Plagued by a Rose [concluded]

[Spacing Out]

Kuvira listened to his words considering everything he said. He knew he was finally standing up for his ally. Something she would respect. He held good points until the princess began to speak. Kuvira blinked hard, at the princess sudden response. Well no one likes people lukewarm. She smirked, loving the spark the princess produce."she has points but if you want to have an Ill tempered princess controlling a whole kingdom I must deny. If she ruled I would fear what would happen to her kingdom." She turned to Cecile."You perform pity magic that a child could conjure and yet think yourself powerful. try to intimidated me when you can perform something challenging without looking so reckless."she glared at the rest as she continued to speak."I have considered your agreement to meet, feed you, and this is how your repay me. Have this 'diplomat' try to belittle me and A princess who isn't even worthy to be in my presents.you all insist you don't want to start a war and yet you provoke me. I want the rose kingdom to leave immediately, I will not tolerate such behavior. As for my plans since again none of you have the decency to want peace in my court. My last offer is nonexistent. Since Prince Lance made it clear that king will not resign there is no point in waiting on something that won't occur. Therefore I declare war on the rose kingdom." Though she knew what Lanister was trying to do, she kept her composure. Something she did quite well. Seemingly as if no one could get to her. Especially with a rumor like that. "I suggest you hold your tongue before I cut it off. I am not a Regide, I am a queen. My father was a good man and A great leader. How dare you speak to me as if I was merely a peasant, and accuse me of such a crime. I can have you executed in a second. I demand you leave at once. I don't have to take this any longer. What I have done, was to Avenge my father in death." She turned to Cecile once more."tell your King that I'm coming for his throne unless I speak to him personally or his heir. But until then I will attack." With a flick of her right hand the door flew open. "Now go." 6 of the queen's guard began to close in on them. Making sure they do as she requested except the bathelon prince, who Kuvira still had to negotiate with. She would think of him as a fool like the rest since he remained composed throughout and he was at risk of war against her as well.

​

 

[Enuky]

Lance had done all he could to prevent the situation from escalating as it did, but the princess's bad temper overpowered his attempts as things went from bad to worse. Cecile simply lacked the emotional maturity to control her outbursts. In the Rose Kingdom women held the status of minors, and her poor behavior reflected that she was never trained in political diplomacy or even in basic conflict resolution. In short, Cecile was a spoiled brat whose attitude had gone without correction for far too long, but she was not entirely to blame for her ignorance as Lance mentioned previously.


Cecile's eyes narrowed as the queen mocked her simple flame spell. She wanted to argue more. After all, Cecile truly did know a wide variety of powerful spells, but she could not use most of them. She needed to be trained and disciplined if she ever hoped to be a powerful spell-caster. Someday things would be different for her, but for now she would have to accept the rule of others. She flinched as the Queen ordered them to leave.


"and go where?" the tipsy girl protested. It was a stupid question that was of no concern to Kuvira, but she asked anyway of course. She rolled her eyes and let out an aggravated sigh, "do you not realize that I am Prince Lance's prisoner? I think if my father had any interest in me we wouldn't be here right now". It was the girl's first time admitting aloud that she was a prisoner abandoned by her own kingdom. Although it was no secret to the others in the room, it was a fact that the girl typically tried to keep from her mind.


At that moment the queen motioned for her guards to intervene. Cecile's face reddened and became fearful as six guards began encircling them. She had never been threatened by armed forces before. The frightened princess stepped back and clutched her staff, trying to think of some way to get herself out of the situation that had gone too far.


Suddenly, in a puff of smoke Cecile vanished. In her scared, panicked state her adrenaline took over producing a teleportation spell. The staff was large enough to conduct and store magical energy within it easily, easily enough for her thoughts to activate it. When the girl reappeared she was elsewhere in the Yunakai Palace. She was able to produce the spell, but there was not enough control behind it to transport her very far. The princess looked around; she did not know where she was but she was relieved to have escaped. She was standing alone in the palace wine cellar. Once again she glanced around, ensuring she was alone before sinking to the floor and crying softly to herself. The situation was scary and stressful to the princess, and she did not know the right way to respond so she chose to abandon her responsibility. She was in trouble now, and unlike the chivalrous adviser the queen would not tolerate her.


From the banquet hall the guards froze momentarily as they scanned the room for Cecile.

