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

[Zer0]

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

The Purrsians' ears perked at the intimidating growling. He looked behind him and was momentarily befuddled at all the fingers pointed his way. He looked back at the barman to see if they were pointing at him instead, but no, he had already backed away as the heavily scarred man lumbered over.

Mr. Bronson released a shaky breath he didn't know he had been holding when the intimidating man asked about the job. "Yes, yes it is." said the black cat, as he clutched his side, chuckling in relief. The shape of a gun protruded from his vest. "My your tall, I thought you were going to beat me up." he extended a furry paw to shake. "Devon Bronson." he added, chipper. "Welcome to the adventure."

* * * *​

After hearing his name, the tailor joined Sabaton at his lonely table, where he showed him the contract of employment. "It's only the usual, summary of pocket expenses from here to the land of the giants, remunerations, funeral arrangements and so forth." he said, with the amiable air of a businessman who knew his trade.

The contract read about how the job was going to take two months, and that he will be paid a hefty sum now to get started, and then the rest of the reward when the task is finished. Indeed there were funeral arrangements that depended whether or not one's body could be retrieved, though his closest relatives will be informed, and there was a waiver that said Devon Bronson was not liable for any injury including, but not limited to: lacerations, evisceration, incineration, frost bite, and/or being eaten alive.

He also asked about Sabaton's work history too, if he's ever done much fighting, and if he's encountered giants and mammoths before.

They talked late into the afternoon, and if the warrior would sign the contract, they would be off straightaway to the Dark Realm bright and early tomorrow morning.

billthesomething

 

[Capricornus]

Serenity Arkents
Best Friend to Water Prince​

"Eh, it is relatively safe." Relatively? This answer was a little to vague to ease Serenity's concern. "As long as you hold on and not try to jump off, I'd say your fairly safe flying with me.", the wizard continued.
"Well, I have no other choice than to trust you.", Serenity shrugged in reply.

Turning around, Sir.Harrer gave of a sharp whistle. Only a few moments later, a distant flapping of wings could be heard above them. Curious about what was approaching them, Serenity looked up, squinting her eyes as the sun blinded her. In the distance, something moving could be seen, which came closer and closer until it was identifiable as a Pegasus. After it landed, it walked towards the group, stopping behind Sir. Harrer.

"Ladies, meet Solar.", he introduced the horse. Almost instantly Kai approached it to pet it, before pulling Serenity along.
"C'mon this is going to be sooo much fun!", Kai exclaimed, before thanking the wizard. She had to admit, the Princess's joy was slightly contagious.
"It most likely will,", she replied, laying her hand on Solar's back "And Princess Kai is right, we can't thank you enough."

Elekta Kount
lissamissal

 

[BookishSnowWhite]

Lucine Briarheart
"To Be Revealed"

"Hm? Oh, yeah, above the clouds," said the young man. Lucine watched him with a set jaw, and uncertainty. "Yeah, I wish everyone could see it...had freedom to see it, I should say." He didn't look at her as he spoke, just kept looking up to the sky. Lucine felt herself soften in an unexpected way. This response was not what she had thought she would be hearing. The aristocrats of this city, and all over the continent really, had never shown her any hope of freedom.

She took a moment to really look at the young man before her. Benjamin Raveran. That's who he was. A name she couldn't escape when she was in the Industrial Empire. "You know, I wonder how many people today are stopping to see what we are seeing. You know, the sunlight and all. Reckon they'd be too busy, with work and, we'll, you know...the 'Unions' an' all," he said.

He was still staring up at the sky, but it seemed like he was really talking with her. She hadn't expected much in the way of conversation with him, to be honest. She had assumed he would just blow her off, the way most people did to her soft spoken nature. He posed a real question to her, and it left her to wonder. He was right. How many people were just stuck in the dredges of this city. Of this nation. Just forced to march onward and hope there wasn't another war the next day.

"That's a good question, Mr. Raveran. It's always a reward to breath for two seconds and see the world around you. Some people may not even see the sunlight, because to them, there isn't much sunlight to see. I suppose it's nice that we can see that light. It's... how do I put it? Refreshing. Refreshing to hear someone in a position of power who can take a moment to see the sunlight."

Teno Wycleff
Fire Princess

Teno almost laughed to watch the carnival of emotions on Tamara's face upon being asked to join her for the morning. "Of- of course! I'll gladly agree. It's an honor," said the guard. Teno clapped her hands and turned to the boy in front of her, awaiting his answer. He took a moment but finally gave her the answer of, “Ah, as you wish… It’s indeed an honor.” Glad to be done with the conversation of her wedding, she stood from her seat and brushed her dress.

"First thing's first. We should return that cat to the orphanage. Some little child must be missing their pet dearly. Let's just hope we don't run into my brother. He'll snatch me up and force me back to the castle," said Teno with a laugh. She gestured Tamara to lead the way and they began a pleasant and calm walk. The day was wonderfully bright and the music serenaded them as they went. As they passed by Mr. Bronson's, Teno took a moment to peer in, hoping to catch his eye. She saw many figures in the store, but none she could pinpoint. She gave a demure wave nonetheless.

Teno allowed herself to continue her daydream of being a regular girl, spending her day with two friends. Maybe she could escape this tea and just enjoy a day with two of her citizens. Her time in the kingdom was limited, and she intended to soak it up as much as possible. Unlike her brother, she didn't want to be stuck in the courts all day. She wanted to be out and interacting with people. She was currently skipping a class on fire studies with the master royal flame manipulators. It was worth it.

