Description

△ Once while I was sitting in my room ▼

W i n t e r 'sXXX△XXXc h i l d
S h a d o w 'sXX.XX▼XXXS o n g

████████████████████████████████████████One cold and silver winter's day △

n a m e.
Clara Snow Allyrion

n i c k n a m e.
Winter's Child
The Shadow's Song
Songbird

a g e.
18

g e n d e r.
Female

c l a s s
Lady

XXXXXXXXXX▼I could hear another worldly call ████████████████████████████████████████

e y e s.
Amber

h a i r.
Reddish Black

b o d y.
Slim, yet curvy

h I e g h t.
5'2

s c a r s.
None
characters have.Clara is a lovely olive skinned girl with light amber eyes, and curly raven hair. She is small, but have some womanly curves. She can be seen often in a proper Northern Ladies dresses, with warm furs and corsets that give her more of a shape than she naturally has. She can often be seen with a far off look, or her head in lowered over her songbook, that she always has on her, along with a small wolf craving that her brother gave to her when she was very small. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Donec quam felis, ultricies nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quis, sem. Nulla consequat massa quis enim. Donec pede justo, fringilla vel, aliquet nec, vulputate eget, arcu. In enim justo, rhoncus ut, imperdiet a, venenatis vitae, justo. Nullam dictum felis eu pede mollis pretium. Integer tincidunt. Cras dapibus. Vivamus elementum semper nisi. Aenean vulputate eleifend tellus. Aenean leo ligula, porttitor eu, consequat vitae, eleifend ac, enim.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
████████████████████████████████████████Try as I might I could'nt turn away △

l i k e s.
Singing
Writing Songs
Writing poems
Being with her brother
Cooking
Reading
Listening to stories.
Fairytales

s t r e n g t h s.
Open mindedness
Patience
Kindness
Gentleness
Friendliness

d r e a m s.
To be healthy
For her family not to worry about her
d i s l i k e s.
Her Illness (Asthma)
The Dark
Being in bed
Being Alone
Sleep.
Unfamiliar places
Large Crowds
Magic
Her Tea

w e a k n e s s e s.
Her Illness
Sleep apnea
Sleep Walking
Mild insomnia

f e a r s.
Dying in her Sleep
Walking up in a place she wasn't
Shaming her family.

████████████████████████████████████████ ▼Something in the darkness pulled me deeperXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXClara was born to the Lord and Lady of House Allyrion much too soon
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXHer mother had been down in the towns helping the people
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXas they prepare for the Long Night.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXA Northern storm, that chased away the sun for many a month.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXWhen the storm hit too soon, making it nearly impossible to see,
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXlet alone travel. Unfortunately
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXHer mother has been on her way back to Shadowfell
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXand was forced to give birth
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXThe snow storm rage on and Lady Charlotte gave was successful, however,
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXClara was born, sick. It took every maester in the Keep,
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX to keep her alive and breathing.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXMost would not believe she would make it pass her first year.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXClara fought though, it kept her bed ridden for most of her life
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXShe was barely able to move without coughing fits racking her body,
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXand sleep was the most difficult,
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXSometimes she would stop breathing in her sleep, and if she were alone,
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXshe would have slipped away right in her sleep.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXShe was never alone, her brother often kept her company, never leaving her side..
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXHe would make her stories, sing her songs, otherwise keeping her as happy as he could.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXSometimes he would sleep in the bed with her, so he could feel if she stopped breathing.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXhe saved her life many times because of that choice.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXEventually, the Long Night, which lasted years, finally ended
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXLike her House words, always promised,
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXDay rose, and believing that her birth and the Long Night were connected,
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXmany feared that she too would leave.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXInstead, Clara began to get better, stronger every day.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXShe was still very ill but eventually she was able to walk about the keep,
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXHe was even able to sleep in his own chambers after a while though she hated to be alone.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXHe often would try to awake before her so she wouldn't awaken alone
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXEventually, Clara grew into a woman
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXher mother began to drill into her what it would she would need to know as a proper Lady
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXLuckily, she had her brother around,
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXwhen the lessons were too tiresome, or mother was too taxing.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXIt was in those times she found her love of song and tried singing.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXShe had a strong voice, which was especially strange for someone how could barely breath.
.

████████████████████████████████████████ △Something in the madness eased my mind

f a m i l y
Father: Lord Ramsey Allyrion
Mother: Lady Charlotte Ettore
Brother: Young Lord Jonah Allyrion.

h o u s e s i g i l
The Crescent Moon

h o u s e.
The Day Will Rise

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX████████████████████████████████████████Was I awake or was I dreaming▼

Clara is a sweet, soft-spoken good-natured girl with a good heart with a strong spirit, in which has been hidden due to fear and self-doubt. Because of her weak body, her self-esteem is tragically low so she is eager to please, she wants to know if she's done something right, and thrives on that. Clara is a deep thinker, always had been, even as a child, She loses herself in her own thoughts, and musings, and appears aloof and distant.

