Drallion *closed and started*

(ooc: Bethany, I think you mixed up the princes. As far as I know Ben is back in Ithirica.  Luc is in Sunuma as his brother’s proxy.

Lucius

Luc cursed inwardly as he dismounted. Of course the damn letter wasn’t there yet, and he’d immediately put his foot in his mouth. How was he supposed to know that the vague description of “young, with auburn hair” fit the queen as well as the princess? Honestly, the woman was younger than him, she didn’t have to laugh so.

He avoided scowling by bowing deeply.

“I beg your pardon, my Lady,” he said, regaining some of his composure. “There was supposed to have been a message announcing my arrival.”

“May I ask what for?”

“I have a proposal to make,” he said, grinning slightly.

The queen did not get the joke, he hadn’t expected her to, but she did lead him into the castle proper. He assumed he would soon be allowed to see the king, but what he was really looking forward to was his first glimpse of the real princess.

Princess Basille of Sunuma- Sunuma Castle

Once Raven left me, I fetched Tabatha. Calculating the arrivial of the missionary to our castle in my mind, I cursed under my breath. Castle horses traveled faster, just as fast- if not faster- than mail. He would be here today, tommorow at the latest.

"Tabby?" I ask her, using the childhood nickname from back when we were young- we were friends back then, back before my mother died. Back before it was inappropriate to socialize with a maid.

She smiled. "Yes, Princess Basille?"

"Fetch me a dress: you know the right one."

The maid gave a nodd and dissppeared from my sights, leaving me to follow after her.

*******************************************************************************************************************************

Once Tabtha pulled the ribbons on my bodice tight, I knew I was about to fight a winning battle. The dress was a floating white with a hard bodice. Ribbons trailed down it's midsection. It had no sleeves, but it was in no way proagative. It was the dress that would percieve my innocence, simplicity. It would throw off a good majority of wrong thoughts, so I could hit them over the head in suprise. It may not've been a battle dress, but it was my winning dress. With a flourish, I tuck the letter in a secret pocket in the folds of my gown. A knock at the door startled me.

"Yes?"

"There is a prince here majesty- he requests your royal presence."

I smiled grimly. I suppose this was it. I made my way down to were the squire lead me. A grand parlor. The first person I saw was an impatient get-me-out-of-here Raven, who was still dressed in leather armor. Besides her was a man who I could only presume was the prince.

He was handsome, no doubt, but he had the air of someone who abused such looks. The straight back and high head held an air of cocky, ambitious arogance. It was strange the king would send such a man for a proposal. I gaze at him a second more, taking in his long dark hair and striking blue eyes, before gazing around for my father. Either the prince didn't call for him, or he was taking his royal time getting from bed.

"Prince," I bowed my head in a slight form of respect, but did not curtesy. "I am Princess Basille."

Lucius
Luc tried not to be too open in his appraisal of the princess, but his eyes were drawn to her. He hadn’t really known what to expect, especially after that mix up at the gate. Certainly he did not anticipate the way she stared him down.

If she had been less formidable, he would have tried to kiss her hand. That was what he usually did with the beautiful flowers of the court. In this case he worried more that he might lose his own fingers, if he tried to touch her. Still, he felt a pang at the missed opportunity.

“My lady,” he said, giving her a nod of his own. “I am Lucius, of Ithirica. I’m afraid my arrival may appear rather sudden. There was supposed to have been a letter from my father, announcing the purpose of my visit.”

“And what us that exactly?” interrupted the Queen. “You still have not said.”

Luc smiled, almost to himself. It seemed he had been given a golden opportunity. The true nature of his visit would have to come out eventually, of course. But for now he was in the ideal position to observe the court and assess whether Princess Basille would indeed make a suitable bride. Clearly she was attractive, but there were other qualities necessary in a woman who could conceivably be the next Queen of Ithirica.

“Simply to form an alliance between our two great kingdoms,” he said.

