Fantasy The Five Kingdoms - The Fall of Sarthenfall - Ic

[explosiveKitten]

Thunk.

A deep sound of something heavy hitting the ground roused Angie from her sleep, and her first immediate thought was grab your weapon. But alas, her sword was gone. This made her internally panic, until she noticed that... Cale was missing too?

Tell me he did not steal my sword. He better not have stolen my sword. I will punt his scrawny ass over the fence. Wasn’t he talking about wanting to learn swordplay? I was going to go find the sparring area in here and borrow some practice swords. They’ve got to have some, right? ... getting off track. Find Cale.

She rolled over onto her back and sat up, before throwing the blanket off. She then quickly bound herself up again to step outside of the tent.
When she did, she found Cale just standing out in the open, swinging her sword, and clearly it was way too heavy for him. Evidenced by the swing and how it practically toppled him over. Unconsciously, she found herself with her arms crossed, examining his form and stance and.... ugh, gods, it was awful. He clearly knew nothing about what he was trying to shove his way into. He was basically just a child waving around a sword, dreaming of being a knight. Ughhh...

While she stared, she remained silent, just... honestly just waiting for him to notice her presence. Teach him to be more alert. Get her thoughts together...

Bakuyoshi

 

[Xanto]

Raymond Callahan, Clyde Callahan, and Baxter Callahan​

"I am okay, and yourself?" Raymond replied to Aurelie formally shaking her hand after she recited a greeting. Now that he thought of it, Ray wasn't so sure if he could just shake a princess's hand in the first place. It was his first time actually interacting with royalty on a personal basis. Despite the thoughts, it was a feat the man had already accomplished. When Ray finished shaking Aurelie's hand, he heard a familiar voice pipe up before looking at the source. Aria was asking him if he intended to give personal introductions to everyone or only get to know the pretty girls. "Only the group for now," He stated briefly looking around yet not finding any other familiar face at the moment, ". . when I find the rest of them."

Raymond's gaze shifted from one cousin to the other when he took note of Azalea's statement about not making any sudden movements toward Aurelie. He was a bit confused about what she meant. Maybe it is an inside joke they have with Aurelie? The man thought to himself as Azalea casually grinned at him. So, Raymond just slightly laughed at the statement. "I assure you princess, that you are safe with me," He ended his phrase with his eyes calmly landing back on Aurelie. That princess was obviously more out of her element than anyone else. Something in him just wanted to help her breakout.

The sound of a bowl briefly sliding across the table caught Raymond's attention causing him to refocus his sight onto the yawning princess who now stood next to him. At this point, it was no surprise how Azalea casually signed off from the group and exited with an unusual phrase. She seemed like an interesting character who Raymond couldn't resist slightly raising a brow at as she left.

"Whah else aw we doey tonigh?" Clyde yawned rubbing his eyes. "Going to sleep that's what," Baxter replied getting up from his seat and reaching over the table to put Clyde's dishes on top of his, "And Ray's telling your bedtime story." On that note, the boy's eyes widened in excitement the same time he practically jumped out of his seat. "YES!" Clyde victoriously pumped his right fist in the air unaware of his uncle's puzzled reaction. "I am?" Raymond asked before catching Clyde's sudden change in reaction and glancing at Baxter's stern face. " . . darn. It was supposed to be a surprise," Raymond smiled as Clyde looked away. His hazel eyes then moved to Baxter and squinted at the man. Baxter just smiled a bit in return before walking around the table and lifting his son onto his back. "Training and screening start at 6am tomorrow. Princess Aria, I expect you to get your team checked and ready to go," He mentioned exiting with Clyde waving behind his back. "Goodnight everyone!" The kid announced receiving a goodnight in return from most if not all the members in the tent.

"Guess that's my cue," Raymond said returning his gaze to Aurelie and Aria. His body was in need of rest especially after the past week of escaping a manhunt and traveling with a random group. In fact, he could probably fall asleep right on the spot if he wanted to. "Got bedtime story duty," Raymond mentioned piling his dish onto the short stack Baxter had started. "Intimidating isn't it?" He slightly leaned his head toward Aurelie's direction then glanced at Aria. This was just his way of playing around with Azalea's earlier comment and trying to loosen up Aurelie a bit. "Goodnight princesses," He said walking out of the tent and following his family members toward their own tent.

SandraDeelightful Ms. Sparrow FrostFire

___________________________________________________________________________________________​

Time Skip Yo!​

Flap. The sound of a tent cover falling against its other half caused Raymond to turn over in his bedroll and briefly open his eyes to spot his older brother already moving around. "Bax, what time is it?" Raymond silently groaned sitting himself up and looking over at his nephew who was fortunate enough to be sound asleep. "5:10," Baxter quietly replied. The older brother was always an early riser especially during his son's infant years, meanwhile Raymond had to get used to waking up early again since he adapted to sleeping late.

Raymond's hand moved through the bedhead hairstyle that formed overnight as he went over to check out what Bax was doing. "See this?" The rebellion leader questioned before taking a gulp of water from his cup and pointing at the camp layout that was across their table, "You fell asleep telling Clyde about dragons before you could wash up at the lake." Just the previous night before becoming a story time teller, Raymond told Baxter that he would wash up before sleeping. Rummaging through the south, running through a forest, and traveling from one side of the land to another didn't exactly make the man feel fresh.

"Right," Raymond nodded openly getting changed into his armored clothing for the training later. His hands routinely buttoned up the white long sleeve that served as his undershirt for the rest of his armored ensemble. Stopping by the lake seemed like a fine way to start the morning anyway. Besides, Ray had to wake himself up with cold water to be on full on alert mode for whatever the rebels would throw at him later that day.

"You will be there on time, yes?" Baxter questioned glancing from the map to his brother. Even during the earliest time of day, the leader was wrapping his mind around the camp's missions that needed to be fulfilled. Currently, he was figuring out a way to renovate the monastery behind them for further camp expansion. "On my heart," Raymond promised buttoning up the vest that was over his much lighter shirt. His layers functioned as a sort of armor without as much steel the babyfaced redhead the previous day exhibited. Also, the younger brother knew that it was cold in the northern territory thanks to his brother's overly descriptive and sometimes mundane letters. With that, Raymond wore his coat and exited the tent pulling off the hood since he needed to wake himself up with cold air.

It didn't take long for him to reach the lake with the help of a few natural landmarks he spotted on the map. Once he arrived, Raymond walked to the body of water and got down onto his knees just by a short ridge. His hands smoothly removed his coat as well as vest before tossing them off to the side. It didn't really matter if the white undershirt got a bit wet anyway since it was mostly covered up by the other two layers. Time to get this over with. The man thought to himself hindering anymore thoughts that flowed through his mind about the cold water in front of him. Without further hesitation, Raymond shut his eyes, scooped up water in his two hands, and splashed it onto his face. "Wow!" He exclaimed immediately covering his face with both hands to warm it back up as much as he could. His fingers slightly parted just enough so that his eyes could scan the area around him. Fortunately, no one really seemed to be sleeping around the perimeter anyway. Raymond calmed himself down before scooping up water more slowly this time and bringing his hands to his nape releasing the flow. He repeated the motion until his face and hair were fresh. This brief early morning rinse would have to do because it was too cold to dunk any part of the body in the water without getting numb.

After Ray rubbed his face with water one last time, he opened his eyes to see a figure spinning in the water. They were both on opposite sides of the lake so with the light fog, Ray just couldn't tell who she was. Hm, graceful. The man thought to himself as he pulled up the bottom half of his white shirt to dry off his face. Dancing in the morning . . or spinning would also be one good way to wake a sleepy head up anytime of the day. Doing so wasn't Raymond's cup of tea though. The man smoothly wore his vest before buttoning it up and grabbing his coat with the free hand he had. Not once did his gaze stray away from the spinning woman. In fact, he almost felt dizzy just watching her. "Gah," He mumbled looking away from the lady. Whoever she was had solid skills. It was good to know she seemed to be enjoying the sensation though. Soon enough, Raymond wore his coat and turned to leave the place deciding to give her some alone time.

Meanwhile, Baxter was having a walk around the camp when he saw a frail man swinging a sword around like he didn't know how to use his arms. "A sword is an extended version of your arm, not a bug trap," The leader mentioned as he approached the new face. It wasn't hard for Bax to point out someone who hadn't gone through a day of training in the rebellion camp. "Do not underestimate a sword's power. After all, that element is merely an emulation of the user's abilities," He explained mentally noting how the inexperienced sword user waved the weapon around like a wand. Regardless of how much he wanted to lecture the guy, Baxter had other important matters to attend to. One of them being a few screening sessions. "Come with me for screening," He turned to his side gesturing the newcomer to follow him. In truth, they were a bit early but the sooner they got it out of the way the better. "Aria or I will screen you soon," Baxter looked over his shoulder at the shorthaired redhead before walking toward the screening tent.

Ms. Sparrow Bakuyoshi explosiveKitten

 

[Bakuyoshi]

Cale was about ready to make another swing when he saw an all too familiar figure watching him. At first all he could do was awkwardly stare without an idea of what to say. Then he tried to speak

"I'm sorr- it was just I- and I didn't- it was all imp-. I'm sorry."

Cale hung his head in shame. He could've picked any weapon that anyone could've had yet he was quick to borrow Angelos weapon. And without a word offered the blade back. Not even uttering another word. And incapable of looking him in the eye.
But then Baxter showed up and just like that Cale was quick to remember him and Angelos issues.
'Of course Commander Baxter. Me and Angelo will be right behind you... Moreso I'll be right behind you. Angelo may need to get prepared. I mean not that I'm sp- actually forget it Angelo goes when Angelo goes. I can't tell him that he has to go."

explosiveKitten Xanto

 

[FrostFire]

Morag 'Aria' MacLaird

Spoiler: Images

Aria worried internally about Azalea's reaction to touch, but she said nothing. The was no use in bringing up such things, she felt that it was better to let Azalea work though things, and tell her in her own time.
She couldn't help but roll her eyes as Raymond's very literal interpretation of her jests, but his obliviousness reminded her of Luther's reaction to other women, and she wondered if Raymond had, or used to have, a partner.
Waving at Azalea with a smile, Aria decided it would be best for her to leave soon also. She needed to train and bathe in the lake before going to sleep.
Her attention snapped to Baxter when he stated the start of the next day, and she nodded curtly. "Yes Sir." Was her only response, waving to Clyde as the two exited the tent.
She pursed her lips as Raymond acknowledged Aurelie's fear, but brightened up as he bid then goodnight. "Night. Aurelie, we should get back to our tent." She stated, rising from her seat and gesturing for Aurelie to follow as she trod lightly out of the tent. She would train and then bathe, after which she would finally get to sleep.

