Fantasy The Five Kingdoms - The Fall of Sarthenfall - Ic

[Blackrose7]

Annabel Hollenbeck

Spoiler: Annabel

Annabel was cleaning her room before Raymond had arrived at the abandoned castle, since Aria got it covered with helping Azalea out. 'Ok. My room is clean now, so I have to go clean the room that Demonic Velvet are staying at.' thought Annabel.
As she was going to do that, everybody in the hallway started to talk about how Raymond was alive. "WAIT WHAT!" said Annabel, who heard that once she got out of her room. "I knew it. Raymond didn't die from that, and I need to go see him."
Annabel ran to the throne room, because she wanted to see if Raymond was there. When she got there, Annabel was happy to see that Raymond was there. "RAYMOND! You're alive, and I told you so, Bax," said Annabel.
She didn't care if she was being a bit childish, for Annabel was happy to see Raymond right now. 'I am so happy that Ray is alive, because I didn't want to believe that he was dead.' thought Annabel.
Xanto

 

[NinjaGirlGamer]

Ivanna’s eyebrows shot up when she heard about the Shades and how the man she just saved almost died because of them. She only saw once what the shades can do and to think these people survived was impressive to say the least. The medics were working on Ray, when he woke up.

Ivanna watched as Ray slowly recovering from his near death. Almost attempting to throw a punch, before the pain succumbed his body. She just stood there watching his every move with arms crossed. He asked where Priscilla was, Where was Twinkle toes she wondered. It didn’t much matter to her anyway.

Ray diverted his eyes toward Ivanna, introducing himself then tried to get a handshake before wincing in pain. “Ivanna Karnstein” She spoke “and technically I’m the one who saved your life, call yourself lucky because I almost didn’t want t—“

Ivanna was interrupted by some woman with short hair who bursted into the scene, making her head turn towards the sudden noise. The unfamiliar person had blood on them, God these people are extremely lucky to be alive.

Just then another woman, Ivanna didn’t recognize ran through the throne room. Already annoying Ivanna with her loud voice. Ugh I didn’t come here for some sappy reunion.

Blackrose7 Bakuyoshi Xanto Ms. Sparrow

 

[explosiveKitten]

Having decided to find Baxter to just talk to- honestly, there was hardly any people she could truly talk to- but while she was making her way through the halls, she came across someone running around, looking through the rooms in a hurry.

“Hey- hey!” She grabbed the young man as she ran by, reeling him back so she could talk to him, “what’s going on, what are you looking for?”

“P-Prince Cale, Angelo. Y-You’re his bodyguard, right? Have you seen him?” The young man squeaked at the intimidating person in front of him.

“Yes, unfortunately. Why?” She asked bluntly.
“I was told to relay a message to him b-by Baxter, sir!”
“And that message is?”
“The leader’s brother has been found! Alive!”
“Raymond?” She questioned, recieving a nod in return. She took a moment to look him over and see if he had any secret I’ll intent towards Cale. Getting no sinister vibes from the guy, she let him go with a curt, “Thank you. You’re looking for the forge,” before turning and walking towards the main hall.

When she arrived, many more had arrived before her- Bax, for sure, Annabel, some other random woman she hadn’t seen- wearing armor? Seriously, why was she bothering with hiding her womanhood if any old girl is wandering around in armor like she’d done it her entire life?

And Azalea. Who was standing there just gawking at the newly recovered Raymond, just smiling like a kid in a candy shop. Angie observed the young princess, noticing that she was barely standing on her feet as is, and she quickly rushed over to Azalea and sling the princess’ arm over her good shoulder, helping to support her and help her move along.

“I know you don’t particularly care for help, but I think it would be best you not keel over onto your face right here and now, so I suggest you just accept the help.” She mumbled as she helped Azalea forward, whether she wanted it or not.

Ms. Sparrow Xanto Blackrose7 NinjaGirlGamer

 

[Blackrose7]

Annabel Hollenbeck

Spoiler: Annabel

While Annabel calmed down that Raymond was back, she noticed that there was a book next to his coat. “Why do you have a book next to your coat, Ray, and can I see it?” said Annabel. “Do you want me to clean your clothes as well? You have gas all over it, and you can’t do that with those injuries.”
She didn’t want to look into a book that isn't hers, because that would be rude. Not to mention that Annabel wanted to clean Ray's clothes, so she can clean her gang's rooms later on. ‘I wonder why he has that book, anyway? For I haven't seen him reading it when we were at the camp.’ thought Annabel, curiously.

What Annabel doesn't know is that Raymond stole the Ezeris's royal bloodline book from the castle, and he has it out in the open next to his coat.
Xanto

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

Azalea Eve Windfore

Raymond’s returning grin lightened her heart considerably, reliving her of some of the sharpness she’d had since they’d escaped, her brief nightmares doing nothing to assist in her troubled mind.

Raymond’s features shifted to concern as he took in her wear, turning to Baxter for answers, she quickly interrupted as the medic tended to him, “I’m fine,” she said hoarsely, “it’s not mine.” Azalea gestured to the blood on her shirt, the movement sending jolts of pain from her wrists to her toes.

“Too bad the Mad King didn’t let us pack before he decided to boff us off,” Azalea said dryly towards Raymond, her voice weary but held some spirit as she continued, “very inconsiderate of him.” She joked lightly.

The adrenaline was quickly wearing off, she realized, as every part of body burned as if it was on fire. Even her knees seemed to wobble.

Azalea whipped around sharply as an arm helped her keep herself up, the sudden contact making her both flinch and snarl in instinct as she her instantly angry gaze found Angelo supporting her, helping her over to where Raymond was.

“I’m fine,” she protested stubbornly, her pride easily in the way as she failed to get out of Angelo’s support, “Angelo, you can let go you great—“ Azalea’s incoming insult was cut off as a wave of dizziness hit her abruptly, causing her to stumble, somewhere distant she caught Annabel’s voice asking about a...book? Azalea tried to blink the black spots from her vision as she made her way towards Raymond, her legs like jelly, and deep down thankful for Angelo’s help, for she would’ve surely passed out other wise, though she’d never admit it out loud.

And suddenly she found herself in front of Raymond, sinking down and sitting at the edge of the cot he sat up in, the foginess in her mind clearing away as she finally rested, their voices becoming clear once more, along with her vision.

What was even more surprising, was the moment she found herself nearly launching herself at him, though careful to avoid hurting him, and ignoring the pain it caused her, suddenly her arms were flung around him and giving him a hug, not caring that he held the faint smell of blood, sweat, and the awful smell of horse. He felt solid under her fingers. Alive. Just to make sure he was real. He wasn’t a dream, a hallucination, a vision. Raymond was somehow, miraculously alive. Soris had not taken another she cared for. Not today.

And just as abrupt as her hugging him was, it was just as quickly and abruptly ended as she pulled away and shoved him weakly with both of her arms, the little strength she had left doing nothing to make him budge even the slightest, “Are you daft!?”, she started angrily, her face contorted into a mixture of concern and a feirceness. “Jumping off a horse like that, are you trying to get yourself killed?! Raymond, you great idiot, what a great load of rot that was, scaring the tonsils out of everyone like that.” Azalea paused, her rambling nearly running her out of breath.

Weariness and relief took angers place the moment she was finished, as she jabbed him in the shoulder, still quite weak as she said, “You look ghastly, by the way.” She chidded lightly with a sly, weary grin on her face, her yellow-green eyes not quite meeting her smile, the only reveal to just how worried she’d been for her friend.