"You know," she said looking at the young man. "You seem terribly familiar. What is your name? Do I know you? I must."

Elekta Kount
Renny
Capricornus

 

[Elekta Kount]

Siegfried “Bright” Harrer
Master Pyromancer

"To be of service is only my pleasure." The wizard said with another hand-on-chest bow. When the pyromancer stood back up stright, his metal staff suddenly lit ablaze, as the wizard let it go, it started to suspend in midair with fire starting to swirl around it.

Siegfried then bent his knees slightly, cupping his hands together, and offered to help the two ladies onto the Pegasus. "Please, ladies first. I shall give you a boost."

lissamissal
Capricornus

 

[Elekta Kount]

Benjamin Raveran
Industrial Son

"Oh? Is it?" Benjamin said, still taking his eyes off the sky. "Just seem so nature, you know? To stop a bit and enjoy life. I mean, I know I have no grounds to talk about somthing like this, consider I am in line to be the ruler of this nation..." his hands popped upwards as he was expressing himself, he chin still leaning on the hand rail. "...but what kind of a nation am I running where all your friends are slaving away in factories...or stabbing each other."

He then crossed his arms onto the hand rail and rested his head ontop of it. "I Swear....things used be so simply when I was a kid. Didn't need to worry about...life."

Benjamin suddenly stood up to lean against the tram wall. "Guess it shows, huh? The aristocrat way of thinking....I'll be honest, I have no idea what to do...I don't think I'm ready for this." The young man gestured his hand out while using his other hand to support his head. "Any of this! Not to run a nation like this! And certainly not to get married!" He said those last words as he was on the verge of tears, leaning again froward on the rails while holding his head with both his hands.

BookishSnowWhite

 

[Capricornus]

Tamara Esgard
Guard​

"First thing's first. We should return that cat to the orphanage." Tamara nodded in agreement. It was best to bring the cat back to his owner first to assure them that everything is fine. Or before the cat tries to escape once more, although it seemed rather relaxed near the Princess.
"Let's just hope we don't run into my brother. He'll snatch me up and force me back to the castle." Teno warned jokingly, as she gestured Tamara to lead then towards the orphanage. "It'd be such a shame if he'd interrupt your walk."

They walked back the same way that Tamara had chased the cat, and the main plaza was ever so full and lively. She noticed how Teno stopped infront of a window, which seemed to belong to a shop. 'A tailor, huh?', she thought to herself as she read the sign hanging on the outer wall. 'Hmm, maybe it is because...', she shook her head, trying to forget about it. She waited for the Princess before continuing to walk.

"You know, you seem terribly familiar. What is your name? Do I know you? I must." Teno was most definitely talking to the boy, as Tamara had already introduced herself to her. She turned her head slightly to the side: "That's true, I, well I guess we, don't even know your name yet! I almost forgot to thank you for-" Before she finished her sentence, she turned to the right and pointed at the house standing before them. "Here it is, the orphanage.", she explained, opening the door of the small fence build around the front garden.

There was a bell, relatively small, hanging from the porch, which Tamara rang as she always did when visiting the orphanage. It wasn't too long before the kids came pouring out surrounding all three visitors. They had always loved visits. Feeling someone tap her leg, she looked down, seeing a little boy who was trying to get her attention. "Tammy! Tammy have you caught him yet? Did you find him? Is he ok?" It was clearly the cat's owner expressing his concern. Tamara got down to be on the same eye level as the boy. With a smile she pointed towards Teno. "Well I surely do have some good news for you."

Serenity Arkents
Best Friend to Water Prince​

"To be of service is my only pleasure." Sir.Harrer bowed once more. His staff started lifting into the air, where it was floating while fire started surrounding it. Something as little as this amazed Serenity already. She had rarely ever seen magic from the Fire Kingdom in action, which astonished her even more.

The wizard offered to help both, Kai and Serenity, get on the Pegasus' back. Letting Kai go first, she followed her shortly after, sitting behind her. "So... how does this all work?", she looked down at the wizard who was still standing on the ground. "You said we should hold onto... onto what exactly?" She hastily looked around to find some kind of bar to hold onto, maybe a safety belt? As much as she loved animals, she had never before ridden on a horse's back, nor even sat on one, let alone on a Pegasus. "Also... how fast does this go?", she asked, the feel of uneasiness starting to rise again. Only now she started to realize that they were going to travel a few days worth of walking in merely a few hours.

BookishSnowWhite
Renny
lissamissal
Elekta Kount

 

[lissamissal]

.

KAI BAYMOON
Water Princess

"You said we should hold onto... onto what exactly?" Serenity started to sound concerned and it made Kai want to laugh so bad. Kai surpressed her laughter, but giggled as she spoke "Just hold onto me silly! And try not to look down when we take off, its just like ridding a horse!" As Kai waited for the wizard to join them as well, she quickly tied all her hair back into a messy bun. "Also... how fast does this go?" She heard Serenity question, "Well its probably fast enough that you should keep your mouth closed unless you enjoy swallowing bugs?" Kai laughed at her remark and when the wizard finally jumped on with them she'd wrap her arms around him and hold tight, "Ready when you are!"

