-THE WEIGHT OF THE CROWN-
Kingdom Sheet
[divide=thin][/divide]
[row][column=span8][border=2px solid black]
THE SILVERN KINGDOM
[/border][/column][/row]
[row][column=span3]
[border=2px solid black][bg=#674036]
BASICS
[row][column=span4]
CASTLE NAME |
RULER |
LOCATION |
[/column][column=span4]
Silvernest
King Avenius
Northwestern Foothills[/column][/row]
[/bg][/border][/column][column=span5][border=2px dotted #674036][border=1px solid #674036]
fb3HQnW.png
[/border][/border][/column][/row]
[divide=thick][/divide]
[row][column=span8][border=2px solid black][side=left][border=5px solid white]
-
[bg=#674036]CREST[/bg]
-
[border=1px solid #674036][bg=white]The Silvern crest depicts a merlin with wings outstretched, clutching a fire lily in it's talons. The crest is always made of silver, except for the royal family whose crests are made of white gold. The kingdom's colors are silver/grey and pale blue.
[/bg][/border]
[/border][/side]
kuHcd2w.jpgWLnbdnc.jpgN9plZBp.jpg
WRITTEN APPEARANCE:
The Silvern Kingdom lies east of the westernmost highlands and foothills of the Seven Mountains. Its small towns and villages spraw up and down intertwined rivers and mountainous valleys. It is not a large kingdom, but it is a comfortable one. Townsfolk find work in the many silver mines, villagers farm and sustain the kingdom as best they can while others sail up and down the rivers, selling and trading goods. Silvernest is perched and built into Mount Tasiar. The castle looks down upon Looking Glass Lake, which was once a simple mountain tarn. Over the years, between long-lasting rainy seasons and excavation it has tripled in size. Due to its numerous waterfalls, Silvernest enjoys certain technological advances like plumbing and aqueducts.
Culture: The Silvern Kingdom is ruled by the current King and advised by the Prui`Druen, who acts similarly to the Hand of the King. Whenever a King dies, the throne will pass to the next living heir, which is almost always a male. The exceptions of course, is a king with only heiresses, or if the heir is too young to rightfully rule. In which case, the Queen Regent and the Prui`Druen will simultaneously rule until the heir comes of age or until the heiress is married.
The Silvosi are hardworking people, and have wide and varied professions. Mining and metallurgy, hunting and fishing, and trading (of silver) are the most common.
Their diet mostly consists of river fish and mountain game. What crops can be grown in the mountainous region of Silvern are, but are rarely relied upon by the masses. The Silvosi denizens are often found selling and trading their renowned spirits.
Once a year, Silvernest opens it’s gates and allows passage into the heart of the kingdom. It’s a holy day, one where people fast until the light fades and then feast and dance until dawn. The following morning denizens will flock to the nearest Sept where the Prui`Druen will lead a prayer blessing the coming year.
Weddings are performed by the Prui`Druen (lowborn weddings are usually conducted by a Druen) wherein a braided tassel of blue and grey is wrapped around and clasped in the hands of the betrothed. The two intended whisper seven Oaths to each other and then the Prui`Druen prays over their joined hands and announces them Bonded by Oath (married).
Religious Structure: Unlike most of Ellemar, the Silvosi are not monotheistic. To most they seem like pagans - worshipping multifarious gods and believing in strange things, yet this Silvosi tradition dates back to ancient times and has served them well. They believe in the spirit of the world, in the flora and fauna, and everything inbetween. They pray to their gods in seven Silver Septs throughout the kingdom. The largest and grandest of them all lies in the heart of Silvernest.
The Prui`Druen, essentially a High Priest or Priestess, acts as the Head of the religion and as such, is in charge of the kingdom’s religious duties. Every Prui`Druen has a Rue`Druen of the opposite sex, and acts as their advisor, assistant, and second in command. If a Prui`Druen were to die unexpectedly, the Rue`Druen will lead for the Prui`s obligatory year-long mourning period, and then step down when the next Prui`Druen and Rue`Druen are selected.
Former Rue`Druen’s make up most of the seven Convent members, who not only choose each Prui`Druen and Rue`Druen - but act as a secondary council for the current king as well. Each member is in charge of one of the seven Septs, and reports to the Prui`Druen in person every four months.