△

Reserved and shy, Clara tends to hang back, and allow others -typically her brother to take the center stage. Being so used to being alone, she tends to prefer it that way. Large groups exhaust her because she puts so much energy into pleasing everyone else. She is quick to do as someone asks, even if it's in contrast to what she may want to herself. She doesn't want to feel set apart and will try to acclimate to the group. However, she can be rather intuitive at times, and can read a situation well, she tends to 'feel' more than she thinks, and even if it does go against the group, she trusts her feelings and will go with that. She is a survivor, always has been, and tends to be very adaptable.

▼

One would think for someone so soft-spoken, and generally reserved, she wouldn't be very cunning, or guile but she is. With her mother's teachings and her adaptable nature, Clara can find a way to get what she wants. Good thing for most, she doesn't want much. This is mostly seen when she is hurt. She doesn't get angry, she gets even. She'd prefer to get back at someone than to sit there and cry about it. Not that she wouldn't cry first, she wouldn't but then she would find a way to hurt those that hurt her.

XXXXX△Cut the strings that bind me to mankind████████████████████████████████████████

d i a l o g u e . c o d e: #388E8E
t h o u g h t . c o d e: #388E8E
f a c e . c l a i mJessica Parker Kennedy
t i m e . z o n e: PST
c r e a t e d . b y: TheCrimsonLady
s k e l e t o n . b y: The Writer's Voice Darkness-Blackmore's Night .Break The Chain-Oh Land Etiam imperdiet imperdiet orci. Nunc nec neque. Phasellus leo dolor, tempus non, auctor et, hendrerit quis, nisi. Curabitur ligula sapien, tincidunt non, euismod vitae, posuere imperdiet, leo. Etiam imperdiet imperdiet orci. Nunc nec neque. Phasellus leo dolor, tempus non, auctor et, hendrerit quis, nisi. Curabitur ligula sapien, tincidunt non, euismod vitae, posuere imperdiet, leo. Etiam imperdiet imperdiet orci. Nunc nec neque. Phasellus leo dolor, tempus non, auctor et, hendrerit quis, nisi. Curabitur ligula sapien, tincidunt non, euismod vitae, posuere imperdiet, leo. Etiam imperdiet imperdiet orci. Nunc nec neque. Phasellus leo dolor, tempus non, auctor et, hendrerit quis, nisi. Curabitur ligula sapien, tincidunt non, euismod vitae, posuere imperdiet.

So begins...

Clara Allyrion's Story

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Setting

The Black Keep

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#2017-01-03 23:13:41, as written by TheCrimsonLady

JONAH ALLYRION
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Eldest Child | The Winter's Wolf
#E80000 | Outfit

CLARA ALLYRION
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Only Daughter | The Winter's Child
#388E8E | Outfit

