Fantasy Primum Movens: Open! (Looking for Rebels!)

[ladyaliciaaa]

Nelly Lin

​

Upon entering the castle, Nelly was greeted with a rush of warm air that embraced her and melted like butter down her pale arms, a welcome change to the breeze outside. She was permitted entry, her knightly companion however was not. The Witch, puzzled, turned in a whirlpool of silvery lace to gape at the ever piling amount of hidden knives and various weaponry he produced from within his build. Her thought was voiced by a bewildered guardsman and she hopped from her foot to the next impatiently. They were incredibly behind time as it was. Why should she be inconvenienced by one's foolish mistake, Lin quite nearly left right then and there. She figured that it'd be too selfish of her after the aid her travelling partner had provided therefore she lingered in restless anticipation.


The Knight shambled over to where the Witch stood, "Helbrecht, do hurry!" she fussed as he made his way over before turning on her heel and racing down the regal hallway, her heels sinking into the rich color of the carpet. Delicate flowers trail behind as the wolf-girl halts at the entrance to the Banquet-hall. Arien servants swarm in and out with lustrous platters that beckon with tempting scents, she could almost catch her own reflection in the silverware. Her heart is seized by something fuzzy and pleasant as she pauses for Helbrecht to catch up.


The door is thrown open by clawed hands and with false exterior spilling bravado and poise, Nelly follows in his wake like whispy mist curling around innocent ankles. A wondrous sight reaches Nelly's eyes, shining illusions upon illusions, luxurious marble pillars and hovering flames of every color winked at the Witch as she refrained from allowing her jaw to drop wide open. It was the most beautiful sight that the wolf-girl had every witnessed.


Had she been fixated for too long and wandering by the doorway in awe, only then did she realize how silly she looked to inquisitive eyes.


"And I am Nelly Lin," her gaze sweeps the hall of pristine faces, obviously from wealthy upbringing. Her introduction seemed small, inconsequential and so the wolf-girl timidly adds with a flick of her ear "-A Witch from the Kingdom of Lepumir,"


She rushed like water would, she trickled down to a seat next to the Knight of the Lady and then paused to take it all in.


The King in all his finery at the head of the table and the unoccupied seat beside him sent a pang through Nelly's heart which quickly dulled when the royal dance instructor became the center of her attention, Rabbits. Those creatures unearthed emotions inside her, her expression flickers for a second. Only an attentive eye may have spotted the confusion and frustration that flashed in her's.


The Princesses amber hair was so very fiery, she looked stunning. It made Nelly quite jealous of her. What a delightful life she must have..


And then there was the snowy locks of the princess of Greedo, there was a shroud of fragility that blanketed the girl. It peaked her curiosity.


Oh! and how the precious gems pinned onto the Prince of the Nezzie Kingdom sparkled, like droplets after a storm.


Nelly folded her hands on her lap eager to join in conversation, teetering on the outside apprehensively. Afraid of interrupting. She is faint like a dim star in the distance, the wolf-girl was determined. One of these days, she would shine. She would.


[Mentioned: @Pretzel Heart @MLAQTS @DemonKitten @Unwavering Knight ]

 

[ParadoxalPaladin]

Asuran Dorix

Keifer suddenly began speaking, and Asuran immediately turned and gave him a respectful amount of attention. As Keifer addressed both him and the newly-arrived rabbit aria, Asuran suddenly realized that he had accidentally stepped into a conversation between the two, and did his best to communicate apology to the aria, raising a hand to him and nodding, the most apologetic look he could muster on his face.


When Keifer reached the end of his accusatory statement towards the rabbit aria, Asuran's eyes widened and for a split second he froze up. Did he just insinuate that this aria had some part within the rebellion? While the aira very skillfully deflected Keifer's pointed statement, Asuran was already thinking about the implications this could have. Well, I can assume he's pro-human for the moment at the very least, which is something. And if he keeps this up, well, I very well may have a better chance than I thought at getting connections with insulted arie.


Without warning, a sudden clanking of metal echoed through the hall as the main door opened. Startled, Asuran sat up quickly, peering past the others to where a massive armor-plated figure stood, staring out at the hall. A voice echoed out from the armor, identifying the wearing as the "Knight of the Lady" or some other odd sort of cult-something. Looking at him, Asuran racked his brain for any mention of this figure, but despite this couldn't remember the slightest information about the strange man. From how he sat at the table he could assume he was invited and of some importance, but what that could be would be a mystery he would have to find the answer to.


After him swept an odd... witch? At her quiet announcement, he was immediately intrigued, seeing that she had white ears atop her head. From what he knew of witches, they were probably real, and she was far stronger than she let on - the magic of a witch was not something to be trifled with.


Remembering he had work to do past idle speculation, Asuran leaned forward into the conversation, trying to diffuse the tension between the two. "I am deeply sorry that you had to take part in such an atrocity, Prince Keifer. I am sure it was an absolutely horrible experience. However, you must agree this this poor aria before you had no part in it if he was halfway across the continent, although I understand your anger comes from a very genuine feeling for the well being of both your country and Lepumir." After hearing himself say it, he immediately knew it could've been better - less clinical if possible.


If he was lucky, it would work. If not, well... they just had to wait and see how Keifer would react.

@Lady Ravenshade (Mentioned)


@Unwavering Knight (Mentioned


@Pretzel Heart (Spoken With)


@MLAQTS (Spoken With)

 

[Unwavering Knight]

Refined succor...





With the busy figures of servants, heralds and conversing nobles filling the lustrous hall, Helbrecht's predominantly silent frame, while earning a curious stare here and there, seemed hard to approach as he remained seated, his helmeted gaze methodically fixating from each noble face to the next, each switch rapid and sudden after a precise amount of seconds, with apparently little regard for manners. When his stared affixed itself on the Princess of Euthalia, his left hand gave the slightest twitch. Then he went on, without further reaction.


The delicacies served to him remained untouched.


For long he had been wandering, questing, searching. Truth be told, he himself was uncertain of what he was supposed to feel as he sat amongst this procession of the lavishly decorated, searching for Her. His memories, stored, cherished and guarded, ultimately had become harder and harder to grasp, or even rationalise.


Long ago he had noticed a hole in his heart, growing with the continuing series of disappointment and failure, slowly eating its way further into his being with mounting despair. If he had such problems coveting, would he, even as he was submerged in the court as he was now, recognize Her? With several faces, he felt different... impressions, but nothing truly concrete. And of course, he himself had received no signs.


Was this a test? Was he failing?


The intensity of the knight's wandering gaze gradually lessened. Not that such would have been easy to determine to the curious eye. A clink of the armor intoned as his rigid pose gave a slight sagging at the shoulder plates. What kind of knight could not recognize his Lady...


The current conversation of present Arie Lupine's lack of involvement in the rebellion that had consumed Lepumir and was inching ever closer to Nezzie naturally did not go unnoticed, with Prince Keifer and Viscount Dorix vying for intensity. Helbrecht was not blind to each and every subtlety of the courts, though indirect instigation remained beyond him for the most part. Certainly, with their trained skills further backed by political power, one might say the knight on his own was at a disadvantage. Perhaps he should feel threatened, even cowed...


His musings gave way to more wandering of his view, coming to a slow rest on the Princess of Greedo, white locks as striking as the frailty of the flesh, whose eyes had never left the entrance of the hall. A longing gaze, something he was all too familiar with.


"Milady of Greedo." the knight's ugly voice addressed her "Is something the matter? Assembly of irises and cornea along with half-shut lids of the eyes indicate a prolonged fixation upon a single point. Is there something you find amiss?"


@DemonKitten (addressed)


@Pretzel Heart @ParadoxalPaladin @MLAQTS (mentioned)

 

[DemonKitten]

The Princess of Greedo

Her black, silver gaze still lingered at the door as she listened to the bickering around her. There were many beautiful souls that surrounded the room, but there was only one that she wished to find. Aiko held little sympathy for people at times due to her cold treatment of her life, but her brother had always been a noble man that was loyal to his outcast sibling.


The white haired Princess barely noticed the abnormally large knight that was covered in head to toe with armor, but she was not one to be very observant when she was focused. The knight's voice did reach her ear, though, and she noted that it was much more course and deep than that of her brother or father, still it was rather comforting with its lack of nobility.


Aiko turned to the knight not really aware that she was spoken to since being called "Princess" was almost foreign to the small girl. Studying the knight, she couldn't help but notice how incredibly small she was to this man, yet, the way he spoke seemed more innocent than that of her own mind and heart.


