Fantasy The Five Kingdoms - The Fall of Sarthenfall - Ic

[Bakuyoshi]

Cali took a deep breath. "Let's use a Hypothetical here. Say somehow in the past Aodren had kicked the bucket and was married and he left a son behind. No other heirs or anything. But there is one big issue. The child was not born of the proper queen. The king in a drunken state had a child with a lowborn commoner who ran an Inn. Not even a high end one. Just a place for travelers to rest and go the next day. Not even that good of drink or food." She froze for a moment contemplating whether she should finish the question. "Would you consider them to even be a proper heir, even if there was no choice in the matter. If you want my answer it would be an honest no. Why would anyone even consider the concept of an illegitimate child being ruler. Even if there is no other heirs. Let more fitting candidates fill that position."

Ms. Sparrow
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Priscilla was dead silent as the women was taken away. Practically breaking down from whatever Lyskander had told the women and guards had taken her away. And she refused to let the man touch her simply taking a step away from him. "I believe that whatever happened there was much too harsh for someone in a drunken state. Perhaps there could've been a simpler way to deal with that. And not as harsh, when someone is drunk they aren't able to think as clearly." Priscilla spoke from experience. And lots of moments of not remembering the last night when she woke up. Sometimes in a strangers bed, others on a roof with a puddle of puke nearby. She had many experiences and stories about her drunken fits and nights. And a lot of broken hearts. "But that's just a humble Lorelthians opinion, maybe here getting Drunk is a taboo in of itself. In which case I will happily take back what I said. And make as many apologies as you need... Sir." Her blood was boiling even talking to this man. She was sure she needed a free punching bag when this was done.

Ms. Sparrow Inheritance

 

[Xanto]

Raymond Callahan​

Put your mind only to your talents.

Layla wasn't wrong. Any person in their right mind would take another one in if they optimally honed their talents. Then, all three of them looked over at Aurelie, Angelo, and Aodren. The other trio seemed to be doing well with entertaining one another. Looked like Ray's suggestion about Aodren meeting Aurelie was on target.

After a few moments of silence, Layla questioned what a man like Raymond was doing with the rebellion. He merely smirked in a way that gave her false hope of him answering soon. However, he didn't. The rogue left it at a mystery to pull Layla in for more. It was his goal to have her dig for his secrets, so he could more easily gather her's.

The unnaturally quiet princess didn't go unnoticed though. Raymond glanced at Azalea when she turned back around. Something didn't feel right. . . was she okay?

Azalea quickly turned the tables back around though. Now the interview centered on Layla again. The princess grilled Layla herself, asking tips on how she did it and what she had at her disposal. Details. Those were what they needed. Not only that, but Azalea also roped Raymond back into the discussion too. A fan . . psh. The guy lightly chuckled as he allowed his gaze to wander over to Azalea. She was having fun with this, wasn't she? The dancing, the gown . .

Focus on the mission. When Ray snapped himself back to reality, he found Layla's gaze resting on Aodren. It wasn't hard for him to notice their eyes meet. In fact, the king started to slightly turn his heels like he was about to walk over. No. They had to keep them apart.

"I like your eyes," Raymond blurted out, doing his best to keep the duo's hold on Layla. What? They needed to get her focus back and have her look at them. First thing that came up in his mind was eyes. "Though I'm sure you've heard that many times," He hesitantly looked away, though it could have been easily publicly mistaken for shyness. At least the color of her irises really were interesting.

Then, Raymond quickly regained confidence and looked into Layla's eyes, "However, eyes are merely part of an exterior." He carefully tilted his head toward the ambassador. The last thing they needed to do was make her nervous. "No matter how mesmerizing, it's the soul behind them that somehow works wonders," His stare didn't bore into her like his brother's often did. Instead, Ray's warm hazel orbs were almost welcoming . . inviting even, "It is my intention to understand you and your talents. Who knows, I may even be able to help you in your personal endeavors."

He suddenly broke off the gaze and glanced at Azalea, "I don't think it's too far-fetched to link with a completely different skill set to achieve your goals. Whatever they may be?" Raymond genuinely smiled at the princess before turning his head back to Layla. His words were cunningly crafted to rephrase Azalea's questions, while asking for the additional detail of what Layla was aiming for in the first place. There was the save.

Ms. Sparrow explosiveKitten

Baxter Callahan​

Maxim's demeanor abruptly shifted. The general proceeded to alter Baxter's story so much it looked like he was having fun fabricating a narrative centered around an evil rebellion group. Meanwhile, Baxter's hands were comfortably positioned behind his back. His left hand held his right wrist . . now in a fist.

Maxim's sudden outburst wasn't hard to predict after all the truth Baxter confessed. That general even wagged his finger at him like a parent scolding his child. How full was this guy of himself? Anyway, Baxter heeded this reaction as a warning. He had to be charming and stomp around the bush rather than head straight to the point as he usually did. Now that the real stuff out of the way, he just had to salvage what was left.

Maxim prodded at the possibility of Baxter's confessions being true, then predictably went on to brag about his troops' strength over magic. He later even put the evil king in glorified light. Finally, the general laughed and dropped his title like he controlled the world.

Baxter was straight-faced the entire time.

Was this general daft? If Nox was the rebellion's creation, then the group could have easily re-captured their own kingdom without some big-headed general's help. Bax had many logical arguments to slam in this man's face and prove him a fool. Instead, he just took a breath. The rebel leader was a trained gentleman, as was Maxim. Outright proving anyone's foolishness in a setting like this was improper. With Baxter's noble training background, he had the advantage. He knew how to keep himself grounded on the mission and prance around his straightforwardness.

"A wise general you are," Baxter finally replied with a raised brow, "That being said, I suppose you have heard stories of our new king before. After all, a Delchistrierian general like you would be well-versed in his ways." He let a brief pause linger for dramatic effect. If Maxim didn't know about this old guy, he definitely was the most daft military leader out there. "Soris the Mad King," Bax mentioned almost nonchalantly, "The one rumored to capture souls and tear people apart." Sure, Maxim probably wouldn't believe him AGAIN. It was at least worth mentioning though.

Baxter sighed, "But as a fellow military leader, I do respect your decision. Let us hope the war doesn't come to you, and that a well-known general didn't wait till it was too late." He was fed up. If this man didn't want to believe him, then so be it! There were other ways to prove their story true. Talking to Maxim and getting laughed at wasn't one of them. "Ah, but enough of this business. We are after all at a ball. Please, entertain me with your story. I do wonder how a Delchistrierian general was made."

Ms. Sparrow

 

[explosiveKitten]

Ohhhhh, hohohoho, you are such... a prick.

If Angie has actually been from Aubigine, she would have been incredibly offended. The man refused to pronounce the name right, for the god’s sake! Thankfully both Aurelie and herself were well trained in taking insults to their face while keeping a cool exterior. Hell, maybe Aurelie wasn’t even offended. Who could tell? She was stone-faced.

Aurelie gasped audibly when Aodren started to curse, eyes wide and a hand to her chest. Angie turned and followed the King’s line of sight. Azalea and Ray.... oh. Oh no. He looks and sounds pissed, like he’s going to to charge over there. Uh oh. UH OH! DO something! Uh. UHM. AH!

“Y-Your Highness, if I-“ Angie started, only to be interrupted by Aurelie whom suddenly squealed-
“A DANCE!” The blonde stepped in front of Aodren, her hands clasped together as the idea popped into her head, “Y-Your Highness, would you do me the honor of sharing our first dance of the night? It is such a glorious ballroom, and the band is wonderful, it would seem a shame to let it go to waste!”
“A-Aurelie-“ Angie tried to stop her, but she was cut off again.
“Oh, Arno, cousin, I’m sorry, I know I promised you the first dance of the night, but what greater honor than to dance with the King? You understand, I hope?”

Angie could only blink in awe and maybe a little fear as Aurelie was led to the dance floor by Aodren, leaving Angie alone.

She stood there for a moment, before quickly striding away, feeling eyes upon her. Quickly she made her way through the crowd, trying to keep her eyes on Aurelie and Aodren, till she came upon a couple familiar faces. Cali and Aria, talking to some stuck-up looking snob with a wolf mask.

She strode over and, as calmly as she could, grabbed Aria’s attention.
“Pardon me, but I was promised a dance with Princess Aria, and now seems like as well a time as ever! Excuse me.” She reached and grabbed Aria by the hand, practically dragging her away from the conversation with and apologetic look shot in Cali’s direction.

Once they were out of earshot of that conversation, Angie shot Aria an “I’m PANICKING!” look behind her eyes and bowed for the princess, as was customary for any proper young man. She then reached forward and placed her hands where they were supposed to go and she began to (somewhat clumsily) try to copy the steps of the other dancers around her.

“I am so very sorry about my intrusion, Your Highness, but- fuck! - I just couldn’t help it. This is such a lovely song, and since Aurelie has now decided to join His Royal Highness on the dance floor, I thought there’s no better time than now, yes? HahAHaHA!”

Even the jolly laugh she threw in at the end was strained as Angie tried to keep her cool. Carefully she spun Aria around by the hand before pulling her in close as part of the dance and whispered in her ear.
“I’m going to be honest, I just needed an excuse to stay close to Aurelie to make sure she’s okay, and give her an out if necessary, so please just go along with this for a while, until Aurelie manages to escape- Agh! I’ve never had to lead these dances before!”

She continued the dance and kept in close proximity to Aurelie and Aodren, not going out of her way to be directly beside them because that would look suspicious, but definitely nearby. Always keeping Aurelie in sight

“On the bright side,” she continued, dropping to that low timbre as much as she could, “I finally got that dance you promised, hm?”

Ms. Sparrow

 

[Inheritance]

Jeod Swift​

"Woah now!" Jeod exclaimed, feigning surprise and shooting a look at Priscilla. He hoped the look would say I'm sorry for this, and despite him being extremely thankful for her being there she was messing up his plan of getting to his adversary. He with deep breath and a look of outrage, he continued to put on his show.

"Gods above woman settle down! This is supposed to be a party not an all you can drink slugfest. She got what was coming to her." He turned towards Lyksander with a look of great annoyance. "I think our fun will be dampered here. Do you have anywhere else we can go? We don't have to leave but I think we can have a better time away from...well." He shoot a look at Priscilla and turned back with his head shaking.

Jeod had been working on a plan from the second he had laid eyes on Lyksander. A smarter man might have made a plan before he met his enemy, but Jeod always thought better on the fly and under pressure; and Jeod had never fancied himself a smart man. Once again, Jeod was made for this kind of assignment, and had a feeling he knew how to reach this douchebag. He reached deep into his coat pocket and pulled out his pipe.

"Good man, do you indulge at all? I'm sure a bit of this will make this party a lot more....well more. A good drink can only get you so far and a bit of pipe will keep you sane, mix the two and you are having a good time." He gave Lyksander a look of simple pleasure. It was a look of excitement for an opportunity to dull the senses and a look of stupidity to a smarter man. But Jeod never fancied himself a smart man. He was a clever one.

Ms. Sparrow Bakuyoshi

 

[NinjaGirlGamer]

𝑰𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝑲𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒊𝒏​

She had to calm down, she had to. She.Had.To.Calm.Down. Take a few deep breaths, try not to think about throwing this damn bitch off the roof. Each passing minute was starting to get on Ivanna’s nerves. The longer she had to stand there and hear the annoying voice coming from the SpyMaster’s lips. The more she wanted to choke the woman to death.

Focus

She took a small deep breath

She has to remember what James said, she had to focus. Ivanna listened to what the SpyMaster had to say, and despite being a little on the edge right now, she was thinking.

What is your purpose for being in Delchistrier?

The question made her think.

What makes either of you more than a common soldier?

This put her in a deep thought.

James advice for dealing with a court of liars is to lie yourself, but what can be a lie? The two questions seemed too familiar for Ivanna, it was almost if the questions were trying to reaffirm what she was really doing in life.

What was the purpose for joining the rebellion?

What puts you above the common man?

Ivanna let go of the railing she was previously gripping to death then turned her whole body to face Nadira. The glass she was holding was now on her right hand as she adjusted herself to a firm posture.

“Well, I’ll tell you one thing, a common soldier wouldn’t go to an event like this.” Ivanna remarked in a passive tone. “Common soldiers know only three things in life, their sword, their strength, and their assigned duty of whatever their master gave them. Outside of that, they have no self-made purpose. No cause that was originally made by them. Nothing, but the will to survive.” Ivanna shifted her position to lean away from the railing and looked directly at Nadira’s face. “Our rebellion is different,” She said firmly, “We aren’t your everyday commoner, If we were, we wouldn’t be here or make it this far. A person like you can relate to that, your status puts you above any common folk. And just like you, we rose to where we currently are. Not by chance, not by sheer luck, but because we strived for something, something more. For us, it was for the good of the people. I’ll tell you, our intentions are good and just. If we were as bad as the King describes, do you think our intentions would still be diplomatic?” There was a hint of sass in her tone, but it was mostly covered in her unique noble charm.

“Our rebellion is centered around one ideal, and that ideal is built on many ideas that all share a common goal. And that goal does not equal the total destruction of Sarthenfell and possibly the world.” Ivanna didn’t stutter or hesitate on a single word. She wasn’t speaking aggressively, but diplomatically.

“So let me ask you, a person of tradition, what are your ideals?” Just like Nadira, Ivanna masked her true emotions with a mask. On the inside, it was ravaged beast ready to jump out, but on the outside, she was a tigress with a polite smirk on her face.

Ms. Sparrow Blackrose7

 

[Blackrose7]

Annabel was going to say something to Nadira about what she said. However, Ivanna was able to cleverly say something about her tricky questions. 'Good job, Ivanna. Now I can back you up with those last questions.' thought Annabel.
With that fake smile on her face, Annabel told her part of the conversation. “She’s right, our purpose for being here is only in good intentions. Even though we have different beliefs within ourselves, our rebellion is made up of individuals who joined the cause under their own free will, nothing more.” Annabel said “More importantly, I won't say if your agents are correct or not. But Ezeris has some surprising things that the other kingdoms wouldn't know about.” She wasn't going to tell Nadira about the ship being from Ezeris for a good reason.