Days earlier...
Clara sat watching the snow. She sat on a bench, and leaned on a hand, staring out of the single window in her chambers, the glass was closed and the small hearth burned but she could still feel the cold. The night was particularly cold and dark. She sighed. Something was coming. Something as cold and as dark as this night.
Her Dreams told her as much...
A hefty knock came at the oaken door of her chambers. She turned just as her father, Lord Ramsey Allyrion, Lord of the North, a massive man, skin as dark as the night, yet with strangely light eyes, eyes she inherited. "What are you doing up here all along, Little One?" He asked, his voice strong and deep. She looked down at her feet. "Thinking." She said and he twitched a brow. Not angrily, curiously. "Clara." He said and took a seat on her bed, patting a place for her beside him. She sighed. It wasn't a lie, but she wasn't being forthcoming either. She walked over to him and sat beside him. "I have a bad feeling." She admitted and he said nothing, patiently waiting for her to continue. "I don't know what it is, I just..." She looked up and toward the window, watching the flakes fall and collect on the seal. She sighed. "It's...It's like just before a storm, a bad one, I can feel, the...static...the calm." she said and looked back at her father who was watching her. "What are our words." He asked, and she looked down at her hands, which had been twisting her skirts. "Day will rise." She said. "What does it mean?" He asked, and she looked at him. She knew the words, heard them all her life but she never considered what they meant. She thought she knew but the question made her question herself. She looked down, ashamed. "I'm...I'm not sure." She said and he placed a hand on her head. "A long time ago when our family first landed here from the south-lands." Her father began, stroking her dark hair. "They were used to the warmth of the sun, the days were longer in the south-lands and here in the north, the days were short, the night were long, and some days, the sun wouldn't come for months at a time," he said and she looked at him. She knew this story. Her father's people were from where the sun was hot, and it never snowed. She couldn't imagine a place where it didn't snow, even in the winter.
"They were terrified, the seeds they brought, didn't grow, winds howled, storms raged, and many, many did not survive but then...one day, after months of cold, and the death, the snow melt, plants grew, and the sun rose...." He said and she nodded. She knew this. "That's why those are our words...'Day will rise.'" She said and he smiled. "Yes, but it means more than that," he said. "It means, No matter how dark it seems. The Day will rise, they will get better." He said and she looked at him, understanding playing her face. "So, my little Clara, you might feel a storm, and perhaps it's on the rise, but remember our words...." He told her and pulled her into a warm embrace. "Day will rise." She sank into his hug, but she couldn't shake the feeling like something...something horrible was coming. Day would rise, but it had to be dark first.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Jon twirled his practice sword, one, twice before bringing the wooden blade across the belly of an equally wooden dummy, following through with a sidelong spin as if the dummy had its own sword and would have taken the opportunity to swing in return. Jon rose the blade up and would have taken the head of his foe if he hadn't noticed brilliant red hair out of the corner of his eye. Stark against the white, gray and blues around him. His shoulders slacked, though his arms were still holding the sword high. "Mother..." he murmured but a smile touched his lips, lowering his weapon. He turned to her with an arch brow, still warning his grin. "That's mighty distracting." He told his mother, Lady Charlotte, as she approached him, her hands tucked into the fur-lined sleeves of her overdress. She merely smiled, one that mirrored his. "I enjoy watching you practice." She said, removing her hand from the warmth of her sleeve to reach up, cupping the back of his head to press a kiss to his forehead. He lowered, allowing her the kiss, though he felt a little odd, he was sweating, despite the cold, from the practice and surely the smell was offensive. He stood straight, leaning on his practice sword. "Father still speaking with Clara, I gather." He said and his mother laughed. "Can't I watch my son practice?" She asked feigning innocence. Jon shook his head. "Of course," He said. "Clearly you've nothing better to do." He said and expecting the swat that came to his arm. He wore his grin and so did she, for a moment before his mother's faded. She looked down at her feet and sighed. Her breath appearing in wisps from the exhale.
"Clara is in one of her moods again." She confessed, her native accent touching her words stronger now, she always had one but it was only this strong when she was upset. Jon could only sigh. He knew this of course. She had another episode last night where she ended up wandering around the Keep in her sleep. He was awoken by her running into his door. Thankfully the girl was tougher than she looked. He thought she might be sporting a bruise.

"She was sleep walking again, so..." Jon shrugged before tossing his wooden blade against the dummy and offering an arm to his mother. Her face was paler than usual, Jon noted, clearly, she must have been keeping herself busy.

"I wish I knew what to do." She told him and he sighed. Clara loved their mother and vice versa but she'd always been closer to Father. Mother couldn't reach her, she was often telling Clara all the things she did wrong, much like Father did to him. But whereas, Jon knew he meant well. Clara, though she didn't bruise easy, she had a soft heart, and for the first few years of her life, she was ill, to the point where they did not think she would survive. Thankfully she did, but she was bedridden for most of her life when she finally got better, Mother had to teach her all she needed to know about being a proper lady all at once, it seemed. Rather than, slowly like she would have if Clara was healthy. This put a strain on both of them. Clara had to grow up, quickly, and Mother couldn't treat her like the child she was inside. Jon got to be a child and learned to be a man. Clara woke up one day and she had to be a woman. Jon allowed her to be a child with him, Father did too, though he treated them both like children most of the time, but Mother could not, even when she wanted to. They turned into the keep and the large hearth that heated the main hall greeted them with warmth. Jon took a breath. "Talk to her." He said and his mother looked at him with a frown as if to say. 'I do.'

"I mean...have you tried to get to know her?" He asked and she looked offended "I know my daughter, Jon." she said and Jon sighed, patting the hand that was hooked around his arm. "No, I mean, truly get to know her, like, have you listened one of her songs?"
She rolled her eyes. "No, but she needs not to focus on that now." She said and he stopped their walk and turned to his mother. She was a tall woman but he still had her by a foot or two. "Perhaps," He stopped to lick his lips, knowing he was getting dangerously close to upsetting her. He did not want that. His mother was kind but wasn't someone one wanted angry. "Perhaps that's the problem." He said. "You haven't bothered to listen to her, you tell her what she needs to do, how she needs to do it, even why she needs to do it but...you haven't let her speak to you..."
His mother was quiet, which wasn't a good sign. "You haven't let her do those things her own way," he said and she frowned, looking off which -though she frowned- was a good sign. She was musing. He wondered if she was recalling the one time where Clara was sewing and she was signing, Jon had happened by and hear Mother tell her to stop and that she needed to focus, Jon knew that that was Clara's way of focusing. The moment she stopped singing the stitching wasn't as good as Mother wanted. Jon left after he hear mother fuss, but Clara told him the rest.