"Nana" Lana Forsyth | Napurr | Palace | Gardens

"Oh, get out of the way," Nana said, prodding Sachiko away from her flower. Nana picked it with a large grin on her face, examining the blue petals of the Narrunian Blossom. "Such a rare flower, but especially needed in healing tonics!"

"Mrow?"

"Oh, no, I don't need a healing tonic," she said, waving her hand absently at the idea, then stuffed the flower in her basket. "I'm as healthy as a goat! ...Are goats healthy?"

"Mrrrow..." Sachiko yawned and stretched, kicking her legs into the bush behind her.

Nana continued to pick more plants that would prove useful in her herbal stores. If these plants set out for too long, they could prove useless. It took much care and dedication to gather herbs. The potion's effectiveness could very much depend on how long the herb was left in the soil and sunlight (or water and darkness).

Sachiko grumbled and trotted the opposite direction toward the castle.

She picked up the pink Jemina Rose and sighed. "Yeah, maybe Seth needs a healing tonic. I've always wondered if he was thinking straight in the head."

High Priest Seth | Napurr | Palace | Personal Study

"There was a cave-in within the gold mines," the guard told him. He stood there in full body armor, helmet beneath his arm. "It'll take days, maybe even weeks, before it's cleared up. We're not sure how bad the situation is."

"Then I suggest you start clearing immediately," Seth said, looking up from his paper and raising his eyebrows as if this were an easy situation to judge. "Did you require extra assistance?"

"If... if it's possible, it would be very much appreciated, my lord," the guard said with an extra bow.

"But is it needed?" Seth repeated. "I'd hate to take from the prospering mines to help clear a dysfunctional one."

"Of course, my lord," the guard said with another bow. "It's not needed, and the cave will be cleared as quickly as possible."

"Thank you. You may go," he added and returned to writing out his notes about the goldmine.

Knock-knock-knockity-knock!

"Not now, Mother," Seth called out absently.

The door, nonetheless, burst open, and Nana entered the room with Sachiko following behind. "Look what I have for you to try!" Nana exclaimed. She was holding a wine glass of what appeared to be a newly-made herbal potion. Seth cast one quick glance up at it before returning to his writing. "Well, try it!"

"I just ate."

Nana set it on the desk right on top of his notes, making Seth sit back out of surprise. "Drink it!" Nana said. "It's good for those big muscles you don't have anymore!"

Seth bit his tongue and sniffed the beverage. "What is it, exactly?"

"A new healing tonic I'm trying!" Nana said. Sachiko muttered a meow as she explored the study, pretending not to have any association with the woman. "It's for the illusionists who have a difficult experience in deciphering reality--"

"I'm not crazy." Seth set the glass at the edge of his desk and resumed writing.

"Look, son," Nana said, moving the glass back on his paper. "If it works and she really is kidnapped, then nothing will happen. Now, drink up! I don't have all lifetime to wait, you know."

Seth moved the glass back. "I don't need a potion to decide if I'm right. I am, in fact, right."

"This whole charade is affecting everyone around you, son," Nana said, moving the glass back. "The chances of this working is pretty slim anyway."

"All your potions work." He moved it back.

The two stared at each other with that mother-son stubbornness. Sachiko jumped onto the desk and sniffed the glass, no one paying her any mind. The black cat recoiled and rubbed at her nose with her paw.

"Okay!" Nana said suddenly, taking the wine glass. "I'll put in some fragrance. Sachiko's always a reliable help in these situations. I'll return with an even more refreshing tonic!"

"She's not dead, Mother," Seth said dangerously. "Just drop it."

"She's been missing for seven years. I think it's about time we moved on, don't you think? Besides, I'm not getting any younger!"

"I'm moving on."

"Well, if that's the case!" She turned around and walked back for the door. "I'll see you later! And Reilana-dearest will be most pleased to hear that you've moved on finally."

