God Is On His Knees (IC/Still Accepting)

[Duchess]

Tyra couldn't help but to blush at Bjarke's comment on what to call her. If she would have known that she in fact was Charles Clayburn's daughter, then she would reply lady out of spite, but she did not know the truth so that only caused the young girl embarrassment. Looking away, she fiddled with her dress as she softly replied, "Then I will call you Bjarke and you may call me the servant girl or Tyra, which ever suits you." She looked down at the green gown she was wearing and was grateful for Elizabeth and the Clayburn's at that moment. Tracing the small designs in the dress, she looked at the stable doors, noting that Bellamy and John had arrived. Turning her head in the direction of the noise, she couldn't help but to laugh at the two children. John sure did have his work cut out for him and Tyra could only smile in amusement.

When John heard the men, he could only sigh and run a hand down his face. If the ride from their home in Clarke was long, then this one would end up ten times longer. Muttering a small apology to Bjarke then his men, he quickly collected his children, placing them atop their respected horses. Amelia could only talk back in protest and Charles, well Charles was going whatever the young boy ever did. He was a reserved child with small quips here and there. It was odd for the young boy to say any words to anyone other than his sister, including his father and family. John blamed it on his wife leaving their family but he could never be too sure of the root cause, sometime it worried him that his son had no interest in swords and normal boyish things but he remembered he had no interest in the sort either when he was just that young. Shrugging off his thoughts, John mounted his own horse, looking to Tyra then his children before riding off to join the rest of the procession.

Bellamy watched as Tyra and Bjarke talked, intrigued by their conversation. Tyra was much like himself and liked to stay within his own little world so why would she be talking with such a beast like Bjarke? Checking his saddle bag to distract himself, he made sure everything was there. As usual everything was there but he couldn't help but to think he was forgetting something. Shaking off the thoughts, he double checked everything once more before getting on his horse and asking Tyra, "Are you ready to go?"

Tyra nodded once before watching Bellamy ride away. Taking her horse out of its respected stall, she gently ran her hands against the animal's neck. Looking back to Bjarke, she asked, "Isn't she a beauty? She was Elizabeth's but her father got her a new horse for whatever reason, so Elizabeth gave her to me." Once again Tyra couldn't help but to blush as she asked, "Do you mind helping me on her? I enjoy riding bareback but I'm afraid I can't get on by myself. It's rather embarrassing." Tyra was also embarrassed that she couldn't ride side saddle. She much preferred to ride as a man did.

​

 

[Hell Hound Woof]

Bjarke smirked as John walked off and put his children onto their horses. The girl protested little and the little boy just did as he was told. Bjarke didnt bother to dwell too much on the child's strangeness, not his problem. Bellamy rode off and when Tyra had her horse prepared, it was a nice looking animal. When she asked for Bjarke's help to get on the horse he patted his horse hardily and walked over to her side. He took her hand and waited until she put her foot into one of the stirrups, he put a hand under her thigh and lifted her up onto her horse as she threw her leg over the side.

"I would have assumed you for a woman to ride more traditionally," Bjarke said as he walked back to his horse and put one of his booted feet into his the left stirrup. He threw his leg over the side of the horse and put his foot through the other stirrup. Bjarke grabbed the reins and jerked them to let the horse know to move. The horse trotted out and he saw Ÿrd on a fresh horse, Maryn was on a horse near a carriage. Bjarke guided his horse over to the carriage and saw his sister inside, he smiled at her and put a hand on the window edge of the carriage.

"We will be riding through the night to the capitol, there we will meet the King. We will discuss this marriage idea of his. The Clayburns are riding out with us, Rolfe has left the Nacht's Reach and is back in Pinecliff."

He smiled at his sister and whistled for his men to begin moving out, her carriage lurched forward and Bjarke had his horse move alongside it. The caravan of warriors and carriages rolled through the streets of the Nacht's Reach town and onto the road to the capitol. At long last the Northerners would be at council.