Nadira also brought up about her family being fools. Instead of responding to it, Annabel changed the topic into her ancestor. "Instead of talking about my family. I would like to ask you something, Nadira. Did the previous royal family of Delchistrier met King Bernand Hollenbeck? I am asking you about that, because nobody in Ezeris knows about his existence besides me." said Annabel.
This princess wanted to know if her ancestor tried to repair the relationship with Delchistrier, since she was able to find and read the hidden page about him from the royal bloodline book.
Ms. Sparrow NinjaGirlGamer

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

Azalea Eve Windfore

"I like your eyes," Raymond blurted, starting both women to snap their gazes toward him, Azalea feeling both her brows arch upwards in mild surprise and puzzlement. What?

Layla blinked, the compliment making her gaze slid from Aodren back to them and gave Raymond a slow curling mask, humming out briefly, all too welcome for the sudden distraction. Despite herself, Azalea found her own eyes traveling to look into Layla's, drawn by the mystery and the colors within its silvery hues. "Do you?....Oh yes, they've been commented on. I have been told they are quite an ugly, strange sight to look upon," she said, her lips pausing to frown, her tone full of a sudden pitiful solemnness, as if ashamed, though under the matching silver mask, Azalea couldn't really tell.

In fact, she thought the woman was full of shit. Manipulator.

Or maybe it was the cold, the sickness she felt, had been feeling. Not quite sick, strange. Like she was drunk, but without the giddiness. A restlessness constantly thrashing in her at the back of her mind. Home sick...she thought. She missed Calore, deeply.

Layla listened on to Raymond as he continued, Azalea turning her head and watching him speak, at the oozing warmth and charm he oozed. Admirable, she thought. Sophisticated. Like the sort of gentlemen her father would toss her direction. If only he'd knew Raymond's true, mentioned skill sets....the thought brought a smirk to her lips. The princess blinked out of thought as Raymond turned to look at her, awareness of his rephrasing jolting her back to attendance, her smirk faded, startled it seemed, snapping her gaze to Layla.

Layla paused at the question, quick mind looking for something it seemed before she gave Raymond a tight lipped smile. "Oh...there's many. They are not quite like yours, I'm certain. Surely you've noticed his Majesty favors women especially...I'm just one of the unique ones..." she drawled, leaning forward, closer to them, closer to Raymond. Her silver eyes gleamed, Azalea noted, something predatory in the way they bore into him. "Aren't you a fasincating individual. Tell me--"

Azalea raised her hand to her nose, giving a mild cough, her face crunching up. There was this strong smell, reminding her of pine, and sea, a rainless thunderstorm. She thought it might've been what wild smelled like. It was intoxicating. Layla paused to flick her gaze to her, her speech cut off my the cough, Azalea waved the look off apologetically, "Sorry, sorry...your perfume is just...bloody strong," she muttered.

Layla's eyes narrowed to slits as she straightened upwards again, peering down at Azalea. "I don't wear perfume," she stated slowly, her lips curling in sudden distaste. Indeed, there was no strange smell, not that Raymond would smell at least. Nor anyone else around them.

Azalea knit her brows, "then bloody what--" she started but was cut off as a servant suddenly appeared, cutting in between the couples pathway to Layla, dipping her blonde head down to pay respects before holding out a small note.

Layla’s red nails moved out to snatch the note, eyes looking over it intensely. “Skazhite Yego Velichestvu. YA poydu k kameram pozzhe, chtoby spravit'sya s etim.” she muttered, thrusting the note back out to the servant. The young girl nodded, wide eyes paranoid and fearful, turning to dip her head towards Raymond and Azalea in respects before quickly moving off through the crowd.

Azaleas brows furrowed, looking after the girl before glancing to Layla, ignoring the overbearing smell that overpowered her senses. “They don’t talk.”

“Pardon?” Layla asked, innocently enough to the point where Asalea wasn’t sure if she actually knew what she’d meant.

“The servants don’t talk. I haven’t seen one open their mouth the entire time. Why?” Azalea asked, tone sharper then she intended, and at the feral curl of Layla’s lips, there was a sickening drop of her own heart and she suddenly wished she hadn’t asked.

“Because they don’t have tongues, naturally.” Layla purred dismissively, waving her hand before sipping from her wine glass, lips staining red.

Azalea nearly choked on air, bile rising at the back of her throat. “What? Why? Why would—“ she began to demand, flabbergasted though was cut off, Layla seemingly taking amusement in her flabbergasted reaction.

“I suppose Maxim found them to be a bother...” she trailed off, her eyes locking into the moving Aodren, whom had at vegan making his ascend up the curving stairs of the far end of the ballroom, moving up to a gleaming golden balcony that looked over the bedecked ballroom.
Layla’s eyes fell to Raymond,

“A pleasure. I hope I see you some more,” she cooed before slipping away, red dress sweeping the floor as she moved for the marble stairs after Aodren. The Calore Princess eyed her as Layla turned her back and left, grateful slightly that the smell was mostly gone with her, though she could still smell it faintly.

Azalea held a annoyed look, temper foul after the brutal information. “Rotter,” she muttered dryly under her breath. She turned to look across the ballroom, surveying where the others were, running a hand over her head carefully, so as to not mess up the half-up-half-down hairdo her red locks were styled into.

Her yellow-green gaze fixated on Baxter before running it over to the man he was speaking to, whom she assumed to be Maxim, eyeing the partial wolf mask she could glimpse with his back to her. Azalea pressed her lips so thinly together they turned white, anger bubbling under her surface. "What secrets is he bloody hiding to do all that...?" she muttered more to herself, brows furrowing.

Xanto
~~~~~
Aodren had only made one step in Layla's direction before Aurelie's outburst had caused him to pause and peer down at the princess in front of him, his expression unreadable beneath the ornate lion mask though his briefly frozen stature seemed to register his own surprise. After a brief moment Aodren smiled tightly before giving a smile, holding his arm out for her to take, and escorting Aurelie out to the dancefloor, dancers parting for the couple as they moved into the middle of the dance floor, pausing to look with murmurs spreading through the aristocracy and nobility like wildfire as their masked head turned to peer unto the dancing couple.

Aodren situated his hand on Aurelie's waist at her middle, his other gloved hand intertwining with hers and raising it to eye level before he stepped to the side, voice lowered in murmurs as he swept her about the ballroom, his movement's a little too loose and lazy but otherwise an average dancer. "Pardon my language earlier, mademoiselle, I'm glad a lady such as yourself decided to humor me for a dance," he paused, turning her about before setting her back in the same position.

"I wouldn't expect you to understand the complexities of the Delchistrier court," he said in gentle, blunt condescending manner, "It can be quite boring, stressful even when the Council needs me, all these rumors of silly magical things off in your own lands, no offense. I suppose that makes one on edge, all in all," he murmured, stepping closer in the dance in an intimate fashion, the elegant orchestra's beautiful tune flowing over them, coming slowly to an end as he dropped the hand holding hers, reaching to just as intimately brush any loose tendrils of hair behind her ear. "I am glad you came, though," he said in a soft, warm voice, leaning in, closer and closer, their dance having stopped entirely, but the dancers flocking about them shrouded them from distant view, his lips nearly touching hers, a whisper emitting from his lips;

"Even though you arrived in the company and alliance of the woman who cut half my pinky finger off..." he straightened, in perfect timing with the end of the song, his hand dropping from Aurelie's face and waist, dropping into a slight bow as he bent low, kissing the back of her hand before straightening up, "Its been a pleasure, mademoiselle." he murmured in the same, charming manner before aiming to turn his back to her, heading for the arching stairs at the end of the ballroom, leaving her there with the shocking revelation.
explosiveKitten
~~~~

Nadira slid her gaze back between the two as they spoke, her hawk-like gaze fixing them with a calculating, reading stare intended to bore into them through the holes of her bird-like mask. Once they were done she hummed out briefly, responding to Annabel firstly. "No. I should remind you Delchistrier does not believe in your...multi-kingdom ruled country. It is inefficient, made at a time of fear and paranoia, save for the Midland Kingdom, which has always been, so no, we have little interest in interacting with your other 'kingdoms.'" she said in a blunt, sharp manner, ruthless. She then turned her sights on Ivanna, hands clasped firmly behind her back, staring for a moment before raising her chin in a prim, proper, and proud fashion, the corner of her small lips upturning in...approval?

"There it is. I was beginning to think you had no bark to you at all," she snipped, in some form of praise it seemed, approval garnered in Ivanna's bite to her proper words. "My ideals? Naturally an odd investigative question, but I will answer." Nadira said, turning her back to Ivanna to glide along the balcony, peering out across Delchistrier's capital. "I believe in doing whatever I have to do to get what I want. This is a cutthroat world, Faroliis is, you know this, I'm sure," she responded, "Just as your rebellion seems to believe the same, or you all wouldn't risk coming here, leaving your country in the hands of a King you rebel against."

Her poufy, richly colored gown skimmed the balcony's polished stone as she stepped down a step, brushing by Annabel. "You walk into the Court of Snakes in a time of political turmoil, with two foolish little brothers of boys struggling to gain power and a foreign whore attempting to control the reigns of a kingdom she does not belong in, and yet you will push for our aid still because you have made it this far, no? Why stop now? Your going to push for it, and I do not think your rebellion will back away, do you?" She questioned rhetorically, casting a glance at Ivanna before stepping for the doors, turning to look at the two of them.

"No. Your rebellion will fight for whatever until they reach their goal, Delchistrier could help, and history may repeat itself yet," she cocked her head at them, pausing briefly before adding, "Hypothetically. So simply the only question remains of how your rebellion goes about do it. You could become a force of good, or a force of great evil, trying to achieve good. We all must sacrifice things for our goals. So what kind of force do you think you will be?" Her eyes flicked between the two of them, though before either could get an answer in, there was the sounds of the orchestra fading out, along with the sound of clinking glass, chatter in the ballroom beginning to suddenly die away. Nadira turned her back to the two, humming out briefly as she squared her frail, smaller shoulders. "Aodren is going to spill another little speech, it seems. I recommend you two not step out for this one." Nadira stepped for the ballroom then, only pausing to stop at the open, double door,s looking back over her shoulder then at Annabel and Ivanna.

"History has its eyes on you," she said, before slipping into the ballroom, the Spymaster disappearing suddenly into the crowd of gathering people, just as quickly as she had appeared. Leaving them with these words.


Blackrose7 NinjaGirlGamer
~~~~~~

Lyksander reeled back at Priscilla's outburst, his hand pressing to his chest as if his feelings had been hurt immesnly. "Mademoiselle! I am sorry to offend you, however I did so, I was simply only doing what you wanted of me to do with her," he cried loudly, his pitch hissed as if he tried to whisper it but had failed on a large scale, tone deeply apologetic, thick accent filled with dismay, drawing more murmurs of the people around them. "You were the wounded party after all, not me."

Indeed, Jeod's loud cry of agreeance with the woman's punishment only seemed to make the murmurs grow more around them. It seemed every time Lyksander opened his mouth, he was driving the two deeper and deeper into a hole of lies and rumors, making them both seem more horrible to the audience by the second. Lyskander's brown eyes danced with triumph and impish glee under his mask, gaze roving over Jeod before glancing to Priscilla, giving a slight bow. "I will make sure to ask twice on what you want next time, mademoiselle." he purred, nothing short of condescending and oozing a certain smugness, before turning his attentions back on Jeod. "Yes," he mused, "She did get what she was coming to her I suppose, didn't she?"

His smirk grew further under the painted fox mask, before looking to the extended pipe, lips breaking into a wide grin of appreciation, thinking Jeod quite the fool. "Ah! I see you are also a man of indulgence, please, lets--"

His speech was cut off by the sound of clinking glass, glancing behind him and upwards, where Aodren stood at the front of the golden balcony, overlooking his grand ballroom and all the guests below him. He'd tapped a silver spoon loudly against an empty wine glass, the orchestra fading off quickly, drawing the attention of all within the ballroom, ceasing their dancing and chatter slowly. Lyksander glanced to the two and gave a short bow, his lips still curled in its mischievous smugness, eyeing Priscilla with said evil smirk and offering her a wink before his eyes slid unto to Jeod, "We'll have to party another time, friend," the man said, giving a chuckle of glee.

The Lord of Revels turned on his heel at that, sauntering his way through the people around them, not a sway in his steps. Not drunk at all, so it seemed. Those around Jeod and Priscilla glanced at them, casting their now judgmental and wary gazes to them, disapproval radiating off them. It seemed Lyksander had gotten the best of them on this round, making them out to be much crueler then they were.
Bakuyoshi Inheritance
~~~~~~

Ivan cocked his head at the question, looking down upon Priscilla, his grey eyes squinting at her in contemplation, analyzing the question and what deeper meaning could lie behind the abruptness of it. Aria shot Cali a warning glance. Oh no, by the Eight, no. Please don't get personal. Don't reveal anything. No no no--

Before Ivan could answer however, suddenly Angie was at Aria's side, pulling her up to her feet. The Northerner cast an alarmed, worried glance at Angie as her blue dress settled around her, "Wha--" she began before she found herself being dragged off to the dancefloor, shooting an apologetic glance back at Cali before moving with Angie, taking the woman's hand in her owns, brows furrowing in concern as she listened, allowing Angie to lead the dance, to which she danced a bit stiffly to, certainly not as gentle or graceful a dancer. It seemed both did not make the prettiest of dancers. Aria listened to Angie silently, letting her twirl her about and the like and once Angie had finished her complaints, the princess smiled.