Seth rubbed his hands on his face. Mothers. Trying to keep everything lighthearted when, in fact, the world was a dreary place. At least for him. He stared at his notes -- that dreaded to-do list that keeps growing. With a wedding coming up for his daughter, life only got ten times more hectic. He was tired.

So very tired.

Itaeo/Sitting on the lap of one of the giant statues in a back hallway of the palace-- Ardeth/ in the back hallway of the palace:


Once again Itaeo sought refuge in the only place he could without fear of detection- or most without fear. He leaned back looking up at the stony face of the monument, swirling the liquid in the wine cup he held in his left hand, and rubbing his temples with his right.

“Oh merciful sweet gods above- why did I let them talk me into this?!” He moaned, “Why did I agree to marry her? I don’t want to marry her!”

“Because you are too obliging to everyone and everything.” Ardeth- newly arrived that morning- called up from his vantage point at the statues feet.

“What are you doing here? I thought you would be napping the day away after riding all night....” Ardeth shrugged and ran his hand through his short hair.

“I was, but the Jaipine messenger was hounding at me and wouldn’t let me be” as if to emphasis the fact Ardeth let out a jab cracking yawn. Itaeo frowned and leaned over the leg of the statue, peering down at his younger brother.

“What are you talking about?” Ardeth smirked- a sure sign of trouble, Itaeo groaned inwardly.

“You don’t know?” Ardeth was incredulous. “Itaeo the messenger has been waiting for over and hour!” Itaeo shrugged and leaned back sipping his wine- his nerves were torn to shreds.

“I know, he’s been here for three weeks! His horse was lame and then he developed sun sickness- he’s leaving in a few days.” To his surprise and annoyance Ardeth started laughing. “What?”

“Um Brother, not that messenger.” Ardeth said, now looking serious- an even worse sign, was the Apocalypse coming now? Itaeo sat up sharply.

“What messenger?”

“The one that brought the message that your betrothed is going to be here within the hour- that one.” Ardeth said grinning again- Itaeo felt the bottom drop out of his mind.

“Damnation!” Itaeo roared leaping of the statue and almost taking Ardeth out. “Why didn’t anyone tell me!?” he shouted as he took of down the halls. Ardeth almost fell over from laughing when he saw the look on his older brothers face.

“Ah! young passionate love! Can’t wait to get her in bed now, can you?”

“Ardeth go to hell!” was the angry retort the young Pharo shouted, actually meaning it- in the moment.

“Don’t be such an old woman! Gods Itaeo you’re no fun anymore!” Itaeo stopped dead and turned on his brother anger - true anger filling his eyes.

“Ardeth this is not something to joke about- it’s not fun or a game!” Ardeth rolled his eyes.

“If could be if you pulled that stick out of your ass!” Itaeo didn’t hear him as he rounded the bend in the hallway, leaving Ardeth to himself. “He needs to lighten up, make the best of it- he’s going to terrify the poor girl if he doesn’t stop frowning...”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(oh my Ardeth you are a naughty boy!)

Elaine Aryam

"Mother! She's trying to kill me!" Darrion cried as he ran past me. Still clutching the pillow, I ran for him and right past Tara. She looked infuriated, poor woman, having to deal with a child and a young woman.

We ran into mother's chambers and she definitely looked more infuriated than Tara. She stood in front of the balcony, eyes squinting at us, and hands clasped. She muttered something, but I couldn't hear with Dary's cries for help. The little brat.

"Mother! As you can see, this is a pillow. It is nothing more than a sack full of feathers. Does this look like a sharp weapon to you?" I waved the pillow in Dary's face, earning a laugh from him.

"Elaine," Mother said, lips barely moving. "As you can see, it is morning. You know I don't want you riding in the morning. Who knows if beggars will mug you, or if your horse will run off, taking you along?"

"Mother, you know I know better," I sighed. Her face softened.