Capricornus
Elekta Kount

coding; allrightsreserved@crucialstar

 

[billthesomething]

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

Instead of taking offense at the purrsian's comment, instead, he let out a light chuckle then spoke "Smart, too often bravery is mistaken for idiocy" Sabaton then took the Purrsian's paw, his hand totally engulfed Devon's paw. he needed to careful not to cause the smaller man any pain "Sabaton, I've heard things about you." He nodded and then followed Devon toward his table, he gave the parchment a quick look and found the contract to be agreeable as far as he could tell, the law and all its complications had always been Lordi's thing, not his. So he reached for a pen and signed it as Sabaton.

He passed the contract over to the cat-man then began answering whatever questions the tailor had when asked about his work history, he told him about his time in the dark realm's army though he intentionally neglected to mention anything too specific about his time there, he didn't hide the fact he was a berserker from his now-employer. Then went on and told him stories about his time bodyguarding snooty nobles, twitchy merchants & other such figures of some importance.

 

[Renny]

Vincent Berny​

"First thing's first. We should return that cat to the orphanage. Some little child must be missing their pet dearly." Vincent nodded. "So that's what this was all about." "Let's just hope we don't run into my brother. He'll snatch me up and force me back to the castle," said the princess with a laugh, helping ease Vincent a little bit. They started leisurely walking back through the plaza, and Vincent allowed himself to be more relaxed, releasing the tension he had been feeling.


Aside from a few greetings from people passing by, their walk was rather uneventful. The princess, at this point in time, honestly seemed like she was just a regular person in the city, walking with them so easily like this. He is starting to understand why a lot of people are disheartened to know that the princess is going to have to go very soon.

"You know, you seem terribly familiar." Vincent looked back at the princess and raised his eyebrows. "What is your name? Do I know you? I must."

"That's true, I, well I guess we, don't even know your name yet!" The guard said. "I almost forgot to thank you for-" Before even finishing her own sentence, she interrupted herself and changed direction towards what appears to be the orphanage. Vincent couldn't suppress a tiny smile as he thought of how utterly energetic the guard was.

"Anyways, my name is Vincent Berny." he said as they approached the front door. "Though it appears I don't remember a time where we have met before..." Maybe it was during the times when he was looking after their store? The fact that he couldn't remember even just a few of their customers faces reminded him that he should probably take his job more seriously.

The guard leading them rang the small bell hanging in front of them. Soon after, the door opened as children ran out excitedly and surrounded them. It appears that they all knew who the guard was. "Tammy! Tammy have you caught him yet? Did you find him? Is he ok?" A boy was asking the guard, a look of concern on his face. Vincent watched as "Tammy" crouched down to the boy's height and pointed towards the grey cat.

BookishSnowWhite
Capricornus

 

[Elekta Kount]

Siegfried “Bright” Harrer
Master Pyromancer

"The princess is quite right, just make sure you hang on tight." The fire wizard chuckled. "Solar here is a gentle steed, she'll make sure to keep us steady, and you from falling."

The pyromancer then proceeded to mount the Pegasus himself, reaching out for his staff, which floated towards him as he grabbed it from the air, causing all but the brazier to extinguish.

"Hold tight now." The wizard gave a final warning, as his legs urged the Pegasus forward. They started with a slow trot, moments later breaking out in a run as the Pegasus start flapping it's wings. Moments later, they were starting to lift off from the ground and into the air. They began to ascend upwards at a rapid pace, as the houses in the port village past by, soon giving way to grassy fields as they continue to go higher and higher....

(Ignore the thing flying behind him)​

lissamissal
Capricornus

 

[BookishSnowWhite]

Lucine Briarheart
"To Be Revealed"

Lucine listened to him raptly. He moved around wildly, unable to keep still. All the energy he had focused into his daydreaming seemed to come out as stilted and anxious. "...what kind of a nation am I running where all your friends are slaving away in factories...or stabbing each other." His hands moved wildly and he couldn't decide if he wanted to sit or stand. Lucine settled her bag of groceries on the ground at her feet and turned to lean out the large open window to watch him and give him her attention.

"Guess it shows, huh? The aristocrat way of thinking....I'll be honest, I have no idea what to do...I don't think I'm ready for this. Any of this! Not to run a nation like this! And certainly not to get married!" He was leaned out far onto the back of the tram and there was a waiver in his voice. A hoarse rawness to it. Lucine looked around her at the other people on the train and wondered if they were paying attention. The son of their nation right there and no one seemed to care.

Lucine gently stuck her hand out of the window and touched his back. She felt him jump under her touch, but kept her hand gently there. If she wasn't careful the prince would topple right out back of the tram. The wrong push and he'd be gone. She kept her touch light so as not to scare him. She didn't know how long they would stay there like this. But she felt it would be a very uncomfortable situation if she didn't do something to comfort him. She cursed herself for not being more prepared for this moment.

"I don't think you are supposed to know what you're doing," said Lucine after a while. "You're just a... a kid really. A kid shouldn't have to bare the burden of warfare. Bloodline be damned, it shouldn't fall on your shoulders to face the backlash."

Lucine felt her heart in her throat as she spoke. She was talking more about her own childhood than his, but the sentiment still stood. The war had torn everything apart. This city was a hotbed of evil and treachery. And here was this young man with the world breathing down his neck. This peace treaty among the nations rested partly on him and if it failed, if he failed, the continent would be plunged back into violence. Always on the royalty to decide what would happen to the regular citizens.