Xanto explosiveKitten NinjaGirlGamer Blackrose7​

 

[Bakuyoshi]

"Look Cale I know whatever is going on still needs to be addressed but I have a biiiiig fish to fry. The rebellion leader needs to be notified of what is going on. And I need to see how Raymond is. And notify your leader of the fact that those stupid spineless nobles have uh kinda turned coat and are kissing the shades asses."

A guard ran by relaying the info about Raymond leaving the two siblings to hear the news.

"Wait Raymonds ali-, Ohhh that's how you know him. Well come on, best the others met his savior." Cale got up and began to walk forward he looked back to see his sister pass right by.

"Oh invite or not I'm coming. As I mentioned I have news that everyone needs to hear. Now come on!"

The two siblings began to walk over. Cale looked like he was trying to be more proper looking. Priscilla on the other hand was casual as can be she didn't care her brother was royalty. He was still her brother and he was not getting the Princely treatment.

"And we have arrived leaders of the Rebellion! No need to think me or Tall dark and Brooding for saving your friend. It was a matter of only being a decent person. And Raymond good to see you are doing good. At least better then how you were when we first met. But for real the horse ride didn't cause any long lasting injuries. You better not be pushing yourself. Don't think it's been that long since we got here." Priscilla casually strolled up leaving her brother behind.

Cale was not surprised at his sisters more casual behavior. "Of course she's not going to treat the royalty like royalty. Don't take offense guys, she just has no care in the world about treating you like Nobles."

Ms. Sparrow Blackrose7 Xanto NinjaGirlGamer

 

[Xanto]

Raymond Callahan and Baxter Callahan​

Raymond could see right through Azalea even when she was doing her best to hide the pain. If he had the strength to stand on his own, he would have picked her up and placed her on the cot for more immediate medical attention silencing her pride. However even with the pain a simple gesture toward her clothing made her feel, Azalea still had the spirit in her to joke about Soris. Ray smiled a bit at the princess's attempt to stay somewhat positive and hard-headed even when they all just recently escaped close death.

It didn't take long for another woman to come running into the scene in a maid outfit most likely dirtied from the runaway. What was odd about the situation though was that Raymond didn't know who she was at all. Never in his life had he seen this woman at the camp. It was a unique case since he knew most if not all of the rebellion's members. Regardless, his brows raised in surprise as he gave a slight smile with a nod toward her out of consideration. The way she screamed his name hinted that she apparently knew him quite well. "Thank you for having faith in me," Raymond bowed his head at the woman before playfully tilting his head a bit away from his brother, "Ya didn't believe in me one bit?"

A smirk crept its way to Ray's face as he watched his older brother fold his arms across his chest and give a blunt nod. With a few light tugs on the bandage around Raymond's left pectoral and shoulder, the medic finally backed off placing the bloodied shirt onto the injured fellow's lap. "Thank you," He nodded at the helper who soon made their way to the side of the room to gather more materials.

"Ivanna, thank you too," Raymond focused his attention back on his life saver not forgetting her help. A few moments ago her introduction was interrupted by Azalea and the other lady's abrupt entrances. She saved his life though, and he wanted to give credit where it was due. "Can't recall anything after riding with Priscilla, but I guarantee that I'll repay ya one day," The guy tilted his head in her direction as he sent a small smile to Ivanna. Her arms were folded and her look was stern. Heck, when Ray shifted his gaze from Ivanna to Baxter their mannerisms were almost identical.

Just then, a movement in Azalea's direction caught Ray's attention. Angelo was bravely helping the prideful princess make her way towards him. Raymond nodded at the mercenary acknowledging the man's help and presence, "Awesome manners." He smirked after glancing at Azalea's angry expression, "Careful, she bites."

Within a couple seconds, the lady in the maid outfit soon piped up again this time asking about the book in his coat. Raymond looked over at his coat on the table by the cot he was on, spotting a book peeking out of one of the pockets. That ol' thing. Memories about the highly guarded steal ran through his mind, while his hazel eyes shifted to meet her's. They looked awfully familiar yet he still didn't recognize the woman. The mystery maid's following question though highlighted a much more somewhat urgent matter. "Yes please," He smiled at her thoughtfulness, "Is it possible if you could clean Azalea's first?" She was undoubtedly in her only pair of clothes and they were covered in other people's blood.

Now, how would he go about explaining why he had the book? Ray just remembered it being overly guarded in the Ezerisian castle. With that level of security, he thought it would be a fun challenge to test his own set of skills. Plus those guards and the traps laid out guaranteed he would enjoy the story. To be honest, he probably would give it to someone he thought would enjoy the read. The explanation would have been that simple. There was one problem though and Baxter noticed it.

Raymond was in a trance with thoughts rapidly running through his mind. Not once did he ever tell anyone about his criminal adventures. Aria and Bax knew the most. The latter having heard stories. Aria only knew that Ray could do criminal maneuvers from the screening. Meanwhile, Baxter was burning holes through Raymond's head with a familiar gaze of disapproval. It wasn't surprising for him if Ray stole it since he knew more than enough of his younger brother's criminal past.

Raymond's hand was instinctively about to rub the back of his neck until he was suddenly caught off guard by Azalea's hug. His trance had been so deep that he didn't even notice when she sat at the edge of his cot. Aside from the fact that Azalea's embrace nearly knocked him into another trance, Ray found himself carefully wrapping his arms around her in return. He didn't know where she ached so he did it as gentle as possible.

It only took a few moments for her to quickly pull away and lightly shove him. Naturally, Azalea started scolding the only other human who was probably just as stubborn as her. The familiar angry/concerned/fierce look she often gave Ray almost made him smile a bit. Still a responsive redhead. A small jab at his shoulder signaled the end of her scolding as she cued back into messing around with him . . well not really. Raymond didn't doubt that he looked ghastly. Only Priscilla knew what had happened right after he collapsed. "And you . . ," He kept his lips slightly parted in the pause acting as if he would reply with a synonym. His facial expression seemed like he was at a loss for words pretending that she was worse than "ghastly". A few seconds passed with his hazel eyes momentarily studying Azalea before he gradually smirked, "Have a new haircut."

Out of the blues Priscilla finally entered the scene proudly announcing her noble deed with Cale in tow. "Ha! Thanks, Priscilla," Raymond replied noting how much fun she had taking credit for saving his life. Her final sentence clarified that he was knocked out for only a short period of time. In fact, the rate at which people were arriving implied that he was probably knocked out only during the rest of the time it took to get there. Ray gradually moved a hand through his hair finally orienting himself fully in the midst of all the sudden interactions. It was even kind of interesting how Cale and Priscilla got along quite quickly.

"My apologies . . -," Raymond began adjusting his attention back to the blonde maid. For some reason, he just couldn't remember her name. What the guy didn't know was that after two whole months and a close death, he got to see Annabel "The Hood"'s face. It was a personal short-term goal Ray set for himself that ended up lasting longer than expected. He sent a quick glance over to his brother realizing that he started to feel the heat of Baxter's gaze, "Sure, check the book out." Hopefully he was able to evade her earlier "why" question with all the interruptions in between. Although Raymond typically didn't mind telling stories about his heists, the mere idea of him confessing that he stole from a castle in front of royals just didn't seem right. "I-uh," The guy slowly rubbed the back of his neck surprised that he bothered stretching the topic out. "Let me know how it is," Ray smoothly smiled a bit checking on his brother once more whose eyes were wide in realization.

"Annabel, do send that to me after your read," Baxter relaxed his expression trying to not make a big deal out of the book. It was old to say the least, but it only took a few moments for Bax to remember where he had seen the book before. Growing up, he often visited the eastern castle and was practically raised a noble. The blood line book wasn't foreign to him at all. Raymond managing to steal a highly guarded artifact abruptly ended his light mood sending it back to his usual cold self.