Mother looked up at him and sighed, a few stitching her brow. Jon said nothing else, watching her. She looked much like Clara at that moment, or rather, Clara looked much like her when she frowned. "Maybe you're right." She said finally and Jon realized then he hadn't been breathing. "Am I?" He asked with his wolfish grin, hoping to lighten the mood. Mother's face softened but otherwise made no acknowledge to his teasing. She merely huffed out of her nose, much like Clara does when she's relenting. "She's a woman now... And soon--very soon, she will need to marry, and I just want the best for her." She said but Jon stopped listening after 'she will need to marry'.
He looked at his mother, mouth agape. "Wait, what?"
His mother looked at him and then she heard herself. She looked away. "Mother, what are you talking about?" He asked, a little more urgently than he intended. The thought of Clara marrying...it turned his stomach. She was a beautiful girl but she knew nothing of the world and had a child's heart. She couldn't be married, not yet.

"Mother?" He urged and she turned to look at him, her green eyes wide, twisting her skirts. Jon felt a panic. "We were going to tell you both...together...Your Father and I," She said and Jon frowned. "Tell us what?"

"The King...He has requested our presence at the Black Keep; The other families will attend as well," She said and Jon felt as if he'd been kicked in the stomach. His brain already putting two and two together. The King and his father had always been close, and knowing Clara was of age now, Jon swallowed, bile churning his stomach. She could have more of a chance than most if they played this right.

"The King wants to parade my little sister around other women so that the Prince might choose one for a wife?" He couldn't hide his disgust. "She's a child." He spat and his mother flinched. He didn't mean to shout but it was too late for that now. "Magnus..." His mother started, reaching for him but he recoiled sharply. She called him his first name, not Jonah, his middle name but the namesake he was given after the King. This was bad. "Magnus...She's not." She said and he shook his head.
"But she is, she just doesn't look it." He said and stormed off. How could they do this to her? Clara wasn't ready for court life, and hell, neither was he. This was wrong.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The next day, Clara and Jonah were called to the Great Hall. It was light with the morning sun casting a soft blue hue onto the stone walls. The Long Night had been over for a few years now and Day had risen, as their father always promised. The hall was normal alight with candles, the great hearth where massive logs would crackle and pop from the flames upon them. It would give the hall a warm orange glow; making it seem more welcoming and safe. Now, it seemed harsh and imposing for the lack of color. They only color in the room was their mother's brilliant red hair, that in this light, looked darker and almost hard to see. That was something neither of the children appreciated. Their parents sat on the dais in front of the large hearth which held no wood or flames this morning, there was no need; the sun was up and warming the keep with its rays. Though, a southern people wouldn't consider the temperature warm, especially for the snow that was still falling outside. They were behind a long oaken table. The wood was sanded smooth, cravings depicted their house sigil, the Crescent Moon. The same crescent moon was stitched finely into the large silver and black banners that hung on either side of the hearth.

The morning sun peeking through the high windows cast what wasn't lit by the beams into dark shadows. Appropriate actually, this was the Shadow House after all.

Clara and Jonah stood together in front of them, Jonah making it a point to hold Clara's hand, which, of course, only made Clara more nervous. She swallowed and Jonah squeezed her hand. "Jonah, Clara." Their father said with a nod, his unusually light eye finding both of them seemingly at the same time. They bowed and curtseyed respectively. "Good Morning, Father, Good Morning Mother." Clara said softly. Father, Mother" Jonah said with an attitude in his tone that it seemed, at least to Clara that they all noticed but otherwise ignored. Their mother merely smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes.

"Clara, How are you feeling?"Lord Ramsey asked, looking at her. She smiled in a similar way that her mother had. "Well, Father." She said and he nodded. "anymore coughing fits, and sleeping episodes?" He asked and she shook her head. "No, Father," she said with a smile. She had the night before last but none last night. That was something.
She watched her father's face, their father rarely allowed his thoughts to be betrayed by his face but Clara had learned to read the small things. It wasn't all she really had to do while laying in bed, only seeing people when they chose to visit. She had time to study their faces, the small things they did when they spoke to her, whether or not they were lying to her. So she knew by the small nod and the upward twitch of her father's eyebrow that he was glad to hear this and that would come into play later.
"Good." Was all he said on the subject before his eyes turned to the both of them.

"We received a raven from Blackvale." He began and Jonah's hand twitched, closing her fingers. Clara didn't hide her frown but she didn't turn it to her brother, but she knew, he knew what was coming next.

