about you Princess Teno? Apart from eating breakfast of course. Are there any wedding preparations to make today, maybe a few plans you'll have to attend or-", Tamara cut herself off as she noticed that she was once again talking. A lot. "I'm sorry. I didn't quite notice that I was invading your privacy.", she apologized. She didn't even know how exactly she felt about the wedding. 'Stupid. Think more before you talk.'
"Well, whatever it might be that you have planned, I hope you'll have a great day."


BookishSnowWhite
lissamissal

 

[Haeo]

His Highness Danil Draven Crown Prince of the Dark Kingdom

Spoiler: Location

Personal Tower: Study

Spoiler: Company

Alone

​

In his study, Prince Danil found himself remarkably undisturbed. His earlier letters had delivered sufficient instructions to keep everyone busy and buy him some much needed time to work in peace. He still intended to visit his sister today but there was much to do before he could.

On his desk were spread maps and papers, partial letters and old reports. It was a mess that seemed to have no single common thread to tie it together. And, it didn't. The Prince of the Dark Realm had several major issues to attend to at once and he did so at the same time. It was a way to make sure that nothing was forgotten. First was the wedding and preparing the lodgings for his betrothed. Second was his continuing search for a safe path north. Third were reports of a group of monstrous creatures to the north that held a large complex of tunnels and caverns. The full extent of these was unknown since all those who ventured too far in failed to return. Yet, given what information he had on them, their potential value to the Dark Kingdom was too great to ignore. Beyond this, any peaceful relationship with them might provide some help toward finding a path north.

He had already sent letters to the Seneshal and Master of Ceremonies regarding which of the Dark Realm's few traditions to insist upon during the various public events that would come before, accompany, and follow after the wedding. There weren't many as the Dark Kingdom was a very young land as of yet. She was required to kneel before the King and Queen of the Dark Realm during her formal presentation after her arrival in the Dark Realm. She was also required to accept the first gift offered to her by Prince Danil. This was demanded by the King and Queen as it was a tradition going back to the first royals of the Dark Realm. He hoped that these would not be a problem for Princess Teno. The real problem to solve there was exactly what to offer her. He knew that it was too much to hope that she would be happy with either him or his kingdom and people. But, he hoped that he might at least keep her safe and, one day, content.

His icy blue-grey eyes slid closed and he rubbed his temples. The letter to the Royal Interior Decorator should take care of most of his second gift, so long as the construction kept going smoothly. The first was still an issue. He found that information regarding the Princess of the Fire Kingdom was somewhat limited. He could find out little of her likes and dislikes. At this rate he would have to blindly guess and hope that her acceptance wouldn't be entirely forced.

He opened his eyes again and pulled a map of the castle in front of him, beside a rough map of the known world. The Captain of the Guard would be the primary source of public protection for his sister on her journey south as well as the public defense of Princess Teno within the Dark Kingdom. He paid special attention to the placements he had ordered in regard to her chambers within the castle and at key points along the paths to and from the various locations she would need to use regularly. She should be given suitable privacy while being well protected.

The Guard were entirely human in order to further peaceful interaction with other peoples. However, they weren't the only guard detail that was to be assigned to these two princesses. A number of Prince Danil's veterans who were still able bodied were to be assigned in various servant roles as a last line of defense for his sister and to serve as her personal servants in the Fire Kingdom and abroad. As for Princess Teno, he had a number of more monstrous allies who would be protecting her from a distance. She was the key to stopping the needless killing. And that, along with the Prince's own order, would ensure their loyalty and obedience. Any assassin would have to be exceptionally talented and lucky to make it past them alive, never mind escaping. Prince Danil did have other hopes for further strengthening her security but he wouldn't be able to act on those until other goals had been met and he had only one month left.

It wasn't much time.

Next, his letters to the Huntsman, Castle Chef, and Tanner's Guildmaster were all related. He had decided on using a certain variety of giant wolf fur for the rug in Princess Teno's chambers. It was luxuriously soft and thick with subtle hints of red under the white and gray and a tendency to shimmer softly in firelight. Placed fairly near a fireplace it should be seen at its best. Yet, there was not enough hide in storage to make a rug large enough for the space so the Huntsman was ordered to procure sufficient hide for the task as well as several other varieties of furs that would become cold weather attire for the princess of the Fire Kingdom. Winter came early in the North and stayed long. Some of the dishes to be prepared after her formal reception at the castle were time consuming to prepare and so the Castle Chef would have to begin the early preparations within the week. The Tanner's Guild would be putting their best effort toward completing the orders sent by their prince as well as following further orders to prepare goods for export to the Fire Kingdom and the Water Domain. Some of the varieties of leather that could be made in the north were quite exceptional and may well fetch a good price once commerce became established.

With all those matters underway, he was free to attend to the matters that he truly did not desire to accomplish. The two matters that had pestered him without any living voices helping them to do so. One was completing a half-finished letter to the Industrial Empire regarding the possibility of trade. It was covered with dust. The other was the reason why he pushed the maps and reports aside and took up a quill and a blank sheet of paper to write a letter addressed to Crown Prince Kurth Wycleff Heir to the Throne of the Fire Kingdom.

((Personal Timeskip to Sundown of the First Day. Nobody else needs to follow suit if they do not wish.))