"Priscilla, Ivanna, your storytelling commences over supper," He gestured over to the dining room area, "Meet with me tomorrow for a brief retelling." Baxter's expressions were straight and unfazed. His grand reunion high was over. "Raymond take a room in the left wing afterwards. One with windows so your breathing may clear up," The rebel leader turned before taking another step, "I have other matters to attend to." On that note, he exited the throne room with his usual stride.

"Oi, Annabel is that really you?" Raymond placed a hand in his messy hair in disbelief, excited to finally see the Hood's face. His eyes glowed with a glint of accomplishment. True, he didn't do anything to finally expose her face. Well . . maybe except almost pass away. "Ya look as beautiful as royalty!" The guy mentioned hoping he'd see her actual appearance more often rather than the same hood. It confused him why she kept hiding under that thing anyway. Little did Ray know that he subconsciously found her appearance to be similar to the late eastern royals.

Ms. Sparrow Blackrose7 NinjaGirlGamer explosiveKitten Bakuyoshi SandraDeelightful

 

[Blackrose7]

Annabel Hollenbeck

Spoiler: Annabel

Annabel smiled at Raymond when he thanked her for having faith in him. "Your welcome, and Baxter wanted everybody to stop believing in you. Because he thought that you were dead." said Annabel.

As Raymond was talking to the others, Annabel was waiting patiently for him to respond to her questions.
He did said yes for her to clean his clothes. However, Raymond wanted Azalea's clothes to be cleaned first. "I can clean Azalea's clothes first if that is what you want, Raymond. I will also clean Cale's clothes, and my clothes later on too, because I want to do that as well." said Annabel. She was thinking of saving the room cleaning for another time, because everybody's clothes is dirty right now.
Raymond then said that she can look at the book, and Annabel was happy about that. "Thanks, and that is a maybe. For I have no idea what kind of book it is yet." said Annabel.
That will be a no once she finds out what kind of book that is.

Annabel looked at Baxter with a confused look, since she didn't know why he wanted it. "It is a maybe for you too, Baxter." said Annabel.
It made her a bit suspicious when Baxter wanted to read the book, because he made it seem like it was important when he said that.
'That book looks familiar, but I can't put my head around it.' thought Annabel. She didn't know that it was the royal blood line book that she was looking for, to begin with. 'It was also very odd of Baxter to say that, for I didn't think that he would be interested in that. I am keeping it just in case.'

Annabel looked at Raymond with an unsurprised look on her face. "No. This is Amy you are talking to." said Annabel. "Just joking. Of course, it is me, Raymond. I thought my voice would have give it away, but I guess not." She then frowned when Raymond said that she has the royal beauty. "I don't look as beautiful as royalty, Raymond, because I used to work for the royal family as their maid." said Annabel.
Xanto

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

Azalea Eve Windfore

She smirked at Raymond’s reply, scowling the slightest as she touched her now quite short hair, forgetting it had ever been cut in the first place until now, and a small part of her ached for her previously long, waist length hair.

She hadn’t said anything when Annabel’s actual apperance had been unmasked, mostly but she was stunned, and secondly, she just couldn’t handle anymore surprises for the night.

Azalea bid goodnight to everyone before, with assistance being led to her quarters for the evening. Her sleep was fitful and cold without her clothing, but her nightmares stayed with her all night.

~~
Azalea clutched at the lamp, the handle marking her hands how tightly she clutched it. It shook as she led them through the silver, and shook more when Soris bowed them in. His eyes met Azalea’s before he backed away into the mist, and Azalea had to set the lamp down before she dropped it right then and there.

Even though they had missed the last two days, no one felt much like dancing. Violet held Jasmine, who sat still on her lap. Azalea pushed a smile or two, but remained on one of the pavilion sofas, pensive. Isis didn’t want to bother teaching the younger girls either. Karliah was left to teach Hyacinth and Delilah, while everyone watched.

“Try it again,” she said in her sweet voice as they gave her awkward curtsys. “Ana—Ana used to say, it takes a million steps to make the perfect curtsy.”

Jasmine’s small eyebrows knit.

“Ana?” she said.

“Oh, come now, Jas,” said Azalea, a length away. “You remember Ana.”

Jasmine’s dark green eyes remained blank and confused.

“She’s dead,” Delilah whispered.

Karliah smiled at Jasmine, who still sat on a now disappointed looking, Violet’s lap, who looked out across the lilac pond beyond the pavilion, looking solemn.

“She’s just in heaven, happy and free now,” Karliah said, in a honey voice.

“Just in heafen!” Hale squeaked.

Azalea suddenly felt stifled, as though she had been overlaced in a closed closet or stuffed room. She nudged the girls to go. Soris’s dark form appeared through the mist of the entrance, and instinctively, Azalea stood, upsetting Jasmine on her lap. She ran to the front of the girls, putting herself between them and Soris, who strode in silky strides to the middle of the dance floor.

“Is everything all right?” he said in his chocolate voice. “Only you seem in poor spirits tonight.” Azalea clamped down hard on a sharp insult.

The girls, smiling shyly, assured him that everything was all right. Azalea said nothing. Her eyes locked with his in an intense glare. Challenging him. Defying him with no words spoken. So intense the room pulsed with her heartbeat. Soris broke it first.

“I thought to give you all a treat,” he said, nodding to the girls. A roguish strand hung in his eyes. “A waltz. None of you have seen a closed dance for nearly a year. Miss Azalea?”

He held his outstretched gloved hand to her. Azalea stared at it, pushing down the lump in her throat. It seemed to grow bigger in her vision. His words from the dark pavilion echoed in her mind. Never to refuse me another dance again…

After a lengthy pause, Azalea took his hand, fighting the urge to flee with her sisters in tow.

“Oh, goodies,” said Isis, perking up along with the younger girls.

Karliah and Violet, on the other hand, had confusion on their faces. Violet looked between Soris and Azalea suspiciously, taking in Azalea’s suddenly pale features, her eyes green narrowed in a much similar way of Azalea.

Violet was just as protective of the girls as she. She was the eldest after all. But if she knew who Keeper really was...she didn’t want to imagine the outcome.

“But we haven’t been properly introduced,” said Karliah, on her feet. “Mr. Keeper—”

“No!” said Azalea, a little too quickly and loudly, putting a halt to it. “It’s all right. You’ve got to see the gentleman’s part at least once.”

Soris brought Azalea into dance position in the middle of the floor. He closed his eyes and inhaled, and his long fingers traced up and down the edge of her shoulder blade, just above her corset. Azalea held as still as she possibly could, trying not to breathe, her heart threatened to leap out of her throat, the fear nearly making her go faint.

“You have such excellent form,” he whispered. “If only you would stop shaking.”

The music began; an Ungolian waltz. Soris guided her smoothly in a traveling circle around the dance floor, into a hesitation step, an under-arm turn, and gently brought her back into dance position. Everything he did was exaggeratedly gentle. Somehow this made it worse. As if she was some fragile doll of his he didn’t want to damage. The girls giggled as Azalea’s skirts brushed past their faces, tiny Hale trying to grab them with his small fingers as they passed.

“Ah, you follow like an angel.” Soris voice was a murmur. “You are the best I have ever danced with, and I have danced with many. I knew you would be the best. From the first time I saw you, gliding across the pavilion—”

Azalea misstepped, her hands trembling harder. Soris tenderly brought her into the rhythm again.

“You glide,” he murmured. “Just as your aunt.”

Azalea stumbled, and this time it took several beats to ease into the flow of the music again. Azalea’s hands shook in Keeper’s flawless grip.

“Please, Soris,” said Azalea as the silvers whirled around her. “I need more time.”