~

Aira's eyes snapped open as her tent door fell closed. She sat up, feeling the icy air wash over her face as she looked over at the other two, immediately noting Azalea's absence. Hopping up, Aria knew that she had woken up late, even if it was only 5 minutes she wasn't happy about it - she had stayed up later than usual so that was likely to blame.
Silently, she dressed quickly, her hair was already braided up in an intricate looking thick braid that came down just past her ribs. She had put it up last night, and the tight weaves had held together perfectly as she slept, meaning she had no need to touch it that morning.
She was dressed in more relaxed armour that day, a warm, brown, long-sleeved top, dark tight fitting trousers and sleeveless blue waistcoat, the inside of which was a rich, dark red. Over all that, she wore an chainmail shirt, insulated metal arm braces and her swords and side bag strapped around her waist. The boots she wore were waterproof leather, insulated with fur on the inside and reinforced with metal toe caps and heels.
This was perhaps her favourite outfit, most of it was insulated with wool or fur, and thick, so she was warm and cosy despite not wearing a thick coat or anything too cumbersome. Plus she was more than comfortable in the freezing air, and much preferred it to the blistering heat of some of the other Kingdoms.
She exited the tent and washed quickly in her bucket which she had filled with clean water the night before, looking at the still dark sky and determining it was likely around 5:40am.
Meaning she was still running late. She loathed being late.

There were more people milling about, most waking up and beginning to dress and go about their business as she was. She stepped away from her tent a short distance, giving herself more space to perform an abbreviated version of her morning training.
She spun and twisted around, kicking, punching and slicing the air with her sword as she fought invisible enemies, some low to the ground, others she seemed to be airborne more than her feet were planted on earth.
A few people paused in their routine to watch her, not many lingered as they saw her warming up like this almost every day, to them it was nothing special.
Around 5 minutes later, she finished warming up, and conscious of the time she entered her tent again, stepping silently over to Aurlie.
"Aurelie? Time to get up." She spoke normally, patting the sleeping Princess lightly until she stirred.
"You have fifteen minutes before you need to be dressed and at the screening." She stated, leaning over towards her own bedroll and picking up a bundle.
"Here. We're about the same size, so you can borrow my clothes. It would be utterly impractical for you to wear a dress." She dropped the bundle by Aurelie's side, in it were some warm trousers, a top and a simple overcoat lined with fur to keep the frailer girl warm. Aria knew that the fit wouldn't be perfect, but it was better than what most had.
"Once you're dressed, come and find me at the screening tent. I'll be around the training grounds waiting for everyone, so don't be late." She spoke seriously, stressing the last part.
Aria was slightly worried about the location of her cousin, if Azalea was late Aria wouldn't make an exception... That went for Raymond also, the whole group were about to find out how tough Aria was... Being brought up in what was effectively a glorified military camp certainly rubbed off on her, and her 'militant' side would likely be a bucket of ice water to the face for most of them, perhaps even Azalea.

She rose gracefully, and exited her tent, marching with purpose over to the training grounds, next to which were the makeshift armoury, medical tent, and the mostly empty tent they used for screening newcomers.
Aria sighed as she approached, no one was there yet. They did have over 10 minutes still, but Aria always awarded brownie points for those who came early, especially if they were there before her - something that rarely happened, as she liked to be at least 10 minutes early to everything.
Ducking into the armoury, she grabbed a long pole, taller than she was, and headed into the makeshift arena, deciding she would do something useful while she waited for people to show up.
Coming to rest in front of a crude practice dummy (which was basically a log roughly the size of a person standing upright in a well in the ground), she began to train more, twirling the pole around and hitting the dummy repeatedly as she spun and twirled, loud and piercing crack crack kkkkch sounds filling the dull humm of the morning as she hit wood on wood with deadly speed and strength.

SandraDeelightful Ms. Sparrow Xanto @ basically everyone

 

[Blackrose7]

Annabel and her gang went to sleep after finishing their food, since they had nothing to talk about. 'Ok. I need to wake up before the screening starts tomorrow, because I need to go climb up a tree.' thought Annabel. She really didn't want to do the screening, so she would climb a tree, and use that as an excuse to not do it.
Next day:
Annabel was climbing up a tree as soon as she woke up, because she really didn't want to be the first one to do the screening. 'They are so not going to get me down from a tree, since none of them can do this.' thought Annabel. She didn't want them to call her a princess, so Annabel was doing her best to avoid the screening.
Meanwhile, everybody in Demonic Velvet was looking for Annabel, for she wasn't in their tent when they woke up.
"Damn it, Annabel. I knew that you would hide from the screening today." said Daisy.
As they looked around for Annabel, Daisy eventually found her up a tree. "Get down, Annabel!" said Daisy. "No. I am not getting down, Daisy, and you can't make me." said Annabel.
Daisy just facepalmed herself, since she needs to do the screening in order for them to stay at the rebellion. "You need to do the screening, Annabel, or we will be kicked out." said Daisy. "Still not doing the screening, Daisy." said Annabel.
"Then I will get you down, Annabel." said Daisy.
Daisy tried her best to climb up the tree, but she wasn't as good at climbing as Annabel was. 'Geez. This was harder than it looks.' thought Daisy. She didn't reach the tree branch Annabel was sitting on. "Give up, Daisy?" said Annabel. "Please get down, Annabel." said Daisy. "Nope." said Annabel.
It was at this moment that Thomas tackled Annabel off the tree branch, because he was also good at climbing up a tree. They both went down, and hurt themselves when that happen. "Ow. That really hurt, Thomas." said Annabel. "You had it coming, and ow." said Thomas.
Sam and Jerry show up, sighed at what they saw, and pick up Annabel and Thomas from the ground. "You are so not running away again, Annabel. You wanted to come here for protection, and now you have no choice but to do this." said Jerry. He wasn't going to get kick out, and then die from the shades and criminals because of Annabel not doing the screening.
Annabel at this point gave up, as her gang would force her to do this.

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

Azalea Eve Windfore

Azalea eased out of her spin and into a curtsy as she began to feel the uncanny sensation of being watched, but when she straightened and looked about, the lake was how it had always been, and she dismissed the feeling as paranoia, a warm, dizzy feeling flooded through her, something she hadn’t felt in a year, the world still spun around her and she swayed on her toes but she laughed, a genuine, real laugh. She glanced down at her reflection in the lake, her thoughts drifting with the lull of the distant gushing water, remembering the same memory she’d thoight of last night, the first night of the pavilion, when he stopped them from leaving. Azalea dazed off to the sound of the rivers melody.

~~
“No one can live for over three hundred years,” said Isis, tugging on the ends of her dark hair. “It’s impossible.”

The gentleman laughed, though it had an edge to it. “I am old,” he said. “The inside of me is cracked and faded with dust. But I am not dead. And..I am not living, either. I am…undead.”

The girls cast one another confused glances. Azalea and Violet exchanged glances. Azalea recalled the stories she’d heard about the Mad King. He could capture the deads’ souls…she swallowed.

“It is difficult to explain,” said the gentleman. “But I owe you this much. Please.”

In a sleek, silky movement, the gentleman produced teacups on saucers by cupping his hands together and unfolding them. Each teacup filled to the brim with tea; he slipped them into the water and blew, sending them drifting to the girls like candles on tiny boats.

The girls scooped up the saucers from the water, all excitedly, and Hyacinth had slurped the last drop from her teacup before an embarrassed Violet could stop her, Hyacinth smacking her lips with delight. Grinning the slightest, though admittedly nervous, Azalea cautiously took a sip of tea. The flavor of butter and berries melted over her tongue, leaving nothing to swallow. Magic tea. Everything, was magic. She wondered what it looked like without.

“I am a highborn gentleman,” he said as they gathered the teacups between their hands. “A lord. When the High King Soris reigned, I was a member of his court.”

The girls gasped, all at the same time. The gentleman smiled, tight-lipped.

“Ah, yes,” he said. “I was his friend, even. Ah, do take heart. I am not so villainous. I was only a boy.”

And then he spun a story with his smooth chocolate voice, so enthralling the girls forgot the teacups clasped in their hands, all of Azalea’s siblings, including herself, leaned forward on the ground, listening to every word.

Azalea imagined Calore when the gentleman had been young, when it was the only kingdom in Sarthenfall, and Calore had not yet had a name, with the city’s streets dirt and not paved, when the fields were still wild woods and there were not lanterns but lit torches.

“I was young,” he said quietly. “And a fool. The King had made an apprentice of me, teaching me bits of magic. But he went mad, surely you know of this. When I heard of what he did to souls—” The gentleman touched a finger to a vine at the arched doorframe, tracing it, thoughtful. “Well—I joined the rebellion, naturally.”

The pieces came together in Azalea’s mind. The same rebellion headed by her fourteenth great-grandfather, Raf Windfore, or Raf the First. Azalea listened, raptly.

“It was a betrayal the High King refused to suffer.” The gentleman’s long fingers closed over a silver leaf and snapped it from the vine. “I was found, naturally. I was no contest for his magic. And it wasn’t good enough for him to simply kill me. Instead, he magicked me here. I was made the keeper of this pavilion. Because, out of all life had to give him, the High King loved to dance the most.”

Isis choked on her tea.

Azalea said, “You’re making that up!”

Hyacinth said, “Was dancing even invented back then?”

The gentleman laughed.


