Plagued by a Rose [concluded]

[Enuky]

The group finally came to a stop before a great doorway. Cecile watched curiously as Lanister spoke to the guards, and suddenly the other negotiating party arrived. Cecile took a step nearer to Lance and held onto his arm. Thornton stood tall and stiffened, but took a bold step forward to the Yunakai queen. He knelt onto one knee and bowed deeply to her. "Thank you for the grace of your presence, Queen Kuvira", Prince Thornton said sincerely. Unlike Cecile he was well trained in diplomacy, and he did not hesitate to properly greet the queen despite their tense relations.


Thornton rose to his feet again and stared deeply into the queen's eyes for a moment. Their stare was interrupted by the sound of the great door sliding opened and in the doorway stood a temple usher. She was a young looking girl who wore a long, white gown. Her brown hair was kept in a braided crown that encircled her scalp and her eyes were green in color. At her side she carried a small magic wand, but she did not appear threatening any way. Her voice was calm but firm and she spoke to the group, "will the ambassadors of the Yunakai and Rose Kingdoms please come this way", she asked. She stepped out of the way and gestured for the diplomats to enter the room.


The room designed in a way similar to a court room. At the front center of the room were several grand podiums, where the grand masters would arrive. To the right and left of the podiums were two different rows of long tables. The usher then had the Yunakai sit at the tables to the left of the grand master podiums and the Rose Kingdom and Lance to the right.


The girl then bowed to the group, "the grand masters will be here shortly", she said. She circled the tables carrying a pitcher of water and filling goblets with water for each guest. Next she exited the room, leaving the two groups alone together for the first time.


Cecile took her seat between Lance and her brother. She kept her eyes fixated on Kuvira; she was admittedly intimidated by the queen considering their history.

 

[Andraus]

The room would be silent for a few moments, before the sound of walking would be heard. The first to approach, would be accompanied by the smell of a strong magical aura. The Woman to approach was hooded with Robe's of the Assassin's design, allowing for freedom of movement, and kept a Canine at her side via a chain. She carried a sword on her back, but unlike normal, it was outfitted with Mage Research on it. This woman was an Arcane Warrior, using magic to enforce her own strength. She was lean, built......and blind. Though, she did not need eyes to see: Kuvira would know that she saw through magic, and her hound. This was Ysmena Amelyn Morbidelli, Grand-master of Magic.


Next entering the Room, one would not think him a member of the order: He had the proper build of a knight, armor to match, and one could tell He had seen combat.....All except his eyes, which lacked the bloodlust of many soldiers, and showed a sense of mental clarity. The man before them also lacked the dark colors sported by many, instead wearing darkened armor, and green cloth, hinting that he was a Temple guardian before his current position. He also sported no heavy weapon, instead relying on a strange Gauntlet. Though it looked to be a ordinary weapon, the aura made it seem like it was anything but. This elven male Osuin Archagoras, Grand-master of Might.


The last one to appear almost seemed to appear out of.....nowhere. The woman wore the shadows almost like a cloak, and fit the part perfectly of a normal assassin......were it not for the blood that was still fresh on her lips. Dabbing her mouth with a cloth, and quickly burning it, a pair of unnatural eyes would soon appear from the cloak, like the moon in a shadow. She wore a half-sword at her hip, and was obviously no stranger to magic. This Vampire was Clementina Van Der Capellen, Grand-Master of Shadow.


They were obviously just returning from their own tasks at hand. It was clear they were not ones to sit by and watch as their subordinates did all the work: They took active part. That showed that they were not unfamiliar with hardship, and clearly had experience to match. The first to speak would be the female mage.


"Allow us to make one thing abundantly clear......we will not tolerate squabbling or shouting. This meeting is to discuss, discern, and reach an agreement of peace between the Kingdoms. "Ysmena said, clearly showing that they were in control of the discussion, pressing her hands together. "We will not take sides in this matter, only offer input. While we do understand that this war was declared formerly by the Kingdom of Yunkai- "She said, looking towards Kuvira. "We also recognize that events leading up to this moment aided it's culmination."She said, looking towards Cecile and Thornton.





"Such a shame your father is not here, Prince Thornton.....We have much to discuss with that man."Clementina said. The tone of her voice hinted that she, and most likely they, were obviously not happy with the way the Kingdom of the Rose has been run. Though, it appeared that this would be conversation for another time. "Please note that any violation of our rules shall be dealt with....severely. "Clementina practically hissed. She obviously did not tolerate disrespect.





The elven male would look towards Kuvira, before speaking. "By ancient right, they who have ruled longest speak first....Kuvira, You may speak. "Osuin said, before sitting down, as did the others. He didn't speak much, but given his look, he didn't need too: He was watching, listening. Obviously, he was waiting to see what Kuvira and Thornton did with their turns to speak. He was a very careful planner, and had the makings of a tactician. If he had any personal feelings on the matter, his blank mask did not show it.





@Trombone Geek @Robyn Banks @Enuky K

 

[Enuky]

Cecile and Thornton both watched as the grand masters entered and remained quiet. The two twins looked eerily alike sitting next to each other. They both wore the same uniform and carried identical faces. The only difference between the two was that the ginger sat about a foot taller than his sister, and Cecile of course had black hair.


When the female mage began explaining the rules they were to follow Cecile rolled her eyes. She remembered how badly her last "negotiations" had gone. It essentially resulted in war! The Rose princess then snickered softly under her breath and murmured to Lance, "I guess they don't want me to talk then".


"Just leave it to me", Thornton muttered to his sister without looking at her.


Clementina began to talk, but this time Thornton was addressed directly regarding their father. The prince's face became flushed, but he did not avoid the grand master's gaze. "I apologize for the absence of my father, King Thornton. He has been away since shortly after the Yunakai nation first attacked our lands". His eyes moved across the room and stopped on Kuvira for a moment before returning to the grand masters.


Finally, the elven grandmaster invited Kuvira to speak. All eyes wandered to Kuvira, but admittedly Thornton was not too pleased about Kuvira going first.

 

[Spacing Out]

Kuvira approached the rose diplomats with her head held high followed by a courtesy. "Same to you." She returned the stare to examine him. A well built prince, with long red hair, and -snickers- his kilt.