"And I thought it was just me trying to keep my cool," she murmured, huffing a quiet chuckle. "Pffft, let me lead, or try to--shit ignore that step," she cursed as she stumbled a bit, smirking slightly. "Please, your dance gave me a distraction from Ivan. Here I thought he'd be easier to handle," she mused dryly, glancing out to where Aurelie now danced with Aodren, who's lips moved in hushed murmurs she couldn't hear.

"I can't believe she's out there with him...guess the rabbits getting a bit braver these days, huh?" Aria muttered, grinning a bit and nudging Angie at the small joke, twirling herself about, still stiffly, before setting them back into the same position. "Thank the gods...I thought we'd never actually get that dance after earlier...talk about a hectic entrance," she muttered before offering Angie a smile, "Come on, we've been through worse, right? Just dream of sleeping, that's what I'm doing. Everything will be fine tonight..." she paused and added a bit dryly, "I hope."

Meanwhile, Ivan had finally turned back to Cali, only after clicking his tongue in disapproval and distaste from Aria's sudden and abrupt departure. Hs grey eyes regarded her from under his wolf mask, propping an elbow on the table and giving a mild dismissive wave. "A curious question, hypothetically." he said, tilting his head some. "Oddly specific in regards to an Inn Keeper, and the like..." he trailed off, leaning forward some. "Do you want my honest opinion, mademoiselle? I will give it. It is as simple as this."

Ivan swished his wine glass around some, humming before going on in his cool, collected manner. "I think power, ruling, should never be a matter of bloodline at all. I think it is an outdated concept. A commoner could well far better rule a Kingdom then a King, given one simple rule," he raised a finger, "they must be willing to do anything. I believe, mademoiselle, those that are able to grab the most power, and to hold unto it, are those that should rule. No matter the costs. That should make sense to you, no?" he hummed before the sound of clinking glass drew his attention, the wolf turning his head to behold Aodren on the balcony, garnering the ballrooms attention. He tsked.

He stood, giving Cali a thin smile. "It has been lovely seeing you, mademoiselle of interesting questions, we'll be in touch, I'm sure," he said gently before the Lord Chancellor turned, slipping into the crowd.

Aria stopped her dancing, glancing to the balcony, watching Aodren wait for the crowds attention to turn to him. "This is either really good...or really bad," she muttered.

Bakuyoshi explosiveKitten
~~~~

Maxim's cool gaze regarded Baxter for a moment in silent study, narrowing some as he considered all of Baxter's words. He'd been waiting for some laugh, some tell-tale sign of a joke, but realized the rebellion leader was dead serious. He did not smile, lowering his voice. "You speak of dead Kings now, a man that's been dead for two centuries," he hissed quietly, so all the ears and eyes around them did not see. "Do not test my patience," he rolled his jaw, irritation rolling off of him before he straightened. "We will discuss this later indeed, yes." he said, pausing to debate on answering the question before he went on.

"My raise to being a General was official and hard earned," he started, a certain vague jab at Baxter's own role. "My family has always been very prominent in this kingdom, but our involvement in the Mines rose us to higher status a good...twenty years ago," he paused, "despite my fathers disposition towards me, the Lord Chancellor helped my status a great deal, especially our family. I joined the Great Delchistrier army in my early teens, you see," he bragged, giving a dismissive wave and pausing to take a sip of his wine. "Aodren's father, King Hyberic, took an interest in me and chose me as his Champion and I handled...more issues that needed to be kept quiet."

Maxim paused, debating on what else to say obviously before adding on, "Foolish commoners, whispers of rebellion and the like, lead a great many attacks on any revolts in the Slave Mines and Pits, eccetera. Hyberic saw my aptitude for it, naturally, and only a short time after the previous General befell a hunting accident, I was granted my title--"

Maxim cut off from his tale at the sound of clinking glass, glancing across the ballroom at Aodren and his call to attention. "Ah. It seems we will have to speak another time," he said simply, dipping his head briefly to Baxter before the Delchistrier General moved off to gather with the rest of the swarming crowd.

~~~

Spoiler: Song for the Mood

The Golden Lion Mask peered down at the crowd of masks. Proud of his display of wealth, of their beautiful chiffons and satin skirts, the glimmering chandeliers. The grandiose beauty of it all. As the talk quickly died down, and those gathered turned their masked heads to look at him, Layla slid beside him, standing a safe distance at his side, her red dress the perfect shade of hue with the accents of red in his white and gold, formal attire. The woman leaned over and whispered to Aodren, both their gazes scanning the easily pick-able faces of the rebellion, the only unmasked faces. Layla drew back after a moment, giving him a red lipped smile as the corner of Aodren's lips curved upwards slyly, nodding before turning back down to peer at all his subjects.

Azalea peered up at the balcony, brows furrowing. She didn't like this shite one bit.

Aodren clapped his hands together. "Good evening, ladies and gentleman, guests of honor! Before we conclude tonights wonderful evenining, I would like to thank you all for attending for a night of fun, and the chance we were given to meet Sarthenfall's rebellion!" He paused, as if expecting something. There was a short burst of applause before Aodren held up his hand, and the claps fell silent, smiling a broad, charming, charismatic smile.

"And so I'd like to conclude tonight with an announcement! I am so delighted... by your unexpected visit, I've been thinking all night on how to repay the company!" he announced to the crowd, his hazel gaze locked with Azalea's briefly, his lips upturned into a cruel smirk, and Azalea felt her heart drop to her chest.

"Of course, it was no easy task! I would first like to announce, that the rebellion will be staying under my care of the Grand Delchistrier Palace. They will be given the best guards, of course! We wouldn't want them to befall any harm or accidents."

Supervised, Azalea thought dryly, they'd be supervised. Snooping wouldn't be at all easy.

"And speaking of harm," Aodren said, clapping his hands together, "I have decided just how to celebrate our visiting company! After meeting with some of Sarthenfall's most esteemed, I have made my decision. But of course, I will not leave my people without entertainment, surely, this requires all of Delchistrier to witness the rebellion and its charm, no?!" he called, more claps followed. Azalea paled. No. No he wouldn't dare.

Aodren held up his hand, his gaze setting on Aurelie briefly, lips curving upwards before throwing his arms wide. "In two weeks time," he yelled, his voice booming, "The rebellion members will individually fight in the fighting pits of Delchistrier, for all to bear witness to! Lets see this rebellions FIRE shall we?! A fight to the death!"

Azalea glanced to Aurelie then back to Aodren as the sounds of claps deafened her as she stood frozen. He knew. He KNEW that not all of them could fight! He'd been with bloody Aurelie, he had to have figured she didn't fight...he did figure.

He was trying to kill them.

Aodren let the applause go on for some time before silencing them with a gesture. "This should be an easy task, no? For a rebellion that claims to fight 'monsters', lets see them fight then!" he yelled, a few claps and laughter emitting from the Delchistrierians, more applause drowning sound out.

Azalea seethed, she bolted forward without thought, shoving past people in the crowd for the stairs with a demanding force, her blood boiling. He was going to get Aurelie killed.

Aodren side glanced Azalea's movements into the crowd and her decreasing distance to the stairs, he gestured to the guards subtly in a panicked, nervous gesture before turning to the crowd. "that will be all, ladies and gentleman! Guards! Please escort our guests to their quart--"

Azalea shoved her way through the masks and dresses, bursting through the people only to be met with a wall of guards at the foot of the stairs, she lunged, aiming to shove right through them and they shoved back tenfold harder. Steel gauntleted hands clamped firmly on her arms, shoving her back towards the people. "AODREN! Don't LIE!" she roared at the top of her lungs, as she wrestled against the five guards. "Don't you dare--"

"Please escort Princess Azalea to her rooms!" Aodren yelled over Azalea, to the guards, frantically. "I'm sure she's quite exhausted from--"

"IF THERES NO SHADES--THEN WHATS IN YOUR CELLS?!" Azalea yelled, louder. Aodren froze. Layla snapped her head in Azalea's direction. Delchistrierians shared confused murmurs between one another. Even the guards temporarily stopped their shoving, and Azalea yanked her arms free with a hiss, squaring her shoulders and raising her defiant features to look square into his hazel gaze.

"There is nothing in our--"

"Show them the MONSTER we brought to you or be a LIAR to your PEOPLE. If you have nothing, then you have no PROBLEM showing the public your prison cells!" Azalea demanded, fierce anger delivered into every word. An order, a challenge. Aodren glanced around, only to behold the dozens of masked faces that stared back at him expectantly.

For the first time that night, Aodren was losing a very quick game.