"It's okay to be scared," Lucine offered. "But keep your chin up. Everything that's going to happen to you, it's going to be for the best. Everyone in this city, this empire, this continent. They'll have their freedom given back to them. How could you do anything more kind than that? You'd be more benevolent than even the Great White Wolf."

Teno Wycleff
Fire Princess

"My name is Vincent Berny." Said the boy as the started to near a building with a fenced in yard. "Though it appears I don't remember a time where we have met before..."

"Here it is, the orphanage.", said Tamara before Teno could respond. Her energy was infectious. She opened the door of the fence to the front garden. A large building stood before them, an example of true Fire Kingdom architecture. The brickwork, the chimney, the sun glittering off the hand-blown glass windows. A crowd of children of all ages poured out of the orphanage and surrounded the three guests.

A small boy came running to Tamara and began asking her frantically asking her about the lost cat. Teno watched as Tamara, "Tammy", got down to his level and pointed toward her. "Well I surely do have some good news for you." The boy's eyes followed Tamara's hand to where Teno was holding the small gray cat. The boy looked back at Tamara before moving to Teno with uncertainty.

"Hello there, dear one," said Teno as the boy approached her with a mix of excitement and anxiety. "I believe this little one must be yours." She handed the cat to the boy whose face lit up. The cat excitedly clambered into his arms. Teno adjusted her dress so she could crouch down to the boy's level.

"I must tell you," she said conspiratorially. "Your cat is quite the escape artist. But I want you to never fear for him. You have got my best guard on your side. Just between you and myself, I believe she might be the Great White Wolf." She whispered the last part to the boy whose eyes grew wide. He looked at Teno who gave him a wink as she stood up. He excitedly ran away to tell his friends that Tamara was the Great White Wolf.

Teno looked back at her two companions. "It's lovely to meet you, Vincent. If we've never met before, it's a pleasure to meet you now. I'm sure we'll get along famously."

OOC: Update on my sweet boys: Kale is doing paperwork and Flynn is just walking around inside the castle and trying to flirt with the maids.

Elekta Kount
Capricornus
Renny

 

[wendy]

Penelope: Dark Princess

Penelope glided the scissors along the green velvet fabric as she had began to cut out the pattern for her dress and with each piece she cut out she pinned it to the manikin to see how it would fit on her body. Once all the pieces had been cut out and pinned to the manikin Penelope stood up and took a step back to get a proper look at the construction of the dress "Looks good." Penelope says under her breath as she sits back down picking up one of the sowing needles that Duana had threaded for her as section by section Penelope began to hand sow the dress occasional swearing as she stabbed her finger with the sharp needle as she wasn't exactly concentrating as much as she should be. As Penelope was sowing she listened to Diana's response as Penelope had a smile on her face "Thank you Duana." Penelope says with pure happiness laced into the tone of her words.
As Penelope was sowing a butler came to inform her that her brother had returned from the borders and Penelope just nodded her head. Penelope's relationship with her brother wasn't the typical sibling relationship as they were not related by blood but the two still got along but rarely did spend time together anymore as her brothers responsibilities increased and Penelope's were decreasing. She knew the pressure that he felt as future king of the dark realm and so he spent many hours in his office studying or either out in the field so their current level of interaction was at its bare minimum.


As Afternoon swung around Penelope had finished the dress "Lets to see what it looks like on." Penelope says to Duana as she packs away her needles once again putting them into the waist band on her stocking, Penelope stands up draping the velvet green dress over her arm as she heads back up to her room. The young women enters her room and places the dress on her bed as she begins to undress herself beginning with her cloak once Penelope undressed she pulled the soft green dress over her head and once it was on she brushed it off slightly before she stood in front of the full length mirror looking at her reflection. As Penelope looked at herself she couldn't deny that she did slightly look like her mother, even though the two of them were blood related the two women looked strikingly similar. "It isn't extravagant but it feels like me." Penelope says quickly tying her shoulder length back hair into a ponytail as having the hair off her shoulder made Penelope look more sophisticated as made her look slightly older than she actually.


On Penelope's south facing wall was a calendar which had been nailed to the wall along with a letter which was a invitation to her own wedding and judging by the date Penelope's time in the Dark Realm was coming to a close as the date of her wedding had been circled multiple times and that date was drawing ever closer. Penelope sighed walking over to her bed and sitting on the edge of the bed before lying down and putting her hands across her face "I don't want to marry a stranger." Penelope says but her voice is muffled by her hands. Penelope wasn't used to feeling like this, she was used to feeling in control and knowing exactly where she was going in life but since the announcement of the wedding Penelope had been lost as worry filled her mind about her future as she certainly didn't see her future self as the Queen of the fire kingdom, a title she never wanted in the first place. "Ugh, let's forget about the wedding for a while and just enjoy our time here." Penelope says as she pulls the velvet dress of putting it on a hanger and placing it in her wardrobe. Penelope gets dressed back into her black ensemble she was wearing before. Penelope sat on the arm chair which faced out of her window as she looked out onto the view of her kingdom. Of recent days Penelope would sit here for hours on end as if she wanted to engrain this view into her mind so she would never forget it.
Penelope sat like a statue in her seats for hours just like she did last night but tonight she was expecting at least a small visit from her older brother but as the hours drew on Penelope knew that he wasn't going to come as she sighed "Guess my older brother doesn't wish to grace us with his presence." Penelope says the bitterness so obvious in her tone. "At least I've got you." Penelope says to Duana.


billthesomething Haeo ​

 

[Capricornus]