 

[VengefulPeanut]

-Robert Bowman, Knight of the Kings Guard- AND -Tristan Morrwood, Duke of Gethenwood-

Analysing Tristan's stance, Robert concluded that his opponent was trying to bait him in. So, so as not to fall into a trap, he fell back onto his back foot and dug into a combat stance, his hands firmly placed with good spacing upon the staff. "After you, Duke Tristan," Robert taunted, baiting him to make the first move.

"Oh, how gentlemanly of you," Tristan chuckled. He was happy to see Robert hadn't fallen for the bait. After all, it showed that this sparring match would be far more interesting than Tristan had previously thought. Tristan was more than willing to fall into Robert's trap. The grin on his face might of showed his eagerness in that matter. However, his eagerness might of taken hold as he spun to the right. His right hand taking hold of the staff mid turn using the momentum to swing horizontally towards the upper left side of Roberts chest. Sinking with the weight of a rock, Robert swiftly dropped into a low stance and delivered a powerful upwards parry to counter. A quick switch of the wrist and he returned the favour with a lunging stab, aimed right at Tristan's navel. The counter attempt was met with Tristan turning his staff to a horizontal position, the resulting collision working to send Tristan's staff into a one handed wrist roll which worked well to block the lunged strike. His staff being knocked to the side, Robert used to momentum to power through a spinning strike which swung for the young duke's head. As he did so, he set his feet solidly into the ground so as to retain control of his movement. Tristan's motion was fluid as he caught his staff into his hand and dropped to his knee as Robert spun. His face calm as though almost on auto-pilot. Both hands finding their way to the staff as he brought it towards Robert's gut. Although the two handed allowed for stronger strikes it also allowed for greeter spreed, control and swift combinations. Watching Tristan drop low to avoid his strike, Robert instantly knew where the next attack would go. A strike for the abdomen was logical. It's exactly what he would have done and because of that knowledge he managed to effectively block the strike with no issue. However, the strike he wasn't expecting was the following sweep which made a fleshy thud as it connected. With his knees buckling, he landed flat on his back and a winded gasp escaped his lips as he crashed into the dirt. Tristan brought a flurry of strikes down, intended to finish the fight, like a headsman swinging his axe. Rolling to avoid them, Robert raised his staff horizontally to block the last strike, causing a standoff of strength as the two tried to wrestle the weapons away from one another. In a flash, Robert's eyes flicked to Tristan's ankles as he brought his legs round like a whirlwind, causing Tristan to also fall to the ground. Seizing the opportunity, Robert pounced atop him and laid his staff gently across the throat of his opponent.

"It seems I beat you, Duke Tristan," Robert announced proudly, a smile creeping across his face. Tristan let out a small chuckle as he looked down to Robert's abdomen where he had also delicately placed the end of his staff in a skewering position.

"I was about to say the same to you, Robert," Tristan retorted confidently. Robert laughed contently before clambering off of his opponent and offering him up, an offer Tristan took.

"That was a good duel, Duke Tristan," Robert complimented with an impressed smile, "I see your combat abilities were not exaggerated." He placed his right fist over his heart and gave a polite bow before moving to store his and Tristan's staffs back on the rack. When he returned to the group, his face could barely contain his smile. "It's been a while since a guest has posed such a challenge."

​

 

[Ko T'suno]

"That was a good duel, Duke Tristan," Robert said with a smile, "I see your combat abilities were not exaggerated." He placed his right fist over his heart and gave a polite bow. To which Tristan replied with his own bow. When he returned to the group, his face could barely contain his smile. "It's been awhile since a guest has posed such a challenge."

"Just Tristan, Please. I agree it was a very fun spar, your not bad yourself, I'm sure Sypher and Maehel enjoyed watching, one more so than the other....It has been a while, well... Looks like we might need to fix that, can't have you guys getting soft and flabby on us." He said with a laugh as he went to clasp his hand on Robert's shoulder. "Can we..." He added another laugh before he saw Arren with Sypher and Maehel.


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

"Good morning, Duke Tristan, Lord Sypher. Sir Maehel."

"Hmm?" Was their joint reply as they looked away from the sparring match that had just ended with Robert on top of Tristan much to Maehel's surprise and Sypher's amusement.