Their stated were soon interrupted when a woman escorted them in, kuvira turned towards Cecile with a sly smirk on her face. "Ah Cecile, its a pleasure to see you again. " It was easy to sense a hint of sarcasm in her words.


Kuvira gave Lance a glance of assurance as her smile softened when her eyes fell open him. He was an ally and if they dared harrased or assaulted him in any way, she would not tolerate it.


When they made it to the court room, she sat in between Maeve and Yaro. She remained confident though her heart felt like it would pound out of her chest. She assured herself she was at an advantage. She had more experience with negotiations and diplomacy, which she would use to talk her why into the eyes of the grandmasters. She stole a glance at her opposing counsel until the three grandmasters arrived.


She rose and bowed slightly showing respect, waiting for them to be seat before settling back in her chair. After the rules were announced. She wasn't surprised that she would be first to speak. The eyes of the others narrowed in her as she rose gracefully, only looking ahead.


"Thank you Grandmasters, I will start with my first two requests.First I will request the release of the future bathelon ruler and my ally prince Lance." She gestured towards him as she spoke soon preceding on." I am willing to consider any offer for his freedom from the rose kingdom. I will also request 2/3 of the cure for the plague so I may divide it evenly between Yunkai and Bathelon. Understand I would ask for less but recently I been made aware that the rose kingdom as unleashed barrels of infected rats into my Capital city. I wish to stop this disease before it infect the countryside and protect many more lives that don't deserve to die for my actions." She took a second to take a short breath of air before bowing her head slightly, signaling that she was finished.
​

 

[Andraus]

"A regrettable situation, but one that could've been avoided. "Lanister spoke up, in response to Kuvira. "This is war, Kuvira. If you don't do what it takes to win, you risk losing 'everything' you have. Do not think you're an innocent victim in this, Kuvira. While I did not condone the use of the plague as a weapon of war, I am sure I warned you that we would not hold back if the Roselands were in anyway threatened. "He said, showing that the decision to use the plague was not unanimous. There was obviously resistance to the notion.


"Lanister, please." Ysmena stopped him, holding up her hand. "But even so, Kuvira, Lanister does speak the truth. We all warned you that, if the Roselands were threatened, that we would stop at nothing to defend them. While our concerns only lie with the people, Osuin's reports of your destruction of the outlining villages sent a clear message that innocents would be caught in the cross-fire, even if your campaign was successful." Ysmena stated, obviously having information about her leaders attacks.





"-and, though this is a personal issue, you did have the audacity to insult my people, making it seem that your army of mage-soldiers could take us down, a quote unquote 'Small City-State'. I, having trained many of my agents alone, take that as a personal insult, and I would absolutely LOVE for you to try and prove your words true." Clementina said, stretching her hand, as finger-blades would appear on her hand. "Claiming we would, in your words that Lanister told me 'not defend our mother country but instead fight for selfishness of protecting ourselves'. Ysmena's forces may not have been there in time to save the villages, but we were there in time to capture that general of yours, and are more than willing to do worse. "She said, obviously agitated that Kuvira had the audacity to even think that before. Lanister obviously kept them as well-informed as they could about political negotiations.





"Clementina, enough. That is an issue for another day." Osuin said. He would then look towards Thornton. "While Kuvira may have instigated the war, Thornton, you and your father have not done best yourselves. Releasing the plague in Yunkai was a fool-hardy, rash, and unjustifiable action, that will not only murder many of Yunkai's forces, but will cause the death of thousands of lives from varying innocents." Osuin said, crossing his arms.





"This was a definitive lapse in Judgement, Lord Thornton. What you did just condemned the lives of many people, men, women, and children alike."Ysmena said, closing her eyes as if in deep thought. She would then open them. "So it is at this point the notion stands: The Cure for the plague IS a bargain-able asset. The release of Prince Lance, however, does not. "Ysmena said, her voice finalizing it. " Prince Thornton, It is now your turn to speak."





The fact that the trio were attacking BOTH groups made it clear one thing: They did not take sides. Though obviously in favor of defending the Roselands, they were not going to play favorites when it came to the ruling bodies of the Kingdoms. They made sure that their actions and judgement's were even-handed, and harsh if necessary.





@Enuky K @Trombone Geek @Robyn Banks

 

[Trombone Geek]

Lance was surprised Cecile would turn to him for any small amount of comfort, but he couldn't bring himself to wonder why. Even if he wasn't necessarily a part of the negotiations, he'd rather not let himself be distracted. The king kept quiet as the groups entered the courtroom and split to their respective sides, and was rather neutral as the Grand-Masters entered the room with the exception of a quick shudder as the last woman entered. The king barely kept a growl from rising. While Lance didn't particularly dislike vampires for what they did--they had to survive somehow, after all--he wasn't the biggest fan of seeing them just after they fed, with blood still covering their lips. At least this one had the courtesy to clean in the first place.


At Cecile's comment, Lance chuckled quietly. His eyes only followed the movements of the rest as Kuvira rose to speak, and he had missed her gaze flicker to him. He listened as she set down her requests, and Lance was surprised that she, too, needed the cure. The king knew he should've seen the infection of Yunakai the moment the war between them and the Roselands began, but Kuvira already knew, even though it'd only been a few days. News traveled fast to and from the nation.


He listened to the Grand-Master's responses, recognizing valid points in each. If Lance could negotiate as well as simply one of them, he would be set for a lifetime. Unfortunately, they weren't quite willing to let him go. He'd had no intention of spying on the Roselands--at least, after Dante's death--but the fact that he'd thought of it in the first place kept him from protesting, that and the simple fact that it wasn't his place. He simply waited patiently for Thornton's words.


Maeve was in a small amount of awe at how the Grand-Master of Shadow had so easily hidden herself, and decided she'd have to practice that technique herself, if she could manage. She would ask the Grand-Master for tips, but she doubted she would so easily give up her secrets. She didn't make a sound as Kuvira spoke, nor as the Grand-Masters replied, feeling rather neutral about it all. Although, she could admit she was slightly distracted; something was bothering her, almost like a mosquito buzzing about her ear.