Serenity Arkents
Best Friend to Water Prince​

"Just hold onto me silly! And try not to look down when we take off, its just like riding a horse!" That was easier said than done. Especially since Serenity didn't have no knowledge about horseback riding whatsoever. Sir. Harrer agreed with the Princess and soon after got on the Pegasus himself. "Hold tight now.", was his last warning. She did as Kai told her and wrapped her arms around the Princess. Feeling them starting to move forward, her first thoughts were that it wasn't as bad as she initially thought. This means until the Pegasus went from a trot to a run, soon beginning to flap its wings. Looking down, exactly what Kai said not to do, she was able to see the Pegasus gaining height, slowly at the beginning and soon ascending at higher speed. Her grip around Kai was getting firmer, and her heart started beating faster. She closed her eyes and just hoped for it to be over soon.

Tamara Esgard
Guard​

Whilst the cat's owner made his way to the Princess, Tamara talked with the other children for a while. She loved to gloat about her success during her job, a lot. But she mostly did it in a joking manner. As the young boy walked back to his friends, his cat in his arms, Tamara made her way to her companions.

"I'm glad everything went well. I just over heard your conversation, Vincent Berny it is, eh? As I wanted to say I have to thank you - well actually both of you - for helping me catch the cat." She thanked both, Vincent as well as Teno. "I owe both of you."

Before they were ready to go, Tamara turned around to the children to wave them goodbye. "And take good care of the cat, will you?", she told them, to which the cat hissed in response. "Now that this is checked off on the list, what's the next thing planned. Wait, is there even anything else planned?", she turned around, asking Teno and Vincent as she seemed to have lost track of what they actually wanted to do.

lissamissal
Elekta Kount
BookishSnowWhite
Renny

 

[Haeo]

His Highness Danil Draven Crown Prince of the Dark Kingdom

Spoiler: Location

Dark Princess's Chamber Door

Spoiler: Company

Alone

​

Prince Danil had stared at these maps for nearly an hour, puzzling out how they could be attacked and by whom. But in the end, he realized as he pushed the maps away and closed his eyes for a moment, anyone could attack them with anything they had. The harsh truth was that, peace or no peace, they had no friends in the other kingdoms. He growled softly. It was a harsh and frustrated sound. In spite of his efforts to enhance his sister's safety in the Fire Kingdom and that of his new bride here in the Dark Realm, the greatest danger lay in distance. Both of them were vulnerable beyond belief during the many miles of journeying that lay between the capitols and each other, as well as between them and The Homeland.

His growl turned into a weary sigh. He was Nightkin. He could not sleep, even if he wished to. But in spite of all the hours of work that he had available he wasn't able to create a plan to really prevent what he feared from coming to pass. And, he was tired. He needed to rest for a time.

He walked to the door and opened it, stepping past his Wraith guard as though his moment of weakness had been but a mirage. "I will visit my sister, if she is yet awake. Maintain your guard. Much of importance is within." The Wraith nodded slowly and moved to stand in front of the door until its Prince returned.

The prince's footfalls were swift and even, crossing distances smoothly as he avoided unnecessary attention and made his way to his sister's rooms. His countenance was composed. His muscles were relaxed. But, inwardly, he felt like something was tearing apart inside him. He could still be a brother, at least for a little while, and he was determined to not miss this chance.

The distance between his study and his sister's chambers was not short but the moon was only barely visible, peeking out between the mountain peaks, when he arrived at her door. He raised his hand and knocked. If she were asleep, the sound of his knock would be unlikely to awaken her. But, it should still be audible if she were awake. Besides, she was almost always in Duana's company.

billthesomething wendy​

 

[wendy]

Penelope: Dark Princess.
Location: Princess' chambers.
Company: Danil Draven and

Penelope sat looking out onto the view of her kingdom for a little while longer before she asked a servant to bring the bath around and fill it with hot water. Not much later the servant brought the small metal tub around and began to fill it with warm water. It wasn't that the tower didn't have running water but it wasn't always the cleanest or warmest and so Penelope preferred to have it hand boiled with a Rose oil placed in the water to create bubbles. Penelope undressed stepping into the bath as her skin stung at the contact of the hot water but Penelope liked the feeling as she lowered herself into the deep tub as she rested her head back as she let the hot water relax her muscles. Penelope stayed soaking in the tub until her fingers and toes began to crinkle and after washing herself Penelope stepped out of the bath and onto the cold stone floor as she dried herself also rubbing some special formula Fern gave her through her hair as it made it slightly shiner than usual.

Once Penelope had finished drying herself she pulled night dressed followed by the silk night gown which was a charcoal colour and once again Penelope pulled the velvet dress out of her wardrobe hanging it on the wardrobe door so it would be on full view of whoever entered her room. Penelope was rather tired this evening and she wasn't sure if it was from Duana's early morning wake up call or from sowing for the majority of her day. Penelope sat back down in the arm chair as she looked out onto the night view of her kingdom seeing the torches being lit one by one by the lantern master who walked down every street and lit each torch one by one and so Penelope follow his journey seeing him light each torch. As Penelope was watching the lantern masters' daily journey she heard a knock at her door as Penelope got up walking over to the door, twisting silver door knob as she pulled open the door to see none other then her brother "Danil, Come in." Penelope says as she walks back over to the arm chair expecting him to sit in the chair opposite her.