It took much of the remaining daylight to write that letter. Many different versions had been destroyed and ideas dismissed before he settled on its final form. He attached it to a package and carried it to the window of his study. There was no glass, only heavy wooden shutters that did little to keep out the chill. But, the chill was only bothersome to him when it froze his ink. Unlatching the shutters and pushing them open, he set the completed package on the stone ledge and quietly waited. A few long moments passed before gray claws rose up from beneath the ledge to gently grasp the package and withdraw below. A moment later heavy wing beats carried a shadowy and indistinct shape away from the tower at a swift pace.

This creature was but one of many, a species that he had only come to master after the war had ended. In fact, none outside the Dark Realm had yet seen them. Indeed, very few within it had. During the war, the Dark Realm had fought without any flying warriors to speak of. That was no longer a limitation. With such a swift messenger his package would arrive in the Fire Kingdom by morning. Where it would be delivered at dawn, as he had written in the directions on the package.

As the winged shape vanished into the mountains to the south Danil closed the shutters and latched them once more. The night was approaching and there was no time left to visit his sister as he had wished. He sighed, long and slow and softly. It was not the first time he had failed to visit her. He knew that she longed for familiar company but the circumstances of their adoptions kept their families from visiting. In Danil's case, his family had already moved on. The last word of them that he had received was more than a year ago when they sent word that they were going to be organizing a group to establish a settlement in one of the more fertile of the dark and forested valleys to the east. It seemed that he was nearly out of chances to be a better brother to her. He could not dwell on it though. He had to work toward not failing his wife-to-be in the same ways. Still, he found his chest felt a little tighter as he turned his eyes back to the maps and the darker possibilities of the future that he needed to plan for, in spite of the world's hopes.

After all. The night always falls after the day.

 

[Renny]

Vincent Berny​

Vincent sat comfortably and listened in on the music being played in the plaza. After a while, a gray cat ran towards the spot underneath the bench he was currently occupying. Vincent bent over his body to look at the animal. "You're a cute little fella," he said, smiling. "Are you lost?" Vincent asked. The cat initially tilted it's head sideways as it attempted to make sense of what he was saying, but then it immediately stood up and looked in the other direction hissing. "There! The cat! Catch it!" exclaimed a female voice.

Startled, Vincent quickly looked up to see one of the Fire Kingdom guards running pointing at the cat beside him. Spurred on by the suddenness of the situation, he instinctively stood up and tried unsuccessfully to grab said cat. Vincent tried to give chase but was quickly overtaken by the pursuing guard. How she managed to run that quickly in armor was beyond him, although he wasn't used to running around that much to be fair. The cat and its pursuer soon entered an alley, and at this point he had no choice but to just give it up. His breathing was already a little quicker already from that short sprint, there is no way he could catch up.

It took a few moments to catch his breath. "This is way too much action this early into my day." Feeling a little hungry, Vincent walks back where he came from, trying to look for something that catches his eye.

Looking at some apples for sale at a small stall, the cat made its return. Curious, Vincent looked around to see if that guard was still chasing it. Sure enough, he saw her sneaking carefully in its blind spot before diving straight into the ground to catch it. Vincent was frozen in place as the scene unfolded before him. He couldn't help scratching his head at this ridiculous situation. This was definitely isn't what he would have in mind if asked to describe the soldiers he looks up to.

"Princess Teno. Excuse me for interrupting your meal." His thoughts were interrupted at the mention of princess. "Now the princess is here?" He certainly didn't expect this one. The Fire Princess saw Vincent and smiled in his direction. "Ah..." He responded by bowing respectfully.

BookishSnowWhite
Capricornus

 

[lissamissal]

.

KAI BAYMOON
Water Princess

It was a beautiful day for an adventure, the sunny felt warm on Kai's skin and there was a nice cool breeze coming from the water. As Kai jogged up to the docks she could see a smiling Serenity already there and waving her over. Kai panted, trying to catch her breath as Serenity spoke to her. "I see, you've also changed your attire," Serenity chuckled,"Got everything you need? The ferry should be leaving soon, better get onboard." Kai smirked knowing she'd noticed her outfit change, "I wouldn't be caught dead out her in those stuffy clothes." Kai grinned and did her best Kale impression, "Besides, How would understand my people, if I couldn't walk in their shoes?" It wasn't long ago that they used to sneak out dressed as commoners to see how differently they were treated. Of course, it was always harder for Kale to pull it off, his blinding white hair was a dead giveaway. The people rarely recognized Kai though, which didn't bother her at all, she loved being treated normally. Kai laughed as she spoke, "Yeah I've got all I need, lets go!" Right on cue, the ferry horn screeched its warning that it was ready to leave.

The trip wouldn't take long so Kai forfeited her seat and leaned against the railing of the boat to look out at the water. She listened to the sound of the people's chatter, how simple life must have been for them, yet they all wished they were her. If only they knew how hard it is...Kai looked over at Serenity and wondered what she thought. Kai envied her life, she had choices and she could do whatever she wanted. "So you must have an opinion on all of this?" Kai sighed, "I don't know if I can do it. There's still so much I wanted to do, I was supposed to be the one that got to travel around and not have to worry about settling down, let alone help with running a Kingdom. I must sound selfish to you, but I can't help it." Kai looked down feeling ashamed for only thinking of herself and then returned to looking out at the water. A small tear escaped her and rolled down her cheek. She was angry for being forced into this marriage, but most of all she was scared. Sacred of feeling rejected by her new Kingdom, scared she wouldn't like her new husband or that he wouldn't like her, and most of all scared she'd never be happy again.