"Yes, I hope I do," she answered. I stared at her. Dary seemed to have gone quiet too. "Now, Tara will take you to prepare for your lessons. Go on."

And with that, Tara took us to freshen up. I only meant this to be a mere daily joke of Dary and mine's. I leaned towards Dary.

"I think we've taken it too far this time," I whispered. Dary opened his mouth to say somethine, but he was cut off by Tara's sharp glare as she whipped her head to face us. Dary nodded curtly in response.

Princess Basille of Sunuma- Sunuma Castle- In company of Queen Raven and Prince Lucius

“Simply to form an alliance between our two great kingdoms,” Lucius said.

I tilted by head. So Lucius didn't want to mention that he was actually here to propose a marriage; certainly, I wasn't about to say anything. Thing was, the King of Ithrica seemed adament about my fathers permission so that the marriage could progress- Lucius sounded like he could wait awhile. Hm. I thought it over for a moment when it hit me: Ithrica wanted to be in the position of power. They wanted my father's permission so that they could decide whether or not I was worthy enough. Smart.

"An alliance?" Raven asked, already looking bored with politics. "I'm afraid you may have to wait for the King in that matter: the morning is not his hour."

I dearly hoped Lucius could not hear the bitterness that rose in Raven's voice. It would not give us a good image, although I couldn't blame her. So I quickly changed the subject.

"Is there anything I can get you?"

"A water please."

A nodded, did my three short claps to signal Tabatha and sent her to get a water. She quickly retrieved it, and I handed it to Lucius.

"Queen Raven, perhaps you would like to change out of your armor...?"

"Yes, perhaps I would." She smiled at me, and I figured she probably wouldn't be coming back.

There was a moment of silence between Lucius and I before I asked; "What were you saying about an alliance between kingdoms?"

Lucius

“We are the north and the south, the plains and the jungle. Our two kingdoms are about as different as you can get,” he said. “Surly a woman such as yourself can see what an advantage that gives us. We balance each other.”

The princess didn’t pull away when he stepped closer to her, but neither did she lean closer herself. She did not seem to react at all to his mildly amorous language. Instead, she gestured for them both to be seated, although she kept her steady gaze on him as they found their chairs.

“Yet how exactly would that benefit us?” she said.

He had to smile a little. She’d turned his use of the collective into the “royal we,” though the sense of rebuke behinds the words told him that she had not simply misunderstood his intent. She was simply not going to fall for his romantic prince act. Somehow he found this intriguing.

“We can provide what the other lacks. I think establishing trade routes could prove extremely lucrative.”

“Somehow I doubt your horses would be very useful to us,” said Basille.

She had a point. The trip here had demonstrated that the terrain really wasn’t suited for riding.

“We have other exports,” he countered, a little offended.

She shrugged. “I am still not sure what Ithirca stands to gain from such an alliance.”

This is where more petty nobles devolved into bargaining. He was expecting more from true royalty, but her caution still impressed him.

What indeed? he though, momentarily distracted by the way her brilliant hair trailed over her shoulders.

Raven

I hurried quickly from the room, weaving my way through the castle. Once back in my chambers I dressed in more suitable atire; en emrald green gown with a tight, corset like, bodice. It wasn't one of the iteams which I usually wore, like many of my clothes they were a gift from nobles and those of wealth. On my way back through the palace I found myself wondering past the King's chambers, I paused at th door. Should I wake him and inform him of the Ithrican messaanger prince? No, I decided against it, prefering not to know what madness laid with my husbands chambers. On route to the main hall, I informed a maid to go and fetch the king and that it was of the upmost importance, that should be enough information to at least rouse him for a little while.

Back at the hall I lingered outside the door listening in on the coversation:
"Somehow I doubt your horses would be very useful to us,” said Basille. She was negociating! Ah, for a moment a felt a sense of pride that I quickly quelled. She was not my daughter
“We have other exports,” he countered.
“I am still not sure what Ithirca stands to gain from such an alliance.” Just then the pause bewteen word was shattered as the King's voice echoed through the room.
"I demand to know what is of the upmost importance! You say Raven sent you to me? Ah! She should know better!"