The two only had one physical feature in common and it was their blue eyes but other than that the two of them were quite different but Penelope didn't care as she admired her brother's character. He is a hard worker and Penelope knew of his recent work he was putting in awaiting the arrival of the fire princess but he also had his people to look after and with Penelope's public presence decreasing his was only increasing. "How are you?" She asked as she tucked a stray strand of wet black hair behind her ear and she awaited her brother's response.

Haeo ​

 

[Haeo]

His Highness Danil Draven Crown Prince of the Dark Kingdom

Spoiler: Location

Penelope's Chambers

Spoiler: Company

Princess Penelope of the Dark Realm

Prince Danil was unsurprised by being greeted by his sister in her sleepwear. Still, it reminded him of the hour and of the less visible differences that separated them. His heart felt as heavy as the frustration weighing down his thoughts. He entered at her invitation, glancing around for Duana but not spotting his sister's companion anywhere. He was at once perplexed at the small one's absence and relieved. Such energy and devotion could make difficult conversations even harder.

Danil closed the door behind him and followed his sister's lead, removing his sword and leaning it against the comfortable chair that sat opposite her before sitting in it. "I am well. I apologize for being so late in coming to visit you after my return." He replied politely but his eyes had a glazed look and his words lacked their usual strength and confidence. He was tired and suddenly felt so lost. He had taken a bold step in sending that package and letter. But, it was a gamble too. He was hoping to create positive feelings from a distance, the way his sister could with their own people.

He looked around briefly, trying to remember the last time he visited and trying not to remember that this room would be empty in only a month. He stopped looking when he saw the dress. It was lovely, understated and refined and he knew that his little sister would look absolutely lovely in it. His heart felt like it was twisting into knots. He looked at her, really looked. She looked worried and her hair was wet. She must have had a bath. He briefly wondered whether or not the servants were still boiling her water for her before his nose caught the faint scent of roses, the oil that she preferred in her bath.

"Do you..." he began quietly, "Do you think that we can make this work? Buy peace with our happiness and somehow make it stay?" He leaned forward slightly, his hands on his knees. The change in posture made the faint signs of early wrinkles cast dim shadows around his eyes. "I'm sorry. I haven't spent much time acting like a brother to you. And now, I don't even know if..." His voice trailed off. He didn't know if he could protect her from the fear of the Fire Kingdom's people any more than the dangers of the roads and passes. The one thing he had always done was keep danger away from her. Now he had to send her into it instead.

wendy

 

[billthesomething]

Character: Duana
Location: Penelope's private chambers
Interaction: wendy Haeo ​

Duana surprising lack of activity came from its decision to simply retire to its basket on Penny's nightstand, upon its and Penny's arrival at her chambers, it liked to be in bed nice & early, unlike its dearest friend. But the sudden arrival of Danil put a spanner into its plans of an early slumber. It leapt from its basket and onto the floor and ran at the speed of a bullet towards its princess and prince, with the full intention of scolding Danil.

However when the prince began speaking, Duana hid itself behind the leg of the prince's chair (Though unintentionally making sure it's Princess would be able to spot the little dark one) and Instead of chastising the prince for his lacks of visits and for potentially ruining Penny's sleep for it intended to awaken the princess at the same time as before, but it decided to put aside its issues with the prince and first listen to his words then maybe chastise him. But as it continued to listen to him, its displeasure lessened before not too long evolving into sympathy

​

Leading to it quickly climbing the chair and onto Danil's shoulder, It patted Danil's ear in a comforting manner "While your lack of visits to my dear Penny has been less than exemplary, you have been a fine brother for all intents and purposes. Isn't this correct Penny" Duana looked to its princess

 

[Renny]

Vincent Berny​

Vincent watched as the small boy that the guard was just talking to excitedly approached the princess currently holding his cat. The princess proceeded to give back the cat, and even talked to him for a short while. She also praised the guard a little bit, further exciting all of the other kids that were already surrounding their hero of the day. "It's lovely to meet you, Vincent. If we've never met before, it's a pleasure to meet you now. I'm sure we'll get along famously." Vincent smiled and nodded, "It's an honor to be with you."

The guard walked back towards Vincent and the princess as the boy, having been reunited with his cat, joined his friends. "I'm glad everything went well. I just over heard your conversation, Vincent Berny it is, eh? As I wanted to say I have to thank you - well actually both of you - for helping me catch the cat. I owe both of you," she said. Vincent shook his head smiling, "No it's nothing. I didn't even do that much to begin with."

They were just about ready to go as the guard waved the children goodbye. "Now that this is checked off on the list, what's the next thing planned. Wait, is there even anything else planned?" she asked. Vincent shrugged. "I think our plan was to go for a walk with no plan..." He looked back at the princess, eyebrows raised. "Unless your uh, brother comes looking for you... right?"

BookishSnowWhite
Capricornus

 

[wendy]

Penelope: Dark Princess
Location: Private Chambers
Company: Danil and Duana

The pair of siblings sat together each of them at total ease in each other's company. At first Penelope was going to chew her brother out for not coming visit her especially when her days here were numbered but when she brother began to speak her heart softened as she understood his situation, it wasn't only her life that was going to be turned upside down but also his, he was also marrying a stranger while looking after his kingdom safe along with keeping his new bride happy. Penelope was about to speak when her eyes landed on Duana hiding behind the chair her brother was sat on but soon Duana appeared climbing up the chair and until Duana stood on her brothers shoulder talking into his ear as Penelope listened to its words as she agreed with what it was saying. "Duana is correct." Penelope says to her brother "Your lack of visits has been slightly frustrating but I know you have bigger priorities to worry about now." Penelope says her tone calm and collected.

