The Peace Maker

LadyHarpy

Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread
Original poster
LURKER MEMBER
FOLKLORE MEMBER
Invitation Status
Posting Speed
  1. 1-3 posts per day
  2. One post per day
  3. 1-3 posts per week
  4. One post per week
Writing Levels
  1. Intermediate
  2. Adept
  3. Advanced
Preferred Character Gender
  1. Male
  2. Female
  3. Primarily Prefer Female
Genres
I enjoy Fantasy, Scifi, Romance, Magical, Modern and much more. I probably can't list them all! If there is something you want to try and it isn't listed here, just ask. I rarely say no!
It was quite the grim day in the barren lands of Dartith, the sky full of black clouds that would never be able to rain upon the dried up lands, only just hand over the soil mockingly so. A simple black carriage rolled along the barren stone road, escorted by two guards wearing the symbol of the kingdom of Rindall.

The Princess sat quietly in the carriage, having nothing else on her person but the letter of surrender that her father wrote and the clothing on her body. She gave a small sigh as she closed her eyes, knowing that her country didn't have much of a choice anymore as the Dartith soldiers stood, ready and waiting to slice the inoccent people of her home to pieces. Emmica's father had said she would become the king's bride but she wasn't so sure about that...Such a violent man would have no use for noble blood in his marriage, or for any marriage at all...no she would be tossed and used until he grew tired of her company, no ring or ceremony to keep her safe. However she held on strongly to her father's words, if not to make her people happy, than at least to keep herself from breaking down.

The carriage approched the aging castle of Dartith, it's worn walls and spikes proving it had survived many deadly battles, and would survive even more that would come. Her carriage stopped in front of the castle gate, her guards opening the door and helping her out. Looking at the deadly guards of the gate she took in a slow breath before dismissing her guards to return to their home, leaving her to accept any fate that the king saw fit for her. Cluching onto her father's letter, she approched to armed men and showed them the piece of paper.

"I am Princess Emmica Benard of Rindall...I've come in my father's name...to deliver my father's official letter of surrender..." She said calmly, her tone sad but brave.
 
The guards laughed before one of them turned to her "Well it was only a matter of time until your kingdom fell." He studied her for a moment before speaking again "You'd better follow me, Im sure Ivish would appreciate the news from you more former Princess Of Rindall." He grabbed her roughly by the arm and pulled her inside, and down a vast hallway to a closed door. He knocked lightly and after a moment there came a muffled reply, the guard pulled her in and then released her as he closed the door. They were in a small room, with nothing more than a large desk, a fireplace, a large window and two chairs.

Ivish stood up from his chair and his eyes narrowed at the sight of the girl, he wasn't in the mood for time consuming interruptions. As he approached them the guard bowed his head "Please forgive my intrusion, your majesty." He lifted his head "this is princess Emmica of Rindall, she has come with a letter of her fathers surrender."

Ivish frowned unsure whether to believe this or not, he waved a dismissive hand at the guard "leave now." The guard bowed once more before leaving the two of them alone. Ivish studied her, why had they sent her and not just the letter? or a messenger? Clearing his head of these thoughts he gestured to the letter in her hand "read it aloud so i may hear"


Rue watched the approaching carriage with great interest, and was surprised to see a girl about Ivish's age step out. She realized that she must be the princess of Rindall and if she was coming here that meant only one thing, Rindall was surrendering. She watched as she spoke to the guard for a moment before being ushered inside. She hurried downstairs just in time to see them entering a small room at the end of the hallway, she walked calmly past the leaving guard who ignored her. When she reached the door she pressed her ear against the thick wood, trying to hear what was being said.
 
Emmica let herself get dragged off into the castle, showing no signs of fighting or resistance as she was pullled along. When she was forced into the room the room she couldn't help but glance around the rough and dirty interior of the place. She then glanced at the king, his stern and almost anrgy expression showing that he did not have the time to deal with such things at the moment. When he approched she couldn't help but bow her head slightly, his gaze far to strong for her to stomach at all. Her legs were shaking slightly as as soon as the guard was sent away she thought she would just simply collaspe into tears and fear...She truedly did not like this place.

When he told her to read she slowly ripped open her father's envelope and spoke in a steady voice, holding her last bit of pride as a princess tightly as she spoke that last ruling words of her loving father.

"Dear King of Dartith,
I Renald Benard, King of Rindall, offically give you my lands, wealth, and people, as is required of me in my surrender. My castle is yours for the taking, as is the bounty of my peoples fields and all the skills of the carpetners and blanksmiths and jewelers. I hope that they serve you well and bring you the power you seek. However, as I write this letter I ask a favor of you, If I must I even beg for this small request. Before you stands my daughter, who was been one of the great minds of my court. She is intellegent, curious, and creative in many ways, She has even put great scholars to shame. My simple request is that you take her in and let her serve you with her intellegence about her homeland, as well as the many other lands that you have either conquered or have yet to do so. Her skills are vast and I am certain she will not steer you wrong...However, if you cannot take her as such than I ask you, as a father, to take her as a woman instead, for I cannot bare the thought of my only child to be tossed into the street and left to rot...The choice is however yours and yours alone and I will accept what you choose, as will my daughter. May you and your kingdom see glorious days in your future.