“You like dancing, do you?” he said. “You would have been impressed with the High King. Every night he brought his court to dance in this pavilion. And I, a part of it, tending to it, the servant and fool of the High King.

“And then, after countless nights of dancing, the High King and his court vanished. I, too, faded into the walls and foundations of the palace, a helpless piece of thought among the bricks and granite. Only recently have I been released enough to become keeper again, though still nothing more than a piece of magic, like this pavilion, and still unable to go beyond these steps. So it is.”

The gentleman finished, smiling sadly. Azalea grasped her teacup in her hand, feeling the porcelain beneath her fingers. Trapped…the gentleman had been confined to the palace, just like them. She felt sympathy tug at her heart.

“You poor thing,” said Hyacinth.

“Are—are you hungry?” said Karliah. “Do you need food—or—anything?”

The gentleman laughed. “Why, you charming little thing,” he said. “No. I am quite all right.”

Azalea said, “What is your name?”

The gentleman’s black eyes turned to Azalea. They took in her shabby, soot-streaked nightgown and her unpinned wavy maroon-colored hair. A hint of a smile graced his lips as Azalea, flushing pink, pulled Hale closer to hide herself.

“Keeper,” he said. “That is what I was called by the Mad King. I have no other name anymore.”

Keeper. An unusual name, for a most mysterious gentleman.

“Pray forgive me,” said Keeper. His long dimples appeared as he smiled. “I will lower the water presently and let you free. But please, may I have the honor of asking who you all are?”

She glanced at Violet, expectantly, only to see Violet was doing the same to her. Azalea flushed, realizing he was asking her rather then the eldest. She curtsied and introduced them all, from herself—“Azalea Eve Windfore,”—to Violet, Karliah, Isis, Delilah, Hyacinth, Jasmine and tiny Hale, now asleep on Karliah’s shoulder. Each girl bobbed a curtsy at her name. The gentleman gave them each a bow, so graceful he rippled.

“Windfore,” he said. He smiled.

The pavilion shimmered in the silver mist, and the magic lulled them. Jasmine yawned and leaned against Karliah’s leg. Azalea knew they had to leave but wished they didn’t. Her eyes met the Keeper’s, across the silver pond, and he still kept the smile on his lips.

“Princess Azalea Eve Windfore,” he said. “Look in your pocket.”

Azalea touched her nightgown pocket, feeling a flat, stiff piece of paper. Puzzled, she pulled out an envelope embossed with silver swirls. The girls leaned in and gave oohs as she broke the seal and unfolded it her eyes widened in disbelief as she read:

The Princesses
are
formally invited to attend
a ball
tomorrow night
courtesy of
the Pavilion Keeper​

~~

Her thoughts drifted from the memory as a passing fish gently broke through the reflection, it’s silver scales glimmering and flickering in the reflection before it disappeared back into the darkness and she realized how quiet it was now. Utter peace. She was safe. But it felt wrong somehow. Like the quiet before the storm. It felt...wrong. Like she shouldn’t feel this way. Shouldn’t be allowed to.

The sun warming her pale skin made her glance up, the sky his the stars by now, orange-pink hues blending smoothly together signifies that 6:00 A.M. was here or that it was nearby, quickly Azalea slid her socks and boots on before she turned and sprinted through the trees, branches snapping back and smacking her in the face as she jumped over a mossy fallen tree, it only took her two minutes to reach camp, stumbling through the trees rather winded as she stopped and collected herself, dusting the dirt and leaves from her face and hair quickly as she looked around, noting the much busier camp as soldiers went about the daily hustle, although the lack of number indicated some were already beginning their training.

Azalea set about searching for the screening, slightly dreading it. She only hoped they asked questions she could answer. She didn’t want anyone knowing how stupid she was to take it. Inquiring to a passing soldier about the location of the damnable screening tent, who stiffly directed her towards her destination. What was it with people around here? Most of them disliked her and she hardly knew them.

Brushing it off with an angry huff, Azalea approached the screening tent, with a speedy stride that held urgency and even a touch of anger stopping in her tracks as a flurry of movements causing a rather loud ruckus as it hit the dummy’s in a whirlwind of movements and after a moment it dawned on Azalea it was in fact her cousin.

She was relieved to say the least nobody else was around, only signifying she wasn’t late. She wanted to prove the General wrong. Her pride demanded she do so. Azalea leaned back against a tree, lingering by the screening tent with her arms casually folded across her chest as she observed her cousin from afar with an impressed smirk plastered across her expression.

For once in a long time, she felt good.


Xanto FrostFire

​

 

[explosiveKitten]

She blinked at him, and raised an eyebrow when he just stared back for a moment before he suddenly went into panic mode, just as she predicted. And after a brief moment of Cale stuttering and apologizing, he gave a huff of defeat and offered the sword back to her.

Ah, look at him! He looks like a scolded puppy. Stop staring at him, you’re scaring him.

When Baxter approached and began to critique Cale, she remained silent. No point in saying anything- Everything Baxter said was true. But then, he mentioned the dreaded screening, and she began to internally panic. She wasn’t prepared for that at all. She needed to tighten her bindings! This was baaaaad! She looked at Baxter with wide eyes after he had already turned away, then shook her head and returned her face to a neutral expression before she turned to Cale again.

She looked at him for a couple seconds, before slowly approaching and retrieving the blade, turning it over in her hands and inspecting it. It didn’t appear to be damaged, so no harm done, she supposed. But...

She shuffled into the tent and got herself all ready- tightening her bindings and saying a quick prayer to whatever gods maybe listening before hurriedly putting her armor on. When she stepped her way out of the tent, she eyed Cale, before stalking over to him.

“Everything that man said was correct. The sword isn’t just a thing at the end of your arm, it’s an extension. A part of you that you must learn to wield with precision and dignity.” She turned away from him and started to walk away, “I’ll teach you proper handling when we get back from this...” She shuddered unconsciously, “screening.”

But then she paused, and slowly turned her head to look at Cale through the corner of her eye, “Oh... and Cale?” Her lips curls into an angry scowl as she said, calmly, but with a hint of warning, “Don’t. Ever. Take my things without asking, ever again.” And with that, she turned and walked away, hoping the warning wouldn’t scare him too much.

Bakuyoshi

 

[Xanto]

Baxter Callahan​

Baxter paid no attention to the guy's rambling and merely carried on his way to the screening tent. His serious face glancing at the newcomer obediently following him only about two times before reaching the area.

While he turned to face forward again, Baxter noticed Aria striking away at the training log and did a double take. His straight face cracking the first small smile of the day when he nodded to acknowledge her presence. It felt good to know that some people could actually be depended on. "Princess, do not forget that we are prohibited from screening our own relatives," He mentioned with his gaze adjusting onto Azalea's tree-leaning self. If it wasn't obvious already, his reminder was predominantly for Azalea and Raymond since both were related to at least one of the screeners.

It didn't take long for the leader to kick himself into screening mode once he routinely entered the tent. His blue eyes studying the other man with a slight squint. How did this guy survive? Baxter thought to himself momentarily circling the guy's position. The answer would be the reason why he should stay with the rebellion.

"State your name, age, nationality, backstory, and previous occupations," Baxter ordered rather suddenly stopping in front of the person he was screening. His left hand grasped the thinner male's wrist before turning it upward and allowing two other fingers from his right hand to feel for the man's pulse, "Skills and interests as well." Those factors being arguable the most important of them all. After all, it would determine his main role in the camp.

At the first sound of the guy's voice, Baxter swiped up a sheet of paper with the categories he had just stated and handed it over to the guy. The rebellion leader had a feeling that the newcomer would forget the questions. Within a few moments, Baxter released Cale's grip and picked up a pen to jot some notes down as he spoke.

Bakuyoshi FrostFire Ms. Sparrow

Raymond Callahan​

After walking away from the lake, Ray realized that he still had a few minutes to spare. Clyde's craving for a piece of pumpernickel bread since the previous night made him twist toward the opposite direction away from the training grounds. Yes, it was a random adventure. A natural Raymond move. Rebellion encampments weren't necessarily the most generous feeders, and Ray knew this. So, he decided to take it on like any other usual day.

"Good morning, sir!" Raymond announced walking into the tent where the smell of freshly baked bread trailed from. His hazel eyes immediately meeting the targeted delicious snack nestled in the baker's basket prior to hesitantly looking over at the shocked baker's face. Apparently, getting a chance at pumpernickel was always a gamble for everyone during mealtime. The only other choice was a plain piece of bread, which was . . okay too. "Louis, is it? My brother told me much about you," Ray grinned putting a welcoming hand out to the man. Word traveled around the camp fast so more than a few people already knew about Ray's relation to their leader. "You know my name?" The baker excitedly asked almost humbled when Raymond nodded in response.

Louis was a good man, but stingy with food portioning especially now that more people were joining the rebellion by the day. "Heard you gotta kid with a love for magic," The street magician tilted a chair a bit, walked through the small space, and leaned against the wooden table just by the bread basket that held the unique piece. "Eh, did Clyde send you?" The baker suddenly asked with a raised brow, "His father had already tried getting him his favorite bread before. I'm thinking you're up to it too." Raymond eyed the piece of bread and nodded in guilt before looking up to catch the baker's stern look. Baxter's letters were descriptive enough to make Ray feel as if he had known Louis for the longest time.

"No can do, Raymond," Louis commented with furrowed brows as he grabbed some dough and walked toward Raymond. In a split second, the baker's foot got caught on the tilted chair and almost sent him down. That was until Raymond quickly caught the guy. "Still no dough," Louis nodded in thanks despite his persistent rejection to give Raymond the pumpernickel. Soon enough, the baker safely made his way in between Raymond and the coveted item.

At this, Raymond simply shrugged trying the best he could to get what his nephew wanted. He allowed Louis to smirk his way to victory this time. "I'll see ya around?" He tilted his head smoothly backing out of the tent with a slight smile.