Realizing he was talking to her, Aiko's dark eyes grew large showing the silver burst with in them much more clearly.


"Oh! I apologize. I tend to forget that I am a princess here. Please do call me..." She paused for a moment as she remembered desiring to not be called by the name that had crossed her cursed father's tongue.


"Yuki," She responded quickly as she tried to recall what his question was again. "Ah, why am I staring at the door way?" She asked to make sure she decoded his weird wording.


"Uh, well, you see my brother is suppose to be here soon, but it seems I have not had the luck of finding him," Aiko's eyes slightly downcast, but she was not one to remain sad for long as she looked back up to where the knight's eyes would be.


"Perhaps it is fated to give me a chance to be who I desire," she spoke mainly to herself, but aimed towards the knight.


"Oh, by the way, What is your name, if I may ask?" the small Aiko inquired of the Knight.


@Unwavering Knight

 

[The Succubi Queen]

Naomi Marie ThalassaPrincess of the Marine Kingdom

Naomi's attention was pulled away from the King and Princess by the entrance of the hulking knight (who was dressed in full armor even at a dinner such as this) and a young woman behind him. She looked rather fine in that silvery dress, and Naomi found her eyes drawn to the pointed grey ears she recognized as that of a wolf. This witch certainly knew how to make an entrance, but Naomi had one burning question.


She paused a moment before asking it. Hopefully her query might take some of the heat off the poor Aria who had become the main point of mockery so far. She had held off on entering that conversation- she wanted to help the rabbit-man, but she did not want to make any long term enemies by leaping to the aide of a serving class aria at the first opportunity like some noble-minded idiot. Politely ignoring the conversation between Asuran, Kiefer, and Rien, she leaned over the table and directed her attention to the newly entered witch.


"A pleasure to meet you, Lady Lin." She said to Nelly as she sat down next to her knight. "Did you get delayed as well? I find this city to be a bit confusing, but perhaps that is my own mistake for not taking the precaution of hiring a guard." Naomi had a slight amount of knowledge on the rebellion in Lepumir, but the Marine Kingdom was not fully in touch with mainland politics, so the last she had heard, the rebellion was ongoing. "I must admit, I had thought the Prince would be in attendance- or has the rebellion demanded that he stay at home? It really is a shame that there must be so much bloodshed, but I'm sure there will be peace and concord eventually. Your people's needs cannot go unheard forever." Surely this witch was someone in royal favor to serve as liason to this ball in the princes absence, right? That was a sure sign that peace could eventually be reached in this rebellion.


As she leaned back in her seat, she shot a sympathetic glance to Rien. She hoped her gaze communicated her unspoken message. I want to help, but I have a part to play here. Naomi then took a polite bite of her dish, trying to hide her own discomfort at all this strangeness. Politics on the Marine Island had been difficult, but something told her this would be an entirely different game.

Addressed: @Lady Ravenshade (Nelly)


Mentioned: @Unwavering Knight (Knight of the Lady) @ParadoxalPaladin (Asuran)


@Pretzel Heart (Kiefer) @MLAQTS (Rien)

 

[wizard nibblers]

Princess Evalyn, exhausted already in a way that only one's own overthinking tends to cause, fiddled with her gloves as the table spoke, pulling her fingers in and out of them. She listened half-heartedly to the conversations amongst the others. A piece from the Viscount of Dorimun, a bit from the Arie, but it all went in one ear and out the other. Casual banter, political jargon, the usual droll topics being recycled as they are at these sorts of banquets. Her anxiety turned to something almost like ease at the familiarity of it all. But as the Prince of Nezzie spoke, with a certain conviction that caught her attention, her stomach began to sink. The rebellion was the hottest subject on the minds and the lips of the people, and Euthalia had yet to take a stand. It was a dire situation for sure, while she understood the plight of the aria, the tragedy of what happened in Lepumir… She wanted no part in it. She had been putting it from her mind as she did with many of her royal responsibilities, so she merely sat and prayed she wouldn’t be confronted about it tonight. Unlikely, if the Prince was speaking so openly about it already and considering all the other unpleasantries she was faced with this evening.

A prod to her elbow that was resting rudely on the table, accompanied with a stern look from her tutor snapped her back to the present. She fumbled with her posture and straightened her utensils. Kip gestured towards the Marine Kingdom’s Princess and mouthed a firm ‘say thank you’ at Evalyn who did so, with wide eyes and a nervous politeness. She gave a small, polite nod to the arie that served her and returned to her pensive state. She hardly touched the food that was brought to her, pushing it around until she heard the Marine Princess speak to her once more. Evalyn had always found it so difficult to lie about her thoughts, but she knew that she couldn’t come off so rude, especially amidst all the tension building lately. “You know, I’ve always found my lessons to be very interesting, but I’ve never danced properly with a partner, so I suppose my opinion wouldn’t be as... informed!” In the process of speaking she managed to catch her sleeve in the food on her plate in the and fling it onto her lap. Kip grinned and floated down next to the princess. He spoke through his teeth with nervous laughter, “Do you want to ruin shaky relations with a kingdom on the first night, Princess? Because I must say that is one heck of a record.” Evalyn threw a sharp glance at her tutor as she tried rubbing the stain out of her dress with the napkin on her lap. Kip smacked the hand that was rubbing it, for fear it would set further. Magic accessories were easy to clean as long as one does not use improper techniques.


@The Succubi Queen This took Way Too Long and I am So Sorry

 

[ladyaliciaaa]

Nelly Lin



​

Whilst the wine was poured and sloshed over the sides of overflowing golden goblets and the lavish meals piled never-ending onto silver plates, so did the conversation that fell from the Witches' lips. The rich red liquid soothed the knots in her stomach and the tension in her muscles, it loosened her tongue, once sharp and brimming with wit. Wine was good. Wine meant that Nelly didn't have to think anymore, she could let the wine talk. In hindsight, that's a silly thought because wine can't talk but in the girl's case it did. Wine enabled the wolf-girl to almost blend into the choir of intoxicated royalties; at least she could still carry a conversation properly given that they were only a quarter of a way through the Banquet. The only giveaway to her excessive consummation of the alcohol would be the pink tint in her cheeks and the over-extroversion to those around her.


Political talk about the rebellion and ties between the Kingdoms, things that held no significance to the wolf-girl seemed to cascade from her incessantly moving lips. Things she'd only overheard once or twice. Nelly found herself balancing her chalice in one hand and the amusement of a mortal citizen from the Nezzie Kingdom in the other, perhaps he was only feigning interest either way the young woman was pleased with herself as such conversations with a human would be something a Witch from Lepumir might never experience in her whole lifetime.


Nelly was in fine luck today as the alluring Princess, clad in silken blue with what seemed like an incredibly restricting corset round her middle, addressed her with such formality, she was clearly rendered speechless. A Princess of royal blood choosing to speak to her?! Lin was taken aback at how kindly the Princess was, she hadn't expected that many representatives would be warm to her kin. Although awful to admit, the girl had always suspected them to be spoiled and high-handed. But of course the woman could be pretending, they'd have to act appealing in the public eye. How foolish of the witch to assume that such high powers would be so generous.


"Please! I am not a Lady at all, just Nelly would be more than enough!" her waving hand dismisses the noble title as she straightens in her chair to bridge the gap between them. "My! You made it all the way here without the aid of a guard? I, too hadn't a clue how to navigate such a massive Kingdom. Luckily, I had Helbrecht to travel alongside," the Marine Princess certainly did come off as an independent soul; an admirable trait in a woman in her perspective. Her mind had started to tarry on the subject beforehand, she wondered how fortunate it would be to hire a personal guard..


Gleaming eyes rest on the woman facing her, she had pupils the color of the sky on a pleasant day. It wouldn't come as a surprise if puzzled birds accidentally collided into the Princess, this frivolous notion lead to laughter that threatened to bubble up inside of the wolf-girl. She had to disguise it in a bout of furious coughing. Turning her cheeks cherry red -- a shade darker than it was already. Oh dear.


The girl lowers her voice to a whisper, the sleeves of her dress rustles as she shuffles closer "-but haven't you heard? the Prince hasn't been sighted since the start of the Rebellion.." she leans back in embarrassment worried that perhaps she had ashamed the blue-eyed girl for such a big misunderstanding. "Well yes, I do agree..many of us feel as if we've been neglected by the more influential parts of society. It's truly horrible," she settles her hands in her lap and follows the Princess's gaze to the trio, a prince with long raven hair streaked with silver and piercing violet eyes, the arien she had noticed earlier and the bejeweled prince. Only just had she commenced to listening into their seemingly heated conversation.