“You have had a disgustingly plentiful amount of time, my lady,” he said. He swept her about the girls again, and Azalea caught a flash of their black dresses, as she spun.

Bludger, she thought. The insult brought her some small comfort as she twirled about. At least she had her thoughts.

“More time was not a part of the agreement. I suggest you look harder.”

“My father is extending mourning. If I had more time—”

“You are a flurry of clever words, my lady,” said Soris. “Too many words, I think. Your aunt sports that same malady. Or, she did.”

Azalea choked angrily and tried to kick Soris, but her knees couldn’t support her. Soris caught her with lightning rapidity. With a snap of his long-gloved fingers, the music stopped.

“Enough,” he said, once again obnoxiously gentle. “I am sure your siblings want you back now. Do get some rest. I should very much like the next dance I have with you to be flawless.”

~~

Azalea awoke with a jolt, gasping as she sat up in bed, she bolted out of bed and pushed open the narrow window, sticking her head out into the cool morning air before vomiting, emptying out the contents of her stomach. When she was done she stared out across the snowy peaks that sprawled in the mountains, the orange sky lit the snow up, the sunlight making the snow sparkle.

Wiping her mouth clean with her bare arm, Azalea stepped back from the window as she shut the paned glass window. Azalea rubbed her tired face, exhaling heavily at another sleepless night.

She dressed into her clean, folded clothes that had been placed on her desk. Though today, she didn’t choose to wear the leather vest she typically wore over her form fitting button-down, long sleeved white shirt. Her leather trousers were now clean of the black, inky oil-like substance Shades left in their wake. Someone had even wiped down her leather boots as well. Her body ached from head to toe, but less than the night before, no longer accompanied by dizziness.

She ran her finger through her short red hair as she left her room, her movement slow as she made her way down the left wing until she got to the throne room.

It was still early, so it wasn’t surprising that the only people up were the few stationary solders.

Three soldiers out of the corner of her eyes caught her attention. She stared at them as they murmured amoung themselves, all three looking both confused and worried as they payed attention to something in their grasps. Azalea brows furrowed as she caught a glimpse of paper passed between them.

“Oi, what is that?” Azalea questioned them sharply as she approached, already feeling a familiar sinking sensation settle in her stomach. Something was wrong.

The soldier holding the paper started, the other two regarded her with cautious faces as the soldier handed her the paper sheepishly explained.

“A scouts returned from Fransen, Princess, a town about two hours ride from here. These are...all over Sarthenfall.”

Azalea’s nails dug into the paper, recognizing her drawn face at the top of the large poster, the only difference being her long hair. And it wasn’t just her face. It was Aria’s. And Raymond’s. And Baxter’s. Cale’s, Aurelie’s, Angelo’s, and even a detailed hooded face which could only be Annabel’s.

What was worse was the writing beneath;

WANTED: ALIVE
The New Crown decrees:

People of Sarthenfall, your leaders, your rulers, have betrayed your country. The royalty of your lands have plotted together and betrayed their crowns in a vile attempt to take their thrones with magic and the beings you now call Shades. I have turned their Shades against them, and let it be known they will not harm you, lest you harm them, and I shall protect you. The remaining royals have incited an rebellion army to take their crowns by force, and will kill anyone in their path. The royals, and leaders of the rebellion must be stopped. Avenge your fallen loved ones and bring them to me so they may be executed in front of all, and peace shall be restored to Sarthenfall once more. Any correct information shall be rewarded.

Your King.
~~

Azalea snarled angrily, clutching the paper tightly. “They can’t jolly well believe this!” She exclaimed incredulously, looking up at the soldier from the paper.

“Some of them...do. Many Ezerians especially. They want revenge against they’re own crown.“

“There isn’t even an Ezerian princess!” Azalea snapped.

The soldier to the right frowned. “Not according the Mad King.” He stated, used to Azalea’s temper. She’d trained him in archery after all.

She shook her head. She wasn’t gonna argue. If there was another princess out there, they would’ve known.

“And the other bloody kingdoms?” She pushed, staring down at the faces familiar faces on the paper.

He shrugged. “Some believe it. Some don’t.”

She stared hard at the paper, feeling stiffled. Her stomach tied itself in knots as she asked softly, “Calore?” Her voice barely more than a whisper.

The soldier who had the paper glanced amoung his fellow soldiers with dread before answering solemnly, “Yes, your highness. Some of Calore’s people have joined him too.”

She felt like she’d been slapped. The betrayal stung. Azalea shoved the paper back into the soldiers hand before storming out of the throne room, needing some space.

She threw open the large oak doors witha ferocity before venturing down the right wing, deciding now was a time as any to explore the abandoned castle.

An hour later Azalea found herself still exploring as she climbed the spiral staircase of the right wing tower, ignoring the lingering pain throughout her entire body until she got to the top and opened the door.

The room was wide and naturally circular, Ice cold and musty. There was old furniture still, dusty and moth eaten except for a grand piano, which was the only thing that had a sheet over it.

Azalea approached, swiftly pulling the sheet off with a loud whoosh and letting it drift gently to the floor, glad to be alone for once as she ran her fingers along the dusty fine cherry wood top of the piano.



Time: 8AM

Xanto Blackrose7 Bakuyoshi SandraDeelightful NinjaGirlGamer explosiveKitten​

 

[NinjaGirlGamer]

Ivanna didn’t say much after the heartfelt reunion. She found herself in a nice empty room where she could relax and be alone. Her plan was to ride out of the castle when the time was right and the weather wasn’t so windy. Priscilla was trying to make them out as heroes, but Ivanna didn’t want to be called that. She didn’t see herself as one nor did she want to be labeled as such.

Ivanna didn’t sleep much, only a decent amount of hours. It was 5am and the castle was mostly quiet. A few soldiers were walking about and one was sleeping outside her door. She got up from bed to put on just a dark shirt and trousers. Her usual routine was to wake up and start the daily training of her body.

The door swung open slowly to not wake up anybody. She didn’t want no one to know what she was up to. Walking silently down the castle halls almost made her miss the times where a young version of herself would run down these similar halls, almost. She found a wide room in the left wing of the castle, the interior structure indicated it have been a ballroom or some space where a lot of people might have been for some form of event.

Ivanna walked into the middle of the room before setting herself down and closed her eyes to meditate. This would calm her whole body and clear the mind of any thoughts. Then a few minutes later, she opened them and got up quickly before punching the air. Starting to do a series of moves, testing the agility first before testing the speed. Counting each second of how fast her movements were.



Bakuyoshi Xanto Ms. Sparrow Blackrose7 explosiveKitten

 

[Blackrose7]

Annabel Hollenbeck

Spoiler: Annabel

Annabel woke up a few minutes after Azalea, because she really wanted to read that book she got from Raymond. "Ok. Time to read that mysterious book Raymond have." said Annabel, who was excited to read it.
As she got up from her bed, got the book, and went back to sit on it. Annabel opened the book, so she can start reading it.

To those who is reading this book, you must never show it to the public. For it has a few important pages that nobody should ever know about. Protect this book with your life, and burn it if someone is trying to steal it.