 

[Spacing Out]

Kuvira look unamused by her disappearance. Abandoning her Responsibility. She was a princess waiting and wishing to be rescued by men. But Kuvira was a queen and The first lesson she learned was not to wait on a man's rescue. History was written by survivors and she was surely that. She gestured the guards to carry on before whispering in one of their ears. "I want them out of my country immediately, make sure you escort them out yourselves along with more men." She adjusted her posture before calling others over. The guards moved them out of the castle to their carriage soon with 30 other men."Find the girl. Her powers are weak so she is probably in the castle. Take her staff when you do and bring her to me. She will be leaving with prince crowsmith when we're finished."





She turned to the bathelon prince before pulling out a day smirk. "Do you still wish to negotiate or will you want to be escorted out with the heathens? I warn you that if you take their said I will not be as open to consider your proposal for trade later on."

 

[Enuky]

[ooc I'm sorry everyone that Cecile is such a whiny bitch. Her "transformation" as a character is supposed to be moving away from this, LOL...]


It wasn't long at all before Princess Cecile was discovered by a pair of guards. The burly men made haste as one lifted the girl and tossed her over his shoulder and the other secured her staff. Despite her kicking, screaming, and crying like a banshee the guards were unsympathetic and unmoved. They carried out their queen's commands without question.


By the time the trio returned to the banquet hall her crying had subsided, but she was still visibly shaken by the events that had taken place. After all, the Yunakai guards had not handled her as delicately as those of Bathelon would have. The guards brought her to the banquet table and forced her to sit. They did not return her staff and instead presented it to Queen Kuvira. Only prince Lance and Kuvira remained in the banquet hall. Cecile did not know what happened to the rest of the group after she disappeared.


The sniffly princess now sat quietly and attentively. Queen Kuvira's "harsh" treatment of her was enough to make her decide to think before she acted next time. Now the princess behaved more tolerably, and she waited for Kuvira and Lance without interrupting them although she wore a sad, frightened look on her face.

 

[Trombone Geek]

Lance sighed heavily at Cecile's sudden outburst, rubbing his temples; the idiot girl was doing nothing to help her own case, nevertheless that of Bathelons.


"I will stay and negotiate," he said, turning the back of a chair to the table in order to sit. A headache was building quickly, and that didn't make his thinking any clearer. Lance felt a pang of envy; his father would've silenced both Cecile's childish tantrum and Lanister's stupid conceitedness with a glare; had the Withered Rose assassin been up against King Crowsmith, he would've crumpled to his knees and begged for forgiveness.


Dante didn't argue with the guards and demand to stay with the prince; she was confident the boy could defend himself. Instead, she strolled out casually, although the cogs in her mind were turning. There had to be a way to get them out of the hole Lanister and Cecile had dug. The silver-haired warrior wasn't amused, that much was obvious, especially as her steady gait carried her to Lanister's side.


"Should've kept your mouth shut, overconfident dog," she muttered, loud enough for him to hear. While originally she had respected his strength and skill, he had stepped completely out of line, and found himself completely out of league. "Next time, let someone who knows what he's doing take the way." She didn't respond to any of his answers, and ignored him completely after that, drifting away from him and leaving the castle as ordered.


After resting for a moment with his eyes closed as he attempted to relieve his pounding head, Lance opened his eyes again at the scraping of a chair. A pair of guards were presenting Cecile's staff to Kuvira, and Cecile herself was sitting the chair next to him, looking like a frightened rabbit.


"Are you proud of the mess you've made?" he asked her in a mimic of the low, dangerous voice he'd threatened her with after she'd turned him into a toad. He didn't look at her, but kept his eyes trained on the room around him, taking in every detail.. and every possible exit. Kuvira was a fiery woman, as rumors had said, and one wrong move could train a sword on his neck in the blink of an eye. The prince was more content with living, thank you very much. Lance really wished the light in the room wasn't quite so bright; at least there was less sound than before, and Cecile's outrageous screeching had stopped.