It enraged her, annoyance twisted into her side like a cold blade, she thought of giving the stuck up Prince a piece of her mind. Nelly had promised to stop eavesdropping, perhaps then things wouldn't bother her as much.


It'd be hopeless of course, interfering their argument would shove Nelly in a bad light. Besides, he already had the ton of badges weighing him down, she wouldn't want to add to it. Her nose wrinkles in an expression of disbelief before she focuses her attentions elsewhere.


"The trouble with being tardy to an event is that everyone catches your name but you never have the chance to catch theirs before they've flitted off somewhere else, what may I call you?" she beams at the princess with midnight locks before her.


[Addressed: @The Succubi Queen


Mentioned: @Unwavering Knight @Pretzel Heart @ParadoxalPaladin @MLAQTS

 

[Unwavering Knight]

Accept, adapt, absorb.


"Helbrecht, knight of the Lady, am I." came the harsh voice once anew, helmeted gaze inspecting the Princess with renewed intensity. A strange mark, such hair, though it seemed to be no supernatural trait. What was exposed of her flesh through lavish garment showed pale thinness, veins filled with vulnerable life-fluid tracing faint lines just beneath the uppermost layers of tissue. Combined with her overall small stature, she exuded the impression of having suffered through a number of famines during her growth, though such a theory would do nothing to explain the coloration of her hair.


At first glance he would have mistaken her for one of more humble birth, her genetic development seemingly held back by lack of nourishment in crucial times of need. But her facial appearance, groomed and upheld with great eye for attention, with differing color-tones serving to pronounce a gleam of silver beneath the lids, obviousely fulfilled the purpose as status symbol of her bloodline, though that would also have meant that resources to ensure healthy growth, while available, had simply not been put to use.


It made no sense to him.


With pronounced slowness, the knight's helmeted head focused on the entrance-portal, the same point the Princess had affixed herself upon, pondering her peculiar choice of words regarding desire and fate "Who would you... desire to be, if not the one you are now?" His view wandered back towards the Lady of Greedo "Salivate in anticipation, Princess Yuki, soon there shall be meat in your unsatisfied cavity. If you require, you can enlist this knight to search for your flesh-grown relative."


Hearing his name mentioned close to him, the knight's direct some attention on the ensuing conversation between Lin and what seemed to be the Marine Princess "Lin and I aided one another in time of need, though the former was the one that led the group towards the penultimate aim. Praise be her." came his remark after a brief moment, with more weight put onto the words than necessary.


@DemonKitten (Addressed)


@Lady Ravenshade (Commented on)


@The Succubi Queen (Mentioned)

 

[ladyaliciaaa]

Nelly Lin

​

Nelly's ears burned at the Knight's commendation "that is kind of you Helbrecht, thank you," she dips her head and offers a quirk of her pretty coral lips. At the sudden light tap on her shoulder she turns with a start to come face to face with a tall nose and an angled, defined jawline, his lips were a peach red and his eyes a green color with flecks of pale blue, like forget-me-not's in a field of grass. No, she wouldn't forget how those eyes gazed into her's.


"Lady Lin, my apologies for alarming you. I couldn't help but overhear the Knight's words and notice your ears, such wonderful ears you have," he seemed friendly enough she mused with an amused glint in her eye. She regarded the scent of alcohol on his breath, that must be how her's smelt like too.

"All the better to hear you with," she ghosts and nods with a bounce of her black curls and a brazen wink his way. He chuckles and claims his name is Gordon and brushes his lips against her knuckles which makes the Witch blush and comment on his stunning eyes in her intoxicated stupor. What a scandalous sight it must look she thinks before it is jostled to the back of her dizzy mind. Nelly relaxes in her chair, smiling small over her goblet as she watches the delightful Gordon act out, rather enthusiastically, how he had tripped over a poor kitten as a youngster that had earned him his nickname. The conversation ensues and laughter carries outside the Banquet hall.


She settles in for a perfectly wonderful evening.

​

[Addressed: @Unwavering Knight]

 

[DemonKitten]

The Princess of Greedo

The Princess of Greedo, being not much of a princess, was taken aback by the knight's question. It seems she had not realized she had made such a statement. Thinking back, Aiko knew she must of and was now inclined to answer with a response.


"Well, you have obviously seen me. Frail, weak and hidden from birth," Aiko gave a smile that did not let show her own anguish over her years.


"Who would want to be the Princess of Greedo when being such is being me," she asked rhetorically, before turning away.


The knight brought up the mention of food and Aiko could feel her stomach grumble slightly. Still, she knew eating before her medicine would cause her to vomit and she wasn't so sure she desired to eat. Actually, Aiko felt healthier than normal due to a longer period of not taking her so called medicine.


Yet, I must take it for if I don't I could possible be gone, Aiko sighed as she knew that it was her constant taking of the medicine that kept it from killing her (or so she thought).


"Yes, food does sound nice," Aiko's voice drifted as she looked towards Lin or so the knight called her. She was a modest looking woman, not as flashy as some she had seen, but healthy and that was something Aiko couldn't say for herself. Lin was conversing with another woman that was quite exotic looking and gorgeous with a slightly breath taking aspect. Aiko would never be beautiful in a healthy, doing well sense like Lin or Exotic and flashy like that of the woman next to her.


"She seems like a very capable woman, indeed," was all Aiko could manage to respond as she felt little and weak compared to those around her.


@Unwavering Knight(addressed)


@Lady Ravenshade (mentioned)

 

[Unwavering Knight]

Deconstruct. Inspect. Devour.





A long intermittence followed Princess Yuki's words, the knight's unseen gaze remaining silently affixed on her in what might have been seen as thought. Truth of the matter was, through all these years he had experienced, he had only gained superficial knowledge of the inner workings of other sentients. He had analysed many internals, inspected organs ranging from intestines, heart and brain, bones and blood, yet what granted the true "spark" of existence and desire to prevail remained a mystery. Corpses simply were not human.


He served, he fulfilled his use, then he went on. He fought, he wandered, he sought, encountering many of differing mentality, yet this throughout all these years, this lattermost thing eluded him, seemingly removed from his capability to grasp. The simple loss of hope was not something new to him, often he had encountered starvation, disease and war to bring forth different psychological afflictions in the affected, ranging from basic desire for succor and dominance to refined cannibalism both of others as well as the own meat, among other things. The emotion itself was not wholly strange to him, nor were its possible outcomes.


The Princess of Greedo was strange to him. Hers was not an affliction, but an outlook, seemingly caused by an existence of helplessness, something that in itself was not unheard of for royal children, raised as prime political tools of their families as they were, but Yuki's words gave the impression of something that ate at her in a more insidious way.


"This knight knows nothing of you beyond your most superficial appearance." Helbrecht finally conceded, gaze unwavering as he looked down at the Princess of Greedo "However..." A pause. The knight's right hand slowly rose from its position beside his dish, reaching over the table towards Yuki with deliberate leisure, claw half-open, apparently aiming for her head. The limb's brutal appearance, sharp and armored, despite the slow approach, would have done little to ease fears.


Had she drawn away, he would have simply retreated to his own prior position.


Had she remained, the claw would have come to a halt just slightly above the Princess, before he gently lowered his hand to come to rest upon her head, giving a few light pats, then he drew back.


Without skipping a beat, his ugly voice emerged "Consider, Princess Yuki: Capability for change is what makes humanity beautiful. Change as you will, let no one stop you. Consider also: To live is to fight, to exist is to struggle. For as long as you lived, you struggled and you fought. You are not weak, you live, thus you may change."


He spared no glance to the scandalous looks he received.


@DemonKitten

 

[Pretzel Heart]

Kiefer Arlie Avescamp

​

As Rien began to speak, the small smile which had unfolded across Kiefer’s lips spread itself like a large blanket fluttering in the breeze of the aria's delightful words. He could see a bubble of misunderstandings beginning to billow up, and at the center of it all the large, white rabbit. While the thought amused him greatly, his eyes remained still, caressing the gentle curls that had gone astray of the Princess’s up-pinnings, falling to trail her soft cheek...


Really...this was...this was all too easy. But he must remind himself to resist the finer temptations of his newfound freedom.


Kiefer shouldn’t behave on his impulses alone.


