Lords and Ladies: The War of the Houses

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Lord Siddreil sat quietly, deciding not to respond to Lady Amadeus as he made mental notes of all the lords and ladies who arrived before him. It was important for him to stay in touch with everything surrounding the lords and ladies--who else would even be remotely able to jeopardize his own position, if not a fellow lord? He shifted in his seat, deep in thought as all of them sat down after him.

Lady Amadeus, he thought. Oh, how I hate her. I hate her for her wit, her power, her magnificent beauty and overall deliciousness. I hate my desire for willing nothing else in this drab world than to have her. I hate the way she is, being just like me, thinking the way I think. I hate her scandalous nature, her way to present herself and yet not cry for attention like the common wench. I hate that I would love to have her. Nothing in the world do I hate more than her, thought Lord Siddreil with his hand clenched to a fist and his brow furrowed. Affection and attraction are weaknesses, means for the world's most beautiful spider to lure in poor flies like me. Yet I desire nothing more than her, now that the world had robbed me of all the desires from the golden age of my rule, he frowned rather visibly, still deep in thought.

Lord Hamilton. A born leader, or so they say, with a strong sense of justice. A potential problem. Nay, as long as I pull the right strings, he will stay well in line. Lord Siddreil grimaced. His moderation, however, is beyond sickening: he doesn't even get anything out of it. I will never understand an idealist like him. He gazed at Lady Amadeus and Lord Hamilton talking. Seems that Lady Amadeus has him already on her palm, ready to either tiddle him or squish him. Poor His Lordship, even though it was inevitable... Lord Siddreil trailed off as he wondered whenever he would be next.

Lady Gunhild, hah. More like a dame, or even better, mistress. And a demanding mistress she is, he thought. She might become an issue. Her Ladyship is known for keeping her house in a tight leash, even while visiting here, I'd imagine. She would do better to take lessons from me on how to keep commoners in line as well. Lord Siddreil remembered the motto of his house: "Loyalty is the highest virtue of man". My people know that by heart. However, I wonder if hers do? It would be a shame if a considerable amount of them turned against her... he plotted shamelessly. Graysteel might like Her Ladyship. I should sell the good commander of my guard off to marry her and give the position to Sir Grime, a worthwhile knight... It would be another string in another portion of Falkirk in my hand. I shall get on that immediately after the good lord let's me.

Lady Demerius. Completely unlike Her Ladyship [Estella Amadeus], a polar opposite. Prefers not to have company. However she became the lady of her hold is a mystery. Perhaps she is hiding something? Whatever it is, I need to know. Maybe I will introduce myself to her later and have a talk with her, he thought and turned his head at her. A fine lady, yet not the lady of my desires. Reasonable, yet elegant. Having her would be a welcome addition, yet not my primary objective. Lord Siddreil clutched at his trusty scepter, a plain rod to the eye of anyone, but not to Lord Siddreil. It is reasonable to assume Her Ladyship to not take any risks. Well, at least she and I would have one thing in common--

Lord Siddreil's train of thought was interrupted as a young man had proclaimed something that made Lord Hamilton and Lady Demerius leave the table. He looked up, seeing Lord Santon at the head of the long table, still standing up, everyone looking at him.
 
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Lord Hamilton went swiftly towards Darkswood, going as fast as he could, puzzled at why there was a problem with the royal family and what had possibly caused Lord Santon to feel the need to overthrow the throne. Most likely greed. He could not see how someone would be willing to create a civil war. If he was honest, he wanted to be completely neutral till the time was right, it was the best way to stay alive, but he knew that he would stand for his king. Deep in thought he did not realise that Lady Demerius was also doing the same as he. Really he did not mind what the other lords and ladies did, it was only if he was doing the right thing that was important. Still it bugged him. What if he failed to chose the right person? If he was killed? If the people he cared about: his family and the people whom called him their Lord would suffer for his mistake? Weighing out the pros and cons his decision was good yet bad also.
 
Muldwell, thought Lord Siddreil. Of course it had to be Lord Muldwell, the peacekeeper of the south. Always so damn proud, but who wouldn't be, for being the man of his achievements? Lord Siddreil stood up and finally spoke. "Ahem. My apologies, Your Lordship, for I wasn't quite myself when you spoke, but what was it again? Is the king truly dead? It has to be serious for even the known mediator Lord Hamilton to leave. Surely there is more to it than that."
 
Although she did not know much about those seated at the table with her, she was very familiar with the man who marched through the doors: Lord Auston Muldwell. Considering that the House of Amadeus was settled to the East of Falkirk, to her, he was neither the Conqueror nor the Peacekeeper. He was simply a man who proved his worth by destroying three houses and there was none in Falkirk that didn't know of his work. However, as much as Lady Amadeus admired his achievements, she only considered it more as a record for her to beat.