"The King has requested our presence for the summer, we will be staying in Blackvale for the entirety of it." He went on and Clara would have smiled had it not been for Jonah's tension. She could feel the heat radiating from him. "A whole Summer in Blackvale?" She asked and her father nodded. Clara looked at her brother finally, offering a smile. "Isn't that exciting, Pup?" She urged and he seemed to not hear her at first, before turning to her. He gave a smirk that was more of a twitch but that was all. He said nothing. That was very uncharacteristic of him. He always had a lot of say, good or bad. He was waiting for something. She turned to her father then. "Is that all, Father?" She urged and he shot a look to Jonah that made her nervous and the nervousness continued when he turned back at her. "We will not be the other family to attend, The Thornes, The Chaimbers, The Cavaliers, The Thatchers, The Davernys and the Greysons, all will be there as well." He said and Clara gapped. "My" She breathed and she looked at her brother who while still tense, seemed to finally hear news he hadn't heard before.

"What for, Father?"

"Yes, Father, tell us, What for." Jonah finally spoke and it caused Clara to whip her head his direction. Jonah never used that tone with anyone, especially not Father. "Magnus." Their mother hissed while their father cocked his head threateningly all while Clara looked at her family as if they'd all changed colors. "What is going on?" She blurted.

"They are sending you there to be paraded in front of the Prince, in hopes that you will be chosen by him, marry him and produce him an heir, that is what this invitation is all about," Jonah said, glaring daggers their father and Clara blinked. "Wh-what?"
"Mangus Jonah Allyrion, that is quite enough," Their mother barked from across the room, her voice echoing in the otherwise empty hall. Jonah looked as if he were about to speak but snapped his mouth shut at her tone. Clara was still reeling from the news.
"Is this true, Father?" she asked and as per usual, he merely nodded.
"Not in so many words." Their mother corrected. "But yes, that is why we were invited, for you to be a potential wife for the Prince."
Clara sighed heavily, she knew this day was coming, her mother had been preparing her for such a thing but now that it was here, her stomach turned to knots.

"So nevermind what Clara wants?" Jonah spoke up again, his tone cooler this time. "That is not something a Lady need worry about." their mother said though they all could hear the disgust in her tone. Jonah jerked his head back as if she'd stuck him. "Frozen Hell, you really believe that don't you?" He said shocked. "Jonah." Their father said warningly. Father rarely disciplined them, unless they upset or somehow disrespected their mother. Jonah was getting dangerously close to the latter.

"Father, you can't allow this to happen? Clara's a child, and we don't even know what he'll be like.." Jonah said gesturing to Clara making her feel small. Jonah was always wildly protective of her. He is a wolf and she is his pack, but he often made the mistake of underestimating her.
"You were kind to mother, you love Mother but you two are the exception, not the rule." Jonah went on and Clara closed her eyes. "I am not a child," she said but he voice was too small and Jonah went on. "What if he hurts her? What then? Dear Ancestors, if he chooses her and then hurts her, there will be nothing we can do to stop him, to protect her. Mother, you made me promise to look out for her, Father you told me to be a man of my words, so I cannot sit by and watch as-"
"I'm not a child, Jonah!" Clara shouted, stopping Jonah dead. He turned to her wild-eyed.
"Do you think me so weak, Brother? "
Jonah shook his head, rolling his eyes. "That's not what I meant." He sighed, and out of the corner of her eye, Clara saw her father waved down her mother as if to tell her to let them handle this.
"What do you mean then, Jonah? You called me a child."
"You're young."
"There is a difference, Jonah.."
"Perhaps, but you're still green, Clara, you aren't ready for court life,"
Clara narrowed her eyes, a hand on her hip. "And how do you suppose that I get ready, Jonah. hm?" She cocked her head and Jonah was silent. "You say you care about what I want but you haven't bothered to ask my opinion, either."She waited for his argument but he had none and she knew it.

Sure, she wasn't ready, not even close but she wasn't a child, and she did not wish to be treated like one. She looked at their parents, there was a light in her father's eyes that registered as pride and there was something in her mother's eyes that registered as fear?