"...What?" said Annabel, as she was confused about why it said that in the first page. Turning the book to the next few pages, Annabel was slowly figuring out what the book was about. "Somebody ripped a page out of the book. Why did they do that?" said Annabel. That page wasn't lost, since somebody put it in a secret lock pocket in the back of the book. You just need to know how to open it. Continuing on with reading the book, Annabel ended up finding the past royal family's full name. "Lydia Nozick, Reagan Nozick, and Damon Nozick. Wait a minute. Is this the royal blood line book that I was looking for? Because it has the past royal family's full name here." said Annabel.
This has gotten Annabel even more excited, for she really wanted to read this book for a very long time. Once she has read those pages about the past royal family, Annabel then started to look for what her parents was hiding from her in the book. "Now where is it. I know that something important is in this book, since my parents was hiding it from me." said Annabel.
Annabel turned to the very last page of the book, and what she has found there had made her eyes wide open. "WHAT THE HELL, BOOK!" said Annabel. She shouted that out loud, for she has found out that the book has her name in it.
Although, it didn't have a picture nor a last name on that page. It did have her name, and there was a bunch of stars on that page as well. 'I am so not giving them this book after what I just saw.' thought Annabel.

 

[explosiveKitten]

Spoiler: Dream Sequence!!! Oooo~

“Come on, Angie!”
“You can do it!”
“Come on! Let’s go!”

The three boys all cried intermittently, watching the young girl as she clambered over the tall fence that cut her off from the world. Her stupid dress with all the petticoats kept getting stuck up her feet as she climbed, tripping her up, but eventually, she was finally on the other side of the fence, her shoes sinking into the dead leaves covering the ground.

The boys cheered, Zan the most enthusiastic of them all.

The three boys, Seth, Dain and Zan has been coming back to that fence everyday for the past two months. Whenever Angie happened to be outside, they played games over and through the fence, and today they had finally convinced her to climb the fence.

She had grown to adore her time with the three boys. Seth was the brains of the group, the youngest with the blond mop of curls on his head often obscuring his deep blue eyes. A nervous sort, with his nose buried in a book constantly.
Dain, the oldest, was the strongest, but a bit dense. He was a brunet with his hair kept trimmed very short. Angie liked him well enough, but he was blunt. And a bit of a meanie.
Then, there was Zan. Silky black and long, his hair was held back with a red ribbon. He was probably the leader of the bunch, friendly, hopeful, full of life. He was probably her favorite.
Wait... what?

“Come on! Angie, lets go!” Zan exclaimed, grabbing her arm and tugging her away from the house while the other two boys ran off. She looked back at the manor for only a moment of hesitance before taking off after Dain and Seth, with Zan keeping pace. Now that they were running side by side for the first time, she found out that gosh, this boy is fast! Easily keeping pace with her over-encumbered-via-dress self, she soon found herself in a large clearing in the woods with a huge crabapple tree in the center. It was a beautiful sight, looking straight up through the trees to the clear sky, perfectly blue with fluffy white clouds floating by. An absolutely perfect day.

“Guess what my bá gave me today!” Zan shouted, catching Angie’s attention as the young boy pulled a bow and single arrow seemingly out of nowhere. “He gave me my first bow! I’m going to go have my first hunting lesson with him tomorrow!”
“Wow! That’s so wonderful, Zan!” Angie chattered, looking at it with wide eyes.
“It looks dangerous, are you sure you should have that arrow?” Seth commented.
“Suuuure, I mean, I took it out of father’s quiver, but he’s not going to miss one arrow!” Zan replies, notching it against the bowstring clumsily, testing out the string’s strength.
“Well?” Dain looked at his friend with narrowed eyes, picking up a large (hopefully not too gross and sticky) crabapple off the ground and tossing it between his hands, “lets see you put it to action!” At which point the bull-headed brunet chucked the apple into the air. And being the archery prodigy that Zan was, the boy immediately zeroed in on it, pulled the string back, loosed the arrow...

And watched it fly straight through the apple into the tree, with the apple still attached. They could all see it stuck in one of the high branches of the crabapple tree. Seth, Zan and Angie all erupted in cheers at the success while Dain just looked stunned.

The cheers eventually died down, and the four children seemed to realize something all at once; Someone would now have to go get that arrow.

And Angie was the first to volunteer. Not caring if the boys saw up her skirt at her knickers, the young girl began to clamber up the tree, ignoring the rough feel of the bark under her delicate, untouched hands.

She was having the best time of her life when she finally reached the arrow, quickly stretching to pluck it from the wood with a triumphant smirk, and looking down at the boys only to find, there were no boys. There wasn’t even any ground below her. Like the land had been swallowed up by inky black, and only the tree was left behind.

Soon, her reaching stopped. She looked back and the arrow was still there in the tree. For some reason, she was still compelled to reach for it, so she did. But it was just barely out of reach. If she could just stretch a little further...

And like all those years ago, Angie found herself falling from the tree. Down into the swirling black abyss. A scream tried to escape her, but instead caught in her throat and choked her as she fell.

When she hit the ground- She used the term “ground” lightly- She was herself again- no longer a child, at the very least. But she was wearing that horrid dress, the one she was wearing on that day... ridiculous maroon with gold embroidered flowers, miles of lace and a corset so tight she could feel her ribs cracking as she moved.

Slowly, she groaned and stood, realizing she was thankfully not wearing the dreaded heels of that day, but she was still surrounded by darkness. It was glistening and swelling like an ocean of ink. It was horrifying, and it seemed like she was standing on a platform in the middle of it.

“Angie...”
“... what?” She asked the darkness.
“....Angie..!”
“Who is out there?”
“Angie!”
“Who ARE you?! Show yourself!” She demanded.
The voices were mere whispers, but they were constant, overlapping, insistent. They bombarded Angelique, confusing and terrifying her all at once, until suddenly they stopped... and one roared!

“ANGIE!”
“ARIA?” She shouted, looking around for the source of the terrified scream. It was definitely Aria, but where-
“ANGIE, HELP!”
“Aurelie?”
“ANGIEEEE!”
“Annabel! Where are you?!”
“ANGELO! ANGIE, HELP!”
“CALE? BAX?!”
She was panicked now. These were all her friends, and they sounded so terrified, if not in pain! What was going on?!
“ANGIE! ANGIE!!”
“Dain?! SETH?!”
“Angie.”

The last voice sent a shiver down here spine. It was Zan. It had to be, she’d recognize his voice anywhere, and all the other voices stopped screaming just so this one voice could speak. It was coming from behind her...

When she turned, she found not Zan, but a lion.

A huge, golden, tawny maned lion that was crouched down in typical stalking fashion, standing on the black ocean like the liquid meant nothing to it. It was standing several feet away, teeth bared and muzzle wrinkled as it roared angrily.
She gasped and stepped back, watching it creep closer. Panic set in. She ran.

Apparently she could walk on water too, as she fled from the horrid thing, but sooner she found herself sinking into the ebony water. Running was already difficult enough with the dress, but having it suddenly dragging her down into this... substance. It was like trying to swim through oil, and she soon found herself waist deep in it.

The lion didn’t care. The lion, having given its prey time to flee, had finally started to run across the water towards her, growling and spitting the entire way. It was gaining! She couldn’t escape it! When she looked back, it wasn’t practically on top of her!

She turned to continue her struggle forward, but instead of a clear path in nothing, she found a hand at her throat that was lifting her the molasses. There, staring at her with dark soulless eyes was the Mad King Soris. She had only seen him once, and briefly at that, but apparently her subconscious just latched onto his face, because this was spot on.

She struggled against him, her eyes wide as he smirked at her.
“You know, I can’t help but to find it funny.” He purred, looking at her as she valiantly struggled, “You seem to be under the delusion that you can protect everyone you care about.”
She’s tried to speak up, to throw some biting retort at him, but found that she couldn’t say anything.
“Don’t you see, dear Angelique?” He smiled, almost sweetly as he turned her slowly to face the approaching lion. She coughed and sputtered as watched in wide eyed terror as it ran full sprint towards her. Soris leaned down and chuckled darkly right beside her ear, watched as the lion bunched it haunches and jumped, claws extended towards her. The last thing she heard as the beast soared towards her was...
“They’re already dead.”