"Greetings Echil." Sypher's calm tone responded as he got up from his place from under the tree and walked over to Tristan and Robert, stopping them from approaching the tree so he could talk to them. "Well done you two. Good showing, Seems you both have met your training partners for the summer, no?" He asked the two with a soft chuckle under his hood. "So boys, do you think Arren will take on Maehel?" He asked with a partly sarcastic partly amused tone as he turned his head to see what Maehel and Arren were doing.


Watching Sypher walk off and leave her alone with Arren, she sighed and stood up. "Greetings Sir Arren, how does the morning find you?" She asked taking her eyes from Sypher and the boys. "Are you here to spar with us as well?" She continued as she took her cloak off her shoulders. The long black fabric falling into a pile at her feet before she picked it up and set it on a tree branch. "If you are I would say pick a partner, before Sypher decides to lay claim..." She finished as she turned back to him. Her hands moving to tie up her brown hair so it wouldn't be in her face if she had to spar today.

 

[Ko T'suno]

His head bobbed up and down as he fought to stay awake. His frantic search for his clothing and the rush to pack his belongings had left him little time or energy to saddle his horse. Thankfully Ÿrd or someone had thought of him and was kind enough to ready Tilki's horse before they had set out for the Summer Palace.

Yet on the road were Tilki had thought he would wake up, he found his eyes were heavy behind his white mask. Shaking the sleep from his eyes he looked down and smiled at Tuli and Kuli as they ran inbetween the groups horses, both the horses and their riders thinking little of it.

"Hopefully this will be fun..." He said to himself and his horse as they sped up to reach the head of the group to catch up with Ÿrd, Bjarke and The Archer.

"Will we be stopping for food or are we riding nonstop?" He asked the group of elders as he joined them to their left. A part of him hoping they would stop for food sometime. In all the commotion he had forgotten to eat and his stomach was now reinforming him of this by audibly complaining. His eyes darted off to look for any place to stop as well as possible threats that may have come from the left of the Pack.

The sky looked clear of any ill weather. It was a good sign, they would make their appointed arrival time, although that time totally escaped Tilki's memory.

 

[Hell Hound Woof]

Bjarke, Ÿrd and Maryn were riding at the front of the Pack with a purpose. The horses galloped down the road towards the King's Palace. Bjarke was furious deep within his mind, he had originally thought to be calm for his sisters sake but now that he was leading the ride to the capitol he could not control his anger. That damned fool thinks he can just marry his sister? Without the consent of him or his own father, but knowing his father he would no doubt allow it. Bjarke heard a horse moving at slightly more speed from behind him, he turned his head to see a slumped over Tilki. Bjarke watched the little foxes weaving their way around his horse and dashing off in front of him.

"Bit hungover are we Tilki?" Maryn said with a smile looking at the boy, "I believe I stopped having hangovers when I was about 12."

Ÿrd chuckled and spoke loudly, "Maryn, let off the boy. He's had a rough night, and no one here has had a pleasant morning."

"We will not be stopping, the carts pulling the food are further back in the caravan. If you are really that hungry you can eat from one of them..." Maryn said rifling around in his bag, "Ahah!"


Maryn brought out a wrapped circular object, he moved the cloth around and produced a baked apple. The castle maiden he had bedded last night made it for him, it was stuffed with honey and bits of perfectly cooked pie crust. The little orb of deliciousness was held with care as Maryn guided his horse over to Tilki and passed off the delicacy. Maryn rode up beside Bjarke and patted him on the shoulder. Bjarke did not speak. He was angry. So he simply rode on down the rode. Their was the occasional farmer with his mule and cart, and sometimes a few houses could be seen in the distance. The Pack was heard singing war songs and sometimes he could hear the Clayburns children whining and squealing but still Bjarke focused only on the road in front of him.

 

[SheriffLlama]

Sir Arren Graesson

Arren looked at Lord Sypher as he spoke. The man unsettled him - he was the epitome of mystery. He made a note never to cross blades with the warrior if possible. When he got up and walked away, Arren almost reached out and grabbed his cloak to pull him back; he didn't want to be left alone with Maehel. He sighed silently, turning to her as she spoke. "Greetings, Sir Arren. How does the morning treat you?" She asked, meeting his gaze. He nodded, breathing out a heavy exhale.