"We do we depart, Father?"
"First thing Tomorrow. Are you sure about this, Clara? You know I would not put you in any danger-" He shot a look to Jonah before continuing "-Rhaegar is a good man but you need not win his favor if you do not wish to, there will be plenty of other women there who want his hand."
Clara hadn't thought about it actually, she knew of Rhaegar but knew nothing of him. Would she want to marry a man she never met? It wasn't as if she'd just be handed off to him. He would be given a choose among many -likely more healthy women- sand if she did like him enough then she would decide.
"I will decide on my own and I will let you know, we have to see the bridge before we cross it, yes?" She said and her father smiled then. "Yes."
"I will prepare then," She said they were dismissed. Jonah said nothing to her that entire morning.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Later that night as they were preparing for the journey, Jonah felt bad. He knew he was wrong, he shouted at his mother, upset his sister, all in the name of protecting her. He still felt wrong about this whole thing but she was right. She wasn't a child anymore and while he would protect her forever. He couldn't. She had to make her own choices; that was what he wanted after all. He made his way to her chamber, all dressed in riding gear, his sword sheathed at his side, and knocked lightly. "Come" she called and he entered, his head down."Oh, Jon." she said and he knew she was still upset with him but didn't completely hate him. He sighed before he began." Clara...I'm sorry." He said. "I didn't mean to upset you, or disrespect you, I look at you, and I remember how things were and I just-" He looked down at his feet, rubbing the back of his head."It's alright, Pup." She said and he looked up at her. Pup, that was a good sign. "You meant well, but you've got to understand, I'm not that child anymore, you don't have to worry for me."
"you sleep walk and have coughing fits, yes I do."She smiled. "you know what I mean." She said and walked up to him, she placed her hands on his shoulders and sighed. "Mother has been preparing me for this day for a long time, I knew it was coming, and yes, I'm scared but I will be fine, I can handle to besides..." she smiled up at him taking his face in either hand and lowered it to her lips. "I know I have you to look out for me if something does go wrong." She said and smiled up at him, releasing him He nodded. [color=#E80000]"Alright, Songbird, but if something goes wrong, try not to do anything that will get me hanged or beheaded, I will take it very personally if you do." He aid and she chuckled and shoved him playfully. "Go, we must get ready."

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Present Day
"Ready, Songbird?" Jonah whispered down at her. Clara looked up at him, a nod as they were ushered into the Black Keep, the ballroom was lavish and as daunting as she imagined. She took a breath with normal was constricting due to her illness, she was much more constricted by the corset she wore. It was in the south style so most of her is showing much more of her then even she saw on a regular basis. "Careful, that thing you're wrapped up in will pop. It'll make a terrible impression on the royal family or a good one if you're trying to get the Prince's attention " Jonah grinned wolfishly. Clara scrunched up her nose. her corset was mighty tight, and she was wearing a lot less than she had been used to now that they were in the Southlands. She'd never been this far south before. The Sun felt different down here and she already missed the snow but then again, she was Winter's Child, she preferred the cold.

Clara watched as the Graysons and then the Chaimbers were introduced while Jonah had been not so casually staring the line of yellow-haired women. "Do you know them?" Clara whispered. Jonah rose his brows. "Huh?" He asked, finally looking in her direction. ""The Princes and the Princess? Do you know them?"she asked again and Jonah shrugged a shoulder, casting his gaze abut the "I sort of remember Rhaegar, we met when I was really small. I've seen Brom a few times with Father but I don't know him well but the Princess...I have never seen her before, I look forward to meeting her.." he said and Clara closed her eyes to avoid rolling them. Her brother was a flirt, and it was hard to get his eyes off on any woman that was his pray. Luckily for them, he was a good man otherwise, she'd have more nieces and nephews than she knew what to do with."We are supposed to be here for me, Pup."
"We are, we are." He said and patted her shoulder. "Surely the Princess will need something to do while her brother courts you all, no?"
"If it helps you sleep at night, Brother."
"With any luck, I'll be much too busy." He said with a wolfish grin and Clara closed a hand over her face. She asked for that, she really did.

Next, it was their turn to be presented to the royal family and Jonah straightened himself up.

"May I present to you, The noble House Allyrion. Lord Ramsey and Lady Charlotte." The herald began Their mother and father bowed respectfully. "And their children, Lord Magnus ." He said and Jonah seemed to want to wince but didn't. He merely smiled and bowed grandly to the King and Queen. Clara knew he didn't like being called by that name, he hadn't felt like he earned it yet, and being called that name in front of his namesake would daunting. Of course, he didn't tell her this nor would he but she could read him too well. "Lady Clara." Clara stepped up and curtseyed. "You're Graces" before stepping aside for the next family.
Suddenly, she felt it again. That static, sending a shock up her spine. The storm was still on its way and it was hit here.

Setting

The Black Keep

Characters Present

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#2017-01-04 19:54:50, as written by CabbageAngel

LARA CAVALIER
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Eldest Child | The White Frog, Swan Princess
#A8C5EA | Outfit

The expression is always the hardest part, Lara consoled herself as she unpicked the doll's smile for the third time with raw fingers. The rest of her handiwork was perfect – an ideal girl with golden hair who stood composed in a pretty dress – but when it came to a believable smile Lara's ability always fell short. She was ready to give up. She took no enjoyment in sewing nor in projecting herself onto childish playthings, despite having a knack for both. Now that she'd pulled out of her trance, she ran her tongue over her bottom lip and discovered it to be swollen from being absent-mindedly sucked on while she worked. There was without a doubt lipstick coating her teeth at this point.