She woke with a start, a strangled squeal of fear escaping her as she sat bolt upright in bed. Or, cot, more like.

Hastily, she glanced around the room to confirm that she was no longer dreaming and was indeed safe. Once confirming where she was and that it had all been one of her infamous night terrors, she sighed and flopped back in bed, trying to get her heart to stop hammering.

She sat back and contemplated the dream a bit. Yes, her night terrors usually included a lion, but normally, that was it. Just the lion chasing her, sometimes an owl would swoop down and lash at her too, but the whole sequence, going from the pleasant revisiting of fond memories to the oily black ickiness, and the voices and... him, that was all new.

“... Stuff to do, Angie. Get up.”

Taking her own advise, she finally got out of bed and got all dressed, bound up, and ready to go. She found her shirt.. all clean? Even smelled fresh? Whaaat?

“Must have been Annabel, she tends to do all that stuff. I should go thank her for washing my clothes... and apologize to her for having to deal with the smell.”

So, that being decided, she left and headed towards the appropriate room, only to hear the young woman shout something about a book. When she approached, she cleared her throat and knocked on the door, “umm... Annabel? Are you okay in there? ... what was that about a book?”

Blackrose7

 

[Blackrose7]

Annabel Hollenbeck

Spoiler: Annabel

Annabel was trying to hide the book before Angelo came knocking on her door. As she really didn't want them to know what she found in that. “I am alright, Angelo, and you don't need to know about me reading Raymond's book,” said Annabel.
Despite not wanting for Angelo to know about that, Annabel had to mess it up by saying that. ‘Damn it. I had to mess that up, because of me finding my name in a royal bloodline book.’ thought Annabel.
Seeing that Angelo was probably going to ask her about the book, Annabel had to change the topic. “So are you happy with your clean clothes, Angelo? It wasn't that hard to wash it, because I am used to doing that. Azalea’s clothes were tricky to wash since it had dry blood.” said Annabel.
She hoped that Angelo didn't bring up the book topic, for she didn't want to talk about finding her name in a royal bloodline book.
explosiveKitten

 

[explosiveKitten]

“Hm. The Raymond showed up with? I was rather curious about that...” she said, leaning to the side to look into the room at the book, but otherwise deciding to drop the subject, “But I suppose it is none of my business what is in there.”

“Ah, yes. The clothes, that’s why I came here. I figured it was you that washed my things. I came over here to thank you. You didn’t have to, but you did anyway, despite the smell that was probably very obnoxious... I must apologize for that, I uhh...” She rubbed the back of her head awkwardly, slightly sheepish, “I don’t get too much of a chance to wash my clothes, and I only have a couple sets of them. So, once again, thank you.”

She blinked, then took in Annabel a little more closely, before asking, “Are you sure that you’re alright? You look awfully shaken.”

Blackrose7

 

[Blackrose7]

Annabel Hollenbeck

Spoiler: Annabel

“Yes. It is the same book Raymond showed up with, and you really don't want to know what it is about,” said Annabel.
Angelo wouldn't have seen where the book was at, for she hid it from her view.
She then calmed down when Angelo stop being curious over that book. 'Thank god, he dropped that. I thought Angelo would try to bring that up.’ thought Annabel.
The topic was changed to the clothes, and Annabel was smiling about that. “Your welcome, and somebody had to wash everybody’s clothes after what happened yesterday. I even put a lavender scent on some of the clothes too, so it would smell great. Also, your clothes isn't the worst I have smelled before, because I had to deal with far worse than that in my job.” said Annabel. “Like seriously, I had to deal with the royal family's dirty clothes, and some of the guards were able to sneak in their stinky clothes in the laundry basket. It smells so bad that I needed to get some help.”
Annabel got a bit worry when Angelo asked her if she was alright. “Yes? ...Actually, to be honest with you. I am not alright, and that book freaks me out.” said Annabel.
explosiveKitten

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

Azalea Eve Windfore

The piano resurfaced old memories. One where she saw her father and Ana play together, the slightest drunk with wine glasses in hand as Ana tried to teach her father to play, and both bursting into chuckles when he failed. It had been very easy for her to sneak the wine bottle behind the bush and get her and Violet silly drunk off of it.

She smiled slightly as she traced the keys of the piano.

“Ah! So the little girl is not throwing a tantrum for once.” James exclaimed from the doorway, whom had obviously been watching her for awhile from the way he leaned back against the doorway.

Azalea shot him an annoyed look, “I heard you were still kicking.” She said dryly, a smirk playing slightly at her lips.

“Bah!” He said, as if he took great offense to this, “it’ll take more than a few Shades to take a Delchistrier assassin down.”

She turned back to the piano keys. “I’m not training today, I’ve got too many things to do.”

“I see heard about the paper?”

“Yeah I heard about the bloody people.” She said with an edge, “the bludger’s isolating us. It’s going to be impossible to get any soldiers if half of Sarthenfall believes were the ones all committing treason.” Her voice rose the more she talked about it.

It wasn’t just that. This war was becoming something more now and Soris new it. It was men against Shades. Now, now she’d have to kill people. People with families. Even the people her family ruled over. Or they’d take her. And they’d take them. To him. Azalea couldn’t think of anything more terrifying.

James studied her furrowed, thin lipped features as she stared down at the piano keys. “So the little girl is scared,” he observed loudly.

Azalea’s face heated heated angrily and she shot him a glare, “I am not,” she snapped before sitting promptly down in the piano seat, raising her chin indignantly, “Boff off I want to be alone.” She said heatedly, suddenly needing to hold back a wave of emotion.

James didn’t listen, and instead decided to change the subject and approached the piano, standing over her shoulder and peering at the keys she seemed to be now very intently staring at.

“You play?” He asked with a nod of his chin.

“I haven’t for awhile. Not since my aunt...died.” She finished lamely, feeling suddenly stifled at confessing such a simple thing.

“What was her name?” James prodded.

“Ana.” Azalea frowned, trying to wip away memories of her lips sewn shut.

“That is hard, no? Losing a loved one,” James tapped his chest above his heart, “Hurts your heart, changes it actually.”

“I’m used to it,” she said bitterly, fighting down the dull ache in her chest.

“There will be more.” He said in a fact-like tone. “You’re in war now, you will lose much more before you win.” And deep down she knew he was right, she had no right to sulk.

“I know.” She said quietly, closing her eyes for a moment.

James studied her once more, “play,” He said in more of an order than a request.

Azalea turned in her seat and glared up at him. “Last I checked you were my combat teacher.” She said dryly.

“You need a distraction yes? Play.” He urged, folding his arms across his chest.

“Fine.” She said begrudgingly, truthfully, she just didn’t want him to see how rusty she was. But she wasn’t a coward.

Taking a deep breath, Azalea focused hard on the keys and tried to remember how the song went, hitting a few slow keys at first before hitting the wrong one. Her face inflamed.

“You focus too much on the faliure, little girl, you focus on what you feel inside, all good musicians know that!” He scolded her, swatting her on the back of her head.

Azalea scowled, feeling more like a child then ever, “Well then it’s a good bloody thing I’m not a musician isn’t it? She retorted snarkily, and then receiving another swat on the head for it.

“Fine!” Azalea snapped.

She closed her eyes and tried to feel for the memory of the song, remembering the perfect way Ana had played it. Azalea pressed down on the key, before another, and another.

The tune started slow at first as she got the hang of it, opening her eyes in amazement as she played, realizing she could actually remember. The tune was haunting, and sad, and everything in between, pulling something dark buried beneath her heartstrings. The emotion in her took over, no longer playing but becoming something else entirely, the world drowning away.