 

[Spacing Out]

She took a quick glance at the girl who was slinger around one of her guards shouldered before being forced to take a seat. The guard bowed before her presenting her with the staff. She nodded her head before taking the staff from the guards hands. "Thank you you've done well. You may leave." She said looking towards the two as her guards began to leave. She took another glance at the princess with mixed emotions. Petty, disdain. Her face turned more stern ad she gestured towards Cecile. "Since she claims to be your prisoner I assumed she would leave with you. I don't find it wise for her to be here as we converse but that is your choice." She took a seat at the other end of the table. Both hands on the table as she sat up straight, showing her grandiosity over the two. "What do you want from Yunkai and what are you willing to give."

​

​

 

[Enuky]

Cecile took a deep breath and watched as Lance looked everywhere except to her. Was everything really her fault? She exhaled and shifted nervously in her seat, now turning to eye her staff from across the table with Kuvira. She doubted it would ever be returned to her. She shuddered at Lance's cold comment, but didn't respond as the queen was preparing to speak. Now was not the time for her to say a word.


After Kuvira asked her question she shifted to watch Lance answer. Fix this, toad, she thought to herself.

 

[Trombone Geek]

"Yunakai is an extremely prosperous country, and the reason is obvious. However, because Bathelon has a low amount of people actually able to use magic effectively, and because of its people's natural dislike for it--" after all, a war had been fought long ago to quell a group of necromancers, and it hadn't been easy to win-- "many refuse to learn. So, I simply ask for trade, and an ally in our time of need." Trade with Bathelon would greatly boost Yunakai's economy.


To Bathelon's south was the mountainous Aelogesh, a kingdom from which hailed the dwarves. Many rare gems, minerals, and metals were mined up from the mountains, which seemed to be enchanted because the dwarves never had to move to find more. Trade with them had always been a large part of Bathelon's economy, until the plague struck and the merchant kingdom was cut off. To Bathelon's west was the sea, and the port city of Kiruu; from there, many unique and exotic exports found their way into the city's trade routes, and thus to Bathelon; seafood was included in this, but was an expensive treat for anyone not living so close to the ocean. Then, to the east was the Rose Kingdom, which had long been Bathelon's enemy and had a tendency to seclude itself. And finally, to the north, Yunakai: the only place where items could be enchanted, and where enchanted items would be found, as the dwarves's only magic could be used for mining and Kiruu simply had no interest.


"Is there anything else you would like from Bathelon, Queen Kuvira?" Lance asked after letting the woman consider his offer. As simple as it was, it would be beneficial to all the countries involved; whether the trade included items from beyond Yunakai was up to Kuvira, but it likely would. Hopefully.


((Hope you all didn't mind me toying with the geography a bit. ._.))

 

[Andraus]

Lanister would simply look over, as he kept his eyes close. He would see the guards that were around him, as he took a deep breath. These people liked to think that Lanister was being overconfident, conceited......Lanister would only tell the truth to those he trusted. Haruka knew, because she was Lanisters Successor, but Lanister himself kept most of the details to only people associated with him. He did, however, find it funny that so many assumed he was a servant to the Rose Monarchy.


Lanister would simply lift his head over to Dante, and he would have a pleasant smile on his face. He acted as if this was exactly what he wanted to happen, to hear them talking....What he was planning, only he knew, but Lanister was very good at keeping his head, even when everyone stood against him. He leaned underneath the table, and took Cecile's hand, squeezing it reassuringly.


Lanister would then look over towards Kuvira and Lance, and rolled his eye's at Lance's suggestion. Lanister would then watch as the Guard would hand Cecile's staff to Kuvira. He had to keep himself from laughing. No doubt, the Queen would try to use the staff herself, or would keep it as a symbol. Naive, but sensible. Lanister himself would be sitting back in his chair, as he lightly rubbed his wrist buckler, which no-one knew was a crossbow.


Lanister would sigh lightly, before pulling out something, and standing up. "Excuse me, but I am in need elsewhere. Please excuse me." He would say, as he bowed his head to the Bathelon Prince and Cecile, noticeably leaving out Kuvira, as he walked past her. In Kuvira's lap, a single thing would fall: A letter, marked with a silver ring.


Library of Samael, Conjuration Magic Section. Meet me there later.

 

[Spacing Out]

[Ooc- I don't think lanister would be there because Kuvira kicked everyone out except Cecile and Lance but they can still meet at the library. I'll just make it seem like Kuvira got it while he was leaving.]