The magician's smile only widened once he fully turned around and lightly clenched the key in his hand. Before every meal, Louis would place the bread basket within a locked box to prevent contamination and pests. Now, Raymond could easily swipe up his nephew some pumpernickel bread whenever he wanted to. Lose the battle to win the war. He smirked before suddenly realizing the time.

5:59am. Here we go again. The last minute runner thought to himself as he sprinted past a small group dodging every shoulder, elbow, and leg that tried to obstruct his way. It didn't help that there were a few rocks lined up on the ground right on his path. Within a few moments, some yelps could be heard just as Raymond exited the crowd running onto the slightly elevating rocks and jumping over a piece of lumbar being carried toward the monastery.

Being late was out of the question for the guy since he knew Baxter would flip at his "irresponsibility."

"Keep ya grip!" Raymond exclaimed landing onto the ground in a roll just after flying over a log. Unfortunately, the stranger was just too shocked to listen to the younger Callahan and ended up dropping the vase anyway. Ray's hand swiftly caught the pottery an inch above the ground just as he stood up from his roll. Who knew what their reaction was since he just sprinted forward without looking back.

Anyway, main point is that Ray arrived exactly at 6:00am at the training grounds. Adrenaline was rushing through his veins as he stopped himself from toppling over another person and almost slamming into a tree that he didn't even realize Azalea was leaning on. "Ehem," He tried covering up the rush he was in by leaning his head on his propped right arm against the tree. "Good morning ladies," An innocent smile made its way to Raymond's face as he looked at Aria. Though, he slightly paused once he realized from his peripheral vision that Azalea was just a few inches next to him.

FrostFire Ms. Sparrow

 

[Bakuyoshi]

Cale could only gulp in what could be described as fear. "I promise you I will not. It was a decision made without thinking." Was all he could say as he followed Baxter to the screening.
explosiveKitten

By the time he got to the Screening he was quickly being asked questions. And in truth this was not what he thought a screening was at all. It was more a mini interview. "Cale Auscent, I'm from Lorelthia and was a member of the engineering division since I was 15. And for the occupation the group I was with were weapon makers. So I know a Crossbow like the back of my hand. And well... Actually yeah I'm an engineer that knows how to make Crossbows. I have personally never been in hand to hand combat or ever used a sword. I've always used a Crossbow. Lot easier to understand a weapon you personally made. And me and the knight have been surviving... barely." Cale was unsure of one piece of information he was holding. Because for all he knew this screening would involve a search of his person. And when Baxter found the Lorelthian symbol. Would he tell the truth or make up some story. Angelo mentioned to wait but how could Cale wait if this was happening. But maybe it could be a well kept secret between him and Baxter.
"Actually there is one more small discreet thing. Something that I reauest not be revealed to to the people outside." Cale gestured to his left pocket. "Either I can get it or if you do not trust me you can grab it. But either way what's in there is a secret I want to keep between you and me. Unless you deem it neccessary to reveal."

Xanto

 

[Blackrose7]

Everybody in Demonic Velvet dragged Annabel back to the rebellion camp by picking her and Thomas up.
They put Annabel down at the screening tent and watched her so she wouldn’t run away again. ‘Damn it, you guys. But I honestly can’t run away again, because everybody in Demonic Velvet will drag me back here.’ thought Annabel.
Now Annabel thought that they would take off her clothes during the screening first, because of its name. ‘Wait. Who is doing the screening anyway, because we do have girls here.’ thought Annabel.
Not knowing that Aria would be doing that, Annabel got the wrong idea by thinking that a guy would be doing the screening. ‘Oh god. I hope that doesn’t happen.’ thought Annabel.

Daisy put her hand behind Annabel’s back, for she knows that Annabel wasn’t comfortable with this. “Breathe Annabel. This will be over soon, but you need to calm down,” said Daisy.
“Calm down? This is screening, Daisy, and they will probably take off my clothes first,” said Annabel.
“They probably won’t do that, as they might ask you some questions,” said Daisy.
“I hope you are right about that, Daisy,” said Annabel.
And so, the waiting at the screening tent has started, and Annabel just sat down on the ground until it was her turn.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Princess Aurelie Beauchamp of Aubigine

​

"Well, thank you," said Aurelie, as she shook Raymond's hand. Her voice was timid and quiet, as it most likely always was. She was so scared when it came to other people. She ate the rest of her dinner in silence. She was still scared by this kind of unfamiliar setting, and so many new people. It was almost too much for her. Once Aria had told her that they were going to bed, Aurelie hurried to stand up, eager to get out of her and to get some sleep.

...​

As Aria patted her, Aurelie let out a few light grunts. She wasn't used to getting up so early, and she doubted that she would any time soon. She was used to getting up late in the morning. Breakfast wasn't even much like breakfast, it was more like brunch. It had taken her a few minutes just to sit up and and another few more minutes to actually stand.

She knew that she wouldn't stand a chance in this sort of world. She too soft and delicate. She was surprised she had made it this far. She had been brought up to be weak and fragile. It had been planned since when she was born, and it was discovered complications would not give her father the son he so desired. They had planned for her to be queen only in name.

She slowly pulled herself out of bed. She wanted to hurry, but at the moment, she had absolutely no energy. She looked at the bundle of clothes that Aria had left for her. She cringed slightly, knowing how disappointed her mother would be if she saw her wearing something like that. Even in death, Aurelie still had the desire to please her parents. Her entire situation would have displeased her parents.

"Forgive me, Maman," Aurelie muttered to herself before getting dressed. Her mother had been the one to oversee all of her education. Her parents had never played an active role in her life. Her mother's role was only slightly more active than her father's. She really only saw her parents at meals and when there was some kind of ball. The only sort of parental figure that she had was her governess, dear Madame Becu.

She felt uncomfortable when she had finished dressing. She looked and felt awkward. She knew most thought the dresses that she wore were uncomfortable, but Aurelie had been wearing them for so long, that they didn't feel awkward or uncomfortable at all. Something like this made her feel out of place.

Slowly, she exited the tent. She knew that she was probably running late. She felt bad about it. She had never known anything beyond the life she lived. She wondered what the need for rebellion even was. She made herself small as she walked to the screening tent, not exactly knowing what that entailed. She kept her arms crossed over her chest, something she sometimes did to make herself small. She never liked to be noticed. Much like the rabbit she had been described as since she became involved in this whole thing, she wanted to retreat into a hole at the first sign of trouble. She was scared of everything. She was scared of her own shadow. Her parents attempts to raise her into someone weak-willed and dependent had worked out completely in their favor. She didn't know how to think for herself, speak for herself, or do anything by herself. In fact, rabbits could do that. They had survival instinct, something that Aurelie lacked.

 

[FrostFire]

Morag 'Aria' MacLaird

Spoiler: Images

Aria noticed her cousin arrive out of her peripheral, but said nothing, too in the zone as she continued to train as the other watched her. But in her head, she was pleased that Azalea was the first to arrive, glad that her relative was just as punctual as she.
She continued to attack the log-dummy, loud cracking sounds piercing the air each time she made contact.
Again in her peripheral vision, she noted Baxter's arrival, this time looking briefly in his direction to acknowledge him, not breaking in her rhythm. As he spoke, she paused for a split second to speak. "Of course, Baxter. I would not forget something so important. I shall screen your brother presently." She smiled, her face becoming serious again as Baxter withdrew to the screening tent, which had multiple closed off compartments for the privacy of each individual. As he disappeared, she looked back at her opponent, attacking again in a flurry of thwacks and cracks, before she jumped back and threw down the pole (which landed in the ground upright as if it were a spear, despite the solid terrain and blunt end). Uttering what could only be described as a fearsome battle cry, yelling loudly as she shot forward, spinning into a flying kick as she hit the solid log square in the middle, sending it toppling out of it's hole and landing on the ground with a heavy thud. Falling down from the kick, she twisted in the air, landed on her hands and somersaulting quickly to her feet as she studied the log, sighing as she bowed to it.
She finally turned to address Raymond, curtly uttering a "Good morning." as she heaved up the log she had just felled, slotting it back into position.

She spun slowly on the spot, pleased to see that no one was late as she spied Aurelie shuffling in, looking about as uncomfortable as she probably felt.
"You're all here for screening." She barked, raising her voice slightly to get the attention of the others.
"Both Baxter and I shall be processing you. If you speak truthfully and honestly, we won't have any problems." Her eyes flicked to Annabel, then the silent Knight before she continued. She knew by their reactions the night before that they would be problematic, and that she was almost certainly going to be screening them, considering how busy Baxter always was he probably only had time to take a few off her plate, along with screening Azalea, as Aria couldn't.
"Stay in this area, we will be going through one by one, asking questions, performing a physical and health check and such. Nothing too serious, we need to get to know each of you and assign your roles in the camp." She outlined the basic principles, before her eyes landed on Aurelie. Probably best to get the least troublesome one out of the way first.
"Princess Aurelie, please come with me." Her tone was professional, and she addressed the other woman as if they didn't share the same title... She was in her serious, professional soldier mode.
She lifted the flap of one of the tents rooms, and swiped up some paper held to a board and a pencil.
"Take a seat." She began, friendly but professional, waiting for Aurelie to sit in the chair before she continued.
"Please state your full name, age, nationality, previous occupation, skills and interests. And tell me about your past, an outline will do." She said, holding the pencil ready and smiling encouragingly at Aurelie.
Aria intended for this to be a pleasant experience for the scared girl, or at least as much as she could make it.

Ms. Sparrow Xanto SandraDeelightful

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

Azalea Eve Windfore

The sound of stomping boots, or rather hard and fast footfalls behind her cause her to tilt her head the slightest, glancing behind her as Raymond ran full speed at the tree, she half-expected him to run right smack into it until he skidded to a stop just before doing so. Arms still folded across her chest, Azalea eyed him out of the corner of her eyes, her lips curving upwards in amusement as he tried to cover up his obvious rush by casually leaning against the tree she herself was leaning on. Her grin widened as he greeted both Aria and herself, “What a rum entrance that was,” Azalea returned his greeting sarcastically, but her teasing grin meant well as she added, “I hope punctuality isn’t part of the magician job description.” She said wryly, before another movement came into her peripheral vision.