Of course, Rien had sensed the prince’s underlying accusation and responded to it most wonderfully. The young man's eyes were finally drawn to the long velvety ears as he found himself invested in studying the aria’s flushing face. It was almost as if the rabbit regretted the pain his introduction, as an aria, would have upon the scarred Nezzie heir.


How truly precious. He found himself delighting in that expression, no matter the steadiness of those words...


"Kiefer, I--”


The young man’s smile dropped into a chasm of shocked eyes and pursed lips. The audacious rabbit, had he just---?


But further analysis was interrupted by a clamoring at one of the Dining Hall’s entranceways. A great hulking figure completely covered in shining plates bellowed an introduction in a gruff voice that instantly grated upon the prince's ears. [ @Unwavering Knight ]


Knight of the Lady?


For a moment, the young man was sent into a panic. What did that mean, ‘Knight of the Lady?’ Surely it had nothing to do with the Princess...?


The iron figure that soon approached, taking a seat near Rien, filled the young man with a renewed contempt. He had not counted on such a one being here...his body standing even taller than the peaks of the ridiculous aria’s high ears. If a knight like that were to interfere...


No. He wouldn’t interfere. Because the plan was too perfect to be brought down by even a brawny menace. Everyone, even the mightiest of warriors, had a secret to be exploited. Had ways to be tamed and controlled.


The thought brought a smile back to Kiefer’s lips, and he turned to face the aria once again. He carefully shaped his mouth so that his words, as they passed through it, floated out in Kiefer’s quiet, shy, unassuming voice. A slightly embarrassed tint to his beautiful cheeks.


“Of course. I was simply referring to the fact that I heard whispers of your Lepumirian origin. Though, now that you mention it, I must admit that these days the sight of an aria makes me most uneasy.” [ @MLAQTS ]


His smile once more widened, framed by the roses of blush. The very picture of innocence.


“It’s as if just looking at you makes me sick.”


If Rien had been about to respond, they were interrupted once more by yet another attention-grabbing entrance. Really, how ungraciously daring of these guests to not only show up late, but then try and steal the show. Kiefer was also keenly aware of how quiet the Princess Evalyn had remained through these transactions. He would certainly have to make her sing before the night was over.


Her voice, sharp like the clinking of glass charms in the wind, but full of those same trinkets' infinite colors.


He wanted to hear it again.


At least this guest seemed much less damaging than the imposing knight. It was a young Witch, pulling inside of her the swishing energy that seem to texture each of her kind’s airy steps. Between the two of the magic races, the young man had to admit that it was the arie’s powers which put him most in awe...their soft eyes and secret rituals, the haunting melodies arising from even the simplest of spells...Witches were too human for his tastes. But it was no contest who was the more powerful.


Analyzing the new guest as thus, the prince's attention wrapped itself around the Witch’s eyes as they trickled over Rien. A strange, nearly imperceptible parade of emotions passed through her face. Was that apprehension? Fear? Surely, the prince might have missed it as well if he were not so used to studying others from afar, had not such a pointed gaze through those thick glasses. [ @Lady Ravenshade ]


Searching for any information he could take.


And that was certainly information indeed.


She was a Witch from Lepumir...so then...she must know......


Again, just as things seemed about to become interesting, the prince’s plans were halted by the meddling of Viscount Asuran. While his mother had given the young man brief notes on many of the other representatives and what he might expect from them to put in his notebook, he truly didn’t know what to make of Dorimun, just yet. It seemed like such an insignificant blip on Roserasia’s map, like an afterthought added to make Euthalia bloom all the more large. And yet, there was something about the duke which contradicted this image. He was one to watch out for. Though it didn’t seem like the Princess Evalyn had taken note of him. Which was good. As long as she kept her eyes away from his black and silver hair, Kiefer could care less. [ @ParadoxalPaladin ]



Far more disturbing was his own failure to catch that dancing gaze...


“Yes, of course, Duke of Dorimun. Of course this poor aria would have nothing to do with that dreadful Rebellion, right?”


Upon hearing Asuran’s tedious words, Kiefer turned once more from the Princess but passed over the duke entirely to deliver one last glance in Rien’s direction, eyes flickering as if over his glasses' rims. And then his face melted into once of wistful concern, leading his viewpoint to rest on the empty seat next to him.


“But it would make me feel better, perhaps, if such a one didn’t have to sit so closely to his chair...”


His fingers stroked along the outline of the seat, as if by mere touch they could transmit Kiefer’s sorrow. Mark the prince’s loss like scars upon the fine wood.


It seemed as if the conversation near him was turning onto a similar point. The Marine Princess and the Witch were deep in their chatter, which seemed rather unpleasant for Keifer given that their addresses were delivered more or less directly through him across the table. But he was also intrigued to hear that Marine knew so little of the Rebellion. Likewise, Nezzie, though geographically close to the Marine Kingdom and a sometimes beneficiary of their exports, had remained ignorant to much of it’s going ons. Even his mother couldn’t give him many notes about the secluded country’s princess. The young man hadn’t worried about it, back then, because as far as princesses went, his interest in Marine's was non-existent. Hearing her concerned words just made her sound like a busybody meddler. The types of people the prince hated most, with their fake love, knowing nothing of the true, cold darkness of the world. Of the heart of man. [ @The Succubi Queen ]


This talk with Nelly the Witch, however...


“...many of us feel as if we've been neglected by the more influential parts of society.”


Again. Another clue. This Witch from Lepumir, he must get a chance to converse with her, alone.


Catching conversations thrown across him as such also drew his gaze towards the pale-haired girl he had briefly passed over when she had earlier entered. Another princess who didn’t deserve his attention, and, worse yet, she seemed to be in the midst of talking with the insufferable ‘knight.’ [ @DemonKitten ]


But Kiefer was used to taking up the threads of well-woven blankets of conversations all at once, following each string to allow his ears to instinctively pick up the remnants of that which could benefit him best.


“Frail, weak and hidden from birth.”


The words hit the young man like a dagger through the head. He had barely paid the tiny girl any mind, as with her sickly skin and translucent features she seemed almost to fade into the very walls of the Dining Hall themselves, if it weren’t for the sparkles of her flowering dress. But now he took her in with a wide, calculating stare.


Ah...somewhat pitiful, this one.


She was the Princess of Greedo, another on his mother’s list on whom very little information had been divulged. But seeing her, now.


Could it not be...that we share something, her and I?


The specter-like wisp could in no way hold up to the shimmering all-prevailing light of Princess Evalyn, and yet there was something about her that, for some reason, magnetically attracted the young man’s gaze. He wanted to turn towards Princess Evalyn...he wanted to admire her fiery hair and let the warmth of those flames ignite his extinguished soul. And yet, he could not turn off his fascination from the lifeless Greedo girl.


What was her story?


Frail...weak...and hidden from birth...


He must talk to her as well. Once the knight wasn’t around. Kiefer would be doing his best to keep well away from him. Hopefully he was only a guest invited in passing, not a true resident of Waltz Castle. The Prince of Greedo also seemed to be missing, which meant his sister would be defenseless if another country's prince decided to unexpectedly drop in on her for a chat.


Well, that could wait. For now, there were more important matters at hand. The Princess Evalyn...at last, she had spoken! Her words fell on the young man’s ear like those of a prophet’s to their humble followers. [ @wizard nibblers ]


She has never had a partner....


“Even pathetic creatures have the power to become capable human beings,” he smiled gracefully with Kiefer’s pretty lips as he pardoned himself for butting into the Princess of Greedo's conversation, “I am Prince Kiefer of Nezzie, I couldn’t help but hear snippets of your words. However, I must agree with the Knight on this one. Maybe over the ball, we will be graced with witnessing your metamorphosis?” At this the young man pushed the glasses which had been slipping from his nose more firmly onto his face. Then he stood. Before anyone had scarcely the chance to comment, he had confidently strode around the table, passing behind the hunched back of the King, to meet the Princess Evalyn at her side.


“Now, then. How rude of us all to ignore our most lovely of hosts.”


She was there, sitting directly under his arm. Turning to look at him using a stupefied face with those lazer-star eyes.


Yes. Bore into me with your gaze. Fill it with nothing but images of myself. See what I have become. No longer that stuttering fool from the garden...


“It seems as if you’ve had some trouble. If you would allow me to escort you to a washroom, Your Highness?”


He bowed elegantly before her, wondering if not just the Princess’s eyes but all others in the Dining Hall were upon them at that very moment. He secretly wished they were. He wanted everyone in the room to witness this perfect moment, the reunion after so many lost and fragmented years--- The joining of the Princess and the Prince who would sweep her off her feet and claim her hand in marriage.