When they finally learned of Lord Stanton's true purpose in calling them to his presence, Lady Amadeus was not surprised. In fact, she felt highly disappointed in herself for not realising sooner. She sat quietly after allowing herself to be entertained by Lord Stanton's and Lord Muldwell's exchange before the latter's dramatic exit. As much as she felt like this whole plan was just another childish game, it had been too long since the land of Falkirk had witnessed such mayhem. Although admittedly, she did not want the throne for herself, she certainly wouldn't mind standing beside the one who bears the crown, whether it be as queen or just simply, as the crown's hand. But there was one thing she was certain of: there was no way she would ever accept having Stanton seated on the throne. Lady Amadeus could not care less as to whether the Royal Family kept their place or if someone took it from them, just so long as that 'someone' was not Stanton.

Lady Estella Amadeus sat patiently as Lord Hamilton and Lady Demerius shared their opinions before leaving almost immediately after Lord Muldwell. Well, no doubt they will be taking up Muldwell's offer. Lady Amadeus had remained undecided as to whether she would do the same however, she knew that there was no reason for her to remain within the walls of the Red Hall.

"Well, Milord," she said, almost mockingly. "This has certainly been an interesting appointment but I must take my leave. Unfortunately, for you, I too am absolutely against you taking the crown however, I'm sure the others will deal with you in whatever way they see fit." Lady Amadeus stood from her seat and dusted off the transparent fabric of her dress that flowed from the waist down. She gave a simple nod towards Lady Gunhild as a gesture of acknowledgement and turned to look at Lord Siddreil. She shot him one final malicious smirk as she began making her way towards the exit, her body slowly transforming into a dark wisp, her shadow form. As she moved past Lord Siddreil, she trailed her hand gently across his back and soon she became nothing more than a dark cloud spectre moving across the floor.

Lady Amadeus reformed herself back into her human state just outside the grounds of Lord Stanton's abode before she began to make her way towards the Darkwoods. Although she still wasn't quite sure whether she would ally with him or not, there was no reason why she shouldn't heed the invitation.
 
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Gwendolyn grumbled irritably under her breath as she stalked down the hallway, dress skirts sweeping out behind her. They were just as infuriating now, after all that. Dressed up for nothing. What she wouldn't give for the more comfortable clothing she was accustomed to wearing back home. Form fitting articles that moulded with the shadows, perfect for going around unnoticed and without being so easily seen. She lived her dresses and fancy clothes, course she did...just sometimes they got in her damn nerves.

Just like some of the Lord and Ladies.

Huffing heavily, the door that lead outside of Santon's manor slammed harshly behind her. Just as before, she was grateful for her leather boots. Heels were fine, but storming away was much better in boots like these. But she didn't find herself going to Darkwoods just yet. Instead, Lady Demerius found herself considering what would be better...to go completely against Santon? Or perhaps remain neutral and take contracts for whatever side wanted to pay her to kill. Gwendolyn knew which could make the most money...but what would truly be the right thing to do?
 

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The forbidden fruit, cringed Lord Siddreil as if in extreme pain, in the maw of a bloodthirsty beast, reaching for his final hope, which is just out of reach. With my body and soul succumbed by my heart's desire, the only one to hold me back now are other people, he concluded in his mind. "My apologies, milord, but my attention is needed elsewhere. I will be back regarding this issue, however, so expect me in the near future. I bid you farewell", said Lord Siddreil and exited the Red Keep. Upon exiting His Lordship's residence, the first one he noticed was Lady Demerius. "Milady", he said and bowed down. "My name is Augustus Siddreil, although I suspect you knew that already. I have matters to discuss with you, so if you could follow me", he requested Her Ladyship with a kind smile and started making his way to the guards that were still there, including his own.
 
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Not bothering to turn at the sound of approaching footsteps, Gwendolyn's fingers lightly twitched with the ache to have one of her dagger's in hand...just in case. Her gaze lingered on the long driveway that stretched away from the manor, arms folding slowly across and just below her chest whilst her nails bit into the fleshy part of her palm. "Lord Siddreil, I'd say it's an honour but..in this current climate I'm not quite sure what to say or think." Lady Demerius finally turned to face him, allowing her gaze to wander over him briefly.

Her eyes narrowed faintly as he practically demanded for her to follow him, a soft growl of further annoyance being exhaled as a result. It was incredibly tempting to just walk in the other direction, but she refrained and instead just gritted her teeth and had herself move after him. He hadn't even waited for her to make a response, what if she had been unable to? What if she had planned to go to Darkwoods now?