"Considering I've woken up to a flaming arrow in my cloak before, this morning warrants me no complaints." He said, reaching behind him and binding his hair with a thin strip of leather as he did before even considering entering combat.

"Are you here to spar with us as well?" She continued, to which Arren nodded, dropping his hands to his side.

"If it would please you and the company of the duke, I will try." The knight mused.

"If you are I would say pick a partner, before Sypher decides to lay claim..."

Arren managed a small smile, and an even smaller laugh. Like he'd assumed, she seemed to imply that Sypher would win. The knight didn't dare to doubt that presumption - The man probably fought like the devil in a man's form. "I hope you would consider crossing blades with me, this morning, Sir Maehel."

 

[Duchess]

"I wouldn't mind at all. What man would object to the company of two such beautiful women?" Charlie raised an eyebrow as he offered either arm to them to escort them to the stables. He was happy to be leaving court for a few hours, if he heard one more shrill laugh, well someone could very easily lose their head. Looking over at Marcella, he said, "It seems I have terrible manners. I'm Charlie Clayburn, son of James Clayburn and adopted son of Duke of Clarke. It's wonderful to make your acquaintance, Lady..." Charlie trailed off realizing he didn't know the young woman's name. How embarrassing, but he couldn't dwell on that. It wasn't as if anyone was watching their interaction. Something seemed off about the girl but he couldn't put his finger on it. He had certainly never seen her before and he had never heard anyone else in his family gossip about the blonde beauty, so who was she?

​

 

[Duchess]

"You must understand, Your Highness, if I were to become king and rule beside you, I would at the best to my ability. Sure, I'm a flight risk, but I am loyal to whoever I'm standing beside. My family is known for their loyalty, so why are you so afraid to see where we will go? If I'm to be frank, I'm mildly offended." Looking back to her, Francis allowed his eyes to glide over her as if he were memorizing her. He watched the way her chest rose and fell with each breath, the way the wind blew threw her hair, everything about her, he memorized in that moment. Running his fingers through his hair, he took his eyes off of her and looked out to the rolling hills of the country. He wasn't sure if he were looking in the right direction, but he would've liked to think he was looking in the direction of his home. How he missed the place of his birth, but it wouldn't be sage again, not until his parents and their siblings were dead. Muttering to himself, he said, "I don't believe this is without intention."

Sliding off his horse at the same time she did, he went over to the creek, splashing a bit of water onto his face as she laid down in the grass. As she continued to speak, he couldn't help but to listen and he was shocked by what he heard. Shaking his head, he said, "You can't arrange falling in love, Princess. It happens naturally over time and it can't be forced. Maybe I'm just a dimwitted romantic, but you get to choose who you fall in love with and your father is giving you a choice on who you will spend the rest of your life with, I would use that choice wisely or you may end up like me. A third born son with nothing to his name."

​

 

[Duchess]

"So what were you and Bjarke talking about earlier? You have certainly taken a liking to him in the last day or so...what did John tell you?" Bellamy looked to Tyra in intrigue before looking forward to where Bjarke and his men were singing. Glancing over at his brother, he noticed that he had joined in on the singing, along with his niece, now where had Charles run off too? Shaking his head, he let out a huff as he noticed the young boy was chasing after the foxes that traveled with one of Bjarke's pack members. He could only shake his head more as he watched Charles laugh and play in his own world. Bellamy knew he would never understand the boy but that didn't matter now, what mattered was what was Tyra playing at.

"Nothing in particular, just getting better acquainted and what makes you think John has said anything? He say many things but hardly any of them have anything to do with Bjarke and the pack. Mainly they deal with Charles and Amelia or your sister because he's worried. Bell, you needn't worry about me or your brother, worry about Clarke and the people who serve under you, alright?" Tyra searched Bellamy's eyes as she spoke, trying to figure out what he was thinking but with no avail, she rode forward to catch up with Charles and Bjarke.