Druen’s are clergy members that specialize in one of the six sacred arts: poetry, art, music, war, academia, and dance. There was once a seventh - magic - but the Druen’s lost their magic in ancient times and now only spread stories and myths of what they lost and have forgotten. Druen’s usually live within the Silver Septs, but some small monasteries have been built across the countryside where Druen’s go to live, train and fulfill their Oaths. Druen’s as a whole stand as mediators between the mundane and divine aspects of life. They’re holy people through sacrifice and training, and are regarded highly throughout the Silvern kingdom.
Geography: Mostly moist and cool year round; Silvern has brief springs, succinct wet summer's, lackluster autumns, and lingering frosty winters. The kingdom itself sprawls across the foothills and highlands of the western Seven Mountains. The Silvernest Castle is built on Mount Tasiar, overlooking a large lake.
Pertinent History: Prince Lucien, former heir, and brother to King Avenius died tragically in one of the kingdom’s more prolific silver mines. The shaft that collapsed on him and several miners were caved in after the bodies were retrieved and properly laid to rest out of respect. Avenius’ father lived long enough to see his youngest son become the man he always wanted him to be.
Slavery has been abolished since the kingdom’s infancy. The first “ruler” of Silvern was nothing more than a usurper from northern lands. In his two-decade rule, he tried to dismantle the kingdom’s reliance on the Druen’s and executed those who refused to swear fealty, even women and children. The death of the Prui`Druen led to his demise as the people - both rich and poor - rose against him. He and his family were slaughtered and the denizens declared themselves freemen of Silvern Kingdom. Rebellions have been common throughout Silvern’s long-standing history, and the people have no qualms rising against a tyrant on the throne.
[/border][/column][/row]
[row][column=span5][border=2px solid black]
CONFLICT
[centerblock=50][divide=thick][/divide][/centerblock]
Due to flooding, what little crops the kingdom is able to grow have been reduced, and even the game animals seem to be disappearing. Though the kingdom is still mainly self reliant, it’s relying on trade more than ever before to help feed it’s people.
Denizens wonder why King Avenius has yet to marry off Princess Lucianna to (A KINGDOM), despite the brewing political tension. Rumors fly and the kingdom is divided on whether or not their beloved princess even should.
According to rumors, the current Rue`Druen is spreading falsehoods across the Seven Septs and the commoners, apparently trying to spearhead a rebellion - in which the Druenite’s would take control of the Silvern Kingdom. All men would be freemen and there would be no royalty. There have been whispers of assassination attempts, but nothing substantial has reached or tried the Kingsguard.
Raiders from the north have been attacking and pillaging the outlying villages and town for centuries; but over the past two years they’ve been more violent than ever. King Avenius has sent a small squadron of men to protect his people and put an end to the raids.[/border][/column][column=span3][border=2px solid black][bg=#674036]
ARMY STATUS
[centerblock=50][divide=thick][/divide][/centerblock]
The Silvosi army is average in size but makes up for that fact in austere training. Enlistment is voluntary as it is life long. The only exception to this rule is delinquent or wrongdoers whose crimes don’t spell death. The army is opportunistic and open to noblemen and freemen alike. The Silvosi army has it’s own set of Oaths, that must be taken at one of the seven Silver Septs across the kingdom before a denizen may be considered a part of the military.
[/bg][/border][/column][/row]
[divide=thick][/divide]
[row][column=span8][border=2px solid black]
MAJOR PLAYERS
[/border][/column][/row]
[divide=thick][/divide]
[row][column=span5][border=2px solid black]
V9KqJAF.jpg
[/border][/column]
[column=span3][border=2px solid black]
NAME:| Avenius Gringoire
[/border]
[border=2px solid black]
ROLE:| King
[/border]
[border=2px solid black]
CLASS:| Monarch
[/border]
[border=2px solid black]
AGE:| 59
[/border]
[/column][/row]
[divide=thick][/divide]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: King Avenius looks like a trustworthy man with his expressive blue-grey eyes, framed by laugh lines and bushy brows. Avenius’ hair lost it’s auburn color early in life and now even his beard is salt and pepper. Standing just under six feet, physically, Avenius is nothing more than your average man. His body has softened with age but he still emanates a regal aura.
BRIEF HISTORY: Born second after his older brother, Avenius grew up shrinking his princely duties as he never thought he would rule. He prefered ale, hunting trips, women, and combat training over academic and political learnings. That all changed when his older brother, the crown prince, died suddenly and tragically while visiting a prolific silver mine. The kingdom and the royal family mourned, and Avenius - devastated at the loss of his older brother - shouldered the weight of his responsibilities like a true king.