Azalea angled her body to look even farther back until her eyes found Aurelie, shuffling into view as if she wanted to bury herself in the ground if only to avoid interaction, what kind of parents did she have? To raise they’re daughter into a human puppet...perhaps they got what was coming to them.

Azalea instantly cursed herself for the rotten thought. Her parents werent exactly loving examples of what a parent should be either. If it weren’t for Ana and her sisters, she didn’t know what kind of person she’d have turned out to be.

Maybe someone less naive with a little more brain.

Her attention moved from the more bitter thoughts in her head to Aria, who called attention to herself as she announced to everyone what would be occurring.

Azalea pursed her lips as Aria mentioned a physical exam and health exam. There was no hiding the scars on her cheek. It was something she’d have to learn to live with. She was a tad bit underweight, but mainly the dark circles around her neck and wrists were what worried her. She’d wanted to avoid her bruises calling any attention. She didn’t want people asking. And she didn’t want their pity either. The words “getting to know each of you” didn’t sit well with her either. By her guess it meant Aria obviously would not be screening her, which in hindsight was only fair. It made sure nobody played favorites for one, and made sure everybody knew everybody. Still, from what she’d seen of Baxter, he was an intimidating fellow, firm, respectable, calculating and most likely the brooding type... a very handsome brooding man, his piercing blue gaze of his seemed to see through everything. She had a feeling she didn’t want to get on his bad side, if her temper and sharp tongue allowed it.

Her eyes followed Aria and Aurelie as they disappeared into the screening tent. Never one for patience, Azalea scowled at having to wait, allllwing herself to slowly sit, her back sliding down against the tree until her butt and the ground made contact, resting her elbow on one propped up knee, and her head propped in her propped up arm, her hand cupping her jaw as she slouched forward in a very unregal manner with a long, impatient sigh.

“What a beastly procedure,” Azalea muttered to nobody in particular, despite Raymond, Annabel and her gang, and the armored lady nearby. Azalea attempted to pass the time by thinking of more exciting memories rather then the very boring, long and dreaded one was living in now.

~~

The night after they discovered the pavilion, they readied in a frenzy of delight. Hair brushed, pinned, and braided; black dresses buttoned, corseted, poofed, and smoothed. Violet found dried flowers from a box underneath her bed, and the younger girls beamed as the older girls pinned the crinkly blossoms in their hair and tied their slippers.

The girls shivered as they passed through the billowing magic waterfall. Tonight the silver forest dripped here and there, though instead of raindrops, it dripped pearls. They reflected the light of the lamp as they fell.

Just before the bridge, Violet set down the lamp and pulled the willow branches aside, revealing the glimmering white pavilion. The girls clasped hands and walked forward. Pearls rained into the water with soft ploops.

The Keeper stood at the entrance, cutting a sharp, smooth outline against the white silver. He dipped into a bow, so deep he fell to one knee.

“You came,” he said.

“Of course,” said Violet, as if she never had doubts that morning when arguing with Azalea on wether to go back or not. Azalea fought back the urge to roll her eyes.

“Welcome,” he breathed. “My ladies.”

He extended his arm to the dance floor. With a squeal of delight, the girls bounded up the steps and onto the marble. Azalea smiled and followed after, her slippers so soft she could almost feel the marble veins. They looked about them, taking in the velvet, backless sofas on the sides for resting, the dessert table piled with pastry sweets, the domed ceiling above them.

Azalea turned to see the Keeper at the entrance, folding his arms, his black eyes on her. She turned her head, feeling a blush rise to the tips of her ears.

“I do hope my ladies will enjoy their night of dancing.” The Keeper backed out of the entrance, onto the first stair. Isis gave a cry of protest.

“You’re leaving?” she said.

Mr. Keeper smiled. Even his smiles were sleek. “I do not dance,” he said. “I am only the Keeper. I leave dancing to those who are more gifted than I.”

The white rain gusted in thick patters above them, and pearls dripped in sheets over the sides. A curtain of white masked the Keeper from the entrance. When the drops subsided and the bridge and rosebushes were revealed once more, he was not there.

“Wow,” said Hyacinth. “Wow!”

The blush still heated Azalea’s face. She turned to the girls, smiling as the invisible orchestra tuned and sprang into a lively melody.

“A schottische!” said Azalea. “Do you remember this? Ana taught it to us hardly a year ago—you’ll remember!”

They joined hands, and Azalea taught them the dance. Step-hop, hop, touch, hop. She taught them to turn their feet just so, and the girls learned it quickly.

Quadrilles, gorlitzas, a redowa waltz, and more reels. The hours passed, the girls laughing as Azalea and Violet turned them in the steps.

She loved this. The feeling of stretching herself tight, releasing, spinning, falling breathless and feeling the air across her face. Seeing her sisters so happy, their pale cheeks pink with delight. It was magic.

Kaidan’s watch read well past one when the girls finally sat down together in the middle of the dance floor, exhausted, happy, their dresses like black blossoms over the milky dance floor. Kaidan was a generous, handsome guard that gave Violet his watch so the girls could keep track of time during mourning. Violet seemed to fancy the fellow.

Actually, Violet had refused the kind gesture to be polite, but Azalea had no qualms about snatching the watch from Kaidan’s palm, much to Violet’s mortification.

The youngest girls had fallen asleep, curled up on the red velvet sofas, and Hale, who had been passed from sister to sister and squealed with glee every time he was spun, slept soundly on a chair cushion.

“My slippers are worn out,” said Isis. She untucked her feet and showed everyone her pink toes, peeking through the seams.

All the girls adjusted positions then, showing their ragged slippers. They laughed and wiggled their toes.

“That means a job well done,” said Violet. “When you wear out your slippers like that. That’s what…what Ana used to say.”

The girls grew quiet. Hyacinth clasped her hands in her lap. Azalea blinked at the ceiling, strings of pearls swooping in arcs above her.

“I miss her,” Hyacinth whispered.

Azalea pursed her lips and stared at the floor. Karliah traced a vein in the marble, just barely touching it with her fingertip.

“When—when I dance,” Karliah said quietly. “When I dance, I—I forget all the—the bad things.”

Hyacinth toyed with her spectacles. “Like Ana not being here,” she said.

“Like mourning,” said Isis.

“And the King and Queen,” said Azalea quietly, referring to both of their parents all but abandoning them to their grief.

“I—I only remember the good things. That is the b-best thing about d-dancing.”

“Then come back.”

The low, smooth voice startled them.

“Mr. Keeper,” said Azalea, standing quickly. The girls stood as well, smoothing down their black skirts. Mr. Keeper stood at the entrance, his face a touch sober, his voice steady.

“You cannot dance up there,” he said, quietly. “I can see you are in mourning. But you are welcome to dance here, among the magic. Please. Come and mend your broken hearts here. Come back, every night.”

Azalea felt like laughing and crying at the same time.

~~

Azalea yawned, wishing she could feel just a hint of that much excitement right about now. The waiting was dreadful. She wanted to get this over and done with as soon as possible. She had training she wanted to get to work on immediately. Her marksmanship has been honed to a razor edge, though she hadn’t been able to practice in a little over a year and was no doubt rusty, she only knew the basics of swordplay, and close combat was completely lost on her in general.

It wasn’t just training, she had reading to do as well, and perhaps a little exploration of the monastery couldn’t hurt either...

Xanto FrostFire Blackrose7 explosiveKitten SandraDeelightful
​

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Princess Aurelie Beauchamp of Aubigine

​

Aurelie squeaked as her name was called. She walked with her head down. She was shaking ever so slightly, worried about what the screening would entail. She was at least happy that she would be getting this over with sooner rather than later. She sat as Aria told her to, and she didn't look up. She rested her hands in her lap and she began to twiddle her thumbs. Just one of her many nervous habits.

"My name is Aurelie Beauchamp," Aurelie began. "I'm from Aubigine. I'm the princess, or queen now, I suppose. I'm twenty."

She thought about her life and how to phrase it. Her life was rather boring. Her life was very structured. Mostly around her education.

"My parents were King Claude and Queen Hortense of Aubigine," Aurelie spoke after a second. She didn't know how far she should go into her parents want for a son, and how they had structured her life to be entirely dependent on a select member of councilmen. It wasn't something she herself liked to think about, or talk about. "I was their only child. My mother couldn't have any more children after me. If they had a son, I wouldn't have been able to inherit the throne. I was mostly raised by Madame Becu, my governess. I was taught ladylike subject, dancing and sewing and music. And then there was an attack on my palace. I wasn't there, I was on the hamlet on the palace grounds. My parents gave it to as a present. When I came back, everything was destroyed, my parents were dead, I was queen, and being sent away."

Aurelie almost wanted to cry recounting the events, but she blinked them back. She loved her parents and she missed them both dearly. Even though she was well aware they didn't have much love for her, she would still miss them and regret that she would never get the chance to build a better relationship with the two of them. She shook as she continued on, thinking about her interest. She doubted anything she knew would be useful to them.

"I enjoy singing, dancing, sewing, the harp, the piano, and the violin," said Aurelie. She had been brought up to know all sorts of arts and music. For as unskilled as she was politically, her mother made sure that she was refined enough in important areas for a lady to know.

 

[FrostFire]

Morag 'Aria' Maclaird

Spoiler: Images

Aria listened intently to Aurelie, scribbling down every word that left the other's mouth, along with her own notes and interpretations of what she had said.
It was obvious that Aurelie was of a nervous disposition, frail, and meek. Something she jotted down, along with a note that building her confidence and having regular contact and training with the other Royals would be beneficial. She also jotted down that leadership training should be administered.
She noted down all of Aurelie's skills and interests, pleased to hear that sewing was among them. Of course, in the Rebellion camp there wasn't much room for such delicate things like music and refined singing and dancing, but Aria knew that the 'ladylike' sewing would come in very useful.