:You're not the only one who can feel it, human,: Kalamitat muttered. :It's much more annoying for me than it is you. Almost painful. Euck.. Please get rid of whatever it is.: If it had woken the demon up, then it wasn't just her imagination. A ward, perhaps? Then why wasn't Clementina feeling it, too? Maybe she did, but hid it? Maeve didn't know.


:None of us know, now just hurry up and destroy it! I think.. The child-princess's broom? Tch. She won't react well to losing it.. Oh well. While she's distracted, destroy it! It's the perfect chance,: it insisted.


Oh, hush. You'll be fine, Maeve retorted mentally, not even stopping to wonder how strange most would think it that she replied to the voices in her head. Fun, fun.


Nevertheless, Maeve's eyes drifted towards Cecile, although with her mask and the fact that she was facing forwards it was difficult to tell where she was looking. It was, indeed, the broom, now that Maeve concentrated on the very slight magical energy it emitted. She almost shook her head as if to chase it away, but kept herself from doing so.


:Fine, let me suffer,: Kalamitat grumbled.

 

[Enuky]

[OOC: Sorry for the delayed response you guys... It's finals week at my college and it has been brutal. @Robyn Banks would you believe I actually made it through all five chapters tonight? I just finished, and I got like a small jolt of energy from the excitement of finally completing that awful work so I thought I'd do a quick reply before bed even though it's after 4 and Im about to die xD ---> That was what I wrote last night and I thought I'd leave it so you'd know that I at least tried. >_< I started writing and after a few sentences realized I was too damn tired. Here goes]


As Kuvira spoke Cecile did her best to pay attention, but one could see her distracted fidgeting where she sat. Her brother remained fixated on Kuvira for the duration of her small speech. He was dismayed by her sudden change in demeanor. Kuvira had been the one to abruptly declare war with no proper reasoning. She had invaded the Roselands. She had destroyed villages and terrorized his people. Yet now she was parading herself as the victim? He kept a calm expression although his thoughts were wrought with worry as he mulled over the terrible choices he made.


It was then that it was his turn to speak. He stood and bowed to Ysmena after she invited him to negotiate. While remaining on his feet he spoke, "I would first like to apologize for my rash decision, but please understand that my kingdom was not prepared to defend itself against the Yunakai forces. Only one unit of our armies are trained in magic, and we were quickly falling to Kuvira." His baby blue hues shifted from the grand master and met the queen's. They were dark and dominant; beautiful yet powerful.





"The Rose Kingdom is also in a state of political unrest considering the absence of our king. We were desperate enough to do whatever necessary to delay her advances on our soil. That is the reason we used the plague." The prince shifted his weight as he considered his next words. He remembered the last few moments he spent with his father. "You abandoned Cecile at the hands of our enemies for a rock?" A rock. That's all the cure to the plague was to Thornton. Thornton had a softer heart than most leaders, and truthfully did not feel as though it was right to keep the precious mineral away from other nations.


"I am willing to distribute the cure to the plague, however; it will be my kingdom alone that oversees the collection and distribution of it". Indeed, Thornton understood the severity of disclosing the origin of the cure. If word spread that the cure could be hidden within the Rose Mountains he would have more than just other kingdoms to worry about. Scavengers would search the mountains high and low to steal their resources.


The mountains were very important to the economy of the Rose Kingdom. The Rose Kingdom was well known for its coal and diamond mines already, but the cure to the plague would be yet another prosperity for other kingdoms to envy. If Kuvira's attack had shown the prince anything it was that the Rose Kingdom was not equipped with the right skills to protect itself against kingdoms of magic. The Rose Kingdom could very well face attacks from other kingdoms later. It was a lesson he needed.


Now the prince turned to his prisoner. For the first time since he was given the opportunity to speak he lost control of his calm face, and a look of anger washed over it. "The Bathelon prisoner was found illegally trespassing into Rose territory. Not only was he on our land, but he was specifically in one of our most guarded secret locations. This man is a significant breach to my kingdom's security. Therefore, I hope you can at least understand why it is that I cannot simply release him."


The prince turned his attention to Kuvira. "This man has committed the heinous act of imprisoning my dear sister. This was a callous act on their part considering her innocence in all of this. In the Roselands we believe in an eye for an eye. I will not consider his release until after he has served a minimum of one year in our prisons." It would take a great deal to convince the king to reconsider his harsh decision regarding King Lance.


From her seat Cecile suddenly sat up straighter and looked up towards her brother. She then turned to Lance with a look of worry and guilt. It was the princess who lead Lance to the royal passage, but nothing would make Thornton forgive Bathelon for her capture.

 

[Spacing Out]

Kuvira remained standing as the prince said his part, narrowing his vision towards him while stealing glances to see the expression of the Grandmasters. When their eyes slowly met, she stared the baby blue hues. She listened to his words carefully trying to find errors or conflict in his words. Yet his words was chosen respectively. He was calm and seem rather confident something that wasn't present with his sister who was now fidgeting in her chair.


His emotion became fierce when he turned to Prince Lance. She knew she would have to choose her next words wisely not to anger him more.Kuvira thought about being the actual situation and that his sister is far from innocent but she held her tongue. She couldn't afford to put Lance in any more danger. She took a bit to think about a possible outcome she will be willing to offer. She met the Prince's eyes once again.





"I understand your laws and I won't rebuke them however I would like to make an exchange. A person for a person. I would like to put myself up to replace Lance's sentence." She turned to the grandmaster to make her next words clear. "But I have no regards to serve my sentence in a prison. I still have ambitions to repair the rose kingdom though now it would not be exactly as I planned. With me you can legalize magic into your realm, fix your trade and economy, and strengthen your centralize government. I will make a far better captive than a Novice ruler. Yet, I can't afford to leave my country for years without a logical reason since I am the only person gat they have." Her eyes shifted to prince lance.