Xanto NinjaGirlGamer Blackrose7 explosiveKitten Inheritance Bakuyoshi

~~~~~~~~


The Ball — Delchistrier Palace
Time: Evening
Weather: Clear

 

[Bakuyoshi]

"Those that are able to grab the most power, and to hold unto it, are those that should rule. No matter the costs. That should make sense to you, no?"


How those words rang true in her head. For the longest time she was powerless in this place. Everyone else held the power, and she was shoved around. Even here she felt surrounded by yet more enemies. Jeod's words echoing in her head. Slowly her anger was threatening to surface. Her blood itself boiling not at Ivan but at Angelo who had snatched her ally during this meeting. What would've happened if Ivan was far more cunning. What if she were taken with Aria no longer around. But outside she simply bowed to Ivan. "And it was a pleasure you humouring my question Lord Chancellor." She believed she would hate this man. She told herself she would despise this man. Yet why was there familiarity to him. The way the man spoke was similar to Lorelthian nobility. They believed in power being an ultimate end all. How had he managed to make her prefer him over the rebellion. Her "Friends" they claimed to be.


And she kept on thinking before Azalea's voice rang through the Ballroom. Looking towards the direction of her voice, Cali utterly confused. "What is she going on ab-. Wait why is she going on about how he knows about Nox... Shit that was the plan!?" Cali thought as she looked around the other guests in equal confusion as to what the hell Azalea meant.

Then Cali grinned deciding for once to play Azalea's game, quickly snapping towards some guests. "A king willing to lie to his people when a monster could very well endanger them? Scandalous! What will happen should it become loose and not a thing shall be done about it? The people themselves shall suffer greatly when more could pop up. These monsters are inhuman, they will kill everything. Women, Children, the Elderly! None will be safe if nothing can be done. As one who has seen their vile ways would you wish for such a thing to roam free or more of them to come to this place? For all of Delchistrier to become the next Sarthenall as your lands will burn, your people slaughtered!" She finally turned towards Aodren. Her voice booming out, not in anger but in a challenging manner, her voice calm and absurdely confident "A true ruler is willing to do anything for their people! Show them your Cells! Show your people that everything is as you say! Or are you willing to allow them to suffer the same fates as us!?" Cali mentally thought this was crazy but she loved making a show for the Delchistrierians around her. And she was ready to see if Aodren even played the game his people loved so. A straight finger aimed in the direction of the king himself. Her own face stern and unmoving.

Ms. Sparrow

 

[Inheritance]

Jeod Swift
"Unwise love is often the best. Anyone can love something "because", but it takes a special kind of love to love something "despite"."​

Jeod would be lying if he said that he wasn't a bit disappointed. He expected more from his adversary, thinking that they would have more time to spar. It seemed the man was afraid of the fight, or perhaps he was all talk and really nothing to be scared of. It had been no more than ten minutes of "conversation" and the man had already left, leaving Jeod feeling empty and...well disappointed. He expected more and was denied a competition he was looking forward to. He supposed the man did well enough- he kept him from getting information. He also got nothing out of Jeod, and honestly it seemed as though nothing was gained from the exchange. They could have not spoken at all and the result would have been the same.

The stares from the audience hardly phased Jeod, it was a wonder he even noticed them. If these people thought that agreeing with a well government official hitting a woman was somehow worse than actually hitting her, these people were too dense to be impressed at all. Their exchange had resulted in next to nothing, and aside from barbarically asking what secrets the man held, there was nothing he could have done. If he had been beaten in a duel of words and somehow given up more than he got, Jeod would feel properly chastised and beaten; but in an exchange that would have been the same if they had both stared at each other doing nothing, he could only feel bored-but at least he might have a smoking buddy later.

He pocketed his pipe and prepared for the speech. In a very short time, Jeod began to get a much better idea of how this rebellion was working and how it was going to fail. Aodren was extremely cocky, and while Jeod respected the man's confidence in his position, he couldn't help but shake his head. Has the man never read a book? Doesn't he know that the best solution to a problem is the easiest one?

His disproving thoughts were cut off when he heard the last bit of the plan. Of course. Humiliate us publicly, and even if some of the fighters survived, they would be crippled and broken. It was a nice plan, and Jeod might have admired it if it wasn't too easy. Azalea and Baxter had lead them right into the jaws of their enemy! They might as well have wrapped the lot of them in a bow and delivered them to the King. Cali was right-this rebellion had weak leaders. Jeod was about to die for a rebellion he cared for less than his pipe.

And then it got better. Or worse, depending on how you viewed it. Azalea lost her calm demeanor and ran towards Aodren, screaming at him about shades. This was obviously no problem to the King of course, if he had the entire party believing that it was OK to hit women, there was no way they'd just believe Azalea. He was the King, there was no reason he had to do anything. Their rebellion was small for a reason-Aodren had convinced everyone else they were in the wrong. There was no reason he had to listen to Azalea, and he could just move any Shades before they even got close. What was she thinking?

Jeod began to back away through the crowd, noticing Aodren looking a little more nervous than he should. Why? He was holding all the cards, what was he so surprised about? He invited the rebellion here-how did he not expect some sort of outburst? Was everyone a moron? It didn't matter, Jeod needed to prepare for an escape here. His loyalty was faltering, and he cared more for his life than this rebellion. He turned to leave, figuring he could find a way to escape, before stopping in his tracks. Ray. He couldn't leave him. He owed him a life debt of his own, and he knew that he'd regret it forever if he didn't pay it back.

With a sigh, he turned around and made his way back to his place. He would repay his debt, then he would be gone. Azalea and Baxter had brought them right to the King, and they were about to get killed. The rebellion had a few decent fighters, Aodren had the might of an entire kingdom. They would be captured, then be slaughtered while thousands watched and cheered. This was the end of the rebellion-they had lost.

Ms. Sparrow Xanto

 

[NinjaGirlGamer]

𝑰𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝑲𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒊𝒏​

Ivanna kept up her “friendly” face when the SpyMaster turned to address her. The little smirk on the woman’s face only meant one thing. She finally won her over. As Ivanna held the empty wine class, she carefully listened to what Nadira said about her ideals. Then even better, The SpymMaster revealed some valuable information. Well Somewhat, but it was enough for Ivanna. The music in the background started to die down, indicating something was about to happen. At the same time, Nadira started to walk back inside, but not before turning around to give the final word.

History has its eyes on you​

Then she disappeared into the crowds with no indication of where she went, but Ivanna didn’t care. She was relieved that the vile woman was finally out of her hair. The King of the castle started to come into view which was Ivanna’s cue to venture on back inside. She found a space in the back of the room that had a good view of where the King was and his Queen. The King began to speak with a loud charismatic voice. Even if Ivanna was in the very back, she could still hear the fakeness coming out the King’s mouth.

And so I'd like to conclude tonight with an announcement! I am so delighted... by your unexpected visit, I've been thinking all night on how to repay the company!

What a load of shit.....Ivanna thought. She was trying so hard not to look bored, but at the same time felt like she was going to snore.

After meeting with some of Sarthenfall's most esteemed, I have made my decision. But of course, I will not leave my people without entertainment, surely, this requires all of Delchistrier to witness the rebellion and its charm, no?!

This caught Ivanna’s attention. Entertainment? She looked at the various people clapping then stared at the King directly. I don’t like where this is going.

In two weeks time!
The rebellion members will individually fight in the fighting pits of Delchistrier, for all to bear witness to! Lets see this rebellions FIRE shall we?! A fight to the death!

Everything started to deafen after the last word was said. The clapping now mute as Ivanna processed the information and replayed it over and over in her head. She knew it, She knew this wasn’t going to be easy. They needed a plan, and just when Ivanna tried to locate her group. Azalea’s voice boomed and echoed across the room. Ivanna snapped her head to the direction of the noise. It seemed Azalea had lost her temper. That’s just great, Ivanna thought sarcastically. Then Azalea revealed to the crowd that there was currently a monster in the cells. That “monster” she was referring to, was the same one they have been stuck with for the past three months. Then, the situation might have gotten worse, or better, as Cali decided to join in on the King’s deception raid. Challenging the King to reveal Nox to the public. So that’s the plan. Ivanna scanned the room for the rest of her team, she had to come up with a plan. The crowd was currently confused and the King was obviously backed into a corner, or almost.

And almost wasn’t good enough

Ivanna quickly turned her attention to Annabel who was not too far from her. She shifted herself to Annabel’s position “Alright Listen Snowflake, The King is at a crossroads right now. Azalea and Cali won’t be enough to pressure the King into submission. Nadira likes you, try to find her and get her on our side. You know what to do.” Ivanna left it at that then continued to search for the rest of her team. She saw Jeod, but witnessed the man being backed into a corner himself. He’s giving up, Ivanna thought and she couldn’t blame him.
However, that’s not what the rebellion needs right now.

That’s not what Sarthenfall needs right now

At that moment, she decided to throw away Plan A and go straight with Plan B. She started to push her way towards the front. The pressure of the situation make her push forward in a hurry. Now, her feet were on solid glass and a wide open space. A glance to the right showed Azalea all red and scrunched up. Her outburst could cost her, her life. Unless..

A loud whistle started to ring in all ears in the room.

“LISTEN UP!!!!!” Ivanna boomed loud and clear for everyone to hear. Her voice indicated that what she was about to say, shouldn’t be ignored.

“You all may be thinking that what we’re saying is merely pure fiction, but what my friend is saying here is the Truth!” Ivanna said loudly, “We didn’t come here with ill intentions. We came here to show you people the real enemy. A big enemy. One capable of destroying the Entire World as we know it. And it’s right here in this very kingdom!” She stated loud and clear. Ivanna looked up at the King “Wanna know what’s happening in Sarthenfall?” She turned back to the crowd then started to pace slowly “Imagine if you’re in a town, filled with men, women, children, and elderly. An environment just like this one, where everything seems normal.” After the last word, Ivanna’s voice got darker “Then Imagine if there was a fire, a big one, but it’s a fire without a flame. A giant smoke cloud, that grows at the end of the town. Blocking the Sun. Then spreading all throughout the streets, and getting into the little crevices. Until it engulfs all that you know, the smoke won’t get into your lungs. No, the smoke will make you feel like you been stabbed a thousand times. And during that time, your vision is blinded by darkness and all you can hear are loud screams.” Ivanna stopped her pacing, her face looked dead serious. “And that’s only part of the reality you all may face, if your King does nothing!” She shouted. “Do you think your walls can stop something that’s entirely made out of air? Why, there might be a Shade in this very castle. Oh wait.” Ivanna turned directly to the King “There is.” She drawled before she turned back to the masses. “Whether you choose to believe us or not will decide the fate of Delchistrier and possibly the World. Would you rather stay in your homes knowing of the depending doom that’s gonna come or will you all get off your high horse and do something about it.” Ivanna stated before standing below the balcony, glaring directly at the King. “Show me where your Cells are and I will bring the Demon here myself!” Ivanna turned to the crowd, “I will prove to you that you have a monster right at your front door step!” She said with her booming voice. The voice was stern, but at its heart was the very core of determination.

Ms. Sparrow Blackrose7

Mentioned: Bakuyoshi Inheritance

 

[explosiveKitten]

Aurelie was visibly startled when Aodren started to whisper to her, revealing that little secret. Her eyes widened and flickered down to his hands, before flitting back up to his eyes. She opened her mouth to stammer something to him, but he had already strode away, leaving her alone on the dance floor.

“Oh, there we have it- My lady, I believe this is where we part ways.” Angie said, giving one more spin to Aria before she deposited the Northern princess back next to Cali, bowing to the princess, before she quickly strode off to collect Aurelie.

“Aurelie-“
“Oh my gods... oh my gods!”
“Aurelie, calm down-“
“Ohhhh, my gods. Hhhaaaaahhh....”
“Aurelie! Did he hurt you? Are you okay?”
“H-He told me-“
“Aurelie, breathe, princess!”
“He told me that Azalea cut off half of his finger! He hates us, Annn-ro! ARno.”
Angie’s eyes widened, before she cursed under her breath, glaring in Azalea’s direction. Would this damn woman ever tell them anything?! That would have been great to know!

“Aurelie, just stay with me, okay?”
“Y-Yes...”

-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-

The world came crashing down around her when Aodren made THAT announcement, and Aurelie was visibly shaking, whimpering and looked ready to cry.
Angie’s eyes were wide. What was she going to do? How could she fix this? Her eyes darted around to Aria as she pulled Aurelie close, trying to shield her from all the eyes on them.

When Azalea burst out, Angie wanted to shriek at her to just shut up, but when she looked back at Aodren, under the mask she could see he was nervous. That... Had Azalea done something right for once?

Cali spoke up, then Ivanna, and a thought formed in her mind. They needed to show some proof that the shades were real, and a threat. An idea popped into her head.

“Just rumors?” Angie said, walking forward, her face a barely veiled picture of anger. “By the gods, I wish they were! Yes, I suppose you would think they were just rumors. The silly machinations of a... a country gone wild!”

Aurelie followed closely behind Angie as she made her way forward. The woman dressed as a man reached up and started to unbutton the tall neck of her formal clothes, “I suppose if someone stays in their own country and doesn’t bother with others, one might think that. But if the shades aren’t real, then what is this?”

She pulled the shoulder of her dress shirt down to show a nasty scar. A scar left behind from a shade attack many months ago. People nearby gasped at the ghastly red scar, in the form of a large bite mark, but not any bite made by a natural animal.

“It was big,” she said to the people around her, earning their rapt attention, “black as night and shifting, like a sentient cloud of smoke. It had huge teeth, jagged like obsidian! It bit into my shoulder and wrenched me around like a plaything before I could take my blade and slit it’s belly open!” She made a hand gesture to symbolize the action, wrapping the crowd around her little finger with this story. “Then, it turned into black sludge, like oil, before it evaporated and disappeared.”

She looked over at Aodren, pulling her shirt back onto her shoulder but not buttoning it up as she gestured at Aodren, “What we have in your cells down below is even worse. And you want to wait for the Mad King to get done with Sarthenfall, so that he can then send them here?”

Ms. Sparrow

 

[Blackrose7]

While the spymaster had kept talking to them about a few valuable information. Annabel was keeping her fake smile up, since she needed to keep that look until Nadira was done.
Even though what Nadira said was interesting, she left once they finished the conversation.
Annabel had stopped doing that fake smile of hers upon her departure, since it was hurting her face. She wasn’t comfortable having to keep her face stuck like that during their entire conversation. 'Well, that was a lovely conversation. Also, my poor face really didn't like the whole fake smiling thing.' thought Annabel.
Having not forgotten about what Nadira said about Aodren's speech. Annabel went inside of the ball with Ivanna. Since she didn't want to miss the king's speech.
…
Oh, how she should have known that Azalea was going to mess this plan up.
The King did his speech, and as soon as he said that they were going to be staying under his care. Annabel immediately knew that something was off. '...Something is off about this speech, because he has no reason to let his guards supervise us unless.' thought Annabel. It then hit her that Azalea probably did her usual mess up. 'I swear to god that if this is Azalea's doing. I am so not going to jump into whatever random plan she comes up with.'
Despite not knowing that, this was indeed Azalea's doing. This secretly annoyed Annabel, since Ivanna and her have worked so hard to get Nadira's trust. However, that trust is going to be thrown out of the window.

The king continued on with his speech, and what Annabel had thought about the king's speech ended up happening. Annabel's face didn't change when the king said that the rebellion was going to be fighting in the fighting pits. However, her internal self was screaming in anger from this. 'I knew it. I knew that something was off about this speech, and I bet this was Azalea's doing. She probably messed up, and now the king is trying to kill us.' thought Annabel.
The Ezeris princess wasn’t happy about this at all. Because their attempt to get the king and his cabinets' trust was going to be for nothing.

Azalea then shouted about Nox being in the cells, which then made Annabel want to facepalm herself. 'You can't be serious about this, Azalea. This is your backup plan? You wanted to bring Nox on my kingdom's ship, so you can make this scapegoat plan of yours? You know what? I am so going to talk to Nadira about this. Because at least, I can try to maintain the spymaster's trust by doing this.' thought Annabel. She really didn't like Azalea's scapegoat plan towards Nox, because her people are trying to use her as a scapegoat for her family's sins towards them. In fact, Annabel didn't want Nox to be involved with this at all. They would be able to prevent Nox from being dragged into this if they were able to handle this situation properly. But no, that can't happen. Azalea was going to eventually mess it up in some way, and ruin the rebellion's hard work here.