Capricornus

coding; allrightsreserved@crucialstar

 

[marshmarrow]

Appearance

Location

Fire Kingdom

Katya started when Bronson lowered himself, but allowed him to finish the gesture. In her experience, propriety came as naturally to her as setting herself on fire--she had forgotten men kissed ladies' hands, not shook them.

She cleared her throat. "Yes, please," she responded eagerly when offered tea. She glanced at the table, heavy with unusually-sized china. Her gaze wandered to the walls, her eyes drinking in the vibrant textures of opulent fabrics and animated photographs. The room was filled with fine things--every cover able surface decorated with expensive sundries. It seemed Mr. Bronson lived his youth to the fullest, but settling down to run a business had not inhibited his spirit.

She drew her attention back to her host, whom she sat across from as the kettle boiled. "I was instructed to find out how your dress was coming along. Her Majesty is very eager to see it, after all, it will be the first thing she will see her future daughter-in-law wear" And be the first thing her son strips off her daughter-in-law later in the evening, she added silently, almost sighing in exasperation. She did not like being treated as the castle dog--running errands better suited for a page boy. She had a schedule, too, and her own part to play in the wedding.

"Voice of the Honorable." || Thoughts of the Noble || Zer0

 

[Capricornus]

Serenity Arkents
Best Friend to Water Prince​

"Yeah I've got all I need, lets go!", Kai replied laughing, which was followed by the ferry's horn signal. Serenity walked behind Kai towards the ferry. Unsure about the duration of the trip, Serenity sat down, while Kai walked towards the boat railing. "Don't lean too far out." Although Kai and Serenity were merely two years apart, she sometimes still talked to her as if she were a child.

Leaning back in her seat, Serenity closed her eyes. The waves rocking the boat almost made her feel a little sleepy, the various background noises, such as the splashing of the waves or the chatter lf the people, starting to slowly fade away. Kai's voice was the only thing that kept her from falling asleep. "So you must have an opinion on all of this?" Kai sighed. Confused, Serenity opened her eyes and turned around in her seat, looking at the Princess. Only then she started to understand what she was talking about. Her relaxed expression quickly shifted to a sadder one.

"I don't know if I can do it. There's still so much I wanted to do, I was supposed to be the one that got to travel around and not have to worry about settling down, let alone help with running a Kingdom. I must sound selfish to you, but I can't help it." Serenity walked towards Kai, also leaning against the railing, arms crossed.

"To say that I understand how you feel would be wrong as, I can't possibly imagine the toll. As someone who's not directly affected by it, I'm unable to know how hard it is. To be honest? My opinion on these weddings is split. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to know that peace would be assured, but I'm not sure if this is the right way to achieve it.", she took a deep breath. "You are still young - we're still young. It is completely normal to feel that way. You haven't lived half your life yet, who would want to settle down at such a young age? And running an entire Kingdom?", she paused for an instant to sigh. "Look at your brother, and how busy he already is. Your worries and doubts aren't selfish, and don't you ever think it is. It's only natural to feel that way. You, as well as your brother, should know that I'll always support you, whatever it is that you do." Noticing a single tear glistening on her cheek, she held out a tissue, without any further words, before spending the rest of the trip by Kai's side in silence.

Serenity wasn't sure how much time had passed, a few minutes? A few hours? She had been completely lost in her thoughts, when she heard the ferry's horn once more, signaling that they'd soon arrive. In the distance, land was already visible.

They had safely arrived at the dock. People were already leaving the ferry, so Serenity grabbed Kai by her wrist to not lose her in midst of the mass. She waited patiently for the sligh chaos to settle down before turning to Kai: "Let's go. Don't forget to check if you have everything." Talking about this, she patted the pockets of her skirt to see if the letter was still there. She would have been devastated if she found out she had left it behind. Feeling the envelope in the same spot as before reassured her.

lissamissal
Elekta Kount

 

[Zer0]

_Devon Bronson_
- Bronson Tailoring, Marelin Park, Fire Kingdom Capital -​

"Would you like to see?" said Devon, pouring his visitor a cup.

If Katya agreed, he would excuse himself for a moment as he left through a back door, then come back wheeling in a mannequin where the beginnings of Princess Teno's wedding dress hung elegantly on the dummy. There were wobbly pencil and water-color illusions on it, and glowing arcane runes where illusion met cloth. It was a flowing upside down fire bud, like a light in the dark. It was white at the hips, changing into soft ember oranges and hues of tame red at the edges, but there must be some magic cast on it, for when the dress moved, gold sparks flew from the ends.

Devon stood up straight and proud as he looked at it. There was a tame simplicity to the dress, as though it hid something beautiful inside. It was like a flower that hasn't bloomed yet, but when it did, it would be the most beautiful of all. The fire flower was a common flora in the fire kingdom, often decorating the homes of farmers, gardens in the countryside, and hair of the ladies here. It was everywhere and very much a part of the kingdom, just like Teno was.

When he was done talking, there was a brief sad note to his voice. He seemed to be very fond of the princess the way an uncle would his niece, and it was very obvious that he was going to miss her when she's gone. Much of the people, especially the bakers, the children, and the elders felt this way. Devon cleared his voice and resumed his gentlemanly air. "Princess Teno's dress will also be able to glow in the dark like a torch if she wishes, Madam Balthazar, though the enchantment hasn't been put in place yet." he sat across Katya and drank some tea, offering her some slices of blue berry cheese cake from the pantry. "Does her majesty wish for me to bring the dress to the Dark Realm to show it to her?"