Yours Turely, The former king of Rindall, Renald Benard"

Emmica slowly closed the letter, her head hanging slightly as her fathers words suck deeply into her mind, carving a place in her so she would no forget his noble words, no matter our cowardice they may have seemed.
 
Ivish closed his eyes as he listened to her read, so it was true Rindall was his. He felt like rejoicing he finally had a proper kingdom for himself, Rue and his people. His head was full of plans of what to do next when she reached the end of the letter, he opened his eyes and stared at her. An Adviser? He did not need an adviser, he did not trust her with that anyway. He looked her up and down intensely and had to admit she was very beautiful but he had no use for a wife either. He knew that this woman would never care for him and he had no desire for a false, loveless marriage.

Ivish thought a moment before looking into her eyes "i will honor your fathers request you may stay here, however not as a wife." He stepped closer and gently took the letter from her hand, "in time you may become an adviser but until then you will be an assistant to Rue, and myself if i should need it understand?" he asked quietly and patiently.

Not waiting for an answer, Ivish turned his back to her and stared out the window. He began thinking of how she could help him, he would need information about Rindall from her and she would help him address the people ensuring them that he was fair and would rule over them justly.

After a moment he turned back to her "follow me and i shall introduce you to Rue, whom you'll be serving." He walked over to the door, brushing past her as he did so. Her skin was cold, unlike his and he felt her pull back when he passed. He was not surprised by this but for some reason he was also disappointed.


Rue heard Ivish approaching the door and ran away from the door and back up to her room, which was in the highest tower. She quickly shut the door and sat down on her bed, processing the information she just heard.
 
Emmica let him pull the letter from her hand, her head still bowed as she tried to keep herself together. She was secertly greatful that he did not wish to have her in anyway at all and decided to just give her to someone as a servent instead, at least she wouldn't be damned to a loveless marriage or be force to share a bed with a man as nothing more than A toy.

As he pasted her she fliched at the feel of him brushing past, her skin having gone slowly pale and cold as she read the letter to him. She turned to follow him quietly, her knees shaking slightly as she walked down the hall with him, her lips tied shut with fear and obedience.

Her eyes started to wander around the halls as the climbed slowly up higher and higher into the castle. She took in the rough stone structure, unable to hide her small bit of awe at the craftmenship but into the walls and pillar, at one time it surely must have been a grand place. Now, however, it was dusty and old, stones chipped from possible battles in the halls and carpets that they walked upon were covered in dust. The walls were barren, only a few windows here and there. A feeling of homesickness filled her as she looked around, finally bowing her head once more to look at the ground, fearfull that she would lose herself to her greif if she continued to glance around.
 
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They walked in heavy silence, slowly making their way up the many stairs to Rue’s quarters. <o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>
Ivish noticed the look in Emmica's roving eyes and it was clear she disliked the castle, well they would be moving to Rindall castle soon enough. <o:p></o:p>


When they reached the top there was a small hallway, a closed door at each end. Emmica could see it was worn but clean and well kept, Ivish lead the way to the first door and knocked.


After a moment the door opened and Ivish stepped inside. <o:p></o:p>Unlike the rest of the castle Rue’s room was perfectly clean and brightly decorated with carvings, paintings, and the Dartith crest of a wolf’s silhouette howling at the moon. The room was large and as well as a balcony overlooking Rindall it had a fireplace, a four poster bed, a desk and a wardrobe. <o:p></o:p>


Rue got to her feet and smiled innocently at them, she looked much younger than thirteen so it was quite convincing. She hoped that they hadn’t heard her outside their door just minutes ago, she moved closer and held her hands behind her back.<o:p></o:p>


Ivish tried to make an effort to smile back at Rue, he was feeling oddly conflicted about Emmica but that wasn’t Rue’s fault. “Good day, Rue” he swept a hand towards Emmica “this is Emmica, and she will be serving you.”