Ivanna turned her attention towards her, and just told her what she was going to plan on doing to begin with. "...I was planning to go talk to Nadira anyway, because I don't like this scapegoat plan to begin with. We have worked so hard to get her trust together, and I don't want to ruin that." said Annabel, who wanted her tone to be angry so badly. "Now if you excuse me. I will be on my way to find Nadira."
After saying that to Ivanna, Annabel had left to go find Nadira. Since she didn't want to be a part of Azalea's ridiculous scapegoat plan towards Nox.
Ms. Sparrow NinjaGirlGamer

 

[Xanto]

Raymond Callahan and Baxter Callahan​

Layla was leaning in to ask Raymond a question until Azalea suddenly reacted to the other lady's scent. Even when if the guy subtly sharpened his senses, he still couldn't pick up any distinct pungence. Soon enough a servant walked into their conversation. Layla's going to the cells. The Ezerisian mentally noted after hearing Layla mutter in her native tongue to the servant. Honestly, he never thought the day would come where he'd sail off to Delchistrier and use his understanding of the language.

But then Azalea noticed a peculiar thing. None of the servants ever spoke. Raymond didn't know if it was normal for servants to stay quiet in front of higher-ups. However, the princess's curiosity proved him wrong. They didn't have tongues. Maxim had apparently cut them off. It was an act he himself had done the day prior . . but all for good reasons, right? Besides, the way those men started speaking about Azalea . .

"A pleasure. I hope I see you some more," Layla slipped away, leaving Raymond alone with the hotheaded redhead again. The princess didn't seem too happy about tongue cutting. Gah, was he going to keep quiet about this? Trying to steer his criminal past away from Azalea was enough. What more now that his criminal deeds seemed to be catching up to him. Azalea looked at Maxim like he was some sort of monster for cutting tongues, but could Raymond's similar recent actions be justified by any reasoning?

Meanwhile, Baxter was paying close attention to Maxim's story. Afterwards, Aodren gathered their attention. The rebel leader ignored the useless introduction, yet raised a brow when the king mentioned taking the rebellion under his care. It was ideal. There was a catch though. A quick solution seemed too good to be true.

Baxter's fists clenched as soon as the words effortlessly poured out of Aodren's mouth. Each member had to INDIVIDUALLY fight in the fighting pits?! His brows furrowed in disturbance after catching the king eye Aurelie. He knew they all wouldn't make it out alive if this pulled through. People like Aurelie, Jeod, and Cali had little fighting experience.

That's when Azalea shoved Bax's shoulder on her way to the stairs. He turned his gaze to where her partner was, seeing Raymond follow almost directly after. It didn't seem like the younger Callahan was going to let Azalea out of his sight ever again on a mission. Yes, no matter how abrupt her movements were. Ray followed Azalea through the crowd in his usual smooth demeanor without running and setting off any alarms. He never broke off missions, but watching the guards roughly handle the princess almost prompted him to defend her by shoving them back. That was until she screamed at the top of her lungs, challenging Aodren to show his people what was in their cells.

They had two weeks. Raymond was sure his older brother was freaking out over the individual fight thing. True, it wasn't their ideal situation. However, what stuck out to Ray was that they had two weeks. The rogue saw it as two weeks to negotiate, two weeks to train, and at least two more weeks for them all to be alive.

The Lorelthian princess's voice soon chimed in after the Calorian's, agreeing with Azalea for what seemed to be the first time in a while. She intelligently emphasized transparency and safety as essential tools against the king. These factors alone could potentially worry the other people around them. Then, Ivanna loudly whistled and caught everyone's attention. Oh man, Ray glanced at Bax. He could only imagine how distraught the rebel leader was now.

Baxter's heart was beating out of his head. All plans were flying out the door and no one was surely on the same page in terms of improvisation. At this point he could only listen and react. A plan was also good too. The leader kept his mind open for possible strategies. Bax listened as Ivanna aggressively joined in with Cali and Azalea. It was a team he thought he'd never see. Of course, they decided to stand together when they finally sailed to another country and got assigned to deadly fight pits. What else could push them to do so? He appreciated the teamwork, but Baxter's mind was more focused on how crazily expressive the three were being right now. This moment could either make or break them, and it all depended on everyone else's reactions. Meanwhile, Baxter chose to stay silent himself. Then Angelo . . well Angie pulled down part of her shirt to show the wound from the Shade. An excellent call on her part.

Baxter kept his jaws clenched. He had to put faith in his team. He knew his strengths and areas of opportunity. Right now, he'd let them take the lead.

Ms. Sparrow NinjaGirlGamer explosiveKitten Bakuyoshi Inheritance

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

Azalea Eve Windfore

There was a brief pause of silence, but it was all it took for Azalea to realize what her explosion had cost them. Her heart dropped to her chest, defiant expression wavering. It wasn't the plan. She'd been reckless, thinking on her feet, her temper. She'd ruined them. But...

Then there was Cali.

Her voice rose, carrying across the ballroom, a mischevious challenge to her tone as she goaded on the crowd first, whom listened to this new foreigner with caught interest. This would be court gossip for decades, no doubt. And the princess turned her call to Aodren, who's hazel eyes narrowed in on her. Another challenge, he saw it. Up stood in his own court. Azalea's rage subsided as she felt something swell within her...pride. More court murmurs broke out throughout the crowd before Ivanna stepped up beside her, her clap silencing the beginning murmurs and stopping everyone in their place, looking once more to listen.

Ivanna played out the crowd, demanding their attention. Azalea arched a brow slightly as she eyed Ivanna. She'd even called them friends, which was, well, funny. And the fattest lie if she'd ever heard one. The Court bristled as Ivanna unleashed her possible reality unto them. Sarthenfall's current reality. But it was the moment she turned to the King, nearly insulted him, did the Court really begin to talk. Murmurs spread quickly, masked faces leaning in to their partners and friends to whisper fervently.

By now, the Council members had made their way over time up the stairs on the other side of the room from the rebellion, and had joined up behind Aodren at the balcony. Nothing was given away from their faces from under their masks, though the members that did have their mouths exposed were moving silently, only suggesting the seven whispered among each other. A Nadira-seeking-Annabel would find guards at the stairway, refusing her the chance to reach the Spymaster stubbornly.

But it was Angelo that had sent the crowd into an uproar. The moment the scar was shown, that piece of evidence, chaos overtook the court, murmurs spread to shouts between another, hurried, frantic and alarmed voices drowned out the brief period of calamity that had held the ballroom.

"What is zhe meaning of zhis?!" A noble man cried up at the balcony as he stepped forward, near Azalea, simple painted porcelain mask over his features as he shook his fist up at Aodren.

"Do not speak to his Highness so," Layla snapped down at the man from Aodren's side, red lips curling to a snarl.

"Do not listen to these foreigners lies!" Another man demanded, shoving through a few people to jab a white-gloved hand into the fancy doublet of the previous mans, making him step back, "Pay them no mind, my Lord, their words are meant to strike fear and weaken us!"

"He bears zhe scars!" a woman piped from somewhere behind Azalea, causing a few more voices to spring up with hers as another richly dressed man shoved his way to the other two noble men and pointed an accusatory finger at the skeptic. "I have hunted for thirty years and never has anything on my hunting grounds given me a scar like that!"

The skeptic roared, "This is an outrage! You would accuse your King of lying!?"

"I would sir, I would! I would like to see zhis monster with my own eyes! And if there is nothing then I will throw myself to his feet for mercy!"

Another chimed in, "I would not risk my families life to blind loyalty of his Highness!"

More voices, this time, a womans. "You betray zhe Delchisterian kingdom by siding with outsiders!"

"Silence, woman! I would betray myself if I did not admit I believe these people came for a reason!"

The crowd was erupting into chaos, more voices, yelling out and screaming above each other. "If zhe land is overrun with zhese things, why have we no refugees, pray tell? They are liars!"

"I demand to see zhese cells at once--!"

"ENOUGH!" Aodren's voice roared out from his gilded balcony, cutting off all frantic, angry voices of the nobility and aristocracy as all eyes turned to him to heed his words and decision. His tone carried an underlying temper just waiting to explode, he took several steps down the stairs so he was closer to both Azalea and the others that had so brazenly challenged and spoken against him, peering down the curving stairway at them that stood at the landing.

Azalea returned his heated stare with a shit-eating grin, despite the defiant challenge that sparked in her gaze.

"You come into my Kingdom uninvited," he started, stepping down another step, "I welcome you with open arms. I let you stay for my festivities. And you have the gall to challenge me and call me a liar in front of my court? Is this your little plan to get aid? From me?" he sneered, as if she had offended him some how.

Azalea stepped forward, but stopped as the guards in front of her tensed. "Welcoming arms? You would throw us all to die in your pits, and you call that welcoming?" she snorted. "I'd hate to see your welcome home parties."

He scoffed. "You’re not funny--"

"And I didn't call you a liar. Yet. Unless, you of course, are denying your court the right to see the monster? Even after the scar? Even after they /know/?" she drawled, tipping back on her heels some, hands clasped behind her back. "I don't know about you but..." she smirked with a cockiness she didn't feel, "I'd never trust my King after seeing that..." she clicked her tongue in a condescending, admonishing manner. Goading him.

Aodren stepped his way down to them with Layla following like a dog at his heels, guards stepping aside for him as he shoved a finger in Azalea's face abruptly. She flinched and he blinked in partial surprise to the reaction, but only gave a slight second pause before speaking. "I would not lower myself before my Court, my people, to some ragtag woman that's hardly a Princess--and YOU-" he paused, shoving accusatory fingers in Ivanna, Cali's, and Angelo's direction,"--have no right to speak to ME in such a manner!" he snapped, the reckless young King trembled with barely kept rage. If there was anything Aodren hated. It was looking weak. And powerless. And he would not, would NOT stand for it.

Oh now he was losing it, Azalea thought smugly, she leaned her weight on her hip, wrapping her finger around a loose curl as she cocked her head at him, "So you refuse? You are a bloody liar then," she mused with a feline smirk, throwing her hands up in mock surrender, "but by all means, go ahead, deny your people," she taunted.

"I AM IN CHARGE! ME!" he screamed in childish rage, as he flung both arms out wide to gesture to the court themselves, "and you would all remember that before listening to some useless rebellion fighting a losing cause!!"

Layla pulled at Aodren's back, frantically almost as they both seemed to realize his mistake. She whispered fervently in his ear, too quiet for Azalea to ear but she could hear the urgency in her tone as the courts people around them drew in sharp breaths, a few murmurs breaking out.

Azalea turned to the Court herself and beckoned in Ivanna, Angelo's, and Cali's direction. "You heard what they said. You've seen the damage the bloody friggin arse-monsters have done. The scars these things have wrought, no, this war has wrought. It's not just him, or me," She gestured Angelo then to the five scars that ran down her cheek. "For FUCKS SAKE--" she threw her arms up, exasperated, cursing in a very un-regal manner. "Its not like we want to bloody fucking be here! We didn't come to sip tea and insult his arse for laughs and pranks!" she yelled out, exasperated as she gestured lazily to a seething Aodren. Layla latched to his arm tighter to hold him back. "We came because we fucking have to be! Because innocent people are dying. Children, families, homes destroyed! They are being lied to, much like you, and if nobody helps us stop this, well," she gestured back towards Ivanna, Cali, and Angelo, "you heard it from them. You can start signing your last wills when they come for Delchistrier next," she stated brashly, her tone carrying slight plead in her brazen, fiery tone.

Aodren straightened abruptly and shoved Layla back some as he stalked towards Azalea, "you will not address my court without my permission you little shi--" he growled as his hand snatched out and grabbed her by the shoulder, a hard yank whirling her around to face him, he raised his hand as if to strike her, and Azalea gave a hard shove to his chest out of reaction, the King stumbling back before his hit could land, he snapped his head towards the guards, "Arrest them all! I will not--!"

"What is the meaning of this?" a calm, but commanding tone rang out from the balcony, feminine in nature. The utter calmness, with its gentle authority, of the tone caught everyone's attention, heads swiveled up to behold a woman clad in, well, a simple, less ornate gown to say the least. White and gold in color, flowing to the floor. Dark hair swept back into a simple half-up-down style, hair braided away from the golden lions mask she wore, without the mane that accompanied Aodren's. Vividly bright eyes surveyed the scene below. "I was not aware we had company."

Aodren paused enough to regain himself as Layla seemed to step a few paces back from Aodren quietly as he shifted his gaze upwards to the woman. "I did not wish to wake you, you are still sick. You should be abed." he said stiffly, trying to mask his still boiling anger, alarm having mostly taken over in it's place.

"On the contrary I'm feeling quite well tonight," she said crisply, not unkindly, though there was pointed edge behind her tone. "May I ask, my love, why you are assaulting these foreigners?"

"Poor mannerisms," Azalea remarked dryly without thinking. Aodren shot her a look briefly. The woman at the balcony hummed, as if to cover up a quiet laugh.

"The rebellion and the remaining of Sarthenfall's royals have decided to pay an unexpected visit," Aodren growled, bristling. Annoyance and previous rage lingered at the surface.

"So they are royalty, and I was not informed? Odd. I requested I were to be sent word should any--"

"My love, I did not want to--" Aodren began to cut in with false kindness,

"--Wake me, yes, I know." she said, indifference and irritation lingering in the woman's tone. Not just any woman, Azalea realized.

Karine. Queen of Delchistrier.

The Court eyed them quietly, but with no chaos no longer blooming in the courtroom, somwehre amoungs the nobility, a voice piped up. "Show us zhe cells!" the male cried, hidden from sight with the many masked heads surrounding them. Aodren hissed out an impatient breath.

"Cells?" Karine inquired, drumming her dark-skinned hand on the balcony railing impatiently. Aodren refused to say a word.

"His Majesty thinks our war a lie. So I asked if he would show us what we brought to his cells," Azalea jumped in, Aodren snapping his gaze to her. If the King would not listen to them, hell, even his own bloody Court, then perhaps the Queen would be less biased.

It didn't seem the happest marriage.

"I was not aware we had anything in our cells," the Queen said slowly, her tone dropping a few degrees, she turned her slow gaze on Aodren, who looked from Azalea to Karine hesitantly.

He tried to use his most charming voice as possible. Persuasive and gentle but loud enough for her to hear from above. "I insist you return to bed until the physician deems you healthy--"

Karine cut him off abruptly as she glanced away, turning her back to Aodren, seemingly done with his antics already, she squared her shoulders in her draping dress. "Bring me what they speak of from the cells, now." she ordered to the two guards standing guard at the double doors behind the balcony.

Eager murmurs of fear, shock, and excitement sang through the people of the Court as the guards nodded and without hesitation made their way down the side of the curving stairs, past Annabel, heading right out of the ballroom.

"My Queen, please, you are not well enough to--" Aodren began quickly, not expecting his wife to turn on him so quickly. But the Queen seemed quite frankly done with his lies, and her own revenge for being kept in the dark it seemed, was this.

"Your concern flatters and endears me, my love," Karine interjected in a warm, deceitful tone. "But nothing would delight me more then to attend the ending of this gathering and see what our guests have brought us," she said.

"Your Majesty--" Layla began in a cool tone, trying to persuade against the abrupt decision.

"I do not recall addressing you, Layla," Karine cut in smoothly. The tall redhead fell silent at that, and Azalea glanced to the woman, surprised, watching Layla's fists ball at her side quietly.

A few minutes passed slowly, the Court's murmurs spreading faster, more anxious and frightful as they waited for what could enter, until finally, those ballroom doors swung open again. The sound of a squadron of guards clanking across the metal floor made the room fall into still silence as they marched closer and closer, the Court parted away to the left and right sides of the room, huddling back to leave a large open space for the guards. It left clear sight for Azalea as she stepped her way to the front, sucking in a breath.

The sound of chains joined the steady beat of clanking metal. A red cloak swept the marble floor as its wearer was guided forward, black booted feet with chains and shackles at her ankles and wrists, buried beneath the cloak. It kept its head down, white, long hair covering facial features, the red hood of the cloak shadowing it's features just as well, leaving the Court guessing and wondering what could be so scary about the oddly tall, feminine figure as it stopped before the balcony then. Layla snarled under her breath.

The crowd drew back, some gasping, some shrieking and screaming, as the figure raised its head. A few gentlemen caught their occasional fainting partner, or just stared on at the horror.

Pointed, metallic teeth glinted menacingly in the chandlliers light as Nox turned her golden eyes to the rebellion members and grinned a most vicious, predatory grin.