Suddenly, the doorbell chimed, but instead of the main door opening, a smaller door opened at the side and in trooped some mice, neatly dressed for work. "Good morning, madam, good morning Mr. Bronson!" they squeaked in greeting.

"My assistants." he added to Katya, enumerating their names: "Chester, Ernie, Madi, Motzi, Nepolean, Pasqualli, Rosalind," and twenty more before he ended, slightly out of breath, with, "Sophisto."

He gave them a jolly good morning too, and the mice set off to work, leaving their things in a little doll house that blended with the wall. They clambered up the collections of fabric and buttons, and began to pull and cut what they needed as though it weighed very light for mice to pull, as the rest scampered off through the back door which they propped open with a brick.

marshmarrow

 

[lissamissal]

.

KAI BAYMOON
Water Princess

The sound of the ferry horn and the abrupt stopping of the boat announced they were finally in the Fire Kingdom. As the crowd exited the boat, Kai felt Serenity grab her wrist. It was probably for the best, Kai was one to wander off if you didn't keep an eye on her. "Let's go. Don't forget to check if you have everything." Kai felt the weight of her bag on her shoulders, "Yup no one took my snaaa..azy princess important stuff..." Kai quickly turned away and changed the subject,"we should probably go deliver that letter first. Kale made it sound rather important, besides we're early for the dress fitting." Kai walked onto the dock and looked around at the bustle of the kingdom. "I think the castle is down this way, it might take us a while to walk up there. Maybe we can see if there's a carriage that can take us?"

Kai took in everything and searched for a carriage that might be going up to the castle. "I don't see one," she turned back to Serenity and shrugged her shoulders, "guess we're walking. Good thing I wore my comfy shoes!" Kai began to walk off towards the castle. In the distance she could hear music playing and the sweet smell of food. Kai's stomach growled at the smell, she slipped her hand into her bag and pulled out the melon bread she had saved.
Capricornus

coding; allrightsreserved@crucialstar

 

[BookishSnowWhite]

Lucine Briarheart
"To Be Revealed"

Lucine shuffled the bag of groceries in her arms as she waited for the Industrial Son's response. He had a sort of daydreaming quality to him and she watched with a raised eyebrow as he looked out over the city. She was beginning to wonder if she had overstepped his boundaries when he finally responded to her with, "Oh, um, yeah, I guess, wonderful sunshine we've got today." He continued to not make eye contact with her and looked out and up to the skies.

"Now that's a sight you don't see often here, sunlight," he mused quietly. It seemed that he half spoke to her and half to himself. She tucked some stray hair behind her ears. He was right about that. Sunlight was in short supply for the people of the Industrial Empire. In a more quiet voice, much so that she almost missed it, he said, "it's much different above the clouds." She thought for a moment she had misheard him, but the dreamlike quality of his voice drifted upward to the sky.

Lucine was stunned by this and felt a new surge of emotions building within her. Was he being hopeful for this city that had no hope? Was he suggesting, just by some incredible chance, that he would be ushering in a brave new future for the Industrial Empire. Maybe he was so spurred on by the wedding and it's possible effects he was thinking about the future and could-

Lucine stopped herself when the sun glinted off the goggles on his head. His messy hair had almost hidden them from her. It wasn't uncommon for people around here to wear goggles, but talking about being above the clouds was too much confidence. Of course. It was too much for her to hope one of the upper class was looking out for the little guys. She pressed her lips into a thin line.

"Above the clouds?" She asked. Assumptions had never fared well for her in the past. If she had already overstepped the boundaries, she might as well go all the way and get some answers about the future.

Flynn Wulfgar
"To Be Revealed"

"Excuse me, but I do not think you have an appointment at this time," said the man that was not the prince. Flynn's mouth set at the man's tone. Flynn was not particularly used to being rejected. On top of the he wouldn't even look Flynn in the eye. He whispered something to the prince that Flynn couldn't catch, and the prince whispered back. Eventually Kurt looked at Flynn who flashed him a charming smile.

"All business with the wedding and the glided orb has been schedule for after tea; that's princess will also be present," said the other man who still refused to make eye contact. "So if you would kindly show yourself to the door and come back later, we would appreciate that."

Flynn almost could have laughed. He neither liked or disliked this man. He was to the point and clearly very assigned to the rules. Still, Flynn was not used to being rejected. He smiled once again at the prince and reached into his pocket, removing a silver pocket watch. This time he really did laugh.

"Forgive me, sirs. I've been traveling around this great continent so often of late that my sense of time has been skewed a bit. I do hope that I have no made the wrong impression. It would be an honor to meet with both his Highness and the Princess this afternoon," said Flynn. He took a final look around the room before stopping at the door and turning back.

"If you should need me, I'll be touring the grounds and the castle. I've got quite a lot of information to gather and dreadfully little time to do so. I'd like to make your portion of the music as authentic as could be. Until we meet again," he said with a brisk bow. He exited from the room and began an adventure in Fire Culture.

Teno Wycleff
Fire Princess

Teno couldn't help but smile as Tamara recounted her tale of cat rescue. The guard was young and eager. She was bursting with energy and potential that even Teno could see. She would have to make sure that her brother knew of the talent within the ranks of the royal guard. The part about never accepting defeat really struck a chord with her. Oh yes, Kurt would like this one. If Teno didn't know better, she would believe that Tamara was the Great White Wolf. She smiled, looking off into the distance toward the castle. She had to get to tea this afternoon. It would be miserable, but she hadn't seen Kurt in so long.