She waited until Aurelie was quite done, and nodded happily before speaking. "Your sewing skills could be incredibly useful. Is that something you would like to pursue here?" She questioned gently, and encouraging smile on her face. A job with the seamstress would be slightly more relaxed that others, and if Aurelie had an eye for detail and a steady hand, Aria was sure that she would succeed, and build some confidence along with it.
She jotted down her thoughts on the matter before she asked another question.
"Have you been taught how to cook? Or perhaps spin thread or knit? Have you any experience in gardening? And of course you can read, perhaps you could help out with the children of the camp, childmind a little once you feel more confident." Her professional voice was friendly and eager as she did her best to coax Aurelie into feeling more comfortable in their conversation - Aurelie certainly wasn't as worthless as she might have thought she was.
"Does any of this appeal to you? If you like, you can begin on a trial with a few different tasks, and see which you would most like to do?" She smiled, that was often the case with newcomers - they were given a trial run and either kept in that job or sent elsewhere if they weren't good enough or disliked it. It was important that everyone was happy and worked efficiently, so allowing them to have a say in what jobs they had was important.
"What exactly would you like to do here? Speak freely, most have multiple tasks so you should pick a few possible professions." She paused then, waiting for Aurelie to speak as she nodded along and wrote everything down silently.

SandraDeelightful

 

[Blackrose7]

Annabel calmed down a bit when Daisy was right about the questions being first, but she was right about them taking off her clothes as well. ‘...I hope that they don’t call me a princess when this is over. Because I am not a princess nor do I want to be forced into becoming that.’ thought Annabel.
Now Annabel wouldn’t mind about fixing Erezis from the king and queen’s greedy mess. But she can’t stand the royal title, because it is way too formal for a simple castle maid and a gang leader like her.
She looked at Azalea and Angelo, because Annabel wanted to talk to them for a little bit. “So who do you think is going to be next? I hope it’s not me, as I want to be the last one to do the screening.” said Annabel. “I am also a bit nervous about this, and I don’t want them to find out what I am hiding.”
Annabel was then twiddling her fingers for a bit, since she wanted to ignore the screening tent for a while. ‘Um...I wonder if they are nervous about this too. Do they have any secrets, or they are just shy?’ thought Annabel.
Ms. Sparrow explosiveKitten

 

[Xanto]

Baxter Callahan​

Baxter legibly wrote notes and nodded in understanding as Cale Auscent from Lorelthia orally filled in the blanks. After his earlier circulation around the newcomer's position, Baxter was not surprised to find out that Cale was more brains than brawn. An engineer especially from the southern kingdom would be a substantial enhancement if he proved his skills in pioneering the rebel camp's combat and lifestyle innovations.

Already, Baxter's mind was running with roles Cale would be able to fill. He shortly noticed the silence of the usually rambling man though. This caused the leader's hand to pause and shift his eyes back to the subject. It only took a couple of seconds for Cale to mention some sort of secret item he possessed. On that note, Baxter calmly placed his pen down. "Empty all your pockets, Cale," He finally mentioned smoothly moving on to the next part of the screening. The physical screening was more than just glancing at a face. "Remove your shirt and only the shirt," The leader instructed not needing or wanting to see more. Top removal was necessary for all screening. Naturally, women would have the necessary parts covered up during the brief examination. It was during this screening stage where officials would check for injuries, scars, and other marks. Signs of ailments also mainly showed on the torso area. Plus, a clearer look at the physique of the person would help him categorize their combat style.

Bakuyoshi

Raymond Callahan​

Raymond attempted to his catch his breath with his head still rested against his propped arm when Azalea shared her version of a morning greeting with a grin. "I usually appear out of thin air just on time," He commented fully turning his head to view the princess and playing along with the tease. This phrase was only partially true since he was no traditional stage magician. Ray didn't mind poking some fun at his own side job every once in a while though.

A few soundable swipes and loud hits could be heard coming from Aria's direction causing Raymond to divert his attention back to Aria beating up a log. He smirked when she bowed to it just before returning his greeting. In all honesty, Ray never thought he'd see the day when a princess would bow to a log.

Within a few seconds, some familiar voices bantering off to the side unsurprisingly captured his attention yet again. Ray's eyes stayed put on the Hood who had helped him the previous day as he took note of the fact that they hadn't formally introduced each other. He would probably do so later though since the Hood was busy panicking about possibly having all her clothes removed. It was a sight that almost made Raymond laugh since the person didn't even show her face. "Bax wouldn't integrate full nudity into the screening," Raymond stated watching the figure sit down patiently on the ground. "Besides, if he did then I am sure it is something a Demonic Velvet member could handle," He added trying to make the worried Hood feel better. After all, they've done much more dangerous things than go through a screening.

It didn't take long for Aria to speak up and take the lead once again. The princess notified the group about the screening as she briefly went over what they were going to check. Aurelie was the first victim invited into the tent.

Sigh. The sound of Azalea letting out a breath caused Raymond to shift his gaze down to the bored princess. It seemed that they both had little patience during times like these. In which case, Raymond lifting himself from the tree and began making his way to the log Aria beat up just a few moments ago. He lightly kicked the log before using his hazel eyes to scan the training ground set up. There were a few empty large patches of land here and there no doubt mainly used for sparring or following fighting routines, but what caught Ray's attention most were the random set ups on the opposite side of the training field.

The sound of the Hood's voice asking Azalea and the armored guy a question could be heard from a short distance away. It was no mistake that she really was scared about the screening.

Raymond glanced back at the screening tent knowing that each person would probably take a while in there. So, he decided to walk a little farther to the set up on the right side of the field. Even if the location wasn't right by the screening tent, Ray was sure that anyone exiting from it would be able to spot him with no trouble. The fighting obstacle course was still within eye shot anyway. A brief yell would be able to catch his attention in no time.

Naturally, Ray's curiosity was usually getting the best of him always throwing the guy into the most random situations. What followed next was an example of his spontaneous behavior. An "x" marked on the ground caught the man's attention prompting him to stand on it. Thoughts began running through the guy's mind as he lifted his head noticing a few metal gears at the corners of the course set up. The massive creation was primarily made up of logs, ropes, and the metal gears that were still at a halt. Was something supposed to happen? It only took a few moments for Raymond to notice a small pedal a short distance away which he decided to gently step on to see what happened next.

An odd almost creaky rolling sound immediately began approaching Ray from behind prompting him to look over his shoulder just in time to see a human-sized log swinging toward him from a twenty foot high angle. "Whoa!" He quickly stepped to the side dodging that log before realizing that more rolling sounds were coming up around him.

The things I get myself into. . The man thought to himself spinning away from another log. Soon enough, he threw himself into a Macaco flip (one-handed backflip) in time to dodge the third attack with his other hand instinctively pulling out a chain whip seemingly from out of no where. This weapon of choice probably looked peculiar to any foreign eye since it wasn't usually taken out of the eastern kingdom. Also, this tool was a Callahan blacksmith exclusive. Being one of the last weapons their blacksmith father inventively crafted himself before his passing.

The chain whip rang out just as Raymond flung his right arm toward the target, wrapping itself around one of the logs that were swinging away from him. Years ago, the Callahan blacksmith would negotiate business with the top criminals who in exchange for lower rates would teach the second Callahan son how to "defend himself" while the first one was often somewhere getting groomed by the eastern nobles. In other words, there was no doubt that Raymond's fighting style was unorthodox since it was a mix between criminal martial arts from varied kingdoms. Since they all had different techniques, Ray merging them together turned into something new.

Crack. His tough pull against the chain whip with the added angle he leaned at to dodge another much higher hit, split a beat up log in half giving Ray a random idea. That split log had the diameter of a thin person. What Ray needed to do though was beat away the logs that were a bit larger in stature than his older brother due to the fact that they were swinging at him more frequently than the rest.

His actions were fast and sharp when he threw his chain whip around one of the thicker logs moving away prior to stepping aside as another thick one aimed at him. The momentum from the log swinging at him strongly pulled the chain whip snapping the farther and thicker log in three fourths. "Ah," The man mumbled in pain having kept a strong grip on his weapon's handle throughout the process.

Within a few moments, Raymond sent his first halved log flying off its hook with a butterfly kick (look at the gif) before landing back on the ground. He was already getting tired at the speed the exercise was going at, and only snapping a fourth off the thicker log wouldn't be enough to endure the rest of this monster exercise. His hazel gaze rapidly shifted around the area for some sort of switch to shut the whole contraption off.

Found you. He thought to himself spinning out of a log's way and throwing a dart at the switch he found nestled behind a bush. The dart flicked the switch off finally halting all operations. Raymond leaned down gasping for air before slowly walking away from whatever thing he was just apart of. It was too bad that he wasn't paying to the log that was slightly swaying back and forth, which ended up nudging Ray off balance sending him to the ground groaning on his back.

Ms. Sparrow Blackrose7 explosiveKitten FrostFire

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Princess Aurelie Beachamp of Aubigine

​

A small smile crossed Aurelie's face as she realized that she could be of some use. She was pleased that some of what her parents had her trained in would be of some use here. She had always wanted to be useful in some way other than a political pawn. And she finally had an opportunity to do so. It excited her and frightened her. As much as she wanted to be useful, it had been drilled into her head that she was nothing more than a silly little girl, who didn't have the capacity other than to sew and marry and bear children.

"I should like to be a seamstress," said Aurelie softly. She always thought that if she would have been born a commoner, she would have been seamstress. While all of her clothes were custom made for her, and she didn't make them, she often added her own little touches to her dresses. And she loved children. She always felt so dependent on everyone, but with children, they were the dependent ones. She had long given up hope of marrying for love. But when she had children, they would love her unconditionally, and she would love them in turn. "And childminding. I love children."

"And knitting," Aurelie continued. Her voice was still small and shaking. Even thought it seemed to be going well and she had calmed down a little bit, she was still scared. She continued to fiddle with her thumbs, hoping to calm her nerves, at least just a little bit. "I can do that. I don't know how to cook or garden. I wanted to learn, but Maman said it was servants work. But I'm willing to learn."

FrostFire

 

[Bakuyoshi]

Cale was quick to remove his shirt. His skin was pale like he had only seen the light of day a few times during his life. The only discernable mark was a scar likely created from a whip. But other then that his body was largely devoid of anything special.