That seems durable. I understand that you are in a conflict in your own kingdom so there is nothing you can truly offer. I will add medicine into the list of trade. A gift you can say. But I expect you to be an ally when I need it as well. I'm not fond of one sided pacts." She paused drifting off. Should I ask him to wed me? The people do want a king... No I can't throw myself at any future ruler. I need to get someone I can control, someone who could benefit me and nothing is promised at this stage. She pulled herself back into reality before nodding. "Yes that would be it for now, if any matters are in need of discussion I will inform you." She stood up before taking the staff in her hands before gesturing it to Cecile. "Take it. A staff is something that you should treat with care. Its an honour to have it but don't think that it can't be taken away." She laid it in front if cecile Before turning to Lance. "You may stay in Yunkai for As long as you like Prince Lance. Now if you excuse me, I have matters to attend to." She got up before departing from the banquet hall. She read the letter to herself as she strolled to her chambers. Is this a joke? He tries to humiliate me in front of guests and yet he expects me to meet him? She stood there for a bit. Maybe he will try to assassinate me, maybe not he's not dumb enough too. If he kills me He'll make me a Martyr and they will surely be a war for the rose kingdom. She burnt the letter in her hands before gesturing towards two guards. You will be accompanying me to the library of Samael. I want you to be cautious when we arrive.make sure that my ladies in waiting keep an eye on the remaining guests still here. The guards nodded prior to following her to her carriage.



​

 

[Enuky]

Cecile's blue eyes widened when Queen Kuvira rose to return her staff. She paused with a look of uncertainty when the staff was offered to her before reaching out to grab it. She felt so relieved to have it back in her hands. Then the queen finished with a quick warning reminding Cecile that it could easily be taken again. The princess said nothing, but eyed the queen with a remorseful expression. At least the queen didn't seem angry anymore.


After Kuvira left the room Cecile and Prince Lance sat in silence for a long moment until Cecile finally spoke. "I'm sorry", she said breaking the silence between them. She turned to him now with her guilty stare. She looked like a child who had just been punished.


The girl bit her lip. The next words would be difficult for her to speak. "Are you going to abandon me?" She asked, "are you going to help her overthrow my kingdom?" She did not want to recognize her dependence on Prince Lance, but it had been Bathelon that spent the past year taking care of her. She really had no others to depend on, despite how much she hated her captors. She shifted again from her seat. If Bathelon and Yunakai decided to attack the Rose Kingdom he woud have no use for the princess.


@Trombone Geek

 

[Spacing Out]

Kuvira opened the door the council room. To see her advisors discussing their ideas. They fell silent as they noticed their queen's presents. She nodded in acknowledgement before standing before them at the edge of the table. "I am sure you are very much away of the declaration of war. I wish to attack immediately. The sooner I get the monarchs out of the way, the better it will be to pursue my goals. Any ideas of where to attack." Grandmaster nodded. "We can use the Sirenerys sea,east of the rose kingdom. Hide the soldiers in merchant ships. Have a Trojan horse of our own. No one would expect us nor will they be prepared. They do not know of the recent affairs and the plague will leave them with little people to defend their borders." As he spoke he directed the areas he mentioned on the map placed across the table. "We can go west from there and conquer the capital." Kuvira nodded pleased with the plan. "I give you consent to do so but do not take out the capital. At least until I arrive." The advisors looked at her bewildered at what she mentioned. "I want to take the capital with a range of support behind from the rose kingdom. Therefore I will go south into the rose kingdom personally with soldiers of course and supplies of food and water." They looked stunned not expecting her to say such words. "Your highness you will be putting yourself at risk, and didn't you deny trade with the rose kingdom not too long ago? What do you see when you do this?" Kuvira glared at the man who spoke, though knowing he is right. "I am not trading with the rose kingdom I will be giving supplies to the people. I will become the monarch they can trust and I will take the country from both sides. I will give them the queen they deserve. For a royal there is no such thing as safety." She announced with pride she turned to Jaime before nodding towards him."will you accompany me on this journey? I will need guidance and you are my closest advisor." The man bowed before swearing his loyalty to her. She looked around only to see the men staring at her. "I will leave tomorrow at dawn."



​

 

[Andraus]

Lanister walked inside the Library of Samael, a place of learning for the uneducated. Without the eyes of everyone else, it was now time to drop the facade of ignorance and arrogance. Lanister pulled his hood off his head, and his mask off his face. He then sat down at a table in the corner, taking in the area around him. He couldn't stay long, his time away from Cecile was deadly to their mission. Dropping his hand over the table, he would reach in his cloak, and pull out a small tome.