"What about you Princess Teno? Apart from eating breakfast of course. Are there any wedding preparations to make today, maybe a few plans you'll have to attend or-", Teno was pulled back to the guard before her as she mentioned the wedding. She felt her stomach tense and her eyebrows knit. Her smiled wavered. Teno had been trying for so long to show no fear about this wedding but the thought of her unknown suitor made her palms sweat and her throat tighten.

"I'm sorry. I didn't quite notice that I was invading your privacy," said the guard. Teno noticed the panic in her face. Teno's face softened. She didn't want the guard, nay, her own citizen, to feel as though they couldn't speak to her. Still her stomach tensed as she thought about speaking of the wedding. She would do best to ignore that topic for now. "Well, whatever it might be that you have planned, I hope you'll have a great day."

"Please, you needed call me Princess Teno," she said, changing the subject. "Just Teno. I'm not as formal as my brother. You have no invaded my privacy at all. If I wanted to keep myself private I wouldn't wander around the city and eat breakfast in such a busy location."

She waved at the boy across the way and beckoned him over, hoping for further distraction and to ease the guard's anxiety of her perceived faux pas. She thought perhaps she recognized the boy and wanted to add more voices into the conversation to block out the wedding talk.

"As a matter of fact, I have a formal tea this afternoon with my brother and other members of various courts. It sounds truly boring and tiresome. Perhaps some company beforehand would be worthwhile. What do you say, would you two care to take a walk around the city with me?"

Elekta Kount
Renny
Capricornus

 

[Elekta Kount]

Siegfried “Bright” Harrer
Master Pyromancer

"Well, well, what has the sun graced us with today?" A voice near the two girls spoke, followed by slow footsteps. A glance would reveal it to be Siegfried Harrer, other wise known as "Bright", strolling streets of the seaside town. His hair was the same color and texture as a flame, his clothing matched his hair, while nearly all over his body were tattoos of an ancient language known only to fire wizards. In his hands, he held a rustic looking staff with a brazier ontop, normally it would be lit, but it was only smoldering today, as not to accidentally set the scene on fire.

"Is that the smile of princess I see? No! It can't be!" Siegfried said in fake surprise, as he put a hand to a cheek. "Well it is! By the sun! And to think today would be quite boring!"

Siegried gave a chuckle, before bowing with his free hand on his chest. "Your majesty, what brings you, and your friend of course, to our humble lands?"

lissamissal
Capricornus

 

[Elekta Kount]

Kurt Wycleff
Fire Prince

The guards outside of the prince's study immidatly closed the doors after the musician left.

"Well, he seemed like a nice guy." Kurt said, chuckling bit as he wrote his letter while Otto was starting to write stuff on a piece of parchment, responding with a "mhmm."

A few moments of silence later, Kurt said. "Think he's up to somthing?"

"I am almost certain." The secretary responded without even moving his body, his hand scribbling furiously away on the parchment. "Truth be told I was expecting him to be more persistent. A man like that, with the way he talks and the way he smiles, it's almost certain the man's up to somthing."

Otto a had a keen eye, it was one of the reasons why it made him so good at paperwork, that and his sharp focus. He could through a massive stack of paperwork and find even the smallest of details out of a place. And Otto was really good at concealing his observations, years of training in the schools had taught him a bit about cheating.

"Oh? And what about this smile" Asked Kurt as he flashed his own smile, to which Otto snorted. "Ugly as hell."

This prompted a laugh from the prince, who went back to writing his letter to the elves. "You think he was a rogue?"

"Perhaps, maybe worse." Otto said, starting to pace about the room. "Or maybe he is just a musician. I can't be sure, but we will see later today. Right now you need to get ready for tea, are you done with your letter?"

"Aye, here." Kurt said as he handed the finished letter to Otto, who then took it and placed it under the paper he was writing on. Kurt then stood up as Otto was finishing his own writing, stretching a bit before he reached for his warhammer.

"Alright, don't forget to talk to the minister about the things I've listed" Otto said as he grabbed a piece of paper from the desk and handed it to Kurt, who nodded and scanned it again.

"I shall send for your sisters a quarter before the end of your meeting." Otto said as Kurt walked in front of his desk.

Kurt then looked at Otto and asked. "Oh? Who you sending? Luther?"

"He's at a church meeting about this peace." Otto replied. "He'll fill us in later."

"Bright?"

"Solving some dispute at one of the fishing villages."

"Van Heinz?"

"Smoking a thief guild in the country side with the scout marshal."

"Gerwin?"

"Blowing himself up at the Engineer's College."

"Ironhammer?"

"Last I saw of him, he was "Going ta beat up some knife eared gits."" Otto said, as he mimicked the tone of a dwarf.

"That's what he always say when he wants to disappear for a bit." Kurt said with a chuckle.

"Let's just hope he doesn't start another problem with the elves and dwarves." Otto said as he glanced off real fast, before going back to his writing. "I'm sending the captain, he's been lazing about the palace all morning."

Kurt nodded and chuckled, as he walked over to the door and left for his meeting with the Minister of Housing.

 

[Elekta Kount]

Benjamin Raveran
Industrial Son

"Hm? Oh, yeah, above the clouds." He said, starting to lean forward against the railing as he kept on looking up. "Yeah, I wish everyone could see it...had freedom to see it, I should say."