"This will take me years and I can not abandon my country entirely. To make this work I will need to not only be your advisor... But your queen. You may get rid of me when my work is complete, I will have no intention staying. We will both need heirs since I am currently the last of my lineage and you will be future king as well as my role being your closest lady of your court.that will cease conflicts between our two nations and any problems about the concern of bathelon when they are aware that their prince is held captive by an enemy force . the world may even think of this as a marriage pact to produce peace and prosperity in the rose kingdom but we will see for what it really is...my imprisonment "
​

 

[Andraus]

This caused the three Grand-masters to look at each-other. While this did solve the immediate problem, took care of a long divide that would obviously have been caused by the two groups, and ensured the security of the Roselands for a year, this didn't solve the issue of afterwards. Not to mention, though this was unknown to the group, but the three did not want Thornton as King. Considering his position, his rash judgement, his inexperience, and his lack of vision, They didn't see him as the Visionary Leader that the Roselands needed. Kuvira was spirited and wise, but she'd be difficult to control or direct, and was not a citizen of the Roselands, nor did she seem to care about civilian


casualties.


They had an ideal ruler in mind. She (@Enuky K ) simply needed support....and proper guidance.





Osuin would simply look to his side as he was being talked to by a Temple guard. Nodding once, he stood up. "I call for a Recess of this meeting. We have business in the city that takes us from here, and it is something we cannot afford to miss. Once that Business has concluded, we shall continue." Osuin said, bowing his head, as he left the hall. Obviously, if it called for them to all be there, it must be important business.





Jumping down from her stand, Clementina would crack her neck, a grin on her face. "It's the Try-out's for the Assassin's branch of the Wilting Rose. Tradition has it that we must attend. They'll be tested against our immortal enemy, and I cannot wait to see their....talents on the field." Clementina said, itching to see a fight against a demon, before she would vanish......in a flurry of bats. These creatures of the night would take off to a different section of the city. Transfiguration Magic was HEAVILY useful to them, it appeared. It was understandable why they had to attend: These might be future members of their order, and they had to make sure only those that were capable of living this life were accepted.





The Last to leave would be Ysmena who would walk from her spot, until she was in front of the groups. "Feel free to come and watch....Though being offered to join our order is a very high honor to many in this city, that does not mean it is forced. They choose whether or not they sign up with us. Who knows, maybe you'll be able to convince them to join you. " Ysmena said, before looking towards Cecile. The Blind woman would offer a smile, before extending a hand. She could feel magic coming from her. It was young, powerful, raw.....she'd be a great magic-caster. "I doubt these politics interest you must, Lady Cecile.....Come, I insist you join me."

 

[Spacing Out]

Kuvira nodded as the grandmasters left and Cecile soon followed. She placed a hand on Yaro's shoulder."I hope your alliance to me is still present but i may ask of you too excuse us though you made it clear that you are still loyal, this is your city." Kuvira made Eye contact with cecile for a bit only for see her glare into her eyes. To kuvira, Cecile's blood was A threat, A warning, A promise. It made it clear that they were not the same and never will be. She moved her hands to her side as Yaro turned to leave. She waited a whole to make sure that no one else was present except Prince Thornton, Prince Lance, and Maeve.


Suddenly without warning Kuvira started to laugh. She no longer kept her act of guilt or kindness, beginning to show her true colors. A person tells it as she sees it. She took a seat on her chair before closing her legs in amusement of what was occurring. "Oh prince Thornton, I think you made the wrong move. Maeve can you please shut the door and close the windows? The things I'm about to say aren't for anyone else but the people in here."

She waited for Maeve to complete her orders before continuing on. "What you just did is a terrible sequence. You have them power over your kingdom, over you. A group of people that have been hiding in the shadows like Roaches giving their 'masters' False sense of pride. You're father was an monsturous ruler but something that he's done right was make sure that no one but his children would be able to control him or his lineage." She looked him in the blue eyes with her hazel hues that seemed to shift into a Grey color similar to a stormy sky.


"I can see, I can see it in their eyes. The way the compare your...Sister to you. She likes to play the role as innocence but I know what she is. But my mother was right. Love is a poison, a sweet one, but it will kill you all the same. She is not right to rule, she doesn't even know proper etiquette but nevertheless she is an option" She looked towards Lance still keeping her posture. She could only wonder what he was feel at the time shocked, stunned?


"Prince Lance, I know how you feel about Cecile but you know this better than I do. She runs from responsibility as if it was the plague. Lance use reason." She said,
​

 

[Enuky]

Cecile obliged and joined the Grand Masters at the try outs although she was hesitant to leave Lance alone with her brother. However, her worries were quickly absolved once they arrived at a grand arena built from stone. Unlike the rest of Valpurina, the arena was kept well lit with torches hanging from the walls. The natural fire was a nice touch.The excited and happy atmosphere of the event left Cecile in a good mood. It was nice to be enjoying a normal social gathering for a change, thought the princess.


The arena was made up of many rows of seating encircling a large, barren field. It was evident the field had seen years of abuse.There were vendors selling food at the top level and the smell was mouth watering to the princess. She wanted to have something to eat, but the crowds became silent as it appeared the first try out was soon to begin. Cecile was happy that she and the grand masters were given private seating away from the general crowds in a center section with an excellent view of the field.


The Rose princess was seated next to Ysmena because it had been she who invited her to join. However, when the first contestant stepped out into the field Cecile left her seat and went forward to get a closer look. She was surprised to see a woman standing on the field, and not an intimidating looking one either. The girl stood nearly a foot shorter than Cecile, and dressed as a witch in a long black gown and pointed hat. In her hand she held nothing but a wooden magic wand and she stood with her attention focused on an entry way ahead of her. It was from that entryway that the demon would be released.


It was then that a shadowy figure emerged from within the arena. The girl lifted her wand and adjusted her stance in anticipation of what was to come. It was a shadow demon, and while it appeared small in size at first it quickly absorbed the shadows of the arena and grew to an enormous size. The shadows tried to absorb into the young witch's shadow, but she was quick to cast a spell on the arena causing the flames on the torches to grow in magnitude and retracting the shadows in size and scope. The girl then began to act in a way that was rather unexpected; she began speaking in a demon tongue.


The demon became completely frozen in its tracks and returned to its natural state of a floating orb of darkness. The crowds became deathly silent as the woman chanted. She stopped and for a long second nothing happened, but suddenly all of the torches blew out leaving the arena in pitch blackness.


The next thing Cecile knew she was painfully snatched out from under herself and being dragged from the stands and into the field. The shadow demon had attached itself to her shadow, and now had complete control of her movements as if she were a puppet. She was slammed down onto the ground where she could no longer move; the demon laid with her giving her no choice but to lay still.