Ivish looked back at her for a second “whatever you want, whatever you need she’ll help you with.” <o:p></o:p>


Rue noticed that Ivish was quieter and more distant than he usually was with her, and she guessed it had to do with the princess. “Good day Ivish” her face brightened a little at his words, not that she was to be getting a servant but that there would be another girl to talk to. Rue had never really had any close friends, and she had always wanted a big sister. <o:p></o:p>


Ivish stared out the window lost in thought, until there was silence and he turned back to them. “I’ll see you later Rue,” he turned to Emmica “you will join us tonight for dinner and explain some things about Rindall.” He spoke softly and gently before turning on his
heel and leaving the room. <o:p></o:p>


Rue smiled kindly at Emmica “it’s nice to meet you” she gestured to a dresser in the corner, which had a huge mirror and a chair placed in front of it. Atop the dresser were brushes and ribbons of every size and color, Rue gently took Emmica’s hand in hers and lead her to the dresser. She then pulled out the chair and motioned for her to sit down. “Here sit down so I can fix your hair, and then I'll show you your room.” <o:p></o:p>

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Emmica was quite surprised to find such a colorful and lavish room in such a dull and barren place, it was like a lily still holding on in a dieing garden. A bit of ease fell over her as she looked around more, the paintings and carvings attracting the interest of her creative side.When she noticed the young girl though her jaw almost dropped. Something so small and innocent like her didn't belong at all, so out of place in this dark castle. However, she quickly composed herself as Ivish introduced her, bowing her head slightly in greeting as she kept silent.

When Ivish turned to her and told her she would be at dinner she could only nod her head, she coulnd't bring herself to look up at him. As he left her head rose slightly to look at the girl and smiled as best as she could. It was so hard though, she felt so weighed down by everything in her life. She slowly did as Rue had asked of her and sat in the chair, she did not mind having her hair played with, it was rather comforting to her since to colors and art made her feel at home.

As she felt the strands get tugged gently away from her face by the young girl, a moment of weakness filled her chest, bruning as her eyes started to burl with tears. She quickly placed a hand over her mouth to keep herself silent but her tears gave way and started to pour down her face, her true feelings and worry falling out for Rue to see.
 
Rue pulled the hair away from Emmica's face and began to plait it into one long braid down her back, she started weaving in two long blue and pink ribbons as she did so.

Rue wasn't sure what to say when Emmica began crying, she knew how she must be feeling having to live in this dark castle, with strangers and being reduced to a servant. She wondered whether telling her that they would probably be moving to Rindall castle soon would make her feel better or worse so she decided not to mention it. Rue also knew that she was probably scared of Ivish, most people were but they didn't truly know who he was inside. She handed Emmica a handkerchief, "It'll be okay, Ivish isn't as bad as he seems." "I was scared of him when i first came here to but he did me a great kindness."

Rue remembered that whenever she was sick or upset, her mother would tell her stories of Dartith before it was ravaged by war how it was peaceful and beautiful. Those stories always gave her hope, hope that Dartith could be like that again in the future and it made her less afraid so she bore her kingdoms crest with pride.

Rue began telling Emmica one of those stories now, "Did you know that Dartith was once as beautiful as Rindall? There were no bandits, food was plentiful and everyone got along." "There were hundreds of lush green forests, lakes and rivers, and thousands of different animals." Rue smiled "it'll be like that again one day, and everyone will be happy."
 
Emmica took the handkerchief and quickly wiped her face dry as she hiccupped slightly, taking in a shakey breath. She looked up at the younger girl for a moment before shaking her head slowly. crossing her arms over her chest as she leaned forward a bit, almost as id she planned to curl in upon herself and just die away like a lifeless leaf.

"I do not cry...because I fear him. I cry because I was not able to stop this fate for my kingdom...I also cry, for my people...who are now in the hands of a man, who has gained his power from violence."

She sniffled loudly again and glanced off to a wall, her eyes running over the art quietly. She smiled a bit as she listened to the girl tell stories of her Kingdoms past, she truely did not belong here with such a confident mentallity for her home. She looked back to Rue with sad but understanding eyes.

"I envy you, you hold such hope when your home is the way it is...I am sure it will be one day, but it won't be like that on its own...it needs the help of the people and the king...and I feel that there won't be such a thing any time soon..." She said, her tone sad as she hated to have such a negative point of view.
 
Rue frowned slightly, she felt she had to defend Ivish after all he'd done for her. "Listen Ivish is not cruel he has taken control of your kingdom yes but he will treat its people with kindness, just as he has with the few remaining people of Dartith."

Rue finished Emmicas hair as she spoke and she stepped back and admired her work, she knew she had done a good job it looked beautiful and was comfortable.


She smiled when Emmica voiced her doubts about Dartiths restoration "I know how hard it will be but i will make sure it happens, for Dartith" She looked down at her feet as tears pricked at her eyes "and...... and for my mother."
 
Emmica frowned as she noticed that Rue was crying, feeling guilty that she had caused the sadness. She did not mean to, it was just the truth in her eyes. The people nor the king of Dartith did anything to try and make their lives better, just fighting and invading is all she saw. She reached out slowly to Rue and grabbed her chin gently, drying her eyes with the handkerchief that had been lent to her.

"I am sorry, I have upset you with my beliefs...Please do not cry." She said softly, almost in a mothering tone.