When she caught up with Charles, she leaned over, ruffling the young boys hair as she said, "You should ask your father for a fox. I'm sure he would get you one, especially once he sees how taken you are with these."

Charles looked up at Tyra, grinning from ear to ear as he asked, "You really think so? You think he would?"

"I believe so and maybe you can get Tilki to talk to your dad about it too, I believe that's his name." Tyra smiled at her nephew once more before saying, "I'm gonna go speak with Bjarke, are you alright?" Charles nodded his head as he continued his game with the foxes. The young woman came up beside Bjarke and his men just as Maryn pulled out the small delicacy. Tyra opened her mouth to say something but quickly shut it as she saw Bjarke's expression. Studying him for a moment more, she asked, softly, "What's on your mind?"

​

 

[Ko T'suno]

"Not so much hungover as I am tired, had late company, and woke to find my clothing missing... Twelve? Of course you did Archer." He replied as he scratched the back of his head.

When Ÿrd spoke Tilki couldn't help but nod at Maryn before sticking his tongue out at him. The seriousness of this mornings events or the ride to the capital still failed to completely register to Tilki, who's mind was off wondering tell Maryn spoke again.

"Not stopping, hear that you two.". He said looking down at Tuli and Kuli, who barked their own protests at the decision.
"Don't get mad at me Okcu said it. But there is food in the carts in the back." He added in between the barks. That silenced themselves as soon as he finished speaking.

"Ahah!"
"Huh?" Tilki responded as he looked up to Maryn riding next to him holding a baked apple out for him.
"Thank you Okçu." Tilki replied as he took the apple. A bright smile easily seen under his white mask. He reached down and grabbed one of his knifes as Maryn rode off to join Bjarke.

"Hmm..." Tilki went as he cut the apple in halve before riding up to Maryn and handing him halve.
"Seeing as you don't bake, I gathered it was a gift so I return halve. Thank you again Okçu." He said before falling back to were Yrd was.

"Isa, how long do you think we are going to stay in the capital?" He asked Ÿrd. His eyes keeping on Bjarke. The fact he hadn't said anything at all, made Tilki rather uncomfortable. Yet Tilki had not the strength to bring himself to bring it up.

 

[Ko T'suno]

"Considering I've woken up to a flaming arrow in my cloak before, this morning warrants me no complaints." He said the comment causing a soft chuckle to escape for a moment.
"Hmm." Was all he received from her as she cracked her neck. The soft almost rhythmic cracking continuing as it traveled down her back as she twisted around.
"If it would please you and the company of the duke, I will try." The knight mused. A smile forming on her face. At least he could joke. Maybe he wasn't as bad as she had thought.

. "I hope you would consider crossing blades with me, this morning, Sir Maehel."
"Full of surprises are we??" She thought to herself. Before replying to his previous question.

"Oh? I think I could enjoy that, if you think you were up to it? Of course considering the flaming arrow and all." She returned in a slightly saucy tone as she turned around to face Arren. Her green eyes shimmering in the scattered sunlight. As she looked Arren in the eyes. Her mind halfway thinking of how long Arren could last in a fight both against her and then Sypher, the last making her laugh out loud for a few moments as the sight of Sypher standing over Arren with a staff to the throat.
"Sorry about that... now where were we?" She asked in a more serious tone as she gave him a quick once over again..

 

[Hell Hound Woof]

"I do not know," Ÿrd replied gruffly, "Bjarke may not want to stay long, and I'm not even sure when we arrive there wont be a blood bath of Royals. Bjarke has never liked the King, even in the early days. While the King is a great warrior Bjarke has also never been bested in combat, if the two should come to ends I would like to see that battle."

Ÿrd watched Bjarke closely, he had been around the young man enough to know what troubled him. Ÿrd was the only man who knew of Bjarke's former wife, not even his sister knew of her. It was a troubled part of Bjarke's life, one that he covered up with constant drinking and fucking. Ÿrd watched as Maryn devoured the apple, he was wiping bits of the apple off his face as he saw Tyra's horse pass him and close to Bjarke. Maryn pulled the reins back on his horse and it stopped while Tilki and Ÿrd moved forward.