The lights returned to the arena and the girl stood there proudly with her display. "We refuse to be ruled with magic by the name of Rose! We will do this to all of the Roses!" she called out. The girl then began to chant as fast as she could in more demonic tongues. Cecile could not make out the girl's words, but she recognized enough of the dialect to know what it was. The witch was preparing to lay a curse on her. Cecile did her best to fight the shadow's control, but she could not break its hold. The woman was still chanting, but at last she drew a small dagger and approached Cecile. She dragged the blade over Cecile's heart, drawing blood.


The wound began to emit a bright light and Cecile screamed out in pain. In a cloud of smoke the contestant vanished from the arena, leaving the shadow demon to act at its own will. It abandoned Cecile and she grasped at her wound. The wound was still pouring blood, but on her skin behind it an elaborate, golden "X" appeared. It was the mark of a curse.


. . .


Thornton paced the courtroom while keeping a close eye on Lance. He was torn between his hate of the prisoner and Kuvira's proposition. On one hand he wanted to see Lance suffer in prison for as long as he could get away with it, but on the other . . . his glance shifted over to Kuvira. She could be his bride. His pace finally came to a stop and his eyes remained on her as she spoke. He didn't like her words.


"I agree, the Wilting Rose has overstepped its boundaries this time...", Thornton commented. Then Kuvira questioned Cecile's innocence and he appeared irritated once again. "That's where you're wrong, Kuvrira. Cecile is innocent. She has always been such!" he said firmly.


The king then noticed his harsh tone of voice and a look of guilt came across his face. He stepped nearer to the queen and hesitated before placing a hand on her shoulder. He would have to treat this woman gently if she were to be his wife. He retracted his hand. His tone softened and he continued, "my silly sister certainly could not handle the responsibility or the stress of caring for a kingdom . . ." He paused; perhaps it was time to betroth his sister. However, he did not want to because he felt she still needed more time to recover from her recent experiences under his watch.


"I have been prepared for the throne my entire life, while she has done nothing but play. I am the rightful heir, and Cecile will not take the throne from me", Thornton said. He eyed Lance again, daring him to speak.

 

[Andraus]

Lanister, who had been in the shadows of the room (as was his spot negotiating for the Rose Kingdom) merely raised an eyebrow at the conversation before him, before stepping out, flashing a small smile towards Kuvira. It would be chilling, because the look in his eye said 'My turn now'. Lanister would then walk outside, towards Yaro, and hug the male, in full view of Kuvira, showing a tight bond between the two. "My young apprentice......How has life been treating you? I heard about what happened......I am so sorry about your family. Your brother, your mother, your sister......they didn't deserve such a fate..."Lanister said, his voice easily playing the part of a mournful friend.


Yaro, who had been waiting outside while everyone talked, simply closed his eyes at this, before opening them, and putting on a smile. Anyone with eyes, however, could see pain in Yaro's eyes, though he masked them well behind a friendly face. "Yeah, it's been hard.....Adara wasn't even 5 years old.....but they're with dad now. That's at least a comforting thought." Yaro said.





Lanister would nod understandingly, before leaning forward. "What if I told you, I could point you in the right direction....? To those that wronged your family....?"He asked him, just barley loud enough for Maeve to hear.





Yaro would sit up straight, as his fists would clench. He would then look towards Lanister, a dark look in his eye. "Was it any of you guys?"He asked.





"Gods no, Yaro! What do you take me for, a common criminal? Your family was more accepting of certain things than 'most people'"Lanister said, casting a quick glance at Kuvira, before turning back his gaze. "But.....I have it on good authority that the man we captured, some high ranking officer or another, took part in the attack......He's in a cell right now. Now, you're an old friend of mine. I could have it so that the guards turn a blind eye to a 'private' interrogation session...."Lanister said, leaning close.





Yaro would jump up, already having made his decision. He would quickly hug Lanister, before walking back into the room, and grabbing his weapons. The look in his eye was.....well, bad was an understatement. The Entire time Maeve or Kuvira knew Yaro, he was an easy going person. Always cracking jokes, always getting along with his people. He would often make up stories just to see people laugh or smile.


It just didn't seem right. No-one like Yaro should have eyes like that.


Eye's filled with pure hatred, or rage.





Lanister would nod lightly. When Yaro finally left, Lanister would look towards Kuvira, and pull his mask off. He would then walk over towards her, all friendly like. "Excuse me, Lord Thornton, Lady Kuvira, Miss Maeve, But would you all like to see the Library of Arintoth in the city while we wait? I'm sure you'd like insight into who you're dealing with, Lord Thornton, and Lady Kuvira, they do not restrict Magic here: I am sure you'll find secrets you didn't even know that exist. "He said to her.


Jumping onto the field, protecting Cecile from further harm, was none other than the Grand-master of Shadow: Clementina. She would just have a smile on her face,a s if she had just received the worlds best birthday gift. Using a pair of wrist blades, she would block the Demon's attack before.....vanishing in a puff of bats, appearing behind the demon. Grinning, she would run the blade into it's back, hitting where it's lungs were. "Painful, isn't it?....How does it feel, having blood flood your lungs, making it harder to breath...?"She would ask, almost as if she longed to know the feeling.


Jumping back in front, she would repeat the action, and run her wrist blades into both of it's lungs....then again, and again. Six stab wounds, and all that blood was pouring into its lungs, practically drowning it in it's own blood. Clementina would then hold the blade up to her face, and taste it, a grin appearing on her face. ""Mmm.....tasty......"She said, before slashing her hand across the Demon's neck, blood now spraying from it's new hole in it's throat.


When they said the Wilting Rose were the best Assassin's, they were not kidding...





@Enuky K @Trombone Geek @Robyn Banks

 

[Trombone Geek]

Lance had watched Cecile go, trusting she would be okay in the hands of the Wilting Rose's Grand-Masters. He sat where he was, quiet, spacing out, but Kuvira's words shook him out of his trance. His gaze slid towards her, although the glinting shards of ice were softened with the slightest appearance of gray at the mention of Cecile.