"Lord Siddreil, I implore you to next time wait until a person wishes to follow you and hear whatever incredibly dimwitted plans or ideas you have." Lady Demerius informed him, tone quite sharp, once finally reaching him and sending a few glares in the directions of his men. "I'm not someone who appreciates being told what to do, much less by someone who has the same titles and powers as me but yet acts as if I'll merely do what he says."
 
Lord Hamilton was too deep in his thoughts that he didn't realise that he was going the wrong way until one of his two companions corrected him. He gave the two a smile. "I have a feeling no matter what happens I shan't be a lord after it." To be fighting on the wrong side he would surely lose his title. To be fighting on the right side may bring his death. Either way was not really 'justice'. It was a war. Lord Hamilton hated wars. He'd prevented a few before but was this really a war he could prevent? It wasn't just an area, it was the entire country. Was there a way of alerting the royal family beforehand? He'd never really been required in a war, though he had studied it. Strength in numbers...but only with the right training, the right weapons, motivation, determination, the burning fire to make them fight. Could he possibly aid them? Could this battle be prevented? He needed to send messages to his family, to the royal family, but he needed the protection of the two protecting him. Home was safe and he did not doubt the royal family were safe. But it was a thing to process, certainly.

His quickly moving attention went back to the lords and ladies round the table. He wondered who would fight with him and who would fight against him. He did not know all that much about any of them, only what he had managed to observe at meetings. He had never felt the need to know much of them, they had not yet affected him.
 
"Nay, you see", responded Lord Siddreil, "I am a busy man who has his subjects to tend to. If you wish to accept my offer still, I will be waiting by your carriage once I have dealt with my guards." He practically left Lady Demerius behind as he continued to his knights. Upon sighting him, Graysteel barked an angry order at the two other knights to kneel, although there was next to no need for the order. The two knights, sir Grime and sir Eager formed a row, knelt and bowed down low. Lord Siddreil watched this with both amusement and adoration. Being loved does have its perks, however. He ruffled the hair of the knights after they asked how they could serve him, to which he responded with a smile: "You may stand." They stood up, but Graysteel didn't, still waiting for his acknowledgement from His Lordship. "Graysteel", said Lord Siddreil, "you are to stay here after I leave with sirs Eager and Grime to tie up some loose ends. I want you to accompany Lady Gunhild and offer to take Her Ladyship back to her hold. Is that clear, Graysteel?" To which Graysteel only responded: "Yes, my lord." Lord Siddreil lifted Graysteel up from his shoulders, despite his armor. "And stand up, for my sake." Graysteel at once went to the door, still waiting for Lady Gunhild to come out. Lord Siddreil, on the other hand, stood idly by Lady Demerius' carriage, wondering if she would actually take up his offer of a brief conversation.
 
Lady Demerius had convinced herself that the only reason why she had truly returned to her carriage was so she could take it half-way to Darkswood before allowing it to continue on home as to bot raise suspicions. Gwendolyn couldn't believe the nerve of the man. He had subjects but as did she. He wasn't special, for goodness sake. Speaking of subjects, she also had to consider what her actions would mean for them. To remain neutral would keep them...relatively safe and getting involved either way could mean countleas of deaths.

Gwendolyn finally arrived at her carriage, ignoring the Lord as she climbed back in and remained silent for a little longer before finally looking back to him. "Get in then so we can have this discussion and get it over with." She pointed to the seat opposite her, "What exactly do you want, kind sir?"
 
"Ah, excellent", said Lord Siddreil and sat on the seat offered to him. "I shall cut to the chase", he started. "Lord Muldwell has left the good lord whose rather brief hospitality we had the honor to enjoy, as did Lord Hamilton, you and Lady Amadeus. With His Majesty having died, it is bound to happen that the common folk be thrown into disarray. As lords and ladies, we can't exactly have that, let alone that we ourselves be thrown into disarray regardless of what Lord Santon and Lord Muldwell may have said. My question to you is this: what are you going to do now?" asked Lord Siddreil. "Do you stand with Santon or Muldwell? I was hoping you would offer me with a bit of guidance regarding the matter", he said with a slight smirk, leaning back on the carriage seat. "Regardless of who you stand with, I surmise you are going to at least see what Lord Muldwell has to say, am I correct? If that is the case, why not travel together to Darkwoods? To add, you seemed more than slightly distraught by everything that has happened, so feel free to open up to a fellow lord. I may be able to give advice to you as well", he finished, the smirk having stayed on his lips as he crossed his legs.
 