The sweltering heat was getting to her, her eyes drooping and head getting heavy with dreams of a cool breeze or spring. She knew that her legs were dripping with sweat beneath her ridiculous skirts. How long had she been in this carriage for? She shut her eyes and rested the back of her head against the seat, almost falling asleep to the lull of the wheels and the fragments of a conversation between her father and the guard being held on horseback outside. She let out a silent sigh and rested the faceless doll on her poofy lap when a sharp ahem caught her attention. She squinted open her eyes to meet the disapproving scowl of her mother, The Beak of the Marsh. Now, Lara was very well aware that 'marsh' was just another fancy name for swamp and she knew that would be no secret to any of the other nobles either. Surely, the Cavaliers of Swampland were going to be brought up and chuckled about at least once in dinner conversation by someone she was obligated to dance with. Actually, if she considered that an embarrassment, perhaps she should have been more worried about the story surrounding her last attempted marriage circling the halls of the Black Keep. Oh, she could already hear the squire announcing their arrival and the whispers of smirking noblemen and women with nothing better to do than sit and preen each other's feathers.

“AHEM.” Lara snapped her attention back to the calculative gaze of her mother. “Sit up straight, you'll flatten your hair.” Lady Beatrice scolded, then narrowed her green eyes and leaned forward to inspect her daughter, “Not that you've done anything to deserve me worrying for it. Here,” her hands attacked her stunning updo and pulled away two golden pins with clusters of creamy white pearls garnishing their tips. Lara watched her hands work as they twisted the platinum curls that framed her face and pinned them back, retrieving new pins from her own hair until Lara's was completely done up and Beatrice's red waves were scraping past her shoulders. Beatrice broke into an earnest smile as she fell back to admire her work, clapping her weathered hands together. No matter how much powder she dusted her skin with, the veins and swollen joints on her fingers denied her ignorance of her age. “There we go. See how much nicer that is? It looks like you put in an effort for them.” Lara touched her hair self-consciously and frowned.

“Smile!” Beatrice demanded jovially and stretched her daughter's powdered cheeks, “You only get an opportunity like this once. All you have to do is dance and laugh and curtsey and you'll blow them all away. Do you understand how lucky you are to meet your to-be husband so long before you are to be wed?”

Lara gave her mother a sympathetic look, knowing that she, like many others, had met her father on the same day as their marriage... for better or for worse. “Mother, are you glad that you married Father?”

“The Gods have my gratitude,” Beatrice half-lied. Even Lara could tell that it was more complicated than that. “Your Father is a good man. With him, I have birthed many beautiful children.” She smiled endearingly at Lara and the young woman smiled back hopefully. “But I will not flatter you for any longer. I know you only mean to distract me.”

“That was not my intention at all!” Lara insisted hurriedly, “I was only wondering whether that nobleman was a good man, like Father is. Perhaps I should apologise in person for what happened. We could visit on our -”

“You're two years too late,” Beatrice warned. “I cannot believe I'm saying this, but your rebellion blossomed into this opportunity and we should all be glad. You will not weasel your way out of this, do you understand me? The only way to avoid this was to marry that man on that day.”

“How was I supposed to know this disaster was going to happen?” Lara grumbled under her breath childishly and leaned back.

“Sit up, think of your hair! This is an opportunity, not a disaster and you should be grateful. Nobody knew, Lara Lee. We all thought you had thrown away your future. It’s a miracle that we even received an invitation. Now, must you argue? Your voice is giving me a headache. Go back to sewing, your doll is missing its smile.” Lara dipped her head down and picked up her needle and thread, not wanting to upset her mother further. Beatrice watched her with pursed lips before deciding to enforce her authority one step more. “You do understand what I am saying, Lara Lee? That to deserve a King -”

“I must act like a Queen, I know.” Lara finished sullenly. Her knees shifted uncomfortably and she tried to find them under her mound of skirts, but all she found was her faceless doll. A satisfied smile crept across Beatrice's face.

“And from what I can see, my little girl isn't holding her head like it balances a crown,” she cooed and tilted her child's chin up. The wavering strength in Lara's brown eyes displeased her and she dug her thumbnail into the skin beneath her swollen lip, “Don't let the crown fall.”

Lara only nodded, her own face betraying her by clearly displaying how terrified she was made by this entire ordeal. The expression, after all, was the hardest part. The conversation continued as Lady Beatrice forced Lara to recite the lines she had to say when meeting with the King and Queen and reminded her of the houses she was allowed to converse with, and the characters that she would be flayed for approaching. When the ride came to an end, the lecturing did not. As Lara hitched up her masses of skirts and stepped out of the carriage she felt that her face was about to melt off from boredom. She slipped before she made it to the ground and was immediately assisted by rough hands.

“Your feet asleep, Frog?” Lara looked up at the serious face of her father. She immediately wrapped him into a hug and hit one foot against the ground in an attempt to wake it.

“I'm afraid I'm not a very good frog today.” There was bitterness in those words and James understood why.