"I'm willing to sacrifice my happiness for peace. Maybe in the Fire Kingdom I shall find a new kind of happiness." Penelope says her tone changing slightly at the mention of the fire kingdom. "Brother, You don't always have to worry about protecting me." Penelope says with a soft expression "You know I'm not 5 years old anymore and not scared of the monster under my bed." Penelope says with a fond smile on her face as she remembers the time before Duana was with her and Penelope was scared to death of the monster under her bed and so she used to run to her brother for protection. "The fire kingdom shall be a challenge but I'm confident I shall be able to handle the court." Penelope says as she had read somewhere that the fire kingdom had some sort of court which was different from the Dark Realm where all decisions had to go through the King and Queen. "But I'm actually quite proud of you. You've taken on these responsibilities with ease and no complaints and that's admirable being since you are so young. You shall be a good king but the only variable that could mess it all up is the fire princess." Penelope says looking at her brothers worried expression hoping her words had offered some sort of comfort to the young man.

"Let's forget the future for a few moments and focus on the present." Penelope says leaning back as the arm chair really was comfortable "What do you think of my dress, I got inspiration from mothers wedding dress." Penelope says as her brother opinion really did matter to her. While Penelope was waiting for her brothers response she looked at Duana and mouthed the words 'Thank you' as Penelope wouldn't of been able to tell that to her brother herself.

billthesomething Haeo ​

 

[Haeo]

His Highness Danil Draven Crown Prince of the Dark Kingdom

Spoiler: Location

Penelope's Chambers

Spoiler: Company

Princess Penelope of the Dark Realm

It is a strange thing when words can be at once so comforting and yet miss the mark by just enough to be funny. Danil smiled. He knew from the beginning that Penelope was willing to face this challenge. He had already given his heart to the people and the land. Now he felt as though a portion of the weight was lifted from his shoulders. But, he was more worried about achieving success, actually changing the minds and hearts of the people of their land and the Fire Kingdom so that they could peacefully coexist. Had he really become so selfless that he had forgotten about his own feelings?

His back straightened and he turned his head just a little so that he could meet Duana's eyes. This wouldn't have been the first time that Duana scolded him. But, if his memory served, it was the first time that his sister's little friend had consoled him. It put him at a loss for words and it took a moment before he found them again.

"Thank you both." He said at last with a low chuckle. He couldn't remember when he had laughed last. Had it been before the war? "I'd completely forgotten that my feelings had anything to do with all of this."

He turned his head to look at the dress again. It was still as lovely as before. It reminded him of the package he had sent earlier in the evening. Still, to let go of the future and focus on the present wasn't often easy in recent weeks.

"It's lovely, though it may make you seem too old for him." He teased with a small and uncharacteristic smirk. "We don't want the poor little dear to be too intimidated by you... yet."



billthesomething
wendy

 

[wendy]

Penelope: Dark Princess
Location: Private Chambers
Company: Danil and Duana

Penelope laughs at her brothers comment about her wedding dress would make her look intimidating "I don't want to intimidate him, I want to have him shaking in his boots." Penelope says as she runs a hand through her black hair as she let out a sigh as she rested her head on the back of the chair as the thought of her pending wedding only brought thoughts of stress and frustration to the young lady. "Imagine what would of happened if we never went to the Gilded orbs." Penelope says remembering that day so clearly, that day was the day that war was waged. "We wouldn't be marrying total strangers and I wouldn't have to be leaving my home." Penelope says as a lump in her throats develops as her eyes water slightly. Even though Penelope was a incredibly strong person she did have her moments and especially recently she had been feeling increasingly sensitive as Penelope knew that she was going to feel incredibly homesick when she eventually left for the Fire Kingdom.

"Fancy a game of chess?" Penelope says standing up and walking over to her night stand pulling open the lower section and pulling out a wooden box which was Penelope's chess set which her father gave her for her the spring festival this year. "The future king won't be able to play games for much longer so better grab the chance while you can." Penelope says as she pulls a table between the two chairs placing the wooden box on it. The chess set was a rather lavish thing and it was something Penelope planned on taking with her to the Fire Kingdom. The white set of pieces were made out of pearls found in the waters of the water kingdom while the black set of pieces had been crafted out of a rare type of jade which had more of a smokey grey colour than black. Penelope put the pieces in their correct place giving her brother the white pieces "White always moves first." Penelope says raising an eyebrow at her older brother as she seemed rather confident with her skills. "I've been practicing with Duana." Penelope says as her competitive streak begins to show itself but this chess game was also Penelope's way of getting her brother to stay in her company a little longer as he would probably soon have return to his duties. "We can beat him, can't we Duana?" Penelope asks Duana as she asks for her good friends assistance.

billthesomething Haeo
​

 

[BookishSnowWhite]

Teno Wycleff
Fire Princess

"Now that this is checked off on the list, what's the next thing planned. Wait, is there even anything else planned?" Asked Tamara. Vincent seconded the thought with, "I think our plan was to go for a walk with no plan... Unless your uh, brother comes looking for you... right?"

Teno put her knuckles to her lips as she thought. She hadn't really thought her plan out fully. She looked around at the land, to her two new companions. There was so much planning to do for the wedding. So much paperwork to fill out. Tea that needed to be attended to. Fire lessons that needed to be planned. The gift for her new... "husband." She breathed a nervous breath before answering.