Lanister would look at the fine cover of this. It was painted black, with a rose pattern stitched on the front. This was the most, if you could call it, sacred text of the Wilting Rose: The Axioms of the Founders, written by the Progenitors of the Guild. Lanister would simply wait there for Kuvira to arrive, wondering if she would just have him executed. Most likely, but he would make sure he'd take her with him if that was the case. IF not, he simply hoped she'd listen to reason.

 

[Spacing Out]

She arrived at the library of samael soon after her discussion with her councilmen. Stepping out of the carriage, she entered, though her heart was racing inside of her. She didn't trust this man, which wasn't surprising but she wondered what he wanted her for. She walked into the conjuration magic section of the library. She kept her poise though her eyes were fierce. " you should find yourself gracious for me arriving here since your attempt to humiliate me in front of guests. So Why did you call me here? This better be for a good reason." She said straighting herself up."and this time choose your words wisely."Seeing the man without his mask and hood made the scene seem more professional in her opinion but also making him more vulnerable in a way. Something she would take into consideration. She kept her hands folded, trying to get use to her surroundings as she stole glances elsewhere.
​

 

[Andraus]

Lanister raised his eye's to her, and there was not the carefree demeanor, or the sarcasm in his eyes as before. These were cold.....dark....angry. " let's get down to business then, shall we? I have other matters to attend to, as I am sure you do as well. I had to keep up appearances, here I do not. I was told to be here, by my grand master, to speak with you. He asked you read a few circled in section of the Axiom's of the Wilting Rose. "He said, moving the book in front of her, with a almost reverent action, as he opened the book.


.......By accordance of Grand-Master Arintoth, Archmage of the Newly founded Wilting Rose, We are not to interact with the Ruling bodies of the Rose Lands, be it King, Queen, Emperor, or Empress......





Lanister would turn the page, before placing a finger on a different section.


.......Under the Guidelines of Grand-Master Maferath, Spymaster of the Wilting Rose, Under threat of invasion, be it Demon or Man, Wilting Rose is to withdraw all forces and cancel all contracts to defend the Rose Land's borders, however far they stretch.





Lanister would flip to a couple pages ahead, before pointing towards the last section.


.......By order of Grand-Master Technoshi, Ancient of War for the Wilting Rose, upon declaration of war upon the Rose Lands, All forces of the Wilting Rose are to withdraw, and aim their forces at dismantling, destroying, and otherwise weakening the threatening force(s), by any means necessary.....





Lanister would close the book. Lanister made it clear that, to incite war with the Kingdom of Rose, was to incite war with the Wilting Rose itself. Given that they had an entire city to themselves, advance training, powerful weapons, and had more wealth and reach than most organizations, this was a clear message: If they were to be attacked, they would do everything in their power to retaliate and kill the attackers.


"My Grand-Master knows that war will be inevitable.......You'll come for our lands one day, and no matter how weak, we will still fight to the death....However, I have been asked to find a way for us to reach a 'temporary' solution, at least until our current state of affairs is finished. "He said, as he looked towards the shadows. Two figures would emerge, both carrying writing equipment, and artifacts.


"Let the real negotiations begin........Everyone has a price, what is yours?" He asked.

 

[Trombone Geek]

Lance said nothing in reply to Cecile's apology, and continued to stare silently at the wall, although he eventually tilted his head back and rubbed his eyes. "I have already allied myself with Yunakai. My next move will depend on Queen Kuvira's decisions. Whether not I 'abandon' you, as you so claim, will depend on your own choices." To be honest, he didn't have the cruel heart he claimed to have, the coldness it would take to just leave the princess defenseless. If he did leave her behind, the very least he would do would be to get her on her feet.


"If I do leave you behind, it will not be on the streets," Lance reassured her. His voice was quiet, and he sounded tired. Probably something to do with this damn headache!


"Please tell me you at least know a spell that can numb pain, at least a bit," Lance added, rubbing his temples.