Princess Basille of Sunuma- In company of Lucius of Ithrica in a parlor


“I am still not sure what Ithirca stands to gain from such an alliance.”

The words besides another queen hung on my tongue, but I swallowed them before I could do something stupid. Lucius seemed distracted by something- perhaps he was thinking, but the vacancy in his eyes told me otherwise. There was a silence, me not knowing what to say and he distracted. I thought I heard the booming voice of my father, but I pay it little attention. He would be her soon, but after I had dispelled what I needed to. I take in Lucius' handsome appearance- he was the kinda man the few ladies we had roming around would fawn over. I scolded myself almost immediatly after that observation: appraising the man I was supposed to be convincing that I was less-than-marriagable.

"...I suppose my father wants to build the strongest alliance with the most kingdoms he can." Lucius revealed, regaining his more-than-here posture. "You know, it would keep us a stronger kingdom. You do have your exports as well; many things you offer cannot be found in the plains."

He brought up a fair point: Ithrica- the powerhouse of Drallion- did need the alliance of the small jungle kingdom of Sunuma. I felt a twinge of pride, followed by another mental scold.

"You bring up a fair point," I admit. "Ithrica may need Sunuma's alliance." I paused, letting my words sink into him. "Yet Sunuma's need for Ithrica still does not present it's self to me."

Lucius blinked, and a part of me celebrated in victory. The other part was softening towards the idea of an alliance- however reached- with Ithrica. Reasons seemed to be popping up in my mind, and I bit down on my lip in a firm denial.

"Perhaps we should wait for your father's input..." Lucius tried to say, only to be met with a steel-like gaze from me.

Of course, I felt slight regret in antagonizing with a iron gaze already, but I said; "I am perfectly capable of handling the king's affairs. His input will be recognized, of course, but I am perfectly fine for now."

"Alright." A small smile played on his lips. "Ithrica is powerful and Sunuma- although rich in produce and it's own, seems to be unconnected to Drallion. Ithrica could..." He seemed to realize that- maybe, perhaps- he was talking strategy with a female. It was pleasing that it had taken him so long. "...help." He finished.

"Perhaps you are right," I sighed, thinking of the power I could bring my kindgdom. "Would you like to wait for His Majesty, or shall I fetch for your room?"

Lucius

It was beginning to dawn on Lucius that he was very much out of his league. It had been clear from the beginning that Basille was not like the simpering maidens he was used to. Yet this girl had him thrown completely off balance.

It was a little unfortunate. Even in these few moments of conversation, Basille was proving to be more worthy of being a queen than Luc thought anyone could be, but that was problematic as far as his own plans went. He still wanted Ithirca for himself. So far the thought of hurting Ben had kept him from actually acting on these desires, but it would certainly be counterproductive for Luc to provide his brother with an ally like the princess of Sunuma.

He struggled to push away these thoughts and focus on the present. If he wasn’t careful, he wouldn’t get a chance to make an alliance in the first place, let alone a betrothal.

“While I would like chance to compose myself, I think I had better wait for your father. I don’t want to risk offending him.”

“You may do what you like,” she said, simply.

"If he's anything like you I'll have to keep on my toes,” Luc said, leaning forward a little. “I hope you will be staying once he arrives. I know I’m making a mess of things, but I really would like a chance to impress you."

Gaius

"Tell me, Micah, who is here again?" the king sat on his bed as the male servants started unbuckling the armor on his arms. He was soaked in blood from a battle with a group of lions in the jungle. Gaius had carried as many lions as he posibily could to the city where his people cheered and roared for the surprise victory with nature. Right then, the citizens would be at home feasting and having a jolly time. His men would be at home and greeted by their loving families. That's what he wanted from his but it was asking too much.