Then came his pockets. His right pocket held an entire container of bolts for a Crossbow. But in his left he produced a disc like object. While at first hesitant to put it down he slowly placed it on the table. On the object there was an image of a cog with a red snake wrapped around it. And in the center of a Cog was a castle that seemingly trapped in the Cog that surrounded it. Cale knew it was the symbol of the Lorelthian royal family but he had no idea if his screener had any idea of what the item implied. "Mattias watch me." Was all he could think when he was at the mercy of Baxter.

Xanto


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lorelthia, 1 month ago

"C'mon Cale don't be a stick in the mud. A tavern could do you lots of fun. You've been working on that old gun since this morning. Live a little man, have fun, get a gal to sleep with. Or get yourself slammed, oh god that's what you need! I know this great bar down in the north district! Heaviest shit around, Like strong enough that the north and anyone in Ezeris would want a shot of that Ale. And lots of pretty girls will be hanging around."

Cale sighed upon hearing Priscilla going on about how he should be going along with the others. He was about ready to say no to his long time friend until she made mention of some pretty girls. "Curse you Priscilla, you know my biggest weakness. But hey we've known each other this long. And knowing you I doubt it's the Ale or Men there that is bringing you to this place. And I'm in agreement, some outsiders from the other kingdoms could be there. I won't say the rest but I'll grab some of our blueprints."

Cale quickly ran to the back of the barracks as he grabbed a few blueprints. Most of them Crossbows but one of them was an experimental weapon that the royal engineers recently sent down. It was ran under the name Armor Breaker, it was supposed to be the next big ranged weapon. But for the moment people buy it as some sort of trophy. It was useless but Nobles loved them. Nothing to get them to feel all high and mighty like buying a weapon that is really expensive and owning it before most people get to. "You know the drill Pris, I show the weapons off and you get the sale home. Nobles are the best targets when it comes to the Armor breaker. Everyone else we sell our tougher Crossbows."

"Nobles love the north district. If we are lucky it'll be mostly Nobles with a few seedy people looking to rob the rich blind. But hey not our problem, it is a show to see them flaunting around their title and money blow up in their face is what I say. Unless they are willing to throw some money our way to help."

Cale could not help but laugh as he put the sole torch out plunging the room into darkness. "A noble asking an Engineer for help... that'll be the day." Were his words as he slammed the door of their workshop for that night. Ready to nab some sales.

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

Azalea Eve Windfore

Snap.

Azalea sighed impatiently as she plucked another blade of grass from the soil, throwing it down before plucking another. The vibrant green of the grass was like a smooth blanket across the lawn, and she felt a tug of weariness weigh on her already. Azalea slumped back against the tree with a hard thud, banging her head on the rough bark, glancing up at the sky, now overcast with white, fluffy clouds. There was a chill to the air, a harsher bite then what she so far experienced in the North. The boredom and silence made her feet itch to twirl, dancing instantly coming to thought. Gods she longed to dance.

~~

The third night they returned, though they had agonized over the mending of their slippers, due to not being to get their shoemaker to pay for new ones without the King finding out, that evening the girls hopped with excitement as Azalea helped them tie on the repaired slippers. Even Hale liked them, grabbing at the bows around the girls’ ankles and stuffing them in her mouth. The girls walked through the passage and into the silver magic, their slippers peeking in bright, colorful glimpses from beneath their black skirts.

The pavilion was dark when they arrived, but Mr. Keeper was there. He smiled when they climbed the steps and bowed deeply, with a “My ladies.” The girls passed by him onto the dance floor, but Azalea stayed back and gave Mr. Keeper a graceful curtsy. She felt he deserved something for his kindness.

“Thank you,” she said, before joining the girls on the dance floor. When she glanced at the entrance again, Mr. Keeper had vanished.

​

“Off-putting, how he does that,” said Azalea.​

In the middle of the dance floor sat twelve teacups in a ring. In each one stood a candle, flickering merrily.

“The candle dance!” said Azalea. She picked up one of the teacups. The candle sputtered but did not go out. She smiled and placed a teacup on each of the girls’ heads, all but Violet and Karliah, who grabbed their own.

“We haven’t danced this for years,” she said. “Not since Ana took ill. Don’t let the teacup fall off. Grace—balance, that’s what this dance is about.”

Azalea showed them how to move on their feet without letting the top part of them bounce. The invisible orchestra accommodated them, only playing slow songs, and by the end of the night, even Hyacinth and Jasmine stepped without losing their candles.

“And two, feet together, and dip. Very good! Dip a curtsy to your guests ”

The girls dipped a curtsy. Their teacups fell off their heads and clattered to the ground. Azalea, laughing, picked them back up, and the candles inside flitted back to life.

“Curtsies next time,” she said.​

“Azalea,” said Hyacinth as they set the teacups on the dessert table. “Could you show us the Soul’s Curtsy?” The chattering hushed. Azalea grinned hesitantly.

“Go on,” said Isis, eagerly. “We’re only enough now.”

Azalea smiled, inhaled, and touched her right foot in front of her. She traced it in a circle behind her, then slowly sank to the left knee. With strained balance, she folded herself up as she disappeared into her skirts. Her legs twisted like pretzels beneath her. She bowed her head, lips nearly touching the smooth marble floor and extended her right arm above her, her left tucked behind her back. The girls applauded.

“How beautiful,” said Hyacinth .

“N-Now that’s a—a curtsy,” said Karliah, helping Azalea up.

“But it’s not just for anyone,” said Azalea with a grin. “It has to be for your husband, or royalty. Like a prince or king.”

Flora giggled. “For you that could be the same thing!”

Azalea smiled again, but this time it was strained, and as Violet teased the girls into learning the dip, Azalea escaped to the edge of the pavilion. She leaned on the railing and looked miserably over the misty lake.

She hated feeling helpless. Hated knowing there was the possibility she’d spend the rest of her life in the arms of a man who laughed when she fell or didn’t pay any attention to her. Hated that someone could control who she married if they wanted. She wondered if she would be able to give the Soul’s Curtsy, with all her heart and soul, to anyone, thinking of it made her sick. She didn’t want a prince from a foreign kingdom, and she was sure Violet didn’t either.

But any man choosing her, with her mouth, was unlikely, and Violet being the eldest didn’t mean she had much choice. Violet, Karliah and herself, being the oldest, didn’t have they’re pick of the gentlemen. It was chosen for them.

Around her, the leaves of the rosebush ivies rustled, then curled and entwined through the lattice. Their buds bloomed into fat, silver blossoms, with pearls for middles.

“They’re…lovely,” said Azalea, after the initial surprise. “Mr. Keeper.”

She turned and there he was, behind her, soundless as midnight. Azalea’s heart beat a pace faster.
​

“You’re upset,” he said, in a low, gentle voice. Azalea felt the warmth of a blush creep up her neck.​

“No,” said Azalea. “Not.”

“Ah,” he said quietly. “But I can guess what you’re thinking. You are thinking, if you were born after one of your sisters, perhaps things would be different for you. Are you not?”

The warmth of the blush dropped, replaced with cold shock.

“Not—quite—I—” Azalea stammered.

Keeper held up his gloved hand.

“I should think,” he said, taking a step closer to her, so close Azalea should have felt his warmth, but did not. “If you were born after your sisters, it would be one of them faced with such a duty. And, from what I have seen of you, Princess Azalea, you would do anything to keep them from unhappiness. Look.”

Azalea looked over at the dance floor, where Violet had made the younger girls sit on the floor, while she and Karliah leaped over them. The younger girls squealed uproariously whenever the skirt hems brushed their faces. Violet was saying, “Don’t jump up, Hyacinth, you’ll get you knocked unconscious!” Azalea stifled a laugh, and the terrible, helpless feeling eased. A little.

“One day, my lady,” said Mr. Keeper, stepping aside and allowing her to join them, “I should hope I would be fortunate enough to see such a graceful, unearthly curtsy from you again.”

~~

A voice broke Azalea from her thoughts and she looked down, tearing her eyes away from the overcast sky, startled, and at Annabel, whom, to Azalea’s suprise, was talking to her and the clanky-armored man. She pursed her lips, staring at the lucious field of grass ahead of her. “What a great load of rot,” Azalea said in a rather harsh voice, pulling a handful of grass from the dirt. “This screening,” she continued, “and what a rot of them, not even bothering to tell us what exactly goes on in there.” She snapped, indicating her head towards the screening tent.

Azalea huffed, biting her tongue to keep from ranting on further and instead focused on Annabel’s words. “No, I don’t know who’s next, but going last isn’t going to change anything, it’s going to happen either way you know.” She glanced up at Annabel from where she sat, “Besides, whining about not wanting to do it won’t jolly-well help, if anything they’ll just be more thorough with you during the screening.” She said bluntly, never one to bite her tongue.

Azalea sighed, her expression shifting from an irritable, nonchalance to one a touch more somber and serious, “Look,” She said, her tone matching her expression, “Whatever your hiding, or running from, they’re gonna find out. You’re gonna have to find a way to own up to whatever it is your-“

A movement out of her peripheral caught Azalea’s attention, cashing her to abruptly pause and look away from Annabel to Raymond, who was walking around some sort of contraption with gears and all, she’d never seen anything of the like, she stood up, only to he was standing on a big “x”, which was honestly most likely trouble in itself.

Azalea stood up and had taken one step before in one small movement Raymond, stepped on a small, metal pedal of some sort, not having the time to utter anything short of a warning before a giant long swing right for Raymond.

All Azalea could do was gap as Raymond deflected and flipped and dodged, her mouth widened as he pulled a whip, from thin air it seemed, and was almost a master with it as he slashed this way and that. Anxiety seized her as long after log came for him and it seemed to last hours until finally he put an end to it.

Mortification and anxiety was quickly replaced with anger at his idiocy. Azalea marches over to him, only about twenty-feet away before a log knocked Raymond right off his balance and flat on his back. In all honesty, watching him fall slightly lightened her mood.