[divide=thick][/divide]
[row][column=span5][border=2px solid black]
L7ONLwY.png
[/border][/column]
[column=span3][border=2px solid black]
NAME:| Clariscia Gringoire
[/border]
[border=2px solid black]
ROLE:| Queen
[/border]
[border=2px solid black]
CLASS:| Monarch
[/border]
[border=2px solid black]
AGE:| 45
[/border]
[/column][/row]
[divide=thick][/divide]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Though her beauty has gradually faded with age, Clariscia still carries herself with grace and elegance befitting a queen. Her hair is dark, slightly peppered with grey, and falls in waves halfway down her back. Her high cheekbones rarely betray her laugh lines and aging wrinkles. When she smiles she has small dimples in each cheek. She is almost as tall as her husband, just shy a few inches.
BRIEF HISTORY: Clariscia was born as a noble lady of Silvern and was betrothed to Prince Avenius before birth. He was not the heir being second born, and for that Claris was thankful. She had no wish to be Queen, only a romanticised dream of life, love, and children. Life had it’s own plans however, and she ended up Queen of Silvern as her betrothed became King. Though they weren’t in love at the time of their marriage, Clariscia has come to truly love her husband. It took a long time, not until their second child for her to realize.
[divide=thick][/divide]
[row][column=span5][border=2px solid black]
8euQ1TI.jpg
[/border][/column]
[column=span3][border=2px solid black]
NAME:| Rannulf Gringoire
[/border]
[border=2px solid black]
ROLE:| Crown Prince
[/border]
[border=2px solid black]
CLASS:| Monarch
[/border]
[border=2px solid black]
AGE:| 28
[/border]
[/column][/row]
[divide=thick][/divide]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Tall, dark, and handsome, Rannulf is the perfect blend of his mother and father. He received his mother’s sharp, striking features, and his father’s blue eyes. Rannulf’s however, are more grey than blue and are sharply contrasted by his dark auburn brown hair. Speaking of which, is traditionally long and almost the length of his sisters. He prefers to wear leathers over luxurious clothing, but does so without complaint during official or ceremonial duties.
BRIEF HISTORY: Being the crown prince and his father’s son, Rannulf has regarded his responsibilities dutifully despite being quite the ladies man. Since his conception, his been betrothed to (A PRINCESS) of (A KINGDOM). Training started early in life and continues till this day. He enjoys all manners of his training and has rarely complained. His mind is like a sponge and he enjoys the pursuit of knowledge. He has a close relationship with his younger siblings, even Joscelin, and it was he who convinced Beyla (and will convince Luce) to become Druen.
[divide=thick][/divide]
[row][column=span5][border=2px solid black]
dWcuHFR.gif
[/border][/column]
[column=span3][border=2px solid black]
NAME:| Beyla Gringoire
[/border]
[border=2px solid black]
ROLE:| Princess
[/border]
[border=2px solid black]
CLASS:| Monarch
[/border]
[border=2px solid black]
AGE:| 12
[/border]
[/column][/row]
[divide=thick][/divide]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Freckled and blue-eyed, Beyla is annoyingly intelligent and she tends to hold herself as such. Despite this, she has a mischievous grin that reveals two small dimples in each cheek - the only child of Clariscia to inherit them. She has her mother’s dark brown hair and to the dismay of her handmaidens, loves to get it dirty.
BRIEF HISTORY: For as long as she can remember, Beyla has wanted to become the next Prui`Druen. Everything in her life seems to have brought her to this revelation, and in a few months time - after her next name day - she will take her Oaths to become Druen. It seems she talked her sister into becoming Druen as well, even though neither have officially taken their Oaths. As the youngest Gringoire there is some obvious favoritism, especially from her mother and Luce.
[divide=thick][/divide]
[row][column=span5][border=2px solid black]
DFw85Hg.jpg
[/border][/column]
[column=span3][border=2px solid black]
NAME:| Joscelin Gringoire
[/border]
[border=2px solid black]
ROLE:| Princess
[/border]
[border=2px solid black]
CLASS:| Monarch
[/border]
[border=2px solid black]
AGE:| 15
[/border]
[/column][/row]
[divide=thick][/divide]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Joscelin’s dark blonde hair is ever so noticeable, and something that she’s always wanted to change. Unlike her half-siblings strikingly sharp faces, Joscelin’s facial features are rounded and soft, much like her temperament. Instead of pale blue-grey her eyes are deep blue-green and framed with lashes of gold. Despite being three years older, Josce and Beyla are the same height save a few inches. The gods have bestowed her with curves unbefitting a young woman, and Joscelin looks much older than her true age.