“Well, I---”


Princess Evalyn stuttered, the tiny flitting rat-like tutor which, Kiefer remembered, always accompanied her, seemed as if he were about to have an opinion. The prince didn’t wait.


Gently he took the Princess’s hand, standing her to her feet and leading her from the room. Even the King was too slow to catch them, to question what had just occurred. Whatever reactions people could send them, the young man didn’t bother. He was too overcome by the hand in his. The warm, strong hand that had lent him power all those years ago...power that had continued to energize his body through its long toiling to this very eve.


Having memorized the castle’s layout so clearly over the course of the day, he knew exactly where he wanted to go, and made no hesitation in his confident stride. The Princess was quiet for a moment, probably confused by the turn of events, but now seemed to be protesting, though with the courtliness of one who is trying not to make a bad impression even under such circumstances.


“Listen, Prince...Kiefer, is it?”


She remembered his name.


His name...


Kiefer.


“You know, the washroom is actually---”


But he had reached their true destination. Throwing open the doors the couple spilled out into a moonlit garden twinkling with the shimmers of faraway stars upon infinite rainbow blossoms. It was Waltz Castle’s interior Courtyard, empty save for the countless silent lives of its delicate flowers and subtle force of its bubbling fountain.


Kiefer nimbly led the princess there now, positioning her to sit upon the white marble to be outlined by the splashing water's gleams. The expression on her face, whitened by the moonlight, was absolutely perfect.


“Sorry, I still haven't grown used to the layout. But this is better, isn't it? For one such as yourself, to wash using only the finest water will do.”


Smiling he kneeled before the her, cupping some of the fountain’s treasure in his hand, applying it carefully to the mark stained on the Princess’s sleeve with a silk handkerchief.


The same one he had used to try and rub out the spot on the glasses just the night before.


The spot that would not disappear.


“You remembered my name...can you also recall my particular hobby?”


The Princess looked down at him, she seemed still nervously overwhelmed from the unprecedented turn of events. At least in the Dining Hall, even when surrounded by all the political mutterings, she was in familiar territory. But this---


“It’s fine, even if you cannot. I cultivate plants. Flowers. I love them...I love to watch them grow, survive, fight in the harsh cold Nezzie climates. Even though they’re so fragile...”


He stood, turning to take in the array of colors before him. A small testament to Roserasia’s beauty, all locked up in Euthalia’s little glass cage.


“But now, even with so many flowers before me...” the young man turned towards Evalyn once again, “you easily outshine them all with your radiance alone.”


In response the “radiant” princess only offered up an awkward smile. She really didn’t know where this was going. Yes, in fact she had met the Prince of Nezzie in her childhood years, but she could scarcely remember the incident...and had he always been so......like this?


Now he was again offering his hand.


“You said you had never danced properly with a partner before. Shall we change that, here and now?”


He lifted her to her feet without awaiting a response. Readied his hands upon hers in the style of the Viennese Waltz.


Except holding her closer.


Much closer.


“Could you imagine, if the two of us danced together, then surely, our motion would overshadow these frozen blossoms even more than your beauty does, right now...”


He hovered his face in front of her like the moon hovers before the Earth. He wanted her entire mind to be filled with nothing but images of him, just as she had for years continued to illuminate that impenetrable dark in which he lived.


Hands gripped tightly together.


“Prince...Kiefer. This is all a bit...”


The Princess seemed to have finally regained her senses, and looked upset to be held thus. But he didn’t want to let her go. Not now, not when he finally had her...not when he was so close...


His body pushed to be even nearer hers, causing her legs to bump against the seat of the fountain. Flecks of the glittering water began to flick at them like minuscule whips.


“What’s the matter? I’m sure that we could do it. We could win the Cendrillion Ball. That would make everyone happy, wouldn’t it? Your father...mother...it doesn’t matter if you don’t think you can. I know you’ll be wonderful. And I will--”


His lips were so close to her ear that his words came out in hisses, and though there was nothing that he said which was particularly frightening, suddenly Evalyn was feeling very much ill at ease.


“Prince Kiefer, enough!”


Finally she found in herself the strength to push him away, leaving the young man looking stricken like a beaten dog. But the Princess didn’t have time for this. She didn’t have the patience for any of this.


That’s it! That's it! I can’t do this! Kip, where in Roserasia are you now?


With thoughts only of fleeing from the dark garden and the even darker prince, the emerald figured darted into the night.


Leaving the young man all alone, stranded in the silver shadows of the moon.


Damn. I didn’t properly control myself, that time.


But it was no matter. For the plan to succeed, he couldn’t have the Princess hate him. Besides, he held her too dearly for such a thing...


It’s only because I haven’t seen her in so long. That’s all.


Yes. Nothing to worry about, just yet.


Things would be settled in due time, and the plan would go accordingly, just as it had been written.

 

[The Succubi Queen]

Naomi Marie ThalassaPrincess of the Marine Kingdom

Naomi laughed politely as Nelly continue to speak. She was a bit nervous about how her message might be recieved, but she had not doubt that this girl was merely doing her best, just as Naomi was, regardless of her status as a witch. "I'd imagine having such a knight to be quite useful." She nodded to Helbrecht. "I'm not really one for having a retinue, though- just more people to house and transport across the ocean, in all honesty."


"Oh- has he- oh so you're. Oh." Naomi's mouth formed a perfect "O" shape as it all clicked. Nelly wasn't a part of the Royal Court here to show solidarity in the face of the rebellion. She was a rebel here to prove herself to the other leaders of the world. Her face flushed. She had taken this girl for someone in royal favour, when, for all she really knew, this girl had a death warrant our for the Prince of Lepumir.


She decided to buy some time to process the best approach by talking to the princess, but by the time she had even opened her mouth to assure the princess that she was probably wonderful at dancing, that rude looking youth from Nezzie stood and literally dragged the princess away. Yes, what a way to take care of the host- drag her away for some kind of tryst in the courtyard. What an abundant lack of subtly.


Oh well, whatever faux pas Naomi had commited could scarcely top that. Might as well run with her pro Rebellion stance. After all, it was rather true to her own political beliefs. Her smile was back on her face, and she cleared her throat sharply. "Things are settling well then? In Lepumir? It's unfortunate about the Prince, but I'm sure he will be found and peaceful terms can be negotiated. I'm sure both sides are tired of fighting over such arbitary notions, aren't they? I'm sure you all can agree." She turned her gaze to the Viscount of Dorimun, and the Lapine Aria that had seemed to take the brunt of the evening's heat. "War is unfortunate, but it does pave the way for future peace, as counter-intuitive as that might seem." She took another small bite of her food, waiting for someone to say something- hopefully in agreement with her.

Addressed: @Lady Ravenshade (Nelly Lin) @MLAQTS (Rien Lapin) @ParadoxalPaladin (Asuran Dorix) @wizard nibblers (Princess Evalyn)


Mentioned: @Unwavering Knight (Helbrecht) @Pretzel Heart (Keifer)

 

[wizard nibblers]

Nope. Nope nope no. Absolutely not. Nopity nopity no. One more no for good measure. Did I mention no? I’ll do it again. No. Oh, no. Heck no. Please no. The princess’ thoughts ran in circles like children around a maypole of ‘no’, wrapping ribbons around it woven with threads of ‘absolutely not’ as she darted out of the garden and back down the corridor to the grand hall. This was it. This was the sign she was waiting for to leave. Manners? Sure. Talking? Okay. Dancing? Well… If she must. But getting dragged into the garden by a weird prince with a creepy gaze who she may or may not have met once in her life trying to wash her with fountain water and shove his lips on her face? Nuh uh. Not today. Literally any other scenario in any other universe in any other dimension would be better than this.


...Okay, maybe there were worse things that could happen. But the list was very short. She should have protested earlier, should have never let him guide her into the hall, to heck with manners. As soon as he unclenched his grubby little paws off her arms she should have strode back in there without another word. She blamed herself for letting it get as far as it did, but before she could ponder it further, she suddenly collided with an arie floating in midair, who fell backwards with a squeak.


“Kip! Kip, I can’t take it anymore. There is no way I am spending a month with someone like that in my castle. Absolutely no chance.”


“Princess, what happened?” Kip said, sitting up slowly and straightening his knocked-askew glasses, voice weary from being bumped into so suddenly. “Prince Kiefer dragged you out of the room so fast- Did he hurt you? I could call the guards-”


“No! No, he- He didn’t hurt me, he just… I don’t know, tried to dance with me, a-and kiss me, or… or something. Look, just get me out of here, please.” The more the princess talked, the more her panic over the situation morphed to fear, fear of the prince, and the dinner, and the guests and the dancing and the whole month.