~~~~
Timeskip: The Ball — Delchistrier Palace
Time: Past 12
Weather: Clear
Xanto explosiveKitten Bakuyoshi
Blackrose7 Inheritance NinjaGirlGamer

 

[Inheritance]

Jeod Swift
"A child never worries about the future, giving them a happiness that no adult can understand. The day we start worrying about our future is the day we leave our childhood behind."
​

If Jeod had looked back two years to see where he was, he would see a well traveled man that was liked by commoners and a joy to pass on the road (tinkers were always a help on long stretches of road). He would have seen a clever man with two firearms in his pocket (along with hundreds of other things in his pouches), a smile on his face, and an attitude that told the world, "throw what you got at me. I'll throw it right back." He was prideful and maybe a bit selfish, and was smart enough to get the better of others. He was happy with where he was at, but at night when he camped, there was always a nagging feeling that asked "what now?"

If he looked back three years, he would see a well traveled man that was loved by commoners and a joy to pass by, talk to, and spend time with on the road. He would have seen a clever man with two blueprints for firearms in his pockets (along with hundreds of other pouches), a smile on his face, and an attitude that told the world "Throw what you got at me, I'll enjoy exploring it." He had a small string of pride, but he was never a selfish man that was always sharing what he had with others, and would occasionally use his smarts to cheat a bully or swindler. He loved the road and enjoyed talking to people he met, and at night when he camped he played his lute and sung to the stars (though usually he was alone).

But if he looked back four years, he would see a man who was getting the hang of the road. He was once of the nicest people you could hope to meet, and had a natural charisma that made people want to spend time with him and welcome him into their family. He was a clever man who was just beginning to amass hundreds of pouches with treasures and useful items, and had even had a few brilliant ideas for inventions every now and then. He had a smile on his face, and an attitude that told the world "Throw what you got at me, and I'll love every minute." He was not a prideful man, and would give the shoes off his feet to someone who needed them. He never exorcised his wit at the expense of others, and there was no deception in him. He loved the road and he loved the people he met, and he was in debt to a man that had saved his life. At night when he camped he played his lute and sang to the stars, hopefully with a group of people who could laugh and sing with him. He loved the road, but what he really loved was the companionship, and he was always astounded and thankful that a man that didn't know who he was would step up and save his life. He vowed then, that if Raymond Callahan ever needed it, he would be there.

When he saw the four speakers stand up together to face the odds and the King, it was as if he relived all of that in a few minutes. He always talked about wanting to go back to the road, but is that what he really wanted? He had joined this rebellion of his own free will, and he always had the chance to leave. As much as he told himself otherwise, he joined this rebellion because he was ready to move on to something greater-not because he wanted to pay off his debt. He missed the road sure, but what he missed was the people he met; the people with fiery passions and great stories. He missed the type of person who would stand up for what they believed in, even if it meant their deaths. This whole time, he had been with the rebellion, but not actually a part of it. He had half-assed almost everything he did, and even now when he told himself he'd come back for Ray, he was only here until shit hit the fan.

It only took a few minutes for him to realize what he had become. He had changed from the day that Ray had saved his life, and he had changed every day from that day on. Some of it was growth, but a shameful amount of it was rotting. He had grown prideful, he had grown mean, and he had lost the man that so many people loved. If he could look forward from four years ago, what would that man think of him now?

He was interrupted from his thoughts by the many gasps and screams that slowly circulated around the room. He stood up straight to look at what the crowd was reacting to, only to have his heart stop in his throat. Her. It was Nox. She was back again. His eyes widened as shock began to sweep through him, sweat bringing out on his forehead. She was chained up and far away from him, and despite his mind trying to reassure his body, his hands reached for his gun. He stopped himself before he could pull it out of his coat, chiding himself for being so foolish. Even if the warnings she gave were false, a shot from this far would probably hit a bystander, or worse yet one of his own. He relaxed his grip and began to relax his mind. A gun wouldn't fix this, his words would. So, in a moment of clarity, Jeod took a deep breath and finally spoke.

"So it's true!" He called out loudly, though the quiet in the room was easily penetrated. "Gods above, you just lied to the entire nobility of Delchistrier! What sort of ruler are you?" He asked, hoping to invoke some sort of reaction, his voice getting louder. "You just proved your words mean nothing! How can a nation trust a king that deceives his own people? You let these monsters roam about the world like this? Roads are the bones of civilization, and you're allowing them to be destroyed and infested by demons!"

As he spoke he began to push his way up towards the front, looking way more confident than he felt. As he got closer, Nox's metallic grin and horrifying eyes barred down at him, causing him to shiver involuntarily. He pushed his fear aside and kept moving (though he wouldn't meet her gaze). When he stood near Azalea and the rest, he gave a very civil bow in the direction of (what seemed to be) the queen.

"Good Evening your majesty, I hope we didn't wake you with our festivities!" He said with a cheerful expression; but if his expression was a beach on a sunny day, it darkened into a raging storm at sea when he turned to the King. "You were about to lie to her as well! You're out here making deals with demons and magic beyond your understanding. You're playing games with the lives of your citizens-and you're fucking losing! When does the madness end?"

He stopped himself, realizing that he was getting a bit too loud, and his passion for this cause was growing. He forgot how fun it was to have a fire for what he was doing.

"Who will follow a dishonest, half-witted, and dare I say oath-breaking King? You're an embarrassment to the Kingdom and deserving of every curse you've ever received. Your words mean nothing, and your crown of deception will do nothing to help your cause."

Ms. Sparrow Xanto (let's go boiii, you sparked Jeod's fire!)

Almost certainly within earshot:
NinjaGirlGamer explosiveKitten Blackrose7 Bakuyoshi

 

[Bakuyoshi]

Cali was quiet watching this whole thing. With each member of the rebellion stepping up to help her and Azalea. Slowly pelting the king with their words until his own wife stepped in. Of all the things his wife was the one to stop him. Maybe the king was more spineless then she thought. But the proof was out and she was sure this has helped them somewhat. But not with Aodren she could tell their grave was being buried by him. But in the end she had a friend in the council. Someone who thinks they have charmed her. As good looking as he is. Maybe if he was not of this rotten place.

But she did make sure to approach Azalea. Only to speak to where only the Calorian princess could hear her. "Your welcome by the way. The thank you can come in later when we are not around him." Before turning around distancing herself from the main event. Now left to think of how it was they could work with Aodren.

Blackrose7 Ms. Sparrow NinjaGirlGamer Xanto Inheritance

 

[Blackrose7]

Upon trying to get to Nadira, Annabel found that it was too late to talk to her. The council members went up the stairway, and the guards wouldn't let her pass, because of the king being on the balcony. This caused Annabel to be internally frustrated, for she thought that her plan was going to work. 'Damn it. They probably knew that we were going to do this.' thought Annabel.
Annabel then turned around to go back to the others, since she thought that she was going to die. However, what ended up happening had shocked her.
Angie’s scar shocked the Delchisterians, the queen herself had appeared, and Nox had appeared as well.
Annabel had stood there watching the whole scenario with her eyes wide open. Since she couldn't believe that Azalea's insane luck is getting them out of this mess. 'How are we getting away with this mess? Because there is no way that this should be happening. Unless the gods are giving Azalea some powerful luck or something?' thought Annabel.
Xanto Ms. Sparrow NinjaGirlGamer Bakuyoshi Inheritance explosiveKitten

 

[Xanto]

Baxter Callahan and a dash of Raymond Callahan​

The crowd was vocalizing their hesitance to the king because rebel members were actually speaking out. This confrontation was going a little better than Baxter expected until Aodren finally ended his own silence. What followed next was quite the immature claim of power. The king whined about being in charge, causing Baxter to furrow his brows in return. It was ridiculous to think that the fate of both countries depended on a man with flailing arms. Good thing Azalea lined up logical points. She used sarcasm in the most efficient way possible for their situation with each of her sentences forcing Aodren deeper and deeper into his own grave.

But Raymond suddenly jolted forward when the king brought his hand up to strike Azalea. She fended him off herself though with a quick shove. It wasn't a surprise that Aodren quickly announced their arrest right afterward. That was until . . who? Raymond's gaze shifted to the balcony at a new character calmly making her entrance into the scene. It seemed Aodren had to chill out for the queen of Delchistrier. In fact, he was disguising "go to your room" with "bed rest recovery." Karine plainly requested to be informed, but Aodren rudely interrupted her by saying how he "didn't want to wake her." Bullsh*t. A back was all he got in return as Karine ordered to bring Nox out from their cells. At least things were getting done.

After a few minutes, Nox finally made her entrance. It was complete with guards, a clear path, and even a formal introduction by Jeod. The tinkerer remarked how Aodren basically proved his deceit by trying to hide Nox from his people. Nice one.

Baxter could've not been more proud . . okay maybe he could have. Now that the rebel group did a pretty good job of shaking the Delchistrierian's faith in their leaders and obtaining some believers, Bax had to re-route the conversation back to the main point of forming an alliance. He had to re-route it to a solution that would help the Delchistrierian leaders earn trust again.

"We arrived with the premise of not being promised an alliance. Of a guarantee of not reaching Delchistrier in the first place," The rebel leader looked to the queen now, but only for a short time before slightly bowing his head. It seemed if anyone understood their logic it would be her. However, he didn't take her so lightheartedly. Karine already had an exterior he knew quite well. "If you cannot respect our challenges along the way here," Baxter shifted his focus back to Aodren, "At least respect the safety of your people. Think about the challenges you will prevent by becoming our allies and preventing the dark king's forces from growing." "Think about preventing scars like that from happening to your brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters," His hand gestured to Angelo, while his eyes moved along the many faces in the crowd.

"The proposition is direct. We are not asking for mountains of gold or plots of land, but military and intellectual assistance in defeating an enemy that may well soon be your's."

Ms. Sparrow Inheritance Blackrose7 NinjaGirlGamer Bakuyoshi explosiveKitten

 

[NinjaGirlGamer]

𝑰𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝑲𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒊𝒏​

After Ivanna finished her speech, the Court started to talk. Like really talk. What was previously whispers, turned into murmurs of concern and curiosity as Ivanna looked over them. It’s not gonna be enough, she thought. That’s when Angelo started to speak up and move to the front. Ivanna spotted the short-haired undoing part of their collar. What the hell are they doing. The thought was soon cut off, when Angelo showed a nasty scar on full display.

This

This really started to get things going

What was once a peaceful gathering of nobles, soon turned into a scene of citizens having political turmoil.

And oh, it was beautiful.

Accusations were being thrown left to right, the whole scene felt like a riot waiting to happen. And Ivanna couldn’t be more satisfied with these turn of events. This became more apparent when the King angrily shouted for everyone to seize all noise. He had his little spout about his fake hospitality, and Azalea gave everyone including him, a reality check. Ivanna secretly wanted to laugh at the temper tantrum the childish King was having. It was no surprise his last resort would be to exercise his power more by throwing them all in the dungeons.

All of a sudden, someone decided to interrupt the whole charade with their presence. However, it wasn’t just anybody. Ivanna knew right away that this was the Queen herself. She analyzed the whole exchange between the King and Queen, and noticed that there was some hidden discourse between the two. The Queen probably knows that the man’s been cheating, Ivanna thought. Then it was finally decided that the “beast” was to be brought before the Court.

A few minutes have passed and the anticipation grew more by the second. Part of her thought Nox was going to bust down the doors with an army of shades. Man this suit is hot, she thought as she awkwardly stretched out her collar. The sound of the doors opening made all people in the room stop and look. Sounds of chains echoed around the ballroom as the beast in red clothing strolled with the guards. When the fabled beast lifted its head to reveal their face, gasps followed. Ivanna narrowed her eyes when Nox showed her signature grin. This promoted Ivanna to step up near Nox a little, to block any chance of her attacking others.

Just when the murmurs started to get louder, the tinkerer had a few words to say. And let’s just say it was something. It was sort of pay back for the same mockery the King brought onto them.

Oh the King is definitely going to try to kill us now.

Their leader finally decided to have his say. Baxter got straight to the point, they want an army to go against the shades. Plain and Simple. However, Ivanna didn’t think it was going to be this simple. Judging by the Queen’s demeanor, there might be a catch. Ivanna only hopes that it won’t involve her wearing a dress.

Ms. Sparrow Xanto explosiveKitten Blackrose7 Bakuyoshi Inheritance

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

Azalea Eve Windfore

The crowd was silent.

Azalea thought it was perhaps because of Baxter's echoing, clarifying words to a seething Aodren. Or maybe it was Jeod's entire upstaging of the King himself, shocking both her and the crowd. The Calore Princess hadn't at all seen it coming. Or maybe it was because of the monster that stood before them, but whatever the case, it made her nerves stand on edge a ticking few seconds of silence passed before the King of Delchistrier spoke.

His hazel eyes dripped in menace as he scanned the faces of all the rebellion members, he raised his voice enough so it carried, having composed himself somewhat, speaking in a tone of crisp authority with a bite to his tone. "I will consider your proposition in due time, without bias of...pasts, and invoke my best judgement," he said with a shot look towards Azalea, and she found her eyes unintentionally travelling towards his gloved hands. From the white gloves, his fingers looked normal. But she knew the truth.

"Because despite your upheaval in my court, your bold words and actions here tonight, I am a forgiving man and I care zhe best for my people, so I will grant mercy and hospitality and all...that business," he droned on, pacing back and forth before them in his all his splendor, hands folded behind his back and shooting his gaze towards Jeod briefly. Azalea fought the urge to roll her eyes on the spot. Bullshite.

"But make no mistake, Rebellion of Sarthenfall," he paused in his steps and turned fully to face them, his eyes narrowing on them as smidge as he announced, "It is my hospitality. It is my kingdom. You are no longer home. You have no power here, not as runaway royalty and traitors to your throne, despite who you claim to hold it. You will follow my rules. Should next time you wish to upstand me, or one of your irrelevant members raise his voice to me--," his eyes narrowed on Jeod and then Azalea for a longer moment before running over them all. "I'll have you all executed. "

"Oh they'll be the least of your worries," A cold croon emitted from Nox, drawing a few gasps from those closest to Nox and the Kings attention himself. The Queen had at the point begun to fan herself from the balcony, her gaze fixated on Nox below her.