He sighed, he wanted to be able to think about planes and flying, as he was much capable of doing only that for the rest of his life, his mind was burden by other thoughts.

"You know, I wonder how many people today are stopping to see what we are seeing. You know, the sunlight and all." Benjamin mused, as he kept staring up into the sky. "Reckon they'd be to busy, with work and, we'll, you know...the "Unions' an' all."

 

[Capricornus]

Serenity Arkents
Best Friend to Water Prince​

"We should probably go deliver that letter first. Kale made it sound rather important, besides we're early for the dress fitting." Serenity nodded in agreement as reply to what Kai had proposed. Following her to the dock, she looked around, amazed by the view. It had been quite some time since she'd last been here. Said time had probably been a good 5 years ago, when she accompanied her father here for his work.

She looked at the direction Kai pointed to, which she thought to be the direction in which the castle was. Looking around, she tried to help Kai find a carriage, without success. "Guess we're walking. Good thing I wore my comfy shoes!" Her remark made Serenity chuckle. "Walking doesn't sound too bad, I guess, gives us the possibility to explore this town a little closer." Before she was able to finish her sentence, Kai had already started walking off towards the castle. "H-hey wait!" She jogged towards her to catch up with her.

It wasn't hard to notice how lively this town was from all the chatter and music surrounding them. It would have been difficult to notice someone speaking to them, if it hadn't been for a certain word that an orange-yellowish man, who was approaching them, pronounced.
"Is that the smile of princess I see? No! It can't be!" Serenity stepped a little close behind Kai. Looking at the man, she didn't seem to know him from anywhere. Maybe Kai was a little more familiar with him?

"Your majesty, what brings you, and your friend of course, to our humble lands?" Although the question was directed to Kai, Serenity answered.
"We're here for an appointed dress fitting at a renowned Purrsian tailor, as well as to deliver a letter to Prince Kurt Wycleff." She briefly resumed. "Excuse me for my ignorance, but who do we have the honor to speak to?"

Tamara Esgard
Guard​

"Please, you needed call me Princess Teno." Tamara would have gladly accepted this offer, but was sure that out of habitude, she'd still end up calling her Princess Teno. While what she had said, about her wanting to keep herself private, might had some truth in it, it was still unprofessional of Tamara to pest Teno with questions.

She noticed the Princess waving to someone behind her. Out of curiosity Tamara turned around, just to see a boy standing in the alley, looking at them. ' 'Hey... wait a minute. I know this face from somewhere...' She snipped her fingers as she finally recognized his face. 'That's right, it's that guy who tried to help me catch the cat. I still have to thank him... for his attempt at least.' She did the same as the Princess and waved at him with a smile.

"As a matter of fact,", Princess Teno began her phrase, to which Tamara turned her full attention back to her, "I have a formal tea this afternoon with my brother and other members of various courts. It sounds truly boring and tiresome. Perhaps some company beforehand would be worthwhile. What do you say, would you two care to take a walk around the city with me?" Tamara's eyes widened slightly, surprised by the offer. She was speechless. 'Accompanying the Princess? That's almost like escorting the princess. Without all the dangers. And it being just a casual stroll arounf the city. And actually not being like an escort at all. But still!!' She coughed once or twice to clear her throat. "Of- of course! I'll gladly agree. It's an honor.", she stuttered while hastily bowing before her, forgetting what Teno had previously said about the gesture.

lissamissal
Elekta Kount
BookishSnowWhite
Renny

 

[lissamissal]

.

KAI BAYMOON
Water Princess

"Well, well, what has the sun graced us with today? Is that the smile of princess I see? No! It can't be!" The man's voice startled Kai. Damn recognized already. As the man approached them she instantly recognized him as well. It had been a couple of years, but Kai never forgot a face, especially that of Siegfried Harrer, the Fire Kigdom's wizard. The last time she had seen him, he was showcasing his abilities and Kai still not being used to other magical abilities was terrified. Needless to say, Kai wasn't a big fan of fire manipulation. Thank the heavens I'm not marrying into this Kingdom. Kai smiled and immediately changed her composure to match that of royalty. She could feel Serenity's uneasiness as she moved closer to her and realized she had probably never met the wizard. The thought of this made her want to laugh. Serenity must of thought this strange looking man was going to cause them some trouble, which was surely not the case.

"Your majesty, what brings you, and your friend of course, to our humble lands?" Before Kai could come up with a nice sounding answer, Serenity overcame her uneasiness and spoke to the wizard as if she were truly the princess and Kai the friend. "We're here for an appointed dress fitting at a renowned Purrsian tailor, as well as to deliver a letter to Prince Kurt Wycleff. Excuse me for my ignorance, but who do we have the honor to speak to?" It was now that Kai answered without hesitation, "Oh forgive me, I've forgotten myself. Serenity this is Siegfried Harrer, the royal wizard?" she said the last part questioningly not because she didn't know who he was, but because she wasn't sure if his title had changed, "and Sir. Harrer this is Serenity, my assistant." Kai hoped Serenity wouldn't mind the both upgrade and downgrade of being referred to as an assistant. It wasn't like she didn't value her as a friend, but Kai was cautious when it came to how close she associated herself with others. Friends could be easily used as pawns against you, keep those closest to you at a distance for others to see and you'll never lose them... Kai flashed back to the time she was five and had excitedly told Katrina about her first friend she'd made outside the palace. At the time Katrina's words had felt harsh and cold, but Kai soon realized they were true and if she wanted to protect the people she cared for she had to make it seem like she didn't.