"I wasnt told Bjarke was bedding the Clayburn's nurse," Maryn said entirely serious.

"If he hears you he'll cut off your bow arm," Ÿrd said smiling, The Archer knew it was a joker but still not out of Bjarkes capabilities.

Bjarke turned to look at the lady Tyra. His expression softened from anger to a calm resolve, he saw her speak but didnt register it at first. After a moment of looking at her he realized he had not answered her question.

"The King wishes to marry my sister," Bjarke said calmly, however his knuckles were white on the reins, "I do not know if I should cut him down and let his underlings fight for his throne. I do not like the situation my house has been put in, either we allow the marriage to happen or we risk a war between the North and South. Though a war would no doubt be fun I cannot see a Northerner taking that throne."

He looked to Tyra, his face was dead serious. He did not fear war but he did fear the consequences that his family could be put through, particularly Serah. He hoped she was sleeping comfortably in her carriage, this trip would no doubt be rough for her. Seeing her husband to be after two days of riding would no doubt be stressful.

 

[Duchess]

"A war between the north and south has been a long time coming, if I may be so bold, and I believe that if we did go to war with the south, we would take the throne. How long has it been since the last northern king sat on that blasted seat? I don't remember, but I also don't remember the last time a northerner has been joyed to be traveling south, especially to court. Elizabeth has expressed to me many a time that she would hang herself or slit her own throat before she married a southerner and bore him children. I suppose in these times I appreciate not having any family to marry me off, I feel as if I would have the misfortune of laying in bed with a southern man." Tyra wasn't sure if she were helping with her words or if she would only add more wood to the fire. The latter seemed more likely but she couldn't help but to notice how tight Bjarke's grip was on the reigns. If he gripped them any tighter, surely his fingers would start popping off one by one. She almost reached out to touch his hand, but decided it wasn't appropriate between them. They hardly knew each other and only shared the common bond that all northerners shared. Looking away from him, she stared straight ahead wondering what had become of Elizabeth at court. She had heard that Charlie had showed with her son but did Bellamy and John know that? Surely not, but she couldn't be so sure. If Tyra had received a letter from her mistress, surely her brothers did as well. Glancing at her surroundings, she gently added, "I'm sure your sister will be fine. Serah is a strong woman, I know that much, and I've hardly been at Nacht's Reach a week. I believe she has the spirit of a warrior, just as you do, just as all northerners do."

​

 

[Hell Hound Woof]

Bjarke listened to Tyra, she was truly a Northerner. His grip remained firm on the reins but he loosened it slightly. He knew what he would have to do once he got to court. And he knew exactly who he wanted by his side when they arrived. But that could be discussed once the Pack had time to chat amongst itself alone. The road grew wider and he realized that they were nearing the edge of official Northern Territory. They were now crossing into the Southern lands. He put his left hand on his coat and pulled it slightly tighter around him, clinging to the North.

"Thank you Lady Tyra, your words have given me a secondary perspective" He said nodding to her and then facing forward, "Ÿrd, Maryn, Tilki!"

He said as he pushed his boots into the flanks of his horse, the beast snorted and sped off down the road. Ÿrd patted his horse on the neck and then moved his fat heels into the sides of his horse, Maryn simply kicked his horse in the side and it jolted off, then came Tilki. They were to ride up the road a ways and begin planning while on horseback. Bjarke could take no chance of someone in their party overhearing their words. The sky was darkening as they Northerners finished their first day of riding. But they did not stop, the warriors of the Pack continued marching. The children were set into carriages and the servants either hopped on food carts or continued on foot. Bjarke and his trusted moved at the front of the procession of Northerners. At their current pace they would arrive in the Capitol by the morning. Bjarke's plan would be executed perfectly. The royals would not know that Bjarke and his trusted had entered the palace in the wee hours of morn. Bjarke would meet the patriarch of the Fairway house in his chambers, with his sword at his side. All in order to ensure the King was aware of his own mortality should he dare threaten Bjarke or Serah.