​

 

[Xanto]

Raymond Callahan and Baxter Callahan​

Raymond smiled after merely raising a brow at Annabel's sarcasm in exhaustion. He was more absorbed by the fact that he finally got a glimpse of the face behind the hood. After a few more seconds of taking the indirect achievement in, Ray decided to call it a night and retreat to a random room in the left wing with a window as his brother instructed.

_____​

TIMESKIP!​

Cough. Cough. The faint sound of a recovering Raymond could rarely be heard beyond the thick walls that surrounded his room. He moaned unenthusiastically turning over in his cot away from the little sunlight that managed to peer through the gloomy skies. "Shoulda faced the Shades," Raymond mumbled slowly opening his eyes as his tired vision adjusted onto the fresh set of clothes on the table in front of him. Technically, he could have slept the whole day. It was impossible for him to sleep more even if he wanted though because his coughs kept waking him up throughout the night. Hopefully, his lungs were clearing up from the smoke since his escape from the Shade army.

At least Annabel cleaned these. Ray thought to himself routinely pushing his body into a stand and walking over to the clothes. His right hand gradually moved itself along the five o' clock shadow that was a bit longer than usual. So much managed to change in the blink of an eye. It was only yesterday when Ray kept himself locked up in the blazing blacksmith forge making swords for all the new recruits. He skipped a shave for roughly about a day and a half now because of it. Well, because of meeting a sword quota and the random Shade attack. If Raymond didn't shave in the next few hours though, then he'd have a straight up short beard.

Ray walked out his room as soon as he wore his usual armor. Shaving was probably the least of anyone's worries, but it gave him something normal to think of aside from all the things that went on. Supply closet. Supply closet. Raymond peered down the halls he passed knocking before opening any door until he finally came across a storage room. It didn't surprise him that his older brother stored a few items in the abandoned castle before they were actually attacked. Bax was always the prepared one. Ray usually just winged it . . or at least seemed to.

Anyway he quickly swiped a straight razor and started flipping it in his hand when he walked across the throne room to exit the doors. That was until Raymond saw Baxter furrowing his brows at a sheet of paper in front of three guards.

The younger Callahan tossed the blade into a single spin in the air, catching it as he halted by his brother. His gaze then shifted over to the paper the rebel leader was examining. Whatever the news was didn't look too good. Ray spent a few moments reading the paper with his lower lip slightly bit and his brows furrowed just as his brother's. It took a few moments for him to study the looks each member had on the paper until he stopped at Azalea's. She still had long hair in the drawing that would serve as a decent disguise even if someone found her.

Meanwhile, the guards' attention bounced back and forth at the brothers watching their similar expressions. Raymond eyed his as well as Baxter's drawn faces. Whoever drew the facial hair didn't do a good job at detailing its consistency. They drew Annabel's hood nicely, but they didn't seem to stress over the facial hair. It was a detail that made all the difference especially in drawings. Bax nearly looked like he had a beard twice the size of his now. It covered half of his face, which served as more of a benefit than a mistake. Raymond on the other hand looked clean shaven. The artist probably just dismissed five o' clock shadows and assumed the clean look for simplicity.

"Well, looks like you'll be needing this," Raymond placed the blade parallel to his brother's chest as Baxter hesitantly glanced at it. The older Callahan grasped the handle before Raymond pulled away. "I'll be taking a break from a shave . . maybe even 'fix my hair' for a change," Raymond quoted Baxter with a smirk as he walked to a different room.

Baxter grew up amongst straight cut gentlemen with hair combed and groomed neatly. He wasn't completely against his younger brother's tousled puff, but he usually told him to get it fixed. With a sigh, Baxter glanced at the blade in his hand. Ray was right though. If they waited a few hours Raymond's beard might just serve as an okay disguise. Baxter's clean shave could probably save his life.

"Meeting with the royals, their usual company and the two new comers Priscilla and Ivanna," Baxter ordered shifting his view to the three guards, "In the strategy room, now." With that, the rebel leader walked into to the room two halls behind the throne room placing the straight razor in one of his pockets.

Ms. Sparrow Blackrose7 SandraDeelightful Bakuyoshi explosiveKitten NinjaGirlGamer

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Princess Aurelie Beauchamp of Aubigine

​

Aurelie had not improved much in terms of being a shy anxious rabbit, running and hiding at the smallest bit of a raised voice or a loud noise. She was still terrified of everything and she was honestly shocked that she was still alive. She had been taught throughout her entire life that she was a dim-witted thing and that the council that her father had appointed when she became queen would be all that she needed. She was just a pretty little thing to be pushed and pulled throughout her life, and she had never been taught to think for herself. In all honesty, she had never been taught to do much of anything for herself. Her upbringing had been structured so that she would be taught to rely on everyone but herself, and her parents had seen to that, always believing that she was incapable of doing things on her own, to the point where she believed that she was unable to do things on her own. She was never allowed to reach her full potential.

Aurelie woke up, still trying to get used to getting up so much earlier than she was used to. For as much as she was brought up under such a strict education, she was pampered. She had lived in the lap of luxury, never having to want for anything. Her parents spoiled her, acting like that made up for the lack of affection and attention that she received from them. Dresses and jewelry and trinkets, anything that was expensive and the more expensive it was, the more it proved that they cared for her. Or at least it seemed that way. Aurelie dressed in a simple dress, her white muslin chemise with a pale blue sash. She had worn it often and the bottom was lined with dirt. It was already starting to wear down a little, and in the situation she was in, dresses weren't as important as her mother had said.

Once she had dressed herself, something that she was still getting used to doing on her own, as her dresses where so complicated, she began working on her hair. She certainly didn't have the talent to wear her hair in the styles that she used to. She would simply braid it and put it up, running a ribbon through it, this time wearing a pale blue one to match the sash in her dress. She pinched her cheeks, to give them a little color, something that she had done every morning, and was just a habit at this point. She left her room, trying to make herself look small, something that she did often. However, she was humming a tune called Let No Man Steal Your Thyme, a song that she had known and loved for years.

 

[explosiveKitten]

“Well, you still didn’t have to, but you did. So thank you.” She repeated, looking like she was incredibly tempted to ask why this book would scare her in anyway, buuuut Angie had a sneaking suspicion that she knew why already.

“... well,” she cleared her throat awkwardly, trying to come up with a good excuse to continue on her way. “I have to go discuss something with Baxter, so if you’ll excuse me. Good day, Annabel.” With that, she bowed a little and took off in the direction of the strategy room.

When she arrived, she found Baxter standing there with a straight edge in hand, seemingly contemplating his beard.
“Now that is the face of a man coming to terms with a difficult decision.” She quipped, looking at him from the doorway before approaching. The young woman looked at Bax’s face curiously, then at the piece of paper in his other hand. “What’s that? ... you know what, never mind.” She rubbed he back of her head awkwardly, and after makin sure no one was around, she said, “I uhhh... I hoping I could talk to you, ya know... one-on-one?”

Xanto Blackrose7

 

[Bakuyoshi]

Cale slowly woke up from a somewhat restless night of sleep. He was still dealing with his blurred vision. He never mentioned he was born with bad eyesight, and who knows where he could get some more glasses. Good thing it was only for reading, while still blurry he could make out who he was speaking with. "Best go to the throne room. See if we have a plan." Cale was not even sure how to hide his bad eyesight. He just had to pray no one would ask him to read. How low would they see him. And he still had to make it up to Angelo. And he was left wandering aimlessly. Literally lost in his many thoughts.