Lady Gunhild sat stone faced as she listened intently to the proclamation made by his Lordship, and then the dissatisfied reactions of some the chattering twats before they subsequently stormed out. Once the room had practically emptied itself of everyone other than his Lordship and herself it was only then that she rose from her seat. A snarl of a grin dressed her features as she approached the old fool, but if it was he wanted then a war she would gladly provide. She barked out her next words in her same gruff tone, but without the agitation that it held earlier.

"Yer Lordship ye be a fool to try and claim the throne for yerself, but if it be a war ye want then my men will gladly bear arms. If ye do take the throne however our agreement still stands, otherwise it will be yer blood I be coming for next."

After she finished her declaration she gave a slight bow out of respect before turning to shove open once again the heavy doors that stood in her way. Though when she stepped outside there berth she very quickly noticed Lord Siddreil's head guard waiting, and she highly doubted that it was for his Lordship. So before she took another step she turned to the guard and ground out her next words through tight lips.

"What do ye want ye filthy mange rat?"

If her annoyance wasn't clear before to the guard then it probably became very clear now as she glared at him menacingly and waited for his short lived reply.
 
"Your Ladyship!" Graysteel exclaimed after having knelt and bowed down swiftly to Lady Gunhild. "My name is Graysteel and I have been especially ordered by Lord Augustus Siddreil himself to protect you on the way home, Your Ladyship! Please accept His Lordship's gracious offer!" Meanwhile, Sir Grime and Sir Eager, not knowing what to do, approached their commander, still kneeling down, and Lady Gunhild in front of him. After noticing them, Graysteel practically roared at them to kneel down and avert their eyes, which they did as they sauntered to each side of Graysteel. "His Lordship's finest knights at your disposal, Your Ladyship!" Graysteel exclaimed once more, as if out of sheer fear and zeal to follow Lord Siddreil's orders.
 
Lady Gunhild grunted slightly before barking out a hearty round of laughter as she stared down at this Graysteel character. Oh what a blubbering fool the poor thing must be to follow his master's commands so blindly, and what an idiotic twat Lord Siddreil must be for takeing herself so lightly. She could easily tell just from his demeanor during the meeting that the man didn't do things blindly without some kind of motive for the action.

"I don't care for gracious offerings from a foolish twat that thinks he can goad me so easily, but if ye think yer better than my Helga I suppose ye could try to escort me."

With that she tromped down the stairway before she took a few steps towards the forest, and after that she brought two fingers to her pursed lips and pressed them in to blow a high pitched whistle that pierced the air. A few more moments passed before a hulking form padded out from the treeline, matter of fact it was a grizzly, before halting in front of her sizable form.

"So do ye think yer a better escort than my dear Helga here?"
 
Lady Amadeus had begun to make her way towards the Darkwoods on foot. She was unsure of where the others were or how they were intending to get there but she knew she was not the only one headed in that direction. Being an independent traveller and having the ability to apparate in her shadow form allowed her to travel free of carriages and horses but being on foot now gave her instant regret, especially about her choice of footwear. Her strappy silver heels were beginning to feel deadlier than the war that was soon to be upon them, so she stopped and leaned herself against the nearest tree. In a most graceful and lady-like manner, Lady Amadeus sat herself down onto the grassy terrain and unbuckled the thin straps of her shoes, dragging her feet out of its ghastly footwear. As much as she wanted to ensure that she always looked as best, or as scandalous, as possible, there was a limit to how much discomfort she could handle.​

After allowing her feet some relief for a few moments, Lady Amadeus stood and continued on towards the Darkwoods, the straps of her heels entwined through her fingers. It was then that it suddenly occurred to her that she had left her bodyguard back at the Red Keep. Even if he had noticed her leaving, he would never have been able to catch her. Lady Amadeus sighed, knowing full well that she had no use for him anyway. She had been known for her abrupt and swift departures so her guards were always taught to simply return home should the lady decide to leave suddenly, which was always the case. She barely showed much appreciation for her guards and would always forget their names and once again, she found herself regretting the fact that she didn't have anyone to hold her heels for her.​

While she was wallowing in the thoughts of her regrets, Lady Amadeus suddenly caught sight of two figures at a close distance. It looked as though it might have been Lord Hamilton however, she could not be too sure. She quickly moved ahead and squinted, trying to confirm her suspicions. It was, indeed, Lord Hamilton accompanied by one of his men and she breathed a sigh of relief in finding some company. "Lord Hamilton!" Lady Amadeus called out as she made her way towards him. "Are you also headed to meet Lord Muldwell?" she asked, only slightly out of breath as she caught up to him still bare foot. "You wouldn't mind me accompanying you, would you?" Her falsely innocent smile once again plastered on her face as she inquired. Lord Hamilton is a compassionate soul, Lady Amadeus thought to herself. Perhaps he'll hold my heels for me.