Azalea approached until she stood over him, arms crossed over her chest as she glared down at him. “Don’t touch buttons and pedals if you don’t know what they do, Raymond, you great idiot, you’ll get your head knocked off!” Azalea scolded him sharply, before extending a hand down to help him up, her yellow-green eyes honing in on him.​

Blackrose7 explosiveKitten Xanto

 

[FrostFire]

Morag 'Aria' MacLaird

Spoiler: Images

Aria nodded as she jotted everything down, very pleased to hear Aurelie being so receptive to learning a new trade. It was a breath of fresh air to have someone so easy to screen, and honestly the reason Aurelie was first. Her screening would be over quickly.
"Very well. I shall inform the head seamstress that you will begin a trial under her. Although I believe you will excel. She will report back to me after a week and inform me of your progress, and then we should be able to make it your permanent position." She grinned, easy solutions were her favourite.
"I will put you down to assist the teacher in childminding part time, however you must remember that some of your views are... Outdated." She warned, pursing her lips.
"In Trodaire, women are, or should be, the equals of men. In all respects." She sighed, knowing that her ideology (and her Father's, and to some extent his Father before him, an ideology tracing back to her ancestor Diana Windfore, Warrior Queen and founder of Trodaire) still had yet to become a reality in many parts of Trodaire, it was something she had intended to remedy during her regency...
She cleared her throat, brightening up. "Let the head seamstress know you can knit, and I'm sure she will find a use for it." She smiled sadly as Aurelie mentioned basic survival skills being 'servants work'. "In many ways, we are all servants and commoners now. Your title means nothing until this war is over. And speaking of which," She put down her clipboard. "Alongside your position and daily tasks, combat training is mandatory for all, and I've put you down to have leadership training, and time with me so we can educate you on everything your parents didn't." She smiled thinly, nodding curtly once to signify it was decided and there was no arguing against her.

"And now, one of the reasons why you needed to be wearing a top and trousers." She paused for a second, knowing that her bluntness was hardly a help in this situation.
"Please take off your shirt so I can asses your form. Don't worry, your bindings won't be removed." She did her best to put it as softly as she could, but Aria had never been once for delicate conversations. She much preferred laying out the facts or resolving things with a sword.

SandraDeelightful

 

[Xanto]

Baxter Callahan​

Baxter wrote down a few notes as Cale rapidly removed his shirt. The pale skin signified he was much more of an indoor person than out. That was of course unless Cale just preferred to cover up a lot under the sun. Bax slowly paced around the guy once more noting the small scar on his back probably from a whip. "How did you get that scar?" The rebellion leader nodded signifying Cale to put his shirt back on. From the looks of it, the guy needed to undergo some outdoor survival training. Basic close combat skills would also be integrated into Cale's plan especially with the way Baxter saw him immaturely swing his armored friend's sword earlier.

Moving onto his pockets, Baxter just looked at the bolts then slightly furrowed his brows in confusion toward Cale. He knew the guy was an engineer, but did he really need to carry that many extra bolts? This didn't take up Baxter's full attention though since Cale placed a disc down shortly after. Naturally, the leader leaned over the item observing its intricate image. Bax knew it depicted Lorelthia, but he didn't really know what the disc was. "What is this?" He bluntly asked knowing that this was probably the secret Cale was talking about.

They were almost done with Cale's screening. All they needed to do next was assign and accept whatever role Cale had talked himself up to be. For now, Baxter was thinking that Cale could engineer a few mechanisms around the camp to simplify its lifestyle and probably be under Bax's guidance when it came to crafting weapons specifically against Shades.

Bakuyoshi

Raymond Callahan​

It was all a blur. All that log battling that just happened was completely a blur. Oddly enough, the man decided to stay lying on his back since it actually helped him catch his breath. He shut his eyes for a few moments calmly taking deep breaths before opening them just in time to see Azalea glaring over him. His eyes were kind of squinted though since the sun was at a certain angle. What followed next was a scolding from the stubborn princess herself. Ironic. Ray just stayed silent with a smirk slowly forming on his face while she explained how great of an idiot person he was.

Azalea seemed like a very hotheaded type of character. She definitely looked and sounded angry at the whole experiment Raymond just threw himself into. This raised a bit curiosity in him as to why she was so mad when the whole thing didn't even affect her. His smirk quickly disappeared within the few seconds he remained on the ground. The guy wasn't really used to someone worrying about every single thing he got himself into. Regardless, the last thing Ray needed to do to an angry person was fuel their fire.

While he was at that lower angle, Raymond did realize Azalea's familiar figure from earlier that morning. The dancing image of the figure spinning around endlessly by the lake began to spontaneously creep its way to his mind letting him easily connect two and two together. He paused at the realization before momentarily snapping back to reality and nodding his head, "Okay." For him, that was the end of the whole "argument" thing whatever it was. Raymond was quick to get over situations especially when it just had to do with just his own self. Situations dealing with people he held close though were different stories.

His thoughts ran for a span of five seconds before Ray took her hand and stood himself up. In which case, he slightly tilted his head down to fully view her scarred face. The sunlight and the lowered angle of her head just a few moments ago covered her appearance with shadows. But now, he saw everything from the scars to her yellow-green eyes. " . . You dance well," He calmly mentioned gently releasing her hand.

And with that honest confession, Raymond indifferently turned and began walking away back to the screening tent. His intention was to give her some time to cool her hot head down. Interacting with someone while they were angered whether they were right or wrong was not the way to go.

Ms. Sparrow

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Princess Aurelie Beauchamp of Aubigine

​

Aurelie calmed down knowing that some of her skills would be of use. Her shaking had stopped and she felt a little bit of confidence. She had never thought she could be of any use other than producing children. She knew the ideas that she had been raised under were outdated. She never had the courage to fight back against them though. Even if she did, her words would fall on deaf ears.

Any confidence Aurelie was gaining left her. She was just beginning to crawl out of her shell, but at the mention of combat, she shrunk right back in. She couldn't do combat. The idea of fighting scared her to the core. Weapons scared her. The thought of holding one filled her with fright. Whenever there would be tournaments on her palace grounds, Aurelie didn't even have the stomach to watch. She would always curl her head in the neck of Madame Becu, unable to watch, frightened of it all. She was afraid of watching people get hurt. She was afraid of getting hurt herself, and the idea of hurting someone else made her sick.

"I can't do combat," said Aurelie worriedly. Her voice was timid and meek. She had too soft of a heart to do anything that could cause another pain. She could hardly stomach the sight of blood. And there was absolutely no strength to her whatsoever. Her body was like a bird's, one wrong move and she would snap like a twig. "I don't want to end up hurting anybody."

Her eyes widened again and she shrunk further into her shell as Aria commanded her to take off her top. She had felt herself begin to shake again. Aurelie was a modest person. The only person she trusted with this sort of thing was Madame Becu. Her mother had dresses with lower necklines made for Aurelie in order for her to attract suitors. Those dresses always made her feel uncomfortable. During those events, Aurelie would hide away far more, embarrassed. She shook her head and crossed her arms over her chest. She looked at Aria with pleading eyes, hoping to avoid this.

"Please, don't make me," said Aurelie, her voice much smaller than it was before.

FrostFire

 

[FrostFire]

Morag 'Aria' MacLaird

Spoiler: Images

Aria smiled thinly as Aurelie mentioned not wanting to fight. "You won't be hurting anyone. Shades are not people, and you must learn how to properly defend yourself. Everything is controlled in training, you won't be hurting anyone." Aria wouldn't allow Aurelie to skimp on training just because she didn't want to. To Aria, this was non-negotiable, and as she would likely be the one to train her, she knew Aurelie would be well looked after.
She knew already that Aurelie would fail miserably at the test later, so had already put down that Aurelie should start at 0, but she had high hopes that a few barked orders over the next month or so would have Aurelie vastly improving.

She sighed as Aurelie refused to take off her top, rubbing her temples. Perhaps she wouldn't be as easygoing as Aria had anticipated.
"We are friends, are we not?" She questioned sharply. But as she spoke next her voice was much softer.
"And you trust me, don't you? I'm afraid you will have to remove your top, dear." Aria's tone turned slightly motherly as she stared expectantly at the frailer girl.
"I'm not a man, and I only need to check you over quickly... We share the same tent so there will be plenty of occasions where we see the other without clothing on. And you will have to undress completely to bathe in the lake. Think of this as... Dipping your toe in the water." Her voice was soft as she paused, deliberating something before making up her mind.
"We'll do it together." She said finally, and unfastened her sword belt, letting it fall to the floor as she removed her chainmail top, her waistcoat and her arm braces, standing there in only her top just as Aurelie was.
"Ready?" She questioned, waiting a few seconds before saying "1... 2... 3!" and pulling her top off in one fluid motion, looking up to see if Aurelie had done the same as she stood there in only her chest bindings, her defined sixpack and rock hard muscles on full display, freckles dotting her slightly tanned skin like the stars in the sky.

SandraDeelightful

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Princess Aurelie Beauchamp of Aubigine

​

Aurelie couldn't learn combat. She was terrified of everything. Even if she did know how in a controlled setting, she certainly would be paralyzed with fear in a dangerous setting. Especially against Shades. She had absolutely no idea what those things were, and she didn't want to find out. Just the name was enough to make her want to run and hide away. Even looking at weapons just filled her with fear. The idea of just holding one was enough to make her want to run in the other direction.

At Aria's suggestion, Aurelie gave a small nod. She didn't want to have to get undressed in front of more people. A light pink blush painted her cheeks.

Aurelie took her top off, and despite the binding, she still wrapped her arms around her chest. She was looking down, and her cheeks were bright red. Her frame was little, she was practically skin and bones. Her waist was slender. She always wore a corset tightly, under her mother's orders, as a way to help limit what she ate. She was tiny and delicate. Her skin was pale and clear and smooth, she looked like a porcelain doll, like she could break if she was handled improperly. She was shaking a little bit. She was just a slip of a thing. Her parents had brought her up to be weak in every sense of the word.

FrostFire