"If you knew, as you claim, then you would not urge me to think otherwise," Lance replied. He scoffed at Thornton's claim that Cecile was innocent, but didn't say anything else. Not that it mattered, as Maeve suddenly interrupted the conversation, looking a tad worried.


"My lady. A curse has been set on someone nearby. From what I feel--" Her gaze had jumped to the Bathelon King for a single moment, and before she finished her sentence Lance was up and gone, fury radiating from every inch of his body. "--it was set on Cecile," she finished, watching him go.


Once again, everything was interrupted, this time by Lanister revealing himself. Maeve watched him suspiciously as he approached Yaro.. and brought up the death of his family. She bristled, distracted from Cecile's predicament, and a dim golden glow lit behind her mask.


:Mmm, how interesting,: Kalamitat said with a chuckle; Maeve ignored it, barely keeping herself from launching herself at Lanister and tearing him apart right then. She waited until Yaro was gone, and suddenly tackled the Rose assassin down, holding him there by the throat.


"What do you think you're DOING to him?" she hissed, her grip tightening and loosening as if she couldn't decide whether or not to suffocate him right there. "He doesn't need to be torn apart any more!" she spat.


:My, my, aren't we getting irrational?: the demon remarked, although it seemed quite please with Maeve's sudden rashness.


Relying on the noise of the arena to lead him there, Lance didn't stop running until he made it to the arena, and even then he practically skipped half of the steps that led into the ring. Ignoring Clementia, he immediately rushed to Cecile's side; despite his obvious anger, he managed to keep his movements as gentle as possible as he tore away part of his tunic and wrapped it tightly around Cecile's chest, doing all he could to stop the bleeding.


"How about you stop eating and get over here and help her?!" Lance snapped, not caring that the vampire could probably kill him in one blow. The king wasn't the most adept at healing--in fact, Dante had never taught him any spells, only how to hide himself should he have something radiating magic. That gave him some small form of control, but nothing that let him cast spells.


Realizing that being agitated wasn't helping, Lance took a few deep breaths, and swore to himself that if he could, he would be the one to end the life of whoever had done this to Cecile. He just hoped the wound wasn't actually as severe as it looked, even if it meant he was overreacting. Lance was just thankful that Maeve had felt the curse being laid; for all he knew, Clementia could've taken a bit too long to get to Cecile, as involved as she was in her killing.

 

[Andraus]

Lanister would grab Maeve's hand, and lightly push her off, with an odd strength for someone his size, before standing up, dusting off his cloak. "I am Yaro's Old Master, I taught that boy most of what he knows......I owe it to him to see he get's his due justice......or is it, are you afraid of what he'll learn when he finds out 'who' was responsible for his families death?.....An Accident my ass, that was a pure massacre. "Yaro said, pulling his hood back over his head. "If you know what is best, you'd tell him yourself......But judging from your Demon, I assume you're too scared too?"He asked, intentionally attempting to scare Maeve: How the hell did he know there was a Demon in her?!


The silent male would step down from the Balcony, as he waved his hand over Cecile. His hands would glow a bright blue, before the wound would begin stitching. "A master of the higher art cast this on her....I can mitigate the effects to some extent, but not break it without significant power, or without the one who cast it on her."The male said, moving his hands away.

 

[Enuky]

Thornton only appeared annoyed by Lanister's interruption and the spiel he and Yaro shared. As tragic as his story may have been, there were much more important matters at hand.


The rose king became visibly frustrated, "I let Cecile out of my sight for just five minutes and already she has been targeted! And now that psychopath is going after her...", he grumbled over Lance. Thornton rubbed his temples and sighed. He did not have the patience for Lanister in that moment. He needed to tend to his sister.


"With all due respects, sir, we will not require a visit to this library...", he paused and glanced to Kuvira; he hoped she felt the same way. He continued, "however, we will continue our discussion in private, thank you." Thornton hoped Lanister would leave.


From the field Cecile watched the grand masters destroy the shadow demon in mere seconds while she could only watch on like a stunned rabbit. The girl was in a slight state of shock over the events that had taken place and sat holding her hand over the bloody gash over her heart. Despite its bloodiness, the physical wound was not severe.


It was then the girl was visited by Lance of all people. She appeared surprised by his aid and spoke in a shaky tone, "I've been cursed", was all she could say. Another grandmaster approached now and began performing healing arts on her wound, stitching it up and relieving its pain.


Finally, all that remained was a small scar and the ornate X that now decorated her chest. Cecile could not help but constantly run her hands over the mark. In all of the excitement of the try outs no one had suspected that the candidate was actually prepping the stage for a curse, and it was all over in seconds.


About the stands the crowds were becoming rowdier. They were eager for the event to continue, and had already lost interest in the girl's issues. There were ushers encouraging them off the field from the sidelines.


Cecile thanked the grandmaster for his aid and rose to her feet. With the dagger wound healed the princess was back to her old self. She felt no different with the curse, but nothing could soothe her worries over what could be the consequences of it. If anyone knew what to do about this it would be Lance's grandmother, thought the princess. "You have to come with me, Lance; there's someone I know who might be able to help me..., but I don't want to go alone...", she said. Indeed, the attack had made one thing clear: not all in Valpurina welcomed the royal family. They had threatened all of the Roses as well, including Thornton she presumed.

 

[Trombone Geek]

Lanister's plan to strike fear into Maeve failed; instead, a sudden calm washed over her body, and she went limp for a split second. A hand reached up and removed Maeve's mask, revealing an almost chilling grin.


"I'll have to thank you for agitating my host like you did, Lanister," a voice that wasn't Maeve's said. "It allows me to force her aside and grab the reigns for herself.. So, kiddo, wanna tell me why I'm apparently so scared? Or even Maeve, for that matter. She's trying to kill you right now. Be thankful I'm actually feeling nice today, eh?" Kalamitat's actions weren't really out of the kindness of its heart, though; more from the fun it had teasing its host, as childish as it may have seemed. Maeve, now stuck in the same position Kalamitat was often in, was raging, which made her clumsy, and so the assassin couldn't snatch control back.