Kai looked over at Serenity and winked quickly, hoping that she'd play along. "Like my assistant said, we're on our way to the castle to deliver a message to Prince Kurt on behalf of my brother Prince Kale, as well as attend a dress fitting for myself. However, it seems that there are not many carriages heading that way on this lovely day." Kai smiled again and gestured to the weather, "If you are headed toward the castle, we would be most grateful if you allowed us to accompany you?"

Capricornus
Elekta Kount

coding; allrightsreserved@crucialstar

 

[Elekta Kount]

Siegfried “Bright” Harrer
Master Pyromancer

"A pleasure to meet to you, young lady." The fire wizard nodded to the girl next to the water princess. "A citizen of the Water Kingdom is a friend to the Fire Kingdom."

The pyromancer stood back stright, revealing that he was rather tall. He started to stroke his beard in contemplation as he looked at the two young women. "Ah, so your visiting Devon Bronson? Very good. I've heard much positive feedback from his customers. Never met him myself though, not much for the latest fashion, as you can clearly see, I am more of a practical sort. Plus I doubt he'd have anything fire proof."

Siegfried chuckled a little, as he continued to stroke his beard. "I wouldn't mind the company back to the capital, I was down here to solve a dispute between two fishermen, their argument almost went over board in the quite literal sense. *Chuckles* But onto the matter of travel. You are indeed right young Baymoon, that their has been a lot of traffic into the capital. What with the wedding and all, there's been a large influx of people traveling to and forth the capital in preparation. Though even without the wedding, the travel to the capital will take days."

He kept stroking his beard, looking like he was in deep thought. "Well, it will take days to travel to the capital....on foot. Now, if say, you flew there, you'd be able to get their in a matter of hours."

The wizard stop stroking his beard, now putting his free hands back on his cheeks, an appearance of concern washed over his face. "But how would we ever be able to take flight?" He said it mockingly, but in good humor, as if someone was acting concern. But it was seem the master pyromancer was slipping up a bit, as a little smile start to crack onto his face.

lissamissal
Capricornus

 

[lissamissal]

.

KAI BAYMOON
Water Princess

"Oh dear do I dare ask what you have in mind sir?" Kai crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. I had been a while since she'd visited the Fire Kigdom and for some reason thought the castle was closer. Although it was probably because she forgot just how far any dock was for the other kingdoms because she was so used to being pretty much surrounded by water all the time. "If only I could fly like I could swim perhaps our trip would be much shorter than a few hours. Say how do you suggest we fly to the castle?" Kai laughed. Of course Kai had never flown before, yet she always wondered what it would be like. When she was younger she used to jump from the tops of trees into the many pools around the palace and that was the closest she'd ever gotten to feeling like a bird. Swimming was something else, Kai was literally born swimming. It came naturally to her, and she loved every second of it.

Elekta Kount
Capricornus

coding; allrightsreserved@crucialstar

 

[Zer0]

_Devon Bronson_
- Glowing Drow, Industrial Empire, Months ago -​

Mammoth fur coats were a rare commodity in the Industrial Empire, owned only by the wealthiest of nobles, for mammoths are only found in the Dark Empire, and one can't get to them without going through borderland security, then traversing through the dangerous freezing mountains to get to Jotunheim, land of the giants. And there's the frost giants too, they weren't friendly, but were big, strong, and cranky. They are nomads and herd the wooly creatures, though there were wild mammoth herds. That is why on the job board of the Glowing Drow, where a poster has been put up looking for caravan guards, it has been ignored for the past three weeks.

It's job reward has been increasing steadily over the pass days, meaning whoever posted it must be getting desperate. Currently it was enough to afford one a comfortable living for five years in the Industrial Kingdom. There was talk that the employer was a tailor from the Fire Kingdom, who hasn't had any luck looking for willing mercenaries despite the rich influx of them after the war. Nobody just wants to mess with giants.

The door of the tavern opened and a hot gust of desert air briefly swirled inside, as a cloaked stranger, his boots trailing sand, strode through the doorway; a few heads turned as he made for the job board and looked at the neglected poster. He sighed, pulling down his hood.

"No takers, Mr. Hashish?" said the stranger to the barman in the local language, his cat ears folded back in disappointment. It was a Purrsian, one of the cat-folk who usually wander the kingdoms as gypsies. This one did not look nor carry himself like a gypsy, rather, he was like a gentleman.

"Nope. Dark Realm's a dangerous place, Mr. Bronson, you have to be mad, dying, broke, or have a death wish to go there." the barman chuckled.

The stranger rubbed a paw on the back of his neck, then pulled the poster down and tossed it into a trashcan --- only it missed the trashcan as the tavern door opened again and in blew a gust of wind, and plok, hit the horn of a heavily scarred man in the corner and right into his mug of drink.

The people in the tavern went quiet.

billthesomething

 

[Renny]

Vincent Berny​

Vincent nodded and quickly walked nearer to the conversation; albeit a little stiffly. “What is it I wonder? Am I in trouble? Did I somehow do something wrong without me knowing it?” He stopped just a few feet from the princess and the guard. “Um...?” Vincent started, standing up straight, arms at his sides.