Aodren flinched a bit as he turned towards her. "And why is that?" he asked, warily.

"What's to stop me from eating every single person in this room? Some of them look..." she paused, looking to a loudly hyperventilating lady, a metallic grin spreading across her face, "delicious."

The lady fainted, collapsing to the floor in a heap of skirts.

"The rebellion," Aria piped up, stepping forward some, the Northern Princess fixing a hard stare on the red-cloaked...thing.

Nox peered back to Aria and smirked. "Oh really?" she purred, stepping forward, her chains dragging. The guards hands instantly flew to rest on the hilt of their swords but Nox seemed to pay them no mind as she cocked her at the group, "are you? Mmm, I don't think so,"

Layla stepped forward, the tall woman stepping beside Aodren. "Watch yourself, Dark One. Do not step over your bounds or--"

"Or what?" Nox cut in sharply, snapping her head towards Layla. Her golden gaze burned with unearned hatred. "You'll kill me? Would you like to give that a try?"

Layla sounded revulsed and disgusted when she spoke, "There is always other options-"

"You can afford nothing. Don't test me," Nox said in a firm, cold tone, golden eyes gleaming with unsaid secrets. Layla went quiet. Nox turned on her heels swiftly, making a quarter of the guards jump and one draw his sword, red cloak whooshing vividly behind her, making Azalea wince as Nox began to make her own way for the doors. "One week to set me free, before I turn this palace into my own feast, think fast," she said sharply, as if she were not a prisoner but a commander, something familiar to the dark woman as she stalked from the ballroom, guards keeping closely on her trail, moving back to the cells no doubt.

Coughs broke her concentration from the slamming ballroom doors, Azalea swiveling her gaze upwards to eye the Queen, who gave a few hacks behind her hand, doubling over. Azalea wasn't the only one to hear it, Aodren glanced to the balcony, as if remembering the Queen's presence. Aodren glanced back to the rebellion, cleaning his throat.

"My rules rebellion, don't forget zhe Delchistrier mercy that has been extended upon to you. As long as you do what I want and say, we'll be just fine," his gaze flicked them over. "I'm sure we can work something out to benefit...us both," he gave a gesture, guards moved from across the ballroom towards the rebellion members. "I will get in touch with you all when I have the time. Guards, take them to heir own individual quarters," Aodren dismissed lazily, turning his back towards them as he began to ascend the arching stairs, Layla on his tail. "Enjoy your stay," he said, hints of malicious intent in his tone as the guards would begin to push and guide the rebellion members towards the exit, where members of the aristocracy already began to quickly and hurriedly file out of.

Azalea found the guards stubborn as she tried to shrug them off but they prodded her gently but firmly for the doors anyway. Wanting to stay and argue, wanting to negotiate, to know something of what they were getting themselves into. The rebellion members would find themselves of the same treatment, prodded and escorted from the ballroom. Azalea found herself dragging her heels half the time, if only to piss off the poor guards. Just as she'd been pushed past the ballroom threshold, she turned back sharply, raising her voice. "HEY...AODREN!"

Aodren had at this point reached the balcony, his back having been turned towards her, pausing in his steps towards wherever the upstairs led to, masked face undiscernible from the distance, but he heard her nonetheless as he glanced out across the ballroom towards the doors, at her. Azalea gave a shit-eating grin.