"Would you care to walk with me to the castle? I'll give you a private tour of the grounds and it should leave me with enough time to get to the tea. I'm sure there will be plenty to do at the castle even when I'm not around. I'll sneak you into dinner if you want," she said with a cheeky grin.

They began a lazy stroll to the castle, sun shining and music playing. Life and love surrounded them on this day in the Fire Kingdom. The day began to bustle in the market place and Teno wondered what everyone was up to in the rest of the kingdom. The Fire Kingdom was the largest kingdom and there were corners of it she hadn't been to. Kurt must have. But not her.

"So, ah," she said trying to make conversation. "Do you two have... plans for the... you know. The 'big day?'" She said. She was sure they had questions about the wedding, but she hoped to turn into around so that they would be the ones answering the questions.

 

[Zer0]

_Devon Bronson_
- Jotunheim, Dark Realm, Months ago -​

Mr. Devon Bronson was pleased to learn that Sabaton had been a soldier of the Dark Realm. That meant he was familiar with the dangerous creatures there, and that was better than someone skilled, but had never even encountered a crystal arachnathid, magnataur, or tuskarr shaman before.

On his end, he told Sabaton that he was a tailor, merchant, and a hunter for the best materials for his clothes, and showed him his account in the treasury that showed he indeed have the sum for his payment, all ready in a treasurehold in the Fire Kingdom. He too answered any questions his new companion had for him, and listened very carefully at how his bodyguard jobs with the snooty nobles went.

"Good, good." he had purred in the end, very happy with this stroke of luck. And so, the next day, they rode on winged mounts --- Devon, on a hippogriff with a coat of stormy grey --- to the borders of the Dark Realm.

The tailor had the papers and permit for his work. It was apparently his third time on this trip, and they were able to pass through without a hitch. It was in the bleak gloomy city where they met their guide, Farlan, a tundra werewolf who gathers Odin Fruits from Jotunheim. For the following days the three battled fog, blizzard, and the occasional wendigo and undead spirit that haunted the icy mountain passes, as they flew to their destination. They had to leave their winged mounts in a crystal cave where Farlan's two friends had been waiting all this time for them, before the three set off for Jotunheim on foot.

They passed through the ancient underground cities now occupied by Nerubian spiders, dark intelligent creatures that dabble in shadow magic and can understand speech. Legend said they were summoned from another realm by the people who had dwelled their long ago, but something happened, and now only the giant spiders remain.

Devon Bronson was a marksman, used to firing and reloading on the go; Farlan was a spearwolf who carried a shield of bone and mammoth tusks and summoned dire wolves to do his bidding. The tundra werewolf was their healer and the two knew enough herbalism and first aid to stitch up wounds and identify the plants used to making anti-venom from the Nerubians' venomous bite.

It took some time for them to adapt to each other to work as a team, but by jove they did it, and beheld the land of the giants on the fourth week of their journey.


billthesomething

 

[billthesomething]

Sabaton
Location/Time: Jotunheim, Months Ago
Interaction: Zer0 ​

The journey through Jotunheim had been pretty much uneventful with the occasional attack from the tundra's hostile wildlife, the least of which being Dire-Bears. Creatures that Sabaton managed to handle without too much problem, though he did have a bit of a hassle realizing when the things were dead. Something that Sabaton was certain their tag along druid had taken notice of, he hoped that his employer would notice his symptoms, for the berserker had zero desire to explain his much more troublesome parts of his history. So outside of sparse encounters with Wildlife, the party's trek through the land of ice and snow has been rather boring.

But Sabaton did enjoy their stay in a shrine dedicated to Wodan, mostly cause he had found a cask of Coal-Ale and nothing warmed one's frostbitten soul like Coal-Ale, so that night he and few members of the party got sloshed beyond all reasoning. It was fucking great for only the Gods know what Sabaton did that night because the only thing he knows, is that he killed a mammoth cause he was lying beneath the pelt of one when he woke up, must have found a wild one during his blackout.

 

[Capricornus]

Tamara Esgard
Guard​

Seeing the Teno's pensative face, Tamara couldn't but chuckle lightly. "Would you care to walk with me to the castle? I'll give you a private tour of the grounds and it-" Tamara didn't even listen to the rest, the joy on her face was clearly visible. 'First I get to walk around with the Princess? And now a tour on the grounds of the castle?' She nodded viciously. "I'd love to!"

They started moving into said direction, the Princess leading them. "So, ah, do you two have... plans for the... you know. The 'big day?'" Teno asked, breaking the silence. 'The 'big day'?' Tamara thought to herself, before it finally clicked.
"Oh! The wedd- oh that day. Well, I guess I will most likely be surveying the streets, typical guard duty. We wouldn't want anything bad to happen on that day, eh?", she shrugged with a smile. "What about you?"

She waited two, maybe three seconds before she facepalmed. "No no, wait, please don't answer that. Stupid question. It's just a reflex of asking it, you know? Like when someone asks 'Oh how are you doing?' and then you're just like-" Tamara gestured around wildly, before she stopped talking to take a deep breath. "I should just stop talking before I make it worse." She turned towards Vincent. "So what will you be doing?", she looked at him as if she was desperately asking him to give his answer to Teno's question to distract from her embarrassment.

BookishSnowWhite
Renny