“...I have a formal tea this afternoon with my brother and other members of various courts. It sounds truly boring and tiresome. Perhaps some company beforehand would be worthwhile. What do you say, would you two care to take a walk around the city with me?" Vincent raised his eyebrows and visibly relaxed a tiny bit. “That's it?" he almost said out loud. He has heard that the princess was a little carefree and was usually seen out and about in city, so he probably should have expected it. “But still…”


"Of- of course! I'll gladly agree. It's an honor." the guard stuttered as she bowed deeply. Immediately afterwards Vincent felt the eyes of the princess on him, expecting him to say something. “Ah, as you wish…” he said after a moment of trying to find the right words to say. “It’s indeed an honor.”

 

[billthesomething]

Character: Sabaton
Location/Time: The Glowing Drow, Months Ago
Interaction: Zer0​

Sabaton had been minding his own business when the flyer flew into his drink, he let out an irritated growl that sounded much more menacing due to having echoed inside of his helmet. He drew a few breaths to calm himself, before proceeding to fish the flyer out of his drink. He glanced at it and what was on it, was rather interesting.

A job that would pay very well, it would be enough to make a home inside of the industrial empire, as if he would ever desire to settle down in that disgusting shit-hole, but still, that was whole lot of money, perhaps he could use the money to buy his sisters something fancy, he wondered if Evanescence still wanted that dress, he will need to inquire about this with the barman

He abandoned his drink and stood up, as he turned around, he noticed the tavern's other patrons pointing at the Purrsain and the barman, hoping to perhaps focus his currently non-existent wrath onto the feline humanoid. 'Best to start with them then' he thought

He lumbered over to the pair, the flyer clenched in one hand "Is this Job still open?"

 

[Capricornus]

Serenity Arkents
Best Friend to Water Prince​

Before the man was able to say anything, Kai had already answered her question. "Oh forgive me, I've forgotten myself. Serenity this is Siegfried Harrer, the royal wizard, and Sir. Harrer this is Serenity, my assistant.", she introduced them both. Kai turned around and winked, which made Serenity understand the last part, to which she nodded in agreement.

"A pleasure to meet to you, young lady."
"The pleasure is all mine.", she replied with a nod in Sir.Harrer's direction. Her serious facial expression shifted to a kinder one, seeing that Kai was familiar with this man. She repeated once more her schedule to Sir.Harrer, asking him whether he would accompany them towards the castle.

He kindly agreed, yet he also had some bad news for them. Due to traffic, which was mostly due to the weddings, there had been a lack of carriages that would take them to their destination. "Well, it will take days to travel to the capital....on foot." Sir.Harrer informed them. Serenity's eyes widened with surprise. Days? She knew that the capital was still somewhat far but she could have never imagined it taking days to get there. He continued: "Now, if say, you flew there, you'd be able to get their in a matter of hours." Flying? Again, something that surprised Serenity. Never once had she flown somewhere and also never really expected to do so, yet she was thrilled when she heard about it.

"But how would we ever be able to take flight?", the wizard exclaimed, both hands to his cheek. If it hadn't been for his smirk, Serenity would probably have believed that he as well didn't have a clue how they would proceed with it.

"Oh dear do I dare ask what you have in mind sir?" The fact that Kai was already familiar with Sir.Harrer, and still felt a little concerned to ask him about his plans made Serenity feel a little unsure about this all.

"Whatever it is that you have in mind good Sir, you have already done ot previously, have you not? Also, it won't be dangerous... will it?" It was not like she didn't trust him or anything like that, but doing something such as flying, which was completely new to her, made her have at least some concerns.

lissamissal
Elekta Kount

 

[Elekta Kount]

Siegfried “Bright” Harrer
Master Pyromancer

"Eh, it is relatively safe. As long as you hold on and not try to jump off, I'd say your fairly safe flying with me." THe pyromancer said, as he began to stroke his slick beard again. He chuckled a bit, seemed like he was remembering somthing. "After all, I've flown into battle on quite a few occasions. But I shall not bore you with stories just yet, wouldn't want to keep you in suspense now."

The wizard then proceeded to turn his upper body to the side, moving his free hand up, he placed his finger and thumb in a u shape up to his mouth, and gave a high pitched whistle.

Moments later, flapping could be heard from above. If one were to look up, they'd see a Pegasus with a saddle attach to it fly out of the clouds, circling the town as it descended, before finally landing a bit away from the group, deceasing it's speed as it trotted to a stop right behind the wizard.

"Ladies, meet Solar." the wizard said as he used his free hand to gesture to the Pegasus behind him, who nodded on cue.

Spoiler

lissamissal
Capricornus

 

[lissamissal]

.

KAI BAYMOON
Water Princess

The pegasus had to be one of the most beautiful creatures she'd ever seen. "Hi Solar" Kai reached out her hand to pet Solar and gently ran her fingers through its mane. Kai excitedly jumped and pulled Serenity close to the creature, "C'mon this is going to be sooo much fun!" She wasn't sure how she was going to get on Solar, but she figured it was the same as riding a horse. "Thank you so much Sir. Harrer, this is definitely much better than walking!" Kai was still puzzled on how she would actually get on, she was after all quite shorter than the pegasus and Kale usually was the one to help her onto her horses. After further studying the pegasus, she decided it would be best if the wizard mounted first, "After you Sir." Kai gestured towards the pegasus and stepped back to watch how the wizard got on.

Elekta Kount
Capricornus

coding; allrightsreserved@crucialstar