Before she raised her hand and waggled her pinky finger towards him. The ballroom doors shut, blocking whatever his reaction may have been.

~~~~
It'd been three days since the ballroom disaster. The rebellion members had indeed been guided off to their own rooms within the palace, though where everyone's else were, she could only imagine. The rooms were of no short spectacular, filled with all the luxuries and wealth anyone could ever dream of. It'd also been three days since Azalea left her own room. Two days to realize it was a gilded prison. Guards had been told not to allow them from their rooms, only repeating the same line whenever Azalea asked; 'His Majesty's orders. He will send for you when he can.'

It was painstakingly evident Aodren didn't want them causing or finding out anymore then they had, and would wait till the last minute to set them free. So it was tonight, Azalea found herself devising probably the worst plan she'd ever thought of. She had to get to the others. Had to talk about their plans. They came for an alliance, yes. But they also came to find answers. Magic answers.

Azalea carefully cut through the cakes she'd requested the last time a servant had entered her quarters. Though she hated to part with the white-frosting sweetness, it was necessary as she carefully slipped the small half slip of paper between the two-layers of one small cake before she pushed the two halves together, picking the butter knife up again to carefully smooth the frosting over the crevice to conceal it, doing just the same with the other small white cakes.

She squinted in the candle-light, eyeing out her handy work and deeming it good enough before taking the platter of hand-sized cakes and quietly padding over to the door, giving a few quiet knocks until one of the two guards outside her door slowly pushed open the door, peaking his head around to peer at her.
"My lady?"

Azalea's schooled her pale features into soft worry. "I don't mean to disturb and all its just..." she paused, bowing her head a little. "My friend, Baxter, he has a son," she started softly, not quite sure if Clyde and Alex had arrived to the palace yet though she assumed a notice would have been sent out at some point or they made their way there. "Travelling really scares him, being in a new land...surrounded by such beautiful foreign things... and well...would one of please deliver all these extra, leftover cakes to him...and my friends?"

The guard eyed the platter. "I'm not sure if zhe--"

"Please it'd really comfort the boy, and if I cannot see my friends, it'll reassure me they're alright knowing they got my cakes." Azalea interjected quickly in false desperation, she wrapped an arm around her waist so that one of her sleeves slipped off to expose a shoulder. Scandalous, she thought. She offered the guardsman a clueless smile.

The man hesitated, the eyes behind his mask sticking to her shoulder briefly before looking to the ceiling and anywhere else. "Ah--"

"I promise I'll stop being so testy if I just know they got my gifts. I just want to know they're doing okay, and being treated well. I'll even go straight to bed after this." Azalea persuaded.

The promise of her silence seemed to appeal massively to the guard and he gave a resigned sigh and took the extended platter from her hands, all the while avoiding looking at her, clearing his throat. "Very well, my lady. I will see them delivered."

Azalea gave a wry smile, feigning her false politeness a moment longer before he closed the door behind him. She waited till the steps of his clanking armor faded down the hall before leaping into action. With the cakes hopefully on route to the rebellion members, she quietly padded into the walk in closet, hands searching quickly through garbs. It was nearly impossible to find anything that wasn't a dress in her wardrobe, but eventually she dug up a pair of black, fanciful trousers with golden rose and thorn designs over them, as well as a fitting, long sleeved forest-green tunic of silky fabric with gold, red, and white floral designs over it. She tucked the few knives and one dagger into a pair of leather riding boots she'd found as well.

Soon the Calore Princess found herself stepping outside and climbing from the balcony, her waves tied back into a messy ponytail, she clinged to the latticework and then clung unto brick with all her life as she quietly climbed her way and slid along the outside white walls of the Delchistrier palace, peeking her gaze through every window she came across, seeking her intended destination as she tried not to think about the distance of the ground below her should she slip or fall. A sure death.

She could only hope the others found their own ways of escaping their rooms safely...if her message had been seen at all.

Indeed, all rebellion members would hear a sure knock on the door of their quarters, a very irritated guard handing each of them off one singular, small, white cake before moving on. Should they at all prod or peak into the cake or decide to take a bite, they'd find in the middle of all its deliciousness one frosting covered, greasy note but still legible with fresh, slightly smeared pen ink. Its contents short and crisp but message clear;

'Library, now. Find it.
Toodle pip!'
- Az

Timeskip: Three Days after Ball
Time: 9:03 PM
Weather: Clear
Xanto explosiveKitten Bakuyoshi
Blackrose7 Inheritance NinjaGirlGamer

 

[Xanto]

Raymond Callahan​

Raymond. Raaaymond~ A calm almost teasing voice lowly whispered into his ear. "Huh," The sleeping man jolted awake at his name. Yet, nothing but the glint reflecting off his metal container shined in his eyes. He squinted at the bright light in turn before tiredly moved a hand through his hair. A dream. It was always weird when the sound trailed off his dream's visual like that. Or was it that he already forgot most of the dream it was attached to? He sat up trying to remember anything from his night's rest, only to furrow his brows in confusion. The guy couldn't remember anything but the sound of his name. Anyway, he pushed himself off his bed and hit the metal box into a different angle to prevent the line from shining in his eyes again.

Knock. Knock. "Enter at your own risk," The door swung open revealing a smirking, bed headed Raymond rubbing the back of his neck, ". . good morning." "From the Calorian Princess," The guard irritatingly handed the cake over prior to facing a servant. Azalea. Ray smiled a bit. He wondered how she was doing. It had been three days since they've previously seen one another. "Pochemu ya dostavlyayu pirozhnyye? Eto rabota slugi! Otprav' eto ostal'nym!" The guard mentioned, snapping the rogue out of his odd daze. So they had more cakes. Undoubtedly for the rest of the group. Once the guard and servant left, Raymond sat on a chair and placed the small cake in front of him. Breakfast was served- Hm? He pulled away from his bite after feeling the note.

Azalea wanted to meet him at the library. . . all of us. He recalled the multiple cakes handed off to the servant. The library was one of the first places Raymond and James found during their first night in Delchistrier. You know, that time when they delivered Nox to the cells disguised as guards? Besides, Ray had been able to venture around the castle the past two days. The first day was for guard and servant route observations. He also took note of architectural and furniture layouts for escape opportunities. By the second day, Ray was trying to locate the other members' rooms. He saw about half the group, but kept himself from interacting with them. Them not knowing, simply made it easier for the entire group to be more careful.

But today was the day, and Azalea called for it. Thing was, everyone was left to their own devices on how to get to the library. For example, how would Aurelie find the library . . let alone escape? Raymond stood up, stuffing the paper into his inner pocket. His hand tossed the remainder of the small cake into his mouth. This guy had to move as soon as possible and help the others before they moved any further. From the looks of the cake platter, he seemed to be one of the first to receive the note. That meant he still had time.

Aurelie first, then he'd go to Jeod. Raymond wore his coat before fastening on his gauntlet. His free hand then slid his slim metal box into its designated secret pocket. Yes, it had been months since Raymond first found the case. You'd think three days of solo time would have tempted him to crack it open by now, but he didn't. Ray simply couldn't find the time since he spent whole days sneaking around a giant castle. It wasn't a surprise that he was often exhausted upon return. Any wave of intense emotions was the last thing he needed. It was something Ray knew he would experience since the container seemed to be an item of his late father's. After all, he found it upon the burnt rubble that was his family's blacksmith shop when they were in Ezeris a few months ago.

Cli-click. Gauntlet ready. Raymond shook his arm to check its straps then jumped out the window. His hand instantly reached up, shooting his grappling hook at a wall statue around the corner. Afterwards, Raymond kicked off the wall and swung about 10 feet across before retracting the hook to pull him up. He suddenly halted at Aurelie's open window though with a leg stuck in its opening and the other firmly planted against the outer wall. Before she could yelp . . in her usual manner, Raymond just as suddenly placed his hand over her mouth. "Your Highness," He stated in a low voice, waiting until he could feel her nerves calm down at the immediate contact. The guy released her face, "The library is to your right, three corridors down on your left. It's the last set of double doors on the right. At least a handful of guards on the way there. A third of that amount of servants wandering around the area. There's a short cut through the throne room, but avoid that. Triple the number of guards there." Then, he paused and focused on her usual scared eyes. The poor princess never wanted to be part of any of this. But, what choice did any of them have? "You can do this," He couldn't hold her hand through it all. Ray had to get to the rest as soon as possible. "All you have to do is stay silent. You're good at that," He smiled, "See ya there." On that note, the guy abruptly kicked off Aurelie's window and started running across the wall on his right. Click. Ziiip. His grappling hook gradually started lowering him to the next floor until he stopped between two rooms.

. . which one? Raymond couldn't exactly remember where Jeod was. It wasn't easy memorizing a large castle, while hiding from guards. The rogue peeked through the left window, noticing Cali. Last time he remembered, him and Cale- er Cali had yet to have a proper discussion about the gender reveal. But of course, that had to be saved for a much later time. The guy gave two knocks by the window. Not wanting to waste any more time, he told her the directions to the library before taking off to the room beside her. Raymond then knocked against Jeod's room.

That's when a few pebbles rained down on him. The wall climber looked up at the cause, seeing some woman clinging onto the- "Cali's on your left. She knows the way to the library." On that note, Raymond swiftly latched onto Jeod's window sill, fully retracted his grappling hook, and shot it at a different direction. The situation wasn't looking too safe. After a few more moments of climbing, latching on, and grappling adjustments, Raymond eventually made it to Azalea.

His arm firmly wrapped around her waist, pulling her into him without really altering her strong grip. He didn't want her to spend more time dangling outside in danger. Then, Ray retracted his grappling hook to pull them up, "There's a short cut through the basement level."

The ascend was slow, but they eventually made it to the top.

Baxter Callahan​

58, 59, 60- Knock. Knock. "You may come in," Baxter pushed himself off the ground and walked toward the door. A servant then handed him a plate with a small cake on it. "Thank you," He nodded, seeing the person smile at the slightest before retreating back outside. There wasn't much to do in a room for three days except exercise, strategize, eat, and sleep. Actually, the three days felt longer than their three months at sea! Especially since Baxter couldn't help but think about Clyde and his mother most of the time . . the rebellion members too.

In terms of strategy, Bax pondered about approaching Aodren and coming up with a proposition. The clock was always ticking, and he refused to think that the three days have gone to waste. A negotiation with Aodren against the group's individual fight in the pits was definitely necessary. He was open for suggestions with the rest of the plan though. They all had to meet up. . . but how? Baxter furrowed his brows in deep thought as he absentmindedly took a bite from the small piece of cake. "Pleh!" His low voice resounded in the room before he spit the piece of paper out. Naturally, the man's brows furrowed at this foolishness. What was this? He read the note.

It was happening now. The group had to meet in the library right now. Raymond previously summed up the castle grounds to him, so Bax vaguely knew where the library was. Now he had to think of helping the others escape.

Knock. Knock. This time Baxter knocked on the door until his assigned servant peeked her head in between a newly opened tight space, "Mildred, we're making a move. The rebellion needs your help." The servant furrowed her brows and smiled in determination. Boy was she more ready than ever to cut Aodren's tongue off too. Baxter having been in the room for three days, managed to form a connection with Mildred . . despite anyone's belief. He picked up on the servants having no tongues, thus they probably hated the Delchistrierian kingdom somehow. Might as well form allies within the castle.

It didn't take long for a herd of servants to come up with a few distractions based on where the other rebel members were. A spilled tray a corridor down from Jeod and Cali, a seductive trade off around the corner from Priscilla, Annabel, and Ivanna, and a servant getting bored guards drunk somewhere off to the side of Baxter, Angelo, Aurelie's hall all happened within minutes from each other. Now the members just had to make their moves.

Ms. Sparrow explosiveKitten NinjaGirlGamer Blackrose7 Bakuyoshi Inheritance

 

[Bakuyoshi]

"Can't even have cake normally anymore can I? Oh what on earth?" Cali heard something crashing a bit aways taking a peek out to see her guard was gone. She slowly opened the door looking both directions before making it over to Jeods cell. Lightly tapping the door. "Jeod you in there? If so we need to get a move on. Her royal pain in the stool has asked us to meet her in the library. And try to be as quiet as possible, maybe we can find a map or someone that knows there way around." She whispered as quitely as she could. Not loud enough for guards to hear but hopefully enough volume to get her friend to hear her. "And maybe, find the library... Wherever the library is."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"By the gods the guards are degenerates too. This place gets better and better." Priscilla sighed as she heard sounds she never wanted to hear around the corner. She did not care about the note but shit it was something to do. If she had damned instructions on where the library was she could get somewhere but for now. All she could do was sneak out and go the opposite direction of the favors. Hoping someone who knew the way to the Library would show up, or someone with a better sense of direction."

Ms. Sparrow Xanto explosiveKitten NinjaGirlGamer Blackrose7 Inheritance

 

[Inheritance]

Jeod Swift​

"And now... I'm glad I didn't know,
The way it all would end, the way it all would go...
Our lives are better left to chance; I could have missed the pain,
But I'd have to miss the dance"

Jeod sang quietly to himself as he smoothed the wood on the rocking chair he had been making over the past few days. The mattress of the bed lay on the ground with broken pieces of the bed frame scattered around it from Jeod's cutting. He was happy to relax for the first day, and was even alright with sitting around and repair his firearms and replenish his supplies with anything he could find in the room. He was NOT OK with sitting on his ass on the third day while there was a beautiful day to enjoy right outside his walls. Making this hideous chair that was shaped like a nose out of the bed frame was his was of taking his mind off of things, and being a spiteful prick for the guards to clean up. This place sucked.

When the cake had arrived Jeod hadn't even bothered tasting or even looking at it, him assuming it to be poison. He probably could have tried to figure out what was in it, but frankly he wasn't in the mood for chemistry and had already busied himself with the long and grueling task of sawing apart a bed frame with just a hunting knife (though admittedly, his knife was less of a hunting knife and more of a tinker's tool-forged specially by a blacksmith who owed him a favor). So when Ray gave him the message about Cali knowing where the library was, he was thoroughly confused. He assumed he had missed some sort of memo, and as he packed up his things he heard a knock at his door along with Cali's voice. He swung open his door to reveal a dusty room with a broken bed, an untouched cake, and a giant nose-chair that was rather well done considering the circumstances.

"Cali! What a lovely surprise! Would you like to come in? I just finished a little project." He said while swatting the dust off of himself. He silently hoped to himself she hadn't heard him singing. "I am, of course, joking. I have no idea where it is, but what could be more fun than sneaking around to search for it. Ray said he told you-he must have spoken too quickly...Not that it matters though, it isn't as fun if it isn't a challenge."

He stepped out and closed the door behind him, then taking a few steps down the hall, he held out his hand.

"Shall we?"

Bakuyoshi

 

[Blackrose7]

Annabel was taking her sweet time exploring her new fancy room on the first day. Because she had no time to look at her real family's rooms, since she was just a royal castle maid.
The ezeris princess found the bookshelf, and read some Delchistrier books so she can learn how to speak like them. Annabel even asked one of the guards if what she was saying from the books was correct. Since she wasn't planning on leaving her room if they can teach her how to speak in their language. Eventually, they had to stop for the day, so they can focus on their job. This has given Annabel the chance to look at the closet. As she was curious what the rich's closet actually looked like.
Oh boy, she was in for a major shock when she did that. Upon opening the closet door, Annabel found that the closet was actually a walk-in closet. It had so many beautiful dresses, purses, shoes, hats, jewelry, and etc. This had caused Annabel to stare at the walk-in closet for a few minutes, because she didn't expect this at all. 'Oh wow. I didn't expect them to have a walk-in closet. I thought that it was going to be something like that dresser in my fake parent's house.' thought Annabel.
After thinking about that, the princess was trying out a bunch of outfits. Since she secretly wanted to do this.

Second day:
Annabel eventually slept on a comfortable bed during the first day. Because she was done with what she wanted to do during that day.
The second day is when things got interesting. The maid had entered her room, and instead of her doing her usual cleaning duties. Annabel asked the maid if she can clean the room. This had confused the poor maid, since not only was Annabel trying to talk to them in Delchistrier. But the princess wanted to help her out. "This isn't my first time cleaning a room like this. Because I had to clean the hidden room that my mother put me in. She hated my existence, and if you happened to be one of Nadira's secret spies. Can you tell her that I actually like her company?" said Annabel.
She wasn't sure if this maid was one of Nadira's secret spies. But it doesn't hurt to ask them.
The maid didn't know what to do here. However, because she was one of the people who loved the rebellion. They went to get a maid outfit for the ezeris princess.
Upon the maid returning with the maid outfit, Annabel changed out the dress she was wearing in order to put that maid outfit on. The maid gave her the cleaning supplies, and Annabel's cleaning magic was put into action. That princess took a while to clean her room in the palace. But oh boy, was that palace maid surprised to see how spotless the room was. "Here your cleaning supplies, and you don't mind if I keep the maid outfit? I can keep cleaning this room for you." said Annabel.
The maid was saying yes to Annabel a bunch of time, because she was amazed by how spotless the room is right now. "Thank you, and my name is Princess Annabel." said Annabel, who was happy to clean a room during her stay in Delchistrier.
The rest of that day was her teaching herself how to speak in Delchistrier by using one of the nice guards' help. Because she was still reading the books on the bookshelf.

Third day:
...For the love of the gods. Why are you doing this on the third day, Azalea?
As Annabel was teaching herself how to speak in Delchistrier with the book's help. Someone had knocked on her door. This confused her, since she didn't ask for anything.
Getting up from her seat, Annabel opened the door to find out that a servant had a cake for her. "Oh. Thank you for the cake." said Annabel, who was trying to say that in Delchistrier. The servant thought that it was cute that the princess was trying to speak in their language before leaving. Once Annabel had the cake, she noticed that there was a message on it. '...Are you kidding me? Azalea wants us to go to the library? ...Wait a minute, this is a perfect excuse. I wanted to go to Delchistrier's library, and now I get to visit the castle's library.' thought Annabel. This idea excited the ezeris princess, for she wanted to learn more about them.
However, she knew that she wasn't going to get out of this situation easily. So Annabel did what she knew best for this situation, and got a towel from the bathroom. She also changed into that maid outfit, and sewed a hidden pocket on the maid outfit for her favorite dress and the dagger. Annabel even tied her head up into a ponytail for this situation.
Quietly open the door, so the guard wouldn't know her presence, and put the towel cover his mouth and nose. Annabel closed the door in order to prevent anybody from seeing that, and knocked out the poor guard with a bath towel. 'I am so sorry for doing this, but I need your mask right now.' thought Annabel. She took the wolf mask off the guard, and slowly dragged his body into the walk-in closet behind the dresses.
After they hid the body, Annabel went out of her room to go look for the library in her perfect disguise.
Inheritance Ms. Sparrow explosiveKitten Bakuyoshi Xanto NinjaGirlGamer

 

[NinjaGirlGamer]

𝑰𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝑲𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒊𝒏​

Each member of the rebellion was escorted to their separate rooms. Ivanna, mid point of the group, was taking quick glances around the halls they walked. She took note of the guards positions and a couple of doors that may or may not have something valuable inside. She watched as each member of her team went inside their rooms. There were now only three guards walking along side Ivanna. They have stopped in front of a door at the end of the hallway. At first, Ivanna thought they were being escorted to some kind of secret dungeon, but as she walked inside.


She was greeted by Delchistrier’s interior design with all of it’s luxurious aesthetics. The guards closed the door behind her and despite the room being cozy and way too big. Ivanna felt like she was in a prison.

Day One

Ivanna was bored. There wasn’t much to do in the big room except doing meditation and training. She used a few objects in the room for practice. Candle sticks, some mini statues, and one ugly looking vase. The guard at the door would hear things break and shatter. It got to the point where the guard would come in the room to tell her off. However, the guard would find himself doing a quick 180 right back out the door. After that, they had to send only the maid in because the guard at the door didn’t dare to go back inside. If you asked the guard what made him walk back out the door, he would only mention how angry his wife gets and that Ivanna’s face looked a whole lot worse.

Day Two

It was only the second day and Ivanna was sick of the air she breathed. Expensive scents that smelled like pine needles and lavender. The food that they gave her was probably the best she’s ever had. However, she didn’t simply eat the supper right away and made the guard at the door do a taste test each time. At the time, Ivanna was meditating in the middle of the floor when the maid came in. She made her presence known with a knock on the door to which Ivanna opened her eyes to a silent servant. A nod of affirmation was given to the maid who was patiently waiting to start her cleaning duties. As she watched the maid clean, Ivanna found it a little odd that her assigned maid wasn’t talking at all. Since the first day, she had not once greeted Ivanna. Sure, she can be a little Intimidating at times, but there was no simple hellos or nothing. Curious, Ivanna got up from the floor then simply walked up to the maid. The maid was still cleaning while Ivanna watched. “Do you know how the others are doing?” No response, Ivanna frowned a bit. “I know you probably can’t understand me but I need to know what the others have been saying.” Another silent response, this made her frown even more. “Listen, I don’t know if you’re deaf or something but I need to—“ The maid stopped then turned to give her a side glance. “Why aren’t you saying anything?!” Ivanna said in puzzlement. The maid slowly got up from her crotched position then fully turned around. She started to give gestures to why she couldn’t speak which made Ivanna even more confused. That is when the maid pointed to her mouth and upon closer examination. There was no tongue. She had no tongue. On the second day, Ivanna had another reason to hate Delchistrier even more.

Day Three

Ivanna was currently on her 100th sit-up when she heard two knocks at the door. She huffed in annoyance then got up from the floor as she walked over to the front. She opened the door with her usual stoic face, but was greeted by the maid she’s been assigned to. Her face features soften at the sight “Hey,” Ivanna said. She stepped to the side as the maid walked in with a piece of cake in her hand. The maid placed it on the table with a fork and napkin. “Cake for me? It’s not even my birthday yet,” this made the silent maid giggle a bit. The maid reached over to the quill and ink then started to write a small note. This is how Ivanna and the maid communicated.

Note: Guard gave it to me to give to you

Ivanna nodded “Ok,” She said. The maid smiled then headed out of the room. Ivanna looked over the cake and frowned. It’s been three days since she’s been in that god forsaken room. How long was she going to be there? Ivanna took the fork from the table then poked at it. Maybe it was the day the King was going to poison them all. Cake was never on the menu when she was given food. On top of being unconfined in the room, her maid, Alice, and the rest of the maids had their tongues cut off. For no reason. NO REASON. Seconds later, the cake flew from one end of the room to the other. Shattering on impact against the wall. Ivanna sighed, what was the team’s next move? She thought, she needs to get to Baxter somehow. This is when she noticed something stuck to the wall. A piece of paper that was slowly falling off. Ivanna went over to grab the note then opened to read it.

Azalea.....

Spoiler: Sneaky Music

Today was the day. They finally had a plan in motion. Just when Ivanna casually crumpled the note then threw it in the fireplace, she heard around the corner some.....inappropriate things coming from a random maid. Ivanna concluded that it might be a distraction for the guards, so she hurried to grab all her stuff, including her long dagger that she may or may not have snuck in her suit.

Ivanna peeked out from the door and looked both ways before carefully exiting the room and silently closing the door behind her. Now where the hell is the library. Ivanna needed to find someone and fast, she hoped the others got the message too. As she sneaked through the halls, she spotted a guard who was walking from another hall. She quickly entered one of the storage rooms then waited for the guard to come by. Once the guard was close enough to the slightly cracked door, he found himself suddenly yanked inside. Sounds of a quiet struggle ensued as Ivanna choked the guard to unconsciousness. The sounds was quickly silenced then Ivanna exited the room like nothing happened and continued on her way. Coming up to a corner, she did quick glances all around her to see if any guards was nearby. Suddenly, she bumped into someone and immediately grabbed their throat only to realize it was the rebellion leader himself. She huffed then let go “Where are the others?—-Wait.” Ivanna pushes Baxter to the side as she saw two guards pass by. “What’s the plan here,” Ivanna asked in a hushed tone.

Ms. Sparrow Xanto Bakuyoshi Blackrose7 Inheritance