Kip sat, shocked at her words. Prince Kiefer seemed a bit off this evening but this… this was completely out of line. But to tell the guards and have him removed… No, that wasn’t an option. Not with all the tensions surrounding the north lately. And even if the prince was removed, it wouldn’t be easy to coax the princess back into the hall, not in this state. Desperate times called for desperate measures, he supposed. Assuring the princess’ health and safety was his most important duty, after all, and at a time like this, perhaps the best way to do that was to just let her hide.


“Well… You’d have to give me time, you know, to pick the most suitable replacement, and I’m sure you’d want to at least give a quick hello to Rameria’s representative, wouldn’t you?”





The princess’ mounting anxiety led her to the verge of tears by the time Kip began to speak, and she wanted to protest, but when he mentioned Rameria’s… No. She’d see him again, surely. They had plenty of time. Perhaps she’d even return before the ball was up. Her priorities remained focused on getting out as fast as possible.


“I can’t, Kip. Just pick whoever. They can’t all be that bad, right?” She sniffled a bit, trying not to let it get to her, especially if Kip was actually going to consider the option of leaving.


If not even Rameria’s representative would coax her out of her decision, Kip resigned himself to the only option at hand, and sighed. “There was… one world I saw that didn’t look too bad, I suppose…”


“Would you really?”


“It could be dangerous, you know! I didn’t get a very good glimpse, and who knows what could be on the other side? Bandits, or wild beasts or-”


“Please!”


“Okay! Okay, just… just come with me.”

 

[ParadoxalPaladin]

Asuran Dorix

An immediate scowl took to Asuran's face at Prince Kiefer's response. Not only did he reject any possibility of a courteous conversation with the aria they were seated with, the stuck-up child had the nerve to actively try to insult the person who they should be treating as their host. He may cover his own malicious intent under a guise of sadness, but Kiefer's message was clear as day: he would stop at nothing to tear down both Asuran and any others who may make any motion to agree with the Arien cause.


It seems that I have already found myself a rival at this ball, Asuran thought to himself as he glared at the Prince of Nezzie. But no matter. If this bigoted, jumped-up excuse for a future ruler was looking to play a game, a game they would play, with both their pride and reputations on the line. And he would have his prize. Besides, looking at his own position for the moment, it seemed he was ahead in this little game, because every person Kiefer had already alienated at the ball was just yet another potential ally.


However, before they could speak further, Keifer had jumped into another conversation for a moment before rising to his feet and all but dragging the poor princess out the door.


"What in the world..." Asuran said at the sight, too surprised to make a move to stop the Prince or even ask a question as to what in the world he was attempting to do.





The others seemed to share his surprise, and everyone fell silent for a moment at the sight.


Eventually the Princess of the Marine Kingdom spoke, breaking the tension by asking Asuran and some others by asking about their feelings upon the war. After thinking for a moment, he decided that for the moment a reasonably pro-aria stance would be the best. "One would hope that you are correct, Princess Naomi, but an issue such as this could smolder long after any peace agreements were made. The issue of the treatment of arie across Rosaria is coming into question, and as much as I may support their position I cannot guarantee the rest of our continent could make such a change overnight, even if their rulers are of a mind for peace."





Gesturing to door the Prince of Nezzie had exited through, Asuran couldn't resist making a minor insult towards him. "As the Prince showed us, such benevolent attitudes are not completely prevalent either. Even then, we have yet to hear from the rebel leader, so we cannot say if he is even interested in equality or open to negotiations."

 

[MLAQTS]

Rien Lapine

Evening | At the Banquet

Rien's eyes followed Kiefer as he dragged the princess from the hall. This isn't the Kiefer which I thought I so knew, he reflected, I suppose that books can't comprehensively depict any individual. Alas, literature is ever subject to the writer's perception in the moment; likewise it is with reality, I presume.


"My, how most bizarre an affair." Rien addressed the others in attendance, many of whose gazes were similarly fixed upon the exit from which the pair retired, "I suppose it must have been in intoxication which he so acted. Indeed, wine does much to relieve us of the many constraints placed upon our minds by society and ourselves;" He glanced briefly over at the blatantly inebriated witch seated beside Helbrecht, a seat away from himself "and perhaps we're better off after all with such restraints in place to arrest us. Let us not then loathe or humiliate our dear Prince of Nezzie for his blunder, though it was undeniably quite dire. Rather, perhaps we should turn our attentions to a more pleasant subject." He said this, however, only in attempt to lessen the manifest tension induced by the peculiar incident. Since his arrival at the banquet, Rien had not seen the Prince but touch the glass before him. Not alcohol, he realized, but passion; alas passion is the stronger intoxicant. And what is there more potent than passion?


A response from the Marine princess roused Rien from his ruminations. "War is unfortunate, but it does pave the way for future peace, as counter-intuitive as that might seem.", she had suggested, a suggestion which Viscount Dorix of Dorimun had declared to be pleasant, but perhaps only wishful thinking.


"Why, indeed war is able to pave the way for future peace," Rien responded to the two, "though it is not war itself but rather the resolution of conflict from which peace necessarily results as the direct consequence. Truly, war may be the most common way to achieve such resolution; perhaps it's the most practical way. After all, does not each entity act as efficiently as they can conceive? Surely, the peace resulting from the conclusion of a war is no reason to fight the war itself, as I'm certain you each would agree. Nay, rather a war is fought for the resolution of conflict, which in this case is between rights for arie or their continued status in servitude and submission to humans. At least to me, everything seems somewhat different if you view things from that perspective."


Rien paused, beginning to ponder on the essential nature of conflict, then desire, before finally deciding that such contemplation only perplexed himself all the more, and that it was all for naught. He raised the glass before him to his lips, taking a sip of the weaker intoxicant to subdue his wandering mind.

Addressed: @ParadoxalPaladin (Asuran Dorix) | @The Succubi Queen (Naomi Thalassa)


Mentioned: @Lady Ravenshade (Nelly Lin) | @Pretzel Heart (Kiefer Avescamp) | @Unwavering Knight (Helbrecht) | @wizard nibblers (Evalyn Euthalia)

 

[The Hollowed]

Alexander Keyston: This Morning 6:00 AM

"It's a beautiful day out side birds are chirping....The sun is shinning, but kids like you....Should be burning in hell" Alexander was listening to one of hundreds of songs he downloaded when he was a shut in before he got transported Ito this would. It was a song he loved called 'Stronger than you: Sans parody' he loved the beat and that it was a great parody from another show he loved...Steven Universe.


As he was listening to his song on his orange Skull Candy headphones which by the way were turned up all the way to where he could not hear at all. As he was listening to his music he was walking around the market it smelled horrible like come on I know it was like a midevial time but they couldn't at least have airfreshners, heck even his room was an upgrade from this. As he was his doing a chore for an old lady that he usually helped out he saw a giant man with equally giant Armor this lit something in his as he studied the walking armor that reminded him of Mister Evil Tin, so he studied the walking suit of armor wondering how he isn't being crushed by the weight of it. But at the same time people were staring at him and his wierd clothing also hearing what sounded like wierd music coming from the things on his head. As he was staring at the man a royal guard came up to him without him noticining and tapped Alexander's shoulder, Alexander was startled by the guard and yelped a bit catching some more people attention as he kind of flushed from embarrassment as he took the more from the guard .


After he took the note he read it and a smile appeared on his face and looked like his face was about to split in half from how big he was smiling, he was just invited to the royal ball finnaly he could get great history of this place and maybe show some people low tech things like steam boats or maybe flint and steel guns.....but maybe he would be branded as a heretic so he would have to ask someone high up privately.

Alexander Keyston: Evening at the Banquet late show up

As Alexander was walking up to the main gate he showed the guard the invitation but the guard asked if he had any weapons and Alexander said a plain lie saying "No sir I have no weapons all I have is a 'Magic' pendant from my parents, and a model I made" he showed his headphones and his gun knowing they wouldn't know what they were and they let him pass. As he entered the castle he whistled at all the carving and paintings they had in here as he was putting his gun away they were splendidly crafted and beautifully painted, as he was walking he passed a garden with a lot of Flora he noticed were in his dimension 'At least some things are the same' he thought as he sighed a little until he smelled food that smelled great.