 

[Enuky]

Despite the prince's "reassurances" the princess remained uneasy about her future. "Then you are prepared to attack the Rose Kingdom", she said plainly to him. She felt as though he avoided directly saying that by going on about his "duties". They were talking about her home! She sighed softly and crossed her arms as Lance continued in his usual ways; putting the responsibility on her. What rubbish! She detested the prince, but she said nothing else and expected no response to her words. He had, after all, still answered her question: Bathelon was now an ally of the Yunakai nation.


Cecile was wrong in some of her assumptions, but she did not realize this. However, it was nearly impossible for Lance or Kuvira to understand her small perspectives of the world. The two leaders were well schooled and groomed. They had likely traveled and visited many different kingdoms. Cecile had never left the Rose Kingdom until the day of her capture. She came from a world where she was adored no matter how she behaved, and likewise did not know the "proper" way to meet other royalty. In her eyes the world revolved around her-- or at least it should.





She remained in a quiet pout until the prince complained about his headache. Cecile perked up at the his question because she was eager to attempt more spells. Was it a real invitation? She lifted her staff and thought for a moment. "Of course I do!" she spat at him, appearing insulted that he would even ask. She then took her staff and bopped him once hard in the head with it as she spoke, "relevare doloris mei". It was hard to tell if hitting him in the head was necessary or if she had simply taken the opportunity to do it, but sure enough the sapphire at the end of her staff began to emit a pink glow. It was reminiscent of the spell Lanister had used earlier to heal her bruises.


Now the princess gently caressed his scalp with her staff. The pink glow spread over his scalp everywhere it touched, but after only a minute at most the energy faded.


Cecile frowned, disappointed and unsure if it had worked. "Did you feel anything?" She asked. In theory the energy should have given the point of contact a cool, numbing sensation.

 

[Trombone Geek]

Lance watched Cecile throw an internal tantrum and sighed. Being confined to one small kingdom where she had been pampered and spoiled hadn't helped the girl. Kuvira, surely, had traveled, and she knew not everything would bow to her; Lance had learned through the harshness of nearly losing his kingdom, of wandering through deserted and too-empty streets.


When Cecile replied to Lance's question, the prince flinched at the sudden loudness of her voice. He waited patiently, only for a sudden sharp pain to rocket through the dullness he was already experiencing. He opened one icy blue eye to gaze steadily at the princess.


"Knocking me on the head was not required," he said, but quickly closed that eye again before the light in the room could invade and hurt him even more. Lance waited again, before a cool tingling spread from the spot the staff was touching him. He found it slightly uncomfortable, and shuddered, but said nothing. After it stopped, he sighed in relief; the headache had, in fact, disappeared.


"It worked wonderfully." Lance had to admit, the princess was skilled. "I don't think you'd have to worry about being abandoned. Not everyone has a knack for magic," the prince added, feeling it a lot better of a mood now that the pain had stopped. He opened his eyes again, glad that he could look at the intricate carvings on the walls without feeling like someone was splitting his skull with a dull axe.

 

[Enuky]

Cecile was delighted to learn that her spell had worked; even she was aware of how weak her spells were in comparison to a spell-caster such as Kuvira. His praise was enough to revive her arrogant nature, which had just been depleted by the way Kuvira handled her outburst. "Of course it worked", she added in a snarky tone of voice, pretending she hadn't doubted herself at all.


The prince's better attitude and the absence of Kuvira made the princess more comfortable as well. She turned to face him, "I had a lot of time to learn . . .", she paused and said, "I know many things". It was true-- the girl knew many potions, curses, and spells, but whether she could use them was another question.


"I don't know who you had locked up in that room before me but she was a witch", she told him. She then sent Lance a sweet smile while batting her long lashes, "I could make you fall in love with me". She cackled and gently brushed her soft fingers across his cheek, stopping at his chin and squeezing it slightly between her thumb and index finger. Was it a tease or a threat? Her big blue hues met with his for a long moment before turning away.


While Lance's words brought great relief to Cecile she still was worried about Kuvira. Even if Lance still had an interest in the girl's abilities Kuvira was likely not impressed at all. "What should we do about Kuvira? She hates me", the princess asked, "and she's mean".