Emmica pulled back when she was done and smiled at her gently, the sadness having left her eyes. She held out the handkerchief to Rue and sat up a bit strighter.

"Well...as your king has said, I serve you now...I'll admit, I'm not much of a servant, but I'll do what I can to serve you."
 
Rue allowed Emmica to dry her eyes "It wasn't you, im sorry but it happens when i think of my mother." She closed her eyes for a moment, speaking of her mother almost always upset her. "I was only five when i witnessed her murder but unfortunately i still remember it vividly"

Rue forced a smile to her face "anyway, i shouldn't trouble you with that." She tucked the handkerchief into her pocket before looking back at Emmica "tonight i'll make you look perfect, and then you'll show Ivish that you can be his adviser."

She walked over to her wardrobe and considered its contents thoughtfully, before turning back to Emmica. "By the way may i call you Emm? As a nickname?"
 
Emmica smiled a bit, glad to know that she wasn't the one to upset her. She watched Rue head over to her closet to look over the clothing, curious as to how she would fit into it since there was a bit of a size difference. She then raised an eyebrown as she mentioned the word advisor. How could she know about that, only Ivish had listened to the letter.

" You may call me as you like since I am your servant...but may I ask, how did you know that I was to actually be his advisor...and not your servant?" She said as she a small knowing smile came to her lips.
 
Rue smiled devilishly "Well naturally i was curious about your arrival, so i listened outside the door." She began rummaging in her closet tossing clothes aside, "i have to learn these things somehow."

She pulled out a large chest from the back of the wardrobe and placed it on the floor where Emmica could see. She opened it and with gentle loving hands began sorting through them, looking for one that was right for Emmica.

There were beautiful dresses of every color, and they were just Emm's size.

Rue looked up at her for a moment "what color would you like? I can change the ribbons in your hair to match."
 
Emmica could only chuckle, it was certainly something she would have done as a child. She watched Rue quietly suffle through her wardrobe and pulled out the large trunk, surprised to see clothing that would be in her size off all things. She got up from teh chir slowly as she walked over to join Rue and peak inside to see the dresses, all colorfull and beautiful. Her eyes ran over all of them slowly, not sure which on she liked most, until her eyes caught a beautiful purple one. She slowly reached for it, the lovely hue almost matching that of the color of her kingdom.

"This one..." She said softly as she ran her fingers over the fanbric.
 
Rue smiled when Emmica picked the purple one, she had always loved it. "Okay You can wear this one and ill change the ribbons to match."

Rue looked at her, her face all of a sudden very serious "You can borrow this, but you have to promise me you'll take good care of it." She put the other dresses softly and neatly back in the chest, "it was my mothers." She put the chest back in the wardrobe and turned back to Emmica, "Do you promise?" She kept her eyes on Emm's face, to make sure she meant her promise.
 
Emmica looked up at Rue as she held onto the dress gently, protectively almost. She nodded her head as she looked back to the fabrics. It made sense now that Rue would have something like this with her. She felt honored in a way to be allowed to wear something so precious to her, even slightly humbled since she had only been here for a few hours and was already being shown kindness.

"I promise, I may not be able to take care of my people and defend my land...But this, this I will take care of to the best of my ability....Even if it may not be much."
 
Rue smiled at her, but was a sad that she added that bit about not being able to defend her kingdom. "Okay i trust you." She motioned to her bed, "leave the dress here and we'll change for dinner when we get back."

Once that was done she turned to look at her "alright now, I'm going to show you around the castle." She grinned at her "it may be old and worn but its beautifully made, and i know and few places that still holds it original glory."

Rue walked out of her room and towards the stairs, motioning for Emmica to follow her. "Oh and just wait until you see my garden, you'll love it."
 
Emmica set the dress on the bed gently, strightening the fabric a bit as she did, before following after Rue quietly. She was rather interested to see more of the castle, especially if it meant seeing it as it was meant to be. Walking with her to the stairs, Emmica began rather curious about the mentioned garden?

"A garden? I never thought I would see such a thing ever again...I am sure it is quite lovely."
 
Rue made her way down the stairs until they were on the ground floor, "It's beautiful." She lead they way down a hallway, nodding slightly to guards who eyed the pair suspiciously. They passed the room where Emmica and Ivish met, and kept going until they reached the very end of the hallway.

Rue stopped at the door at turned to Emmica "I'll show you the ballroom first, and then we can see my garden." She smiled and whispered in her ear "and I'll show you the secret rooms that even the guards and servant don't know exist."


With that she turned back to the door and opening it, she stepped inside.


ballroom.jpg

Like this only the painting on the ceiling is of Dartith when it was beautiful, and it doesn't look quite so new but its spotless. Also imagine a staircase where the middle door is, and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling


Rue smiled and spread her arms "isn't it just amazing? It held the most fantastic masquerade balls, people would come from all over just to attend."