 

[VengefulPeanut]

-Robert Bowman, Knight of the Kings Guard-

Robert chuckled as Tristan clasped a hand to his shoulder, looking forward as the duke delivered his jest. "Believe me, Du...," he fumbled a moment, unused to the informality, "Tristan, with the stresses of a summer at court, growing fat will be the least of our concerns. Growing grey before our time might be at the forefront of our minds, however." He delivered a soft chuckle before his attention, too, turned to Maehel and Arren. Surprisingly enough, the two seemed to be getting along quite well. Good going so far, he thought to himself, let's just hope they don't kill each other in the duel.

Moving towards the weapon racks to fetch the pair some training weaponry, Robert heard the sound of horse hooves striking stone getting louder and louder. He moved from the training grounds with a brisk jog and an 'excuse me', arriving to the road just in time to see the knights of the summer house arriving and making way for the stables and the main hall. Pressing his fist to his heart, he delivered a respectful bow as they passed, a gesture they all responded to with a polite nodding of the head. "Things should get a little easier from now," he sighed with relief before turning on his heel and heading back to the group. "Arren! The Knights of the Summer house have arrived. Once the day's training is done I need to speak to you of important matters and we should try to personally greet the Knights, also." He paused for a moment, a coy grin forming on his lips. "Go easy on him, Maehel. I would quite like my Knight-Brother in one piece for the coming day." Reclaiming his blade, he returned to the training dummies and began striking at them with a variety of combinations and techniques. He took a moment's respite and wiped the sweat from his brow. "Feel free to use any of the dummies at your leisure, Tristan," he spoke warmly before returning to his training.

 

[GoodEveningClarice]

Evelyn leaned up on her elbows to look up at the handsome Clayburn, a flush staining her pale cheeks. How unfortunate that he would be so…so…charming! She was silent a moment, trying to find some logic to strengthen her argument. There was plenty of it, really. He left his fiancé, how was that loyalty? She carried a kingdom, how could she worry about romance? But the longer she looked at him, the more difficult she found it to form any argument. So instead, she reached out her hand to grip his and tugged him down towards her. "Well, Francis, since you're so confident that we should see this through…" Her blush deepened but her voice and expression remained steady. "Why don't we test our potential as they do in the courtly romances?" She sat up so their chests were nearly touching, dainty hands gripping his tunic firmly. "Kiss me. If I feel as the maidens in the stories do, then I will give romance a chance." She bit her lip lightly, embarrassed with herself and yet excited to see if Francis' lips were half so good as kissing as they were spinning charming words.

She could hear the escort knights were further down the stream letting their horses drink, so there was little chance of interruption. Evelyn leaned against him where they sat among the grass and wildflowers like phae lovers in the legends. Oh her father would have a fit, and stupid Lilith would giver her the smuggest smirk if this worked out...and yet she couldn't bring herself to care. Perhaps this was the romance that was spoken of, throwing inhibition to the wind in favor of passion.

​

 

[GoodEveningClarice]

On quick bare feet, the wild woman of the North ran along the edges of the Northern territory. With the ease and grace of the wolves that followed her, she traveled easily over cliff and valley and snow. She came to perched on a high cliff that ended in the natural chokepoint that all who would enter the north must pass, and all those desirous to leave it. It was a large party, complete with several different banners and house colors, lead by a man she'd come to know from afar. Her sharp ears told her his name was Bjarke. He was son to a man with little honor from what she could see. She'd seen him fight, over nothing and over matters of great importance. He was a warrior.

She recognized many other faces, that of a Clayburn she'd followed on occasion and of course the faces of Bjarke's men, called a pack ironically. A fierce group, one she was surprised to see leave the North. As she crouched, she began to put the pieces together. Bjarke's sister, a beautiful, sad looking woman, rode among them along with Tyra, another person of interest. Another caravan had passed out of the North recently, carrying more Clayburns and another with the man of Pinefell. There must have been something to the South that called them all. She stroked the wolf that came up beside her, eyeing them with the same gaze it did. She stood as they began to ride harder, walking from the shadow of the trees to watch them more closely. Her long hair whipped here and there as she watched them all.