 

[Spacing Out]

Kuvira looked unamused by the book and its instructions but she gave a more understanding look before leaning back in her chair."I don't have a price because they're isn't an offer on the table to begin with therefore I will make one of my own." She said in her expressionless manner at the time. "I've spoken to a lot of people today who have no grasp or power on the predicament at hand and yet they still send representatives. Here's how I see. You're a little city state who will not defend their mother country but instead fight for selfishness of protecting yourselves. Protecting the monarchs, its just a hoax, you can care less about them. You seat there and thrive while the rest of your country falls before you. So I will offer this and nothing more." She leaned in closer as her voice turned more tense." You do not interfere with my conquest and I will leave you to your own affairs. You stay out of my way and I'll stay out of yours. As simple as that since there is nothing else to discuss." She looked to the figures emerging from the shadows as she scoffed. " Anyways I don't write my contracts in ink, not important ones anyways."



​

​

 

[Trombone Geek]

"Of course it worked!" And there went that moment. Sighing again, Lance refrained from replying to her comment, although he noted how buoyant Cecile's personality seemed to be. Although, the sudden information that a witch had once been welcome inside the doors of Bathelon's castle-- a witch--was intriguing. "I'll have to ask Father about that," he murmured. "As for your spells, I doubt you could use all of them.. As of now. With time, perhaps you could."


Immediately the prince went on guard when Cecile smiled at him. The princess had previously done nothing but scowled or glared.. so what caused the change? His expression didn't change, remaining stiffly neutral when the princess laughed and touched his face. Credit to the unnerved prince; he didn't flinch away. When her thumb and forefinger gripped his chin, he turned his face fully, meeting her with a cool gaze. Lance doubted that she could manage a spell of such a caliber, as manipulating the mind was one of the hardest branches, if he remembered correctly.


Before he could stop himself, Lance found himself challenging the girl's words. "Let's see you try that," he had murmured; when Cecile finally turned away, Lance rose to his feet and paced, scolding himself internally.


When Cecile spoke again, Lance slowed to a stop, and sat back in his chair, crossing his legs. "I'm not quite sure Queen Kuvira--" Might as well teach her some manners-- "hates you as much as you think. Perhaps a mild dislike for your immaturity, and that you think everyone should serve you, and she doesn't believe she has a use for you because you hold no power within the Rose Kingdom. However, if you manage to prove otherwise in her presence.. perhaps she will reconsider. As for her being mean.. Well, I can't argue there," he said with a slight laugh.

 

[Andraus]

"You misinterpret the words, but you are half-right: The monarch's and rulers of our land, we could care little about. We worry about maintaining the land itself. This is an emergency policy that began during the Divine age, after several consecutive attacks by Demon raiders from the underground. The rulers of our country were more interested in getting back their luxuries rather than maintaining our defenses. "He said, pouring himself some water from a jug, from one of the two that emerged.


"Our founders were no such fools."


"Instead of waiting for another attack, they broke off from the military, and established their own organization......ask yourself this, as I am sure you've noticed: We've never been called to do things, we appear when it suits us. We've never started wars, we ended before they began. We never targeted random people, they've always been someone with a name or agenda. Why have we done this?.......You're a very smart woman, so I am sure you can put the pieces together. "He said to her. From the way he made it sound, the Wilting was a Cabal of Shadow operatives. They didn't involve themselves with their rulers because they believed that their rulers were fools. They operated above jurisdiction to defend their own lands, by any means.


Assassination, subterfuge, thievery......They were basically the shadow of the Rose Kingdom, or they so tried to be. Given that many people wanted individuals like this dead, it made sense that they would get paid for this......add that up, with the fact that they had trained that had been refined from some of the first demon hunters, and their trimmed style of combat made sense.


"You're conquest may succeeded, but you'd have to go through us first......However, I won't lie: The odds are not in our favor. On a count, we're outnumbered 3 to 1. "He said to her, pressing his hand under the cup, as it started boiling. He then placed a tea bag in it, sniffing the fine aroma. "That doesn't mean you'll be able to hold it.......you go through us, and the Rose's Current military? You'll take the land, sure......but you'll not be able to hold it. "He said.


"Here is the deal.....you stall this invasion for 2 years, because I know you'll build up your strength if I ask you just to fargo it in general, and end up betraying us.......and then, I want you to train Cecile: She may not look it, but I speak from Experience: She'll be a powerful ruler one day. "He said to her, with a note of sincerity in his voice. "In return......I'll give you full access to our store of magic, Magic that has long been forgotten in this day and age, and I'll give you a privilege not many have: You may see the Home-City of the Wilting Rose, the seat of true power. "He said to her. With Cecile on the throne, humbled by this experience, she would obviously make a very capable ruler if she could be taught, and since she would (likely) be grateful for the aid of the Wilting Rose, it would allow them to act with impunity.