BRIEF HISTORY: Despite being born outside of her father’s marriage with Queen Clariscia, Joscelin was raised with love. Her mother, a noble lady within the kingdom, died giving birth to her, and the King hesitantly took her in. Surprisingly, the Queen took pity on the child, and tried to raise her as if she were her own. Though she was bitter, she was bitter towards her husband, not the child. Unbeknownst to her, the Queen had suffered through a miscarriage just months prior and felt somewhat joyful at the news of a child she could raise. King Avenius is speaking with (A KINGDOM) to betroth Joscelin to prince (A NAME).
[divide=thick][/divide]
[row][column=span5][border=2px solid black]
XT7T6MS.jpg
[/border][/column]
[column=span3][border=2px solid black]
NAME:| Melissent Ghaliane
[/border]
[border=2px solid black]
ROLE:| Prui`Druen
[/border]
[border=2px solid black]
CLASS:| Clergy
[/border]
[border=2px solid black]
AGE:| 40
[/border]
[/column][/row]
[divide=thick][/divide]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Melissent is tall, elegant, and fierce; exactly as a Prui`Druen should be. Though her hair greyed early in life, mainly due to the stresses of her station, Melissent is beautiful. Silver-grey eyes match her stormy grey hair and stand stark against her rose-peach skin color. Hidden beneath her dull grey robes is a body still in it’s prime.
BRIEF HISTORY: Melissent is the daughter of the previous Prui`Druen and knew as a child that that was her Calling in life as well. She took her Oaths young in life, barely thirteen - which is the legal age to take vows - and has lived the Druen way of life since. Her mother died when Lis was twenty seven, and the Rue`Druen took over until the next Prui`Druen was selected. Traditionally there’s a mourning period of one year and then the Convent and the people choose the next leader. Melissent became the youngest female Prui`Druen at the age of twenty-eight and has led successfully these past twelve years.
[divide=thick][/divide]
[row][column=span8][border=2px solid black]
MAIN CHARACTER
[/border][/column][/row]
[divide=thick][/divide]
[imagefloat=right][bg=#E5CB8E]
gBAncAB.jpg
[/bg][/imagefloat]
HISTORY
NAME: Lucianna "Luce" Gringoire || AGE: Nineteen || ROLE: Princess || SOCIAL CLASS: Monarchy
Lucianna is the second born child of King Avenius and Queen Clariscia and the firstborn daughter. She’s known, since shortly after birth, that there’s always a way to get what you want. Luce walks a fine line between use and misuse of this knowledge. Thankfully, she’s the apple of her father’s eye and she’s rarely had to tread the wrong side of the line.
With that being said, Luce is not uncompassionate or unempathetic and it shows in her frequent visits to towns and villages outside the heart of the kingdom. She was a little younger then Beyla is now when she first ventured outside Silvernest’s protective walls. Luce still remembers the hungry faces and the sadden looks she received. Perhaps that’s why the Druen way of life appeals to her so much - she’d actually be able to help people without feeling ashamed by sneaking out with Cloudrunner to bring provisions to impoverished families.
When her half sister Joscelin arrived, she was barely old enough to remember the stir it caused within the castle. All she does remember, is a lot of yelling between her mother and father, and a baby that made a lot of noise. Being the inquisitive child she was, it didn’t take her long to figure out that the blonde haired baby was like - and unlike - her. When she was old enough to be told the truth (which was shortly after Beyla’s second or third name day) she was disappointed in her father but gained a new sense of respect for her mother who found the courage to take in a child she didn’t sire.
Luce has always been interested in becoming a Druen and it’s the only reason her father has yet to finalize her betrothal to (A NAME) from (A KINGDOM). Under Silvern laws, if she takes Druen Oaths, she doesn’t have to marry. Her time however, is almost up - and if she doesn’t make up her mind soon, she’ll be forced to marry (A NAME) whether she wants to be Druen or not.
[divide=thin][/divide]
[row][column=span8][border=1px solid black][border=1px dotted #B8904D]
-
[bg=#674036]
PERSONALITY
[/bg]
-
[side=left][border=1px solid #E5CB8E]MAJOR STRENGTH: PERSUASIVE[/border]
[border=1px solid #E5CB8E]MAJOR WEAKNESS: INDECISIVE
[/border][/side]Luce is a product of her upbringing and someone who likes to get her way, even if said way is detrimental. She rather learn through experience - and ask for forgiveness rather than permission - then hear the word “no.” She’s quite stubborn that way.