"Lucius from Ithrica, My Lord."

"The basterd child?" He asked with a smirk on his face.

"I don't think so, Sir." Micah replied with his head bowed.

"Out of all the councilers or whomever, HE decides to send a child. What do you think of this? Never mind. You have no thoughts. You are a woman. Does he think me a fool? I am very offended." Gaius pushed the male servents away from him. He wiped the lion's blood off his face with a towel. He stood up from the chair in the middle of the room. Obviously, he was talking about the king of Ithrica. "Why bother cleaning myself up?"

"Shall I prepare the food?" She asked.

Gaius shook his head. "Don't live a plate for that thing. I'm going to meet him."

Morgandy

Morgandy sighed and crossed her arms neatly across her chest. One of the servants had told her to stay put, and that they'd get the Pharo in there momentarily. It had been much longer than 'momentarily', and Morgandy had never been a patient person. There were many times when she abandoned her little sister in the library because she got so tired of waiting for her. Then again, with Evie it was always 'just one more page'.

A hand on Morgandy's shoulder made her realize she had a horrible scowl on her face, which she softened into a smile before looking down at her servant boy. He was giving her that look again. The one that told her she needed to smile more and just take it like a man-- or woman, in her case. He'd only given it to her a million times on their trip there.

"Please, M'lady. I'm sure he'll be here any second."

Morgandy felt her brow furrow as her arms fell back to her sides. "Vell, I hope so. Here you vere vorried I'd be rude," she said with a small wink and a forced grin as she straightened up. "I'd say 'I can't vait to get zhis over vith', but it's sort of a done deal. No?"

The servant boy didn't reply.

Basille


"If he's anything like you I'll have to keep on my toes,” Lucius said, leaning forward a little. “I hope you will be staying once he arrives. I know I’m making a mess of things, but I really would like a chance to impress you."

I was immediatly shocked at his amourus language. Nobody in my kingdom spoke that way to me. Either they didn't dare, for fear of being beheaded or thrown from any small position of power, or they already knew the way I would react. Lucius didn't seem to know, or realize any of this, although I would've thought he'd have picked up on my iciness by the ten minute talking mark.

The scary thing was, I didn't mind it. He was close enough so that I could smell his sweet sent- there were far to many people in this kingdom that suffered from lack of bathing. His purr was comforting. I could almost see why the ladies of our court- of many courts- would fall for a man like that. A few smooth words, like honey down your throat, and you are hopelessly head over heels.

"I will stick around," I told him, "for I am intrested in the politics of my country. It would take a very impressive man to impress me; I wish you luck, dear sir."

My effort at sarcasm seems to impress him. He doesn't back away, and my stupid female heart beats faster. C'mon father, hurry up... Just as my prayer hits the ceiling, the door's burst open. Lucius backs away.

"I hear we have a prince in our mists." The king cackles, "How has my daughter been treating you?"

Lucius

As far as Lucius was concerned, the king of Sunuma was not making a good first impression. He had been worried about freshening up after the journey, but he need not have bothered. His host seemed to be dripping with what looked like blood.

“Surprisingly well, your majesty, considering my sudden arrival,” he replied. “I feel quite welcome now.”

The king snorted. “I’m not sure you are welcome here. What does your king think he’s doing sending me mutts like you instead of real ambassadors?”

Lucius felt his blood start to boil. He had to drop his head so the king could not see the fury in his gaze. He wanted storm out and proclaim that no one was allowed to speak to him like that. The problem was, people could and did call him a bastard to his face.

“I believe my father did not wish to insult you by sending a mere courtier when he could send someone of royal blood,” he said.

His tone was remarkably civil all things considered. He had to bite his lip to keep from hurling abuse along with the polite words. An ambassador had to remain gracious. It made him sick to do so, but he stood erect, holding his fists behind his back so that no one could see hands clench.