As he smelled the food he walked towards the origin of it and was greeted with a grand door...well to him it was grand. As he pushed it open the smell of the food got really strong and what greeted him was a grand dining hall where there were people were dressed in tuxes and dresses except him as he was wearing a grey hoodie with fur on the inside and with a grey shirt with black denim pants except...for...one person....the giant in armor Alex could now ask all the questions his hearts could desire. So he walked on over to the giant Armored Male/Female and sat down before saying to the giant armored being "Hey I'm Alexander Keyston who are you" he said in a loud enough voice that could be hear around the whole room.

Addressed: @Unwavering Knight (Helbretch)


Mentioned: @MLAQTS (Rien), @ParadoxalPaladin (Asuran), @The Succubi Queen (Naomi), @Lady Ravenshade (Nelly), @Pretzel Heart (Kiefer), @wizard nibblers (Camilia)

 

[DemonKitten]

At Banquet

Aiko was slightly shocked to have someone other than her brother be nice to her, but then again no really understood her situation. Knowing it was on going battle against a wall, Yuki sighed. "You are probably right, Thank you," she noticed that some others were starting to talk to the knight. One in particular she found a slight interest to whom was silvery like her and had dazzling eyes. Still, she was starting to feel sick and knew she would need to find her medicine soon.


"Where are you?" she whispered slightly as to not be overheard by the knight since he seemed to be keen on chatting with the gentleman that had approached him. Soon, Aiko started to blend into her surroundings as everyone gathered around the table. Even though there were so many people present, the silver haired girl couldn't help but feel alone. She was sure her brother knew a lot of these people and she wondered if there was anyone he fancied. If he was here they could be gossiping right now and perhaps she could feel normal, but she felt almost like a young child. She felt like everyone knew she was there, but they left her to her own devices.


"Perhaps something happened," she started to imagine his caravan breaking down and him perishing, but she found it hard to believe. Her brother was much more built and much more powerful than most that she looked at other than perhaps the knight.


He is fine, Aiko, she comforted herself as her legs started to twitch in a need to leave or get up, but she remained seated.


@Unwavering Knight (addressed)


@Yandere Aqua (mentioned)

 

[Unwavering Knight]

Strange...


As the Princess of Greedo spoke her thanks, the knight's helmet dipped forward slightly in her direction.


Then another addressed him. Helbrecht's gaze swept around to face the new-arrival, quiet gaze slowly analysing the man as he took his seat, the movement rigid and sudden without causing the slightest twitch in the armored torso.


The man's style and fabric of clothes were wholly unknown to him, even though he had travelled the land far and wide, and a strange click upon the uppermost metacarpal bone of the right hand's indicator-digit. Amongst the predominantly outrageous colors of the court, this one's plain grey actually served as a stark contrast.


"Helbrecht." the knight's ugly voice rumbled "Knight of the Lady. Hail, Alexander Keyston." Formalities done, Helbrecht's head tilted slightly to the side as he asked "Your attire... I do not recognise it. The material has been worked to the smallest fiber, a task that would require years of accurate work by conventional means. Where is it you hail from?"


@Yandere Aqua (Addressed)


@DemonKitten (Mentioned)

 

[ladyaliciaaa]

Nelly Lin

​

How their exchange flowered with the noble becoming ever more intoxicated by the minute, compliments were received and adoring smiles shared. Nelly's skin flushed lightly at his attentions, whilst her free hand gracefully gestures and the other balances her cup (in which she indulges another sip from).


The man had kept her entertained for an hour or so before her eyes yearned for another youthful face to admire. What could she say, the girl intended to revel in the ball's so very many bright and beautiful people out till all hours, surely, she wasn't alone on that notion.


With a simple farewell to Gordon, they parted ways.


It wouldn't be difficult to search for a compelling guest in this sea of faces. The wolf-girl could make whomever she wished clamor for her attentions with a soft murmur of words, a slight flick of her fingers. Perhaps she was merely a skilled seductress. One would be left to wonder.


Call it what you want: sorcery, black magic, Nelly wouldn't deny it. However, one should also consider that anything is possible for ordinary girls with enchanting masks that is dusted cheeks and glossy lips.


By now, Nelly had grown accustomed to being approached, to the growing sound of footsteps from behind, the gentle tapping on her shoulder and questioning gazes. It was almost tedious turning around with the painted smile hovering on her petal lips. This time however, she happens upon the Marine Princess yet again and the pair whom were involved in a heated discussion with the purple-haired prince only a while ago.


That's strange. Nelly takes note of the once-filled seats on which the two royals perched, wherever could they have departed to, perhaps, they've fled off to a dark bower somewhere.


Curse her shameless thoughts and the heat that bloomed at the base of her neck, she diverts her attentions to the trio seated close to her and addresses the whiskered dance instructor just finishing his statement.


"Forgive me for interrupting," there is a pregnant pause in which she pieces her thoughts before the wolf-girl speaks again:


"But I beg to disagree, War is plagued with despair and spilled blood, loved ones are parted, fathers and brothers murdered out of greed," there is a desperate edge that now exists in her voice.


"War slays the very idea of a future and I pray it shall cease to a peaceful resolution," a weak argument, yes, but the Witch always struggled with keeping her opinions to herself.


A huff of laughter through her nose is followed by a soft smile, how silly it was to be speaking of their standpoint on the war whilst it still rages on, what did she think she could change purely by discussing it.


"Forgive me for springing my stance upon you all so suddenly," Nelly waves her fingers as though to dismiss her musings. "But I could never imagine War as being practical," she remarks before lifting her head to inspect the terribly late arrival to the Banquet Hall and sparing the young man a hard look at his vociferous and painfully informal introduction, not to mention the clothing on his back.


What a strange man, there's no doubt he hails from Rameria.


Her eyes follow in horror and also curiosity.


And what is that hideous monstrosity around his neck.


[Addressed: @MLAQTS @The Succubi Queen @ParadoxalPaladin


Mentioned: @Yandere Aqua]

 

[ShadyAce]

Camilla Faith Redford

​

Camilla rose from her bed, rubbing her eyes, as she noticed a hefty book laying open upon her body. With delicate hands, she picked the book up, removing it from her lap and placing it on the groaning wooden side table. She stifled a yawn and climbed out of bed, going through her singular routine every morning. Unless, something out of the ordinary happened - but that was rare in Camilla's life.


She ran a brush through her hair, tying it up on her head in a small, yet messy bun keeping her hair out of her way, but those little wisps of hair always seems to escape, and flap around on her face. She pulled on some jeans, and put on a white top, and a red flannel over the top of that, since despite it not being the normal at this time of year, there was going to be a couple days that will be below average temperatures, and for Australians, that's really strange.


Soon after, Camilla finished off her morning routine, and got out of the door of her small, yet not-to-crappy apartment. With a combined sense of awkwardness and pride shown through her steps, Camilla had begun to make her way towards the little shop she had owned for almost never. As she unlocked the door, pushing it along with the small cow bell she bought at a flea market. She stifled a light laugh at the noise, as it had always sounded adorable and funny to her - after all, it was always the little things that amused her. Especially her own social skills. She usually laughed at how stupid she was when talking to others, disrupting the conversation even more.


Her conversation usually consisted of the other person really trying, and herself stuttering and laughing at herself. After a while, no one really tried to talk to her since they knew she couldn't really... do it, per say. But on the plus side, some people understand her strange sense of humor - laughing at herself, silly jokes and more, thus they seem to be able to attempt to talk to her better. Yet it still doesn't change on her half.


With another small laugh, Camilla worked through the day. She sold a couple bouquets, as well as quite a bit of coffee. Everyone loved themselves some fresh, warm coffee in the morning - well more like through the whole day. The smell of the ground beans wafted through the cool breeze, just as Camilla felt comfortable with; and being comfortable - especially when socializing, which was something Camilla avoided often. Why? Good question. Her experiences is usually what she blamed for her attitude and skills within the social region of life. Shaking her head, Camilla locked the door to the store after she exited, then spinning on her heels to glance into the darkness, just to check it was all clear, or to see if there was anyone that needed help.
​

​

 

[ParadoxalPaladin]

Asuran Dorix

Hearing multiple others voicing their opinions, Asuran opened his mouth to defend his own position before he was interrupted by yet another late arrival. Turning to the door, the garish colors of the new arrival's clothes immediately struck him, even before the boy had loudly announced himself as Alexander Keystone. Asuran took an immediate distaste towards him after his rude arrival, but tried to not let it affect him too much; perhaps his opinion could be changed once he knew more of this... Alexander. After the knight had voiced his question, since Alexander did not immediately respond Asuran questioned him as well. "Greeting, Sir Keystone. I am Asuran Dorix, Viscount of the Dorimun Dukedom. Where is it that you come from? Your... odd attire says you do not hail from any place near here."