"Really, even if I am such a nice person, Maeve's mood sometimes gets at me. She's saying how doing this will break Yaro, or something, or maybe send him on a rampage. Something he'll regret?" Maeve's body shrugged. "I dunno what she's really going on about, but I'm beginning to think you should rethink your decision before it goes too far," Kalamitat said simply. It felt rather neutral on the whole matter, but also quite lazy, and it really didn't feel like fighting off another angry human at the moment. Mostly it wanted sleep, but with things heating up like this it couldn't bring itself to.


Relieved to know he'd been overreacting after all, Lance removed the cloth over Cecile's wound and helped her to her feet, even though she was perfectly capable of doing so herself. He cast a glance around, wondering if the same person who had attacked Cecile was in the crowd somewhere, and amazed that any members of the Wilting Rose hadn't immediately left to fix the security breach and capture the attacker, wherever they may have gone. Even in such a tightly-guarded city, things like that could happen; while human error could've played a role, it shouldn't've with a fighting force like the Wilting Rose. Ridiculous.


Following Cecile to the edges of the ring, Lance nodded at Cecile's words. "Good, so we're not completely in the dark.. And I wouldn't let you go alone after what happened. We should probably hurry, though. The sooner the better."

 

[Enuky]

The princess gently took King Lance's hand in her's and pulled him along. In the arena the next auditions were about to begin, and their exit went completely unnoticed. She then began to lead the way through the city. It was evident that the Wilting Rose try outs were important to most Valpurinians as the streets were largely deserted and most businesses were closed. "I know right where it is", Cecile assured Lance after he emphasized that time was of the essence. Only the Rose Princess did not actually remember where the Bathelon witch resided. Cecile and Lance ended up on a goose chase wandering up and down and all around the many streets of Valpurina. Finally, the two were greeted by a familiar scratchy voice from behind; in all of their wandering the witch of Bathelon discovered them first.


Now the witch took turns embracing each of them and took a long moment to coo over Lance, whom she hadn't seen since his early childhood. The witch was quick to invite them into her humble abode. It wasn't far off anymore, and it only took several minutes to arrive at the witch's interesting home. She brought Cecile in and listened carefully as they explained the curse and what had taken place. The old woman did her best with the same healing techniques used by the grandmasters, but it was no use. Finally, she shook her head.


"I'm afraid nothing can be done to lift this curse", she said solemnly. She fingered the X over Cecile's heart, "for a curse to produce a permanent mark such as this means that it is a powerful curse indeed. Only the creator can lift this curse, and some curses cannot even be lifted by them. Tell me, Cecile, do you feel anything at all?"


Cecile appeared discouraged by the news and shrugged her shoulders. "I don't feel it...", she said.


The old woman frowned, "a curse can lay dormant for many years, child."


Cecile sighed and curled up in a plush armchair. What was she supposed to do in the mean time? Ignore it? The girl scratched at the golden mark upon her chest absentmindedly. There was something annoying about knowing it was there. "How am I supposed to protect myself from this", she protested in a pout.


The old woman chuckled and smoothed the girl's hair, "I'm afraid you have to live with it, darling. Only the creator can identify what the curse is, and it could be upwards of anything".


To that Cecile said nothing else but her eyes became saturated in tears. A pending, unknown doom was no easy pill to swallow after all. The witch now turned her main focus to Lance. "Lance, darling, thank you for bringing Cecile to me. What brings you to Valpurina?"


@Trombone Geek

 

[Spacing Out]

Kuvira watched lannister walk in from the shadows. She didn't care if she told the wilting rose or not. A snitches alwsys end up in stitches. Kuvira rolled her eyes ans scoffed at his next action. Petty as it was, he made sure she know of their bond but she didn't care. there was a difference between friendship and loyalty yet she was assure if Yaro knew his allegiance. She nodded in agreement with Thornton. "Yes it would nice to be pleasant to know that someone is prying into things where he doesn't belong."She looked towards Lannister with fiery in her eyes. She shifted her attention back to prince Thornton. "Why do we go to a private chamber." She started to lead the way before stopping before lannister and Yaro. "Please I would love for Yaro to find his killer but must I warn you. If I find my Admiral abused or harassed in any way. The Rose kingdom will not be my only problem to tend to. Remeber your place Lannister or you might find yourself 6 feet under." She said with a twisted smile before nodding towards Maeve. She proceeded to find a more isolated place in the Mansion. She turned to Thornton with a smile before asking. "So did you come to a decision prince Thornton? I don't want to rush you but I feel like we are running out of time. "

​

 

[Enuky]

The prince was glad to have the queen on his side. He listened to Kuvira scold Lanister and followed her throughout the building without complaint. The building appeared to be for political purposes, and there was an abundance of empty conference rooms. The facility was also quite empty, and only the occasional guard or temple usher passed them as they made their way through the quiet halls. Finally, the group decided on an large conference room that was set up much like the last room they negotiated in.


Thornton paced the room, but Kuvira cut right to the point and questioned the prince about his decision. The prince hesitated and avoided Kuvira's hazel eyes. He was not prepared for such a commitment. He couldn't help himself; his face became reddened much like his sister's was known to do. The prince was torn. He wanted desperately to avenge his little sister and to make Lance suffer, but Kuvira. Kuvira. Thornton made a quick glance at her. She was beautiful and talented. He shook his head. Perhaps the only thing that could distract the man from the need to protect his twin would be a beautiful woman. Cecile....girl...., he weighed the options internally, but his manly little brain had a difficult time ignoring the latter of the two.


Cecile will understand, won't she? He wondered guiltily. At last he spoke, but he only attempted to change the subject. "What has that villainous king that interests you so? Why would you give so much for his protection?" He asked.

 

[Spacing Out]

Kuvira looked at him bewildered. Speaking of a villianous king while she only asked a mere question of accepting or declining her offer. There was too many tyrants to narrow down the person that he meant. King Thornton... Or Her father. Burning people into the flame for an excuse to execute for entertainment. Who was driven insane. Who tortured her mother.