"Also, I know you'll still be aggravated with how I acted, though as I stated that was act, I will offer a small peace-offering. "He said, as he looked towards the woman cloaked. She would remove her hood, before smiling: It was Nephenee.


"I hear you have been looking for me, Queen Kuvira.........how may I help you?" She asked politely. It would make sense now why Kuvira would've been unable to find her: With a group such as the Wilting Rose watching out for her, she could hide in plain sight.

 

[Enuky]

Of course Cecile would accept the prince's challenge. She held her staff close and closed her eyes, concentrating hard on the spell before she began to sing. It was all in an ancient tongue, but the words flowed slowly like a lullaby. Finally, Cecile's eyes opened and she watched the prince, locking him into the spell with his eye contact.


As she continued to sing the ancient chant, Lance's pupils would become dilated and a warm, euphoric feeling would fall over his body. He would quickly find himself attracted to the girl in ways he could not explain. Suddenly everything about Cecile would appear pleasant. Her attitude would be forgotten. Lance would feel a need to be near her and a desire to touch her.


Now the girl's song came to a stop and her lips curved into a perfect smile. Lance would be aware of what she had done, but he would have no way to control these new emotions. She fluttered her blue eyes at him again, "Now, Lance, if our relationship is going to work there will have to be some changes", she began.


Oh, how sweet and good her voice would sound to him.


"you cannot remain allies with the Yunakai kingdom if you are going to be with me", she said, eyeing him with a seductive stare and twisting a strand of her hair with her finger. For the next several minutes at least, Lance would be under her spell.

 

[Trombone Geek]

Lance watched quietly as Cecile began to sing, and bravely didn't break eye contact when her spell began to reach its peak. ...Was Cecile always that beautiful?.. Inwardly groaning and realizing he really shouldn't make spur-of-the-moment decisions, Lance's proper mind took a backseat to the spell Cecile had weaved.


He listened to her wonderful voice, enjoying the way it flowed easily across his ears and forgetting all about any of his troubles, listening to her speak before standing. "Perhaps we'll have to compromise, then," he replied easily, mentally reciting different strategies and philosophical quotes and even going through the alphabet backwards and counting back from a random odd number like 41,703 in an attempt to keep a clearer head than he would otherwise, although he still felt way too fuzzy and warm and happy.


I'm supposed to be cranky like my old man.. Lesson learned, you witch, Lance thought, although the words didn't actually leave his mouth.


Lance made his way to the princess, his eyes locking on hers. When he reached her, his hand drifted beneath her chin, lifting so she could gaze up at him; he was taller than her, after all. "You see.. Love, no matter how real or how fake it is, will never cause me to put my kingdom after anyone else." It was a cold truth, but so strong was it that it carried through even into a spell.


"So, tell me, darling Cecile, do you have any other ideas?" Lance was applauding himself; his self control was being shown off here. If only his father could see him now; old Varudian would be proud! However, the temptation to kiss Cecile was building; she was too close to him, but at the same time not close enough. Lance quickly decided that he didn't very much like magic, but knew that pulling away from Cecile would ruin any chances of proving himself against her. If he succeeded, her ego would be kicked down a notch. Hopefully.

 

[Enuky]

Cecile could easily see that her spell had been successful; the prince's entire demeanor had changed. Her smile widened when he mentioned a compromise, but quickly turned into a frown when she realized her spell was not enough to get what she wanted. "Hmph", she pouted while she looked into the prince's eyes. He was holding her face in his hands. Cecile scowled, disappointed in her failure. He had won.


It would not be a complete loss for her though. She decided that if she could not get what she wanted she could at least hurt the prince while he was in this state. She gently wrapped her arms around the prince's neck and pulled herself closer to him. Speaking close enough for him to feel her breath against the skin of his neck she whispered, "then I cannot love you". Indeed, her rejection would be painful for the prince.


She then pushed away, making sure to gently rub his arms as she did and returned to eyeing him with her seductive gaze. He would never forget what it felt like to love her, she decided. Maybe now you'll take me a little more seriously, she thought. She wondered when Kuvira would return.