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Lord Hamilton turned at the sound of his name, as did the guard he was with. "I am. Of course you can join us, the more the merrier," he agreed, glad to have more company then the guard who didn't say all that much. He glanced at her shoes, holding his tongue before looking back at her. He shot his guard a look, who gave the Lady a bow in respect. He didn't seem to fear Lord Hamilton, more he wanted to impress him.

Hamilton faced back to where he was going. "Feel free to join us." He was rather worried that the lady was alone. Not that he doubted she was not strong enough alone, but he was sure she had arrived with somebody. Still, he did not pry in her decision. It was not the right time to be judgemental.

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Graysteel gazed at the bear shortly and readied a warhammer, swung it a few times in the air as if throwing a hammer and then smashed it to a large boulder nearby with great speed. Cracks formed on the boulder until it crumbled to smaller rocks. Then Graysteel sheathed the warhammer and took out a battleaxe, swinging it around a few times the same way. After that, Graysteel swung the battleaxe at a mighty oak with immense strength. The oak fell down with a loud thud, leaving behind a fat stump. Graysteel looked up to Lady Gunhild and said: "Please, Your Ladyship! I am a walking weapon! Unsheathe me and victory is yours!" In Falkirk, Graysteel was considered more of a warrior or a barbarian in heavy armor rather than a knight with the specialization to two-handed, heavy melee weapons. Having undergone intense training under Lord Siddreil himself in the guard, Graysteel's strength and endurance are unmatched in Lord Siddreil's hold.
 
Her eyes sharply met the Lords before her and her teeth gritted, "I'd prefer that you also didn't tell me what I am feeling in what situation, Siddreil." Gwen ground out, the assassin pulling hair over her one shoulder, "And my decision has not yet been made. Numerous factors will influence it, including the lives of my own subjects." Lady Demerius raised an eyebrow, "What will you be doing? Will it be your own choice or will a certain Lady of the Shadows be twisting your decision?" She drawled, leaning forward with a smirk playing on her own lips, "Pray tell...it's a...fascinating situation and I'm eager to see it play out."
 
Lady Amadeus bowed her head in gratitude to both Lord Hamilton and his guard. At the same time, she was also hiding her smirk of amusement at the Lord's acceptance of her company without hesitation. It must be tiresome being so optimistic all the time, Lady Amadeus thought as she began to walk beside him. She had noticed the way the guard had shown genuine respect for his master and she admired such devotion. With her own subordinates, it was obvious that most only obeyed her every command from fear of their own demise as opposed to reverence. Not that she really cared too much, for there were few who seemed to worship her, whether it be out of respect or due to their own lustful desires. So long as she got what she wanted, any service to her was somewhat useful.

In most circumstances, conversing with Lady Amadeus would involve incessantly mocking and countless attempts at making one's blood boil from irritation however, after the events that have taken place so far, she wanted to be sure she still had a card from everyone's hand before making any enemies. So she opted to at least attempt to make kind small talk with Lord Hamilton, as excruciating as it would be for her to hold her tongue should she need to.

"So, tell me Lord Hamilton," Lady Amadeus began, trying to sound as naturally genuine as possible with her gentle voice. "How is your house fairing? I've heard that your children have quite an indifference towards you." She figured it might not have been the best conversation starter, especially if the response was not as optimistic as Lord Hamilton's personality. However, she figured it was an opportunity to find out more about her fellow leaders... or potential enemies. She also thought it wise to save all talk of the prior events until they had reached Darkwoods and met with Lord Muldwell but it made her wonder who else they would be seeing.
 
"It only makes life more interesting," Lord Hamilton replied. "I am proud of them and I'm sure they are going through one of many stages." He smiled, his family was one of his favourite conversation matters. "Do you have a family, Lady Amadeus?" The guard didn't speak, walking by the two, looking straight ahead, unlike the Lord, who's eyes went from the floor, the sky, the landscape around him, his companions. Lord Hamilton was curious for her answer. He would be surprised if such a woman had not. Perhaps she had her eye on someone. Hamilton decided they'd be lucky. Many, he knew, were attracted to Lady Amadeus. She had that affect on some.

As they continued along, Lord Hamilton could not prevent himself to divert his eyes from the high heels in her hand. Comfort was above style for himself, but he knew that people of his rank had expensive tastes in fashion, his wife included. She was in charge of clothing in the household. He noticed her arm was getting tired. "Would you like me to get them for you, Your Ladyship?" the guard suggested upon realising that Hamilton was looking at them.
 
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