She realized he was speaking of Prince Lance before adjusting herself to a more elegant posture. "He isn't a villian in actuality, he's the hero. He took her in. Feed her, escourted her to Yunkai, fell in love with her eventually. He doesn't want to harm him in any way. Even if he did He's my ally. He gave me his allegiance, I'll give him mine. Anyways I don't want any conflicts with the bathelons and you shouldn't either. " She got up before approaching him. "What you did was commendable in my opinion. You did whatever you had to do to protect the things you hold dear. Though its a lot more work for me." She looked into his baby blue hues a faint smile appearing on her face. "You're different from your father I'll assure you that. More loving, selfless.You want the best for your country as well as I do and we can do that together." She moved back to her seat. Mentioning the king made her suspicion arose even more.She knew something was odd with the prince ever time he mentioned his father. Something she had personal experience off.


"I know it is easier to love the light but let me see you're darkness. If you do agree to the marriage I don't think we should keep secrets from each other... So tell me... Did you kill your father?"
​

 

[Andraus]

@Robyn Banks @Trombone Geek @Enuky K


Lanister would simply shake his head, smiling at the two of them. "Technically speaking, Kuvira, we're already 'underground'. I don't see how I could go any further. "He said, laughing at his own little joke. He would then look up. "Also, I won't do anything to the Admiral. He was merely a negotiation purpose in case you kept up your attack....but that does not mean that Yaro will not. He is no longer my apprentice, he is your Adviser, so any harm that would fall upon the Admiral would be his to bear alone.....If you wish to avoid that, however, you better hurry....'Lanister said, before walking over towards Thornton. "Lord Thornton, can I speak to you about something?"He asked him. He honestly couldn't believe that Thornton would even 'consider' abandoning his sister for a female. Though Kuvira was a rather breath-taking woman, he had no doubt that this 'alliance' would prove to be crippling to the Rose Kingdom.


Even the most poisonous of snakes are the most beautiful. Lanister thought to himself.


Yaro would proceed into the small cell that the Admiral was in. He would simply pull off his cloak, as he poured himself water from the jug. The two guards outside locked the door behind him, as to allow him privacy. "Admiral of the Yunkai Navy.....Decorated soldier of Yunkai....Adviser to Queen Kuvira, and her father before her.....and Murderer. "He said, taking a drink of the water, before setting it down. "I know you killed my family, Admiral.....I won't bother asking the why of it, But I will give you one chance: Explain your actions, and tell me who ordered the Assassination. "Yaro said, his voice scarily calm....





Ysmena, who had been waiting patiently for a moment of quiet between the three, would close her eyes and speak up. "Cecile....Young Lady, I shall be blunt with you: If your brother is allowed to rule, it will bring ruin to the Kingdom....Your homeland will eventually fall under Kuvira's banner, and your people...No, OUR people, will serve her for the rest of their days....Ask yourself this Cecile, for you have suffered worse than many: You've been captured, abandoned, used as a political tool, and now cursed.....Did you really deserve any of this? More importantly, what will you do, to get back at those that have wronged you?"Ysmena said.


She would then look towards Cecile. "The Rose Kingdom needs a new leader, a Visionary, an Idealist.....If you'll try for it, Cecile, We of the Wilting Rose will throw in our sword for your support. Every leader will need an army."She said.


"The Rose lands need nothing less then a full Revolution."

 

[Spacing Out]

Lenin


His arms chained to the wall , his mouth dried from dehydration. He grown a rough beard.The wooden door opened as a man approached him. He took a quite glance as the water before looking up at him. "I know who the hell you are. I wish to speak to the queen." He demanded, he knew if the advisor was there the queen would not be far.

 

[Andraus]

(TORTURE SCENE AHEAD, BE FOREWARNED) @Robyn Banks


Yaro would simply close his eyes, before pouring himself more water. "My ancestor, Degraff Azarus, was the first in my family to be a Dragon Tamer.....At one point in time, he waged war against the current blood-line, before falling under their banner to protect Yunkai.....He was known to be ruthless, efficient, detailed.....and cold. Just as his Dragon was, the Yukanian Winterscale"Yaro approached him, the small cup in hand, as if he would give him a drink. "Do you want to know why?......It is in our Motto, written in the Great Lizards tongue.....Wer Gul Vucotic Thric Kilith.....Do you know what that means?.....The cold knows no mercy..."Yaro said, as he would smash the clay cup across Lenin's face. Picking up the biggest shard, he would then drag it across Lenin's dominant arm, leaving a line of blood. Yaro would then walk over towards it.


"Our bodies, as theorized by natural science, are made up of mostly liquid....and Liquid can be frozen. "Yaro said, running his thumb over the man's arm. It would slowly start to feel numb.....and the edges of the cut would begin to turn blue. "You've been on the sea for a long time, Admiral.....You know what happens when you get frostbite in a wound?......a good chance it will simply....fall off."Yaro said. He would then look the male in the eyes, but his eyes would be different......where once they were bright red, they were now a cold icy Blue.


"Here's how this will go, Lenin.....I will ask you a question, you will answer. Answer wrong, or in a way I don't like, I will continue freezing your body until it shuts down.....Answer correctly, and you'll be rewarded."Yaro said, pouring another cup. "But please, don't rush on my account....The Queen is busy in her meeting.....we have all the time in the world. "Yaro said, a cruel smile on his face.

 

[Spacing Out]

Lenin


Lenin closed his eyes as the clay smashed against his face. He touched it to but groaned at the pain clenching his arm as it started to freeze. he yelled in agony as he shivered from the cold. He scoffed thought of him asking for something so foolish. "If you are so close to the queen why don't you ask her yourself." He didn't meet him in the eyes. "You think you're some type of Avnger or something. Like this will do anything. If you're parents are dead its probably a good reason."

 

[Andraus]

Yaro's eyes would narrow at this, before he heard the man say to ask Kuvira. Yaro's whole body would tense, as his mind began racing. Could Kuvira, the woman Yaro called a friend, the woman that Yaro's family swore loyalty too, have something to do with this?.....No, he had to be absolutely sure. Yaro would pour the water into his hand, as it would form a small blade. He would then shove it deep into Lenin's arms, causing a large chunk of flesh to turn blue." I am not doing this for anyone.....I'm doing this, for me. It seems, however, that we've reached our last question rather easily then.....I will ask you only 'one' question, just one. Fail to answer it, and I will freeze your most valuable part- "He would point the blade towards Lenin's pants. "-and shatter them like hollow Ice......Did Kuvira have anything to do with my families murder?"Yaro asked, internally afraid of the answer.