Some part of her wanted to follow, but with so many of the North's protectors gone, she could not leave. Retreating back into the wood, she thought of many things. Something in her gut told her this was not a happy errand for the northerners, people she'd watched from afar on so many occasions she felt like she knew them. She spoke to the forest for their safety and hoped the winds would carry her words on to the fleshy trees of the south. They may be of some use.

​

 

[VengefulPeanut]

- Eira Merrick, Lady of Stornoway -

Eira blushed slightly at Charlie's response and looked at the ground for a moment before averting her gaze to the main doors. As he continued to introduce himself to Marcella she looked over to Ralwen who made eye contact back, delivering him a nod and a smile, a gesture with a bespoke meaning of its own. He quickly finished the bit of chicken that he was eating before licking his fingers clean, preparing to follow behind the group as they left. Once the introductions between both Marcella and Charlie had been made, Eira placed her hands in front of her in her signature demure pose. "Shall we be off then?" she asked in a delicate tone before turning and walking to exit the building.

The gentle breeze of the summer's day was a wonderful relief as it caressed Eira's skin. The ambient swishing sound it added to the beautiful scene of blue skies looking over an extravagant courtyard completed the soundtrack to the piece alongside a symphony of bird song. As much as she loved those warm days it was the time her condition was most noticeable. Her pale skin was incredibly susceptible to sunburn and its icy temperature was a complete stark contrast to the heat of everything else. Regardless of those thoughts coming to mind, however, she maintained a smile on her face and continued off towards the stables. "So, Charlie, how have you been finding court so far? As fascinating and enjoyable as Marcella has been finding it, I hope?" she asked, looking to her male companion as she attempted to initiate a level of polite small talk within the group.

 

[Tanstin]

Garlen Mattowick, Houndmaster

​

The Baron listened intently as the king responded, offering his own take on the situation, he believed he was hiding something and perhaps it indeed involved the rumors, but that was only conjecture, and he knew it.

The Houndmaster was all in all satisfied with the king's reaction, though things hadnt turned out too much in his favor, it was much more better than expected. For now, he was focused solely on leveraging himself politically to the king, but for now he had to see this festivity through.

"Did you have need of anything else Baron? If this information proves to be of use I will owe you a favor, at least. How about a wife? Your hounds can't be nearly enough company."

"Ah, that's true, things are rather quiet back at my estate, and I do have potential choices though I'll think of endowing myself in another time; haste in delicate situations is never needed. I'll tell you this though, I do have a thing for northern women."

He chuckled as he was led through a hallway towards his throne room. "I'd love to get my hands on a breeding pair of your hounds, mine are good but nearly so swift as yours. German ones I have, hardy and strong and ferocious, but still too slow."

Mattowick remained silent on his last remark , and for good reason.

As they entered the throne room, Maximus had the missive sent to his spymaster and hailed some news of a songstress wishing an audience of her talents and the king.

"Join me, she might be pretty at least."

Garlen paused for a moment and shrugged in an accepting manner, he had no objection to entertainment, the day was only just beginning to be on way, and he was far from being busy other than organizing one of his Great Hunts.
A servant brought him a generous cup of wine and he found a seat somewhere close to Maximus as a cloaked woman of peculiar stature entered the court.

"I am honored to be allowed to speak to your majesty,"

"My name is Brenna. I present myself to you as a young maiden alone in the world, an orphan with no family or knowledge of my lineage. I pray and ask that I may offer my talents to my lord the king, to be in his service as a singer in his court, so that I may have a home and safety."

It was clear to all those in the court that she was a foreigner, however what was truly offsetting was her eyes; a prismatic colorful mess that surely would raise some flags here, a witch perhaps? Even Kiril, a noble with a reputation of being oblivious and fat recognized something off. She was no ordinary person.

Garlen entertained the thought, if she was indeed a witch, he would make great sport out of tracking her down, there would be no questions about it, she would not stand a chance.

Other than that, she was indeed pretty in a strange manner, her singing even more so.

He took a healthy sip of wine as the girl finished and the king gave his compliments and sent her off to her appropriated lodgings.

"Strange woman, even stranger eyes..Do you know by any chance where she hails from?" He looked to Maximus, but an answer from anyone would suffice.