Finally, seeing he had an extra moment, he turned and gave his final thoughts upon their conversation that had been interrupted. "You have both put forwards very interesting and well thought out opinions." Asuran looked back and forth between Rien and Nelly as he spoke, doing his best to get it across that he wasn't trying to override or fight their positions, just reach a mutually beneficial end. "But as much as we can believe this war may or may not be creating peace, I think we can agree that any loss of life, Arien, witch, human, or otherwise, should be considered a great, unnecessary loss, and we should all be hoping for a resolution as soon as possible to save as many lives as we can."





After saying this he sat back in his seat and relaxed for a moment, observing the room and trying to get an idea of what everyone was doing. Eventually his gaze was drawn to Alexander, and the Knight beside him. What was that odd... thing, around Alexander's neck? It wasn't a necklace, because it wasn't a complete circle, and it couldn't be some sort of weapon... perhaps some version of a scarf? And now that he was looking over there, the enigma that was the knight struck him again. Could he be in the employ of Euthalia, or one of the other representatives? Why did he hide his face, and who was this lady he was searching for?


With a sigh Asuran put him out of his mind, trying to focus on the other representatives, but not without promising to himself that he would find out what the truth of both of those men was, whatever the cost.

 

[The Hollowed]

Alexander Keyston:

As Alexander was about to answer the now apparent male named Helbretch he was interrupted in his thinking process by a male named Asuran Dorix that looked like a close friend in his dimension that was a major otaku like he was. "Why hello there Asura....hope you don't mind me calling you that you remind me of a close friend that I use to hang out with" Alexander said as he was smiling like a child at the person who has the same appearance of one of his close friend, he looked around the room to see a raven haired female who said earlier that her name was.....well he didn't quite get it but she was kind of attractive to him even though she had the eyes of a predator it gave him the chills but also attracted him more "maybe I should talk to her later since I'm here".





he pulled out of his daydream quickly to answer the two males answer so they wouldn't have to wait any longer, he didn't want to be rude. "Well the clothing is simple, because of wher I come from it is a normal clothing style people usually where clothes like these to stay warm or keep the sun off of them while efficiently keeping them cool enough in the summer" Alexander gave them the most scientific explanation he could have thought of on the spot, even though anyone that lived in his world would object or cringe at the bad explanation...hey he's not a good at telling lie's on the spot. "And where I come from.....lets just say that they could out do any country here in anything but magic" he said not telling them any info but enough info to interest them enough....even though he was talking a little to loud here because of the excitement of a Otaku virgin in a room full of princesses that could use magic and princes and knights that can use magic probably and fight to protect everyone to the end of their lives....not like his world at all. "now do you guys mind if I ask you a question or two" Alexander said as he started messing with his skull candy headphones to get ready his own music so he can at least see if some people like the music he likes.


Answered: @ParadoxalPaladin @Unwavering Knight .


Mentioned: @Lady Ravenshade

 

[wizard nibblers]

The magic was, no doubt, sophisticated and required the caster to possess utmost skill and control over their power, but the spell was simple enough in principle. It merely required the user to reimagine an entryway (of any sort, really) to be repurposed as the portal one wished to make. While little research was documented on other means of portal magic, the trick to the particular spell that Kip had been researching was to imagine, with perfect clarity, the world in which the caster wished to enter. The way it looked, the cool of the breeze, the way the air settled in your lungs and so forth. The writers of the old tomes had listed worlds that they found through trial and error, imagining different sorts of places from tropical landscapes to frozen tundras. The places they had discovered, however, were somewhat odd in that none of them seemed to be anywhere in Roserasia. But the magic was considered dangerous, as unknown beasts and magic could emerge from an unattended portal, or they could be developed as a dirty method of ambushing another country in war, so research on the subject became quickly stifled and was hard to find.


Kip had always been enamored with lesser known magical practices, especially when it came to especially innovative ways of making his job easier, but pursued his research rarely and with caution, as he couldn't live with himself if his curiosity was not properly dealt with and a dangerous practice fell into the wrong hands. He conducted his own research on the portals in secret, flipping through worlds in case one had a supply of the princess' favorite foods, a proper hiding place in case of an emergency, or even a stock of potions that made the drinker go to dance practice. Because of the secretive nature of his studies, he didn't make too much progress, although he did find it curious that many of the people he encountered closely resembled those in other worlds, including his own. On a recent trip to a world described in the books to be rather tame (except for the mildly threatening yet unintelligent animals that inhabited the area), spotted one girl, an exact copy of the princess, which made him propose the idea to the princess in jest, and the rest is history.


Kip led the princess back to her bedroom to allow her to collect herself, and prepare to send her off. He decided using the closet doors of her armoire as the portal frame would be best, as no one would likely find it in the short time they were away. How long would this take? Could he even convince this girl to follow them? What if this world wasn't as safe as he thought? But, he supposed, using all his strength to open the large doors, if the other princess has been raised safely there, perhaps it wasn't all too bad. Besides, he could check on the princess whenever he had a free moment. He pushed up his glasses, raised his wand, and envisioned the world as he saw it last- a quaint flower shop in an arid climate, dry winds blowing down the street, and the princess’ doppleganger straightening an arrangement in the window… The bureau shook as the street began to materialize, darkened and empty, between the doors like a projector flickering to life.


“Shall we?”


Evalyn nodded with enthusiasm and hopped through the portal without a second thought. And no plan. But, Kip had already had enough of tonight to worry about it too much. Who wouldn't want to take the place of royalty? How hard could it be? He thought, and followed suit abjectly. Emerging from the portal, which materialized in an open archway in the plaza across the street, the princess had already spotted her doppleganger closing up shop across the street, and was heading over to greet her with her usual confidence. Perhaps she has a plan. Maybe this is one of those rare moments where her diplomacy shines through! But his thoughts were promptly cut short by a bright light and a loud honk. A great metal beast with blinding illuminated eyes stopped short directly in front of the princess, who yelped at the sudden noise and gathered her skirts as she stumbled backwards. What appeared to be a human leaned out of a hole on the side of the strange shape and shouted some unsavory words at the princess before the beast rumbled and took off.


A dumbfounded Kip floated over to the princess’ side. Evalyn waved him off, assuring him that she was not hit or harmed. What in the world was that? Is this world really as safe as I thought it was? Although there was a human in there who looked unharmed… even if he did have no manners or respect for the upper class. Despite her second (or perhaps even third) traumatic experience of the night, the princess was determined to finish what she came here to do, and approached her lookalike with the friendliest smile she could muster.


“Hi! Uh, I know you might find this odd, but, well, I need you to do me a favor.”

@ShadyAce
​

 

[The Succubi Queen]

Naomi Marie ThalassaPrincess of the Marine Kingdom

Naomi' s face took on the slightest touch of red as Nelly raised her point about the horrors of war, and felt the blush spread as Asuran agreed. "Oh, I meant in no way that any form of war should be our first option- but I firmly believe that when this in power refuse to notice the plight of those they rule, sometimes more drastic action must be taken. My entire kingdom was founded on such drastic measures. If the people of your nation, Miss Lin, felt that bloodshed was the only way to be heard, I pity the government that has ignored them for too long. My apologies if that view puts any barrier into what might prove a wonderful friendship." She didn't see any point in lying to them, but she did not want them to believe that she advocated war. It was a last resort, by all means, but desperate times...


Her head turned towards Alexander as he addressed the rest of their small group, trying to maintain as sense of elegance after that outburst. "I do not presume to speak for the others, but I will gladly answer any of your questions, so long as it is within my power. I must admit to having many curiosities about all of your homelands as well." She nodded towards the knight and his lady, who filed her mind with questions, and the Arie who had achieved so much, given the horrid position of his people in this land. "But I can find plenty of time to satisfy my curiosities before the month is up." She had not even been here a day, and she was already looking forward to long nights of dancing, gossip, and politics.


Not to mention all the good pranks she could pull in this place.


She clapped her hands together as a wicked grin spread across her features. "But first, you must answer a question of mine. What is that... thing around your neck?"

Addressed: @Lady Ravenshade @Yandere Aqua


Mentioned: @ParadoxalPaladin @MLAQTS @Unwavering Knight


((Can't properly code on this tablet, sorry if it's a mess.))