Luce is compassionate but a little tactless at times - her honesty is as brutal as her loyalty is strong. Not nearly as eloquent as her mother or as earnest as her father, Lucianna tries to balance both sides of herself with as much poise and finesse she can manage.
Luce has a hard time making decisions - between wanting to evaluate every possible outcome and waiting for perfection - it’s no wonder Luce can never make up her mind. It’s common for her to go back and forth between decisions and those closest to her know better than to rely on her first answer for anything.
[/border][/border][/column][/row]
[row][column=span5][border=1px solid black][border=1px dotted #B8904D]
-
[bg=#674036]
POLITICS
[/bg]
-
Though Luce has been briefly instructed and introduced to political matters, she prefers other academic pursuits. Besides memorizing the crests and trade goods of the other kingdoms, Lucianna isn’t much for politics or the dealings of other kingdoms.
[/border][/border][/column]
[column=span3][border=1px solid black][border=1px dotted #B8904D]
-
[bg=#674036]
FINER DETAILS
[/bg]
-
QUIRKS: When Luce is nervous, she has a habit of biting her nails despite being told for the upteenth time how unladylike it is. Lucianna has a growing collection of crystals and precious gems and has a habit of smiling nervously while conversation is paused or faltering.
PROCLIVITIES: She has a tendency to ride Cloudrunner whenever she’s angry or just in a bad mood. Feeling the wind in her face clears her mind and relieves tension. The life of a Druen appeals to her, but she has yet to make up her mind and take her Oaths.
SOFT SPOTS: Luce has an absolute soft spot for her little sister Beyla, and is fiercely protective of her. She also has a soft spot for children, and whenever her father allows her out of the castle, she brings provisions to impoverished families. Unbeknownst to everyone but her older brother, who doesn’t approve whatsoever, Lucianna has a soft spot for one of the royal guards.
[/border][/border][/column][/row]
[divide=thin][/divide]
[row][column=span3]
[border=1px solid black][border=2px solid #B8904D]
cknGn9y.jpg
[divide=thick][/divide]
MOUNT: Cloudrunner; a smoky black mare with a flaxen silver mane and tail. They've been together for a little over four years, and Cloudrunner dislikes anyone but Luce and Beyla riding her.
WEAPON(s): The only weapon Luce has any training with is the bow. Three years ago, on her name day she received a beautiful bow made out of yew wood, and she absolutely treasures it.
[divide=thick][/divide]
[/border][/border][/column]
[column=span5]
APPEARANCE
Lucianna is strikingly beautiful, possessing her mother’s high cheekbones and her father’s pale blue-grey eyes. Like her younger sister Beyla, Princess Luce has a face full of freckled constellations and like her brother Rannulf, her dark brown hair is tinted auburn. It’s longer than what’s depicted in the picture above, and falls in loose waves to the bottom of her back.
She stands just above average height and is tenderly built, much to her dismay. After years of begging, Luce was finally able to convince her mother and father to let her train in the art of archery, and it took a long while until she was strong enough and possessed enough finesse to master it. Her physique is maintained mostly through her equestrianism and love of riding.
Luce has full lips, almond eyes framed with thick dark lashes, and a creamy-peach skin color. She prefers to wear her kingdom’s colors, as it flatters her quite nicely, and doesn’t have a problem indulging in the finer aspects of life, especially when it comes to clothing.