 

[NinjaGirlGamer]

Ivanna has been training since 5 am in the ruined ballroom. She was on the large step catching her breath from doing non stop exercise. Combing her hair back with her fingers, she decides it might be best to gather information about the people she’s gonna be stuck with for god knows how long.

She walks across the rocky floor and pushes the half broken door open. Some guards were chatting then stopped when they saw Ivanna looking at them. She walks on by to see if that meeting was still going on. She looks out the windows as each one passes by. Outside was mostly snow, it looked so peaceful. Ivanna was admiring the scenery until she bumped into Cale. Breaking out of her trance, she glares at the one who just bumped into

“Watch where you’re going” The tone of her voice was moody yet calm. However it can still send chills down somebody’s spine.

Bakuyoshi

 

[Xanto]

Baxter Callahan​

The rebellion leader walked into the strategy room briefly pacing around the map outlaid on the center table. After marking down the roster from the previous night, Baxter found out that 38 lives were lost to the Shades. Their camp's numbers took a hit from the previous attack decreasing by an eighth leaving only 259 survivors. Baxter slightly wrinkled the paper in his hand resisting the full on temptation to crunch it. They weren't going to beat the Shades or clarify their true loyal status with the number of people they had. He tilted his head down looking at Fransen. The town wasn't too far away. The rebellion needed to recruit the remaining believers before it was too late. If they were lucky they could even get an inside snitch along the way.

The idea sounded great, but how would it be implemented? They'd have to send people there, a small group to be exact. Most of the people who traveled with Princess Aria and Nathanial for prior recruitment sessions were either injured or eliminated though. Baxter looked around the empty strategy room feeling the pressure of selecting another group for the mission. It had to be one that he knew was effective and cohesive all together. Efficiency would be a bonus. They all just had to work together toward the main goal especially in a social aspect.

Baxter withdrew the straight razor from his pocket looking down at the light it reflected from the dim sky. If anyone was for sure going it was him. Whether I like it or not. Bax thought to himself. It looked like he had to get a clean shave even if he wasn't going on the mission just in case.

Just then Angie's voice piped up from the doorway, causing the man to look up from the blade and at the redhead. She as usual was still in her own disguise as a male mercenary politely asking about the paper that seemed to be the problem before jumping to her real concern. Baxter carefully returned the straight razor into his pocket deciding to cut right to the point. "Go on," He looked behind her as his face slightly relaxed. No one else had arrived yet.

explosiveKitten

 

[explosiveKitten]

“I...”

She paused, looking around to double-triple check that they were alone. She was struggling to find the right words. She thought the man was a friend- he was among the few who knew her secret.

“Listen... I know it’s... I just... ughhh, why can’t I just speak?!” She sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, frustrated with herself. “I suppose... I’m asking for an opinion. Advice, even. It’s just... I don’t know what to do with Cale.”

She sighed and turned, running her hands through her hair and pacing back and forth, “The guy is the most nervous man I think I’ve ever met in my life, and I’m trying to respect that and be careful with him, but I’m also trying to prepare him for his role as a noble, and a king. You know, teach him stuff. But I feel like I’m going about it in all the wrong ways.”

She turned back to Bax and gestured towards the door, where Cale would eventually walk in, “The guy is an emotional person, that’s great- having an emotionless leader is never good- but he took his emotions and got violent towards me, one of his friends. Not only did he punch me in the face, but he called me ‘Ezerisian garbage’. That’s a whole other problem in that of itself.”

She sighed and stepped back over to Bax, “I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m trying to help Cale, but I think I’m doing wrong. I... I don’t know who else I can talk to about this kind of thing. Especially so ahh... openly.” She gestured at herself, apparently pointing out her lack of man voice.

Xanto

 

[Xanto]

Baxter Callahan​

Baxter raised a brow as he watched Angie check their surroundings once again. She really was careful about her secret. Despite her prolonged confession about the subject of the matter, Baxter extended his patience as much as needed. Once Angie finally mentioned Cale, Baxter looked off to the side of the room letting out a breath just as she started doing her own pacing. Then the monologue began. Angie went on about teaching Cale how to be a royal and her basically doing all she could just to help him. Meanwhile, Baxter nodded every so often listening to her words and letting his cold eyes catch her expressions.

He shut his eyes for a couple seconds when Angie mentioned that Cale hit her and called her Ezerisian garbage. Would Cale have not punched her if he knew she was a woman? Not only that, but also Ezerisian garbage was a derogatory term that Bax took to heart since he was from the corrupt kingdom as well. Yet look where he was.

It didn't take long for Angie to conclude with her main point of attempting to assist Cale. After a few moments of silence, Baxter shifted his gaze out the window and started walking toward it, "Angelo, you are a mercenary. Under no circumstances are you obliged to train Cale to become a king. That is a journey on his own." The man halted his walk eyeing the snowfall outside the castle. If anything, it seemed like she was going out of her own way for deeper reasons. "Correct me if I am wrong, but your duty was merely to protect him along the way?" He looked over his shoulder at the mercenary, "Or are you acting as a friend?"

"No matter how much we help someone it is them in the end who decides what they want to accept or reject," Baxter paused looking forward out the window once again, "You are doing your best as a good friend. Remind yourself not to feel at loss if your help seems inadequate." His words were hitting extremely close to home for him. A few brief memories flashed in his mind of Audrey until Baxter snapped himself out of it and fully turned to face Angie.

"Your help though for the greater good may be interpreted differently to Cale. Yet even if your point logically makes sense for some reason his still triumphs in his own mind. From what I heard you have done your part. It is time for him to do his," Baxter walked toward Angie stopping before her, "Let me remind you that I have no knowledge about the root of the conflict, and that the war between action and intention is controversial." Most of the rebel leader's words had a philosophic ring to them yet were actually based on his own experiences. Though he himself didn't want to publicly admit that he acted with his heart, Bax knew that his younger brother's unbiased rationale formula helped make the most effective decisions whenever there was conflict.

"If anything from this squabble, Cale should learn to forgive others as well as himself prior to lashing out at another person," Baxter did the unexpected gently placing his hand on Angie's arm, "A true leader never hits or uses extremely derogatory language against their people or friends under any circumstance." His blue gaze met Angie's almost hesitantly when he realized they might have not been that close yet. "I will have a word with him after our meeting is over," His hand released its gentle grip from Angie's arm handing her the letter with the wanted faces, "I suggest you both have a civilized talk. Doubt either of you feel differently."

Now, where was everyone?

explosiveKitten

 

[explosiveKitten]

Angie sighed when Bax started to speak, pacing around while he talked, and she was listening intently the entire time. Trying to absorb the wisdom being showered upon her like the snow outside.

“Ohhhh, you of all people, Baxter, know this hasn’t been about the job for a while.” She said, crossing her arms and giving him a knowing look, “Besides, jobs can change at the turn of a coin. If I don’t teach him this jargon, who will? You? Azalea?”

She sighed, letting her arms fall back to her sides as she looked off, out the window into the snow. “... I’m sorry to dump this on you, but I didn’t know who else to talk to... I appreciate the free wisdom.” She looked back at him, just in time to receive a paper with writing and a bunch of pictures of faces. A wanted poster? This is what Bax was looking at when she walked in?

When she looked down, she found everyone’s faces faces plastered all over this paper, including her own.
“Oh... oh. Is that what my hair looks like?” She commented, reaching up to touch the shaved side. It was starting to get scruffy, after all. “Ugh... sure could use a trim, I guess... and is my nose really that crooked?”

She blinked, then finally turned her attention to the message included. It hit her pretty hard that they were now criminals by King Soris’ decree. “Ohhh, shit... how are we going to deal with this?” She asked, looking up at Bax with her usual stone-faces neutral look, but it was clear that she was concerned.

Xanto