[/column][/row]
[h]S I L V E R N[/h][centerblock=98][divide=thick][/divide][/centerblock] [row][column=span2][border=1px solid #000000]
Beyla, The Druen Princess
[divide=thick][/divide] MENTIONED &/or TAGGED
[divide=thick][/divide]
- @ Elle Joyner
- @ LeviathanL *
- @ Anomaly *
* Not by name [divide=thick][/divide] NOTES
[divide=thick][/divide] I assumed two things:
1. Princess Audra hasn't arrived in Silvern just yet, though the royals are expecting her arrival before they retire for the night. 2. Queen Alana's invitation has not been received. (Or sent? I'm unsure of each kingdom's exact timeline.) [divide=thick][/divide] [/border][/column][column=span6][border=1px solid #000000]
“Is it true, father? Is it true the King of Thornwild is dead?” Beyla peeked her head into the solar even further and watched hesitantly as her father glanced between the Queen and Princess Lucianna. "Now where did you go and hear something like that?" He asked kindly, though the skin around his eyes were tight. King Avenius set his smoking pipe down upon the oaken table and beckoned his youngest daughter forward. "Come child, and tell me what you have heard." King Avenius' youngest daughter tiptoed slowly into the room, unsure of what to make of the milkmaids idle talk. Though she was far too old, she climbed onto the king's lap and looked him painfully in the eye. She tried to discern the knots forming in her belly by the crestfallen blue orbs staring back at her. Beyla knew something was wrong, the air tasted sad and morose but for what reason other than the untimely death of the King in the East? Her father was a kindly man, stern, but undoubtedly kind — yet cold anger emanated from him. Beyla thought it was rather unbefitting. "Well?" asked King Avenius, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. "I went down to the kitchens to get some warm mulled wine," Beyla said, pausing to glance at her mother who scoffed haughtily at the notion of doing her own fetching. "When I heard the milkmaids whispering." She shrugged her shoulders all too innocently and said, "I listened to them father, I know I shouldn't have, but I did. They say King Barenthorn is dead — that he was killed by one of his handmaidens. I-Is it true?" Avenius sighed deeply and nodded, lowered his head to Beyla's forehead and gave her a whiskery kiss. He gave his wife and eldest daughter an apologetic side-ways glance before speaking. "It seems to be so youngling." "Oh that's horrible," Beyla said. "So close after the death of Prince Jorad… I didn’t even get my warm mulled wine." She finished the sentence whilst stifling a yawn. "Perhaps you should retire for the evening Beyla, there will be plenty of time to meet your future queen at daybreak. It goes without saying the young maiden will be exhausted from her journey. Lucianna, why don't you show your sister to her chambers?" “Mother!” Beyla cried with injustice, a dark scowl flashing across her face. "Come," Her sister Luce said softly, diffusing the situation before it escalated further. She rose from her seat and held out her hand. "Let us find some warm mulled wine and let mother and father speak alone." She wanted to argue and plead her case, but the stern look on her father’s face told her to stand up and take Lucianna’s hand. Beyla gave her father a goodnight kiss before scowling faintly at her mother. “Goodnight,” She said tepidly. Together, she and her sister left the solar and went in search of mulled wine. [divide=thick][/divide] The King stared at his heart's queen for a long moment, regarding all their time together. Love wasn't there at first sight, but it grew and blossomed with time. After each child she bore, he found his love growing stronger... and when she agreed to a raise a daughter that wasn't of her own blood, he knew he'd love the woman forevermore. Still, trouble brewed and with the news of Barenthorn's death the southern vultures were sure to bring touble into his land. Avenius glanced back at Clariscia and the Oaths he swore at his coronation filled his mind. He couldn’t help but think there were only two paths he could travel. Silvern could keep her soldiers safe and out of the Thornwild fray or unite with powerful allies and aid in their desire for the Thornwild crown. He sensed monumental danger down each path. “I value your judgement, my lady, what are your thoughts on what’s transpired?” “My thoughts have been elsewhere… our son will be wed soon Avenius. It seems only yesterday he was a boy.” Clariscia said sadly. The queen gazed wistfully at the tapestries lining the walls until finally her brows furrowed and she opened her mouth to speak. “Barenthorn’s death has caused more of a stir than I ever imagined it could. We have peaceful, if strenuous, relations with almost all the kingdoms Avenius… I feel we’ll be pulled into the fray whether we want to be or not.” “If that’s the case, would it not be simpler to choose who we’d rather fight alongside and unite before getting dragged in?” The King replied, scratching his beard absentmindedly. Queen Clariscia was silent for a long time, so long in fact, that the King rose from his oaken table and bid her farewell. “I must find Rannulf and ensure he is befitting of his betrothed.” “Avenius…” “Yes my lady?” The King said quietly, glancing back at Clariscia. “Who should Silvern fight alongside?” “Before we can think of that my lady,” He said gravely, “We need our adjacent kingdom’s allegiance.” His queen looked stricken. She whispered her firstborn daughter’s name softly, as if saying for the last time. “Lucianna.” When she looked at him next, her eyes spoke of betrayal. King Avenius left the solar in search of his son, who’s betrothed rode farther north every moment. He sighed and scratched his beard, mind full of questions and wonderings, knowing that the princess of Cain'Loren wasn't the only southerner to be traveling north. [/border][/column][/row]