“It's a long journey,” he said apologetically and returned her hug, rocking her like a child. “That's not over yet. You should have come outside to join me for a ride. You would enjoy the landscape."

"Ha! Me, on a ho-" As if on cue, a loud snort interrupted Lara's indignant reply and she yelped and clutched to her father like a lifeline. She felt hot air on the back of her neck and whimpered, scooting around behind him to glare at the creature from a safe distance.

"Your desire for freedom is no rival to your fear," James ridiculed and scratched his stallion behind the ears. Lara glanced up at the horse's soulless, buggy eyes and mimicked it by flaring her nostrils. "It bothers me, how my daring frog can look down at the world from the tallest tree... yet succumb to tears when on top of a horse."

"I am not crying!" she shot, I won't cry, I was a child then! I have the good sense to not get on one, now!" The horse whinnied and Lara almost looked apologetic. "Please just... send it away. Now. Please, before I hurt its feelings further."

"Alright, Froggy." James grunted. "Fiore, there. Tch tch." The horse walked over to the Castillon staff tasked with handling it. James shook his head with a sigh at his daughter's erratic behaviour then whispered, "Chin up. Your Mother's coming."

“No, no.” Beatrice bustled over and pried the father and daughter apart. “Did I hear frog? There will be no frogs here, only swans.”

“Shall I send her back home, then?” James made a gesture telling Lara to slip away and turned to his wife with a frown, “When will you admit that our daughter is a frog?”

Lara stifled laughter and shuffled around the back of the carriage while her parents argued whether she was a frog or a swan. Even a little disagreement like that could be blown out of proportion and she didn't like to stick around when things got heavy. From there she could still hear her parents bickering and cradled her naked arms, sighing. She was already beginning to feel lonely. For someone who appreciated solitude as much as herself, it was odd that the thought of her siblings being so far away from her made her feel stripped and vulnerable.

"Lady Lara," one of the Cavalier guardsmen addressed her and she readjusted her features as quickly as she could - not quick enough, he saw her frown. She turned to him and her eyes immediately lightened with joy at what he held in his hands. A little pink nose squeezed through the bars of a cage, sniffing the air excitedly as it sensed the presence of its mother.

"Delilah!" Lara moved forward in a rush, accidentally treading on her skirt and slipping a little before swooping in and retrieving the fat white rabbit from its prison. She nuzzled her fur without care for the make up stains she was leaving on the creature and scratched behind her long ears, the spell of loneliness and vulnerability inside of her lifted. After calming down from their reunion she peered at the guardsman through one eye and pulled her face away from her rabbit to flash him a huge grin. "Sorry that I asked this of you. Delilah is a Cavalier too, just... not what you expected to be guarding? I hope she wasn't trouble." That was a lie. She was yearning to hear of any sort of mishap.

"There was no trouble, my Lady." The guardsmen said and bowed.

"Are you sure? Not even a fox that gave you the evil eye or a necklace she yanked from a lady's neck?"

"... No, I don't recall anythi -"

"If you say so." Lara twisted on her heels with Delilah cradled in her arms and began to trot back to her parents, ignoring the guard asking to put the rabbit back into the cage. "Don't worry, Lilah. I'm sure he'll notice the hole you chewed through his trousers soon." She reassured the rabbit. When Lara returned she found Lord and Lady Swan to be in the exact same argument she left them in. "Where is it written that I can't be the princess and the frog?" She piped up as she hopped between them. Lady Beatrice groaned and spun away while Lord James scratched Delilah's head and made "chu" noises.

"Lara Lee, please realise that your father is insulting you - are you holding a rabbit?"

"It can't be helped," she claimed, "Magnolia insisted that I take her with me and now, Delilah tires of cages. I won't force her to do anything against her will." Because I'm a good mother. She thought bitterly and watched her mother's lips tighten. James was quick to separate them.

"I think it's time we go in," he said briskly, "Lara, please put the rabbit away. We don't want to make any unsavoury first impressions." Lara nodded and went to find the cage, which she discovered not with the guard but with a servant of the Black Keep. She asked him to take her to her room for the time being and feed her before coming back to her parents while attempting to rub off the dirty rabbit paw print on her bust. She forced a smile and a nod and her parents reached out to put a hand on each of her shoulders before they began to ascend the stairs to the castle.

~~~

Upon taking one step inside Lara was assaulted by what she felt to be a million reflections of herself, all on shiny metallic surfaces. This was the grandest grand foyer she had ever seen, large and filled to the brim with expense over expense. A part of her was impressed and wanted to run around touching everything, but a bigger part was regretful the children weren't there to see the castle. They would have loved it. A servant came to speak to them and Lara's eyes continued to scan everything in sight during his small rehearsed greeting.

She raised her brow as she passed a particularly polished display she could see herself clearly reflected on in full. At least, the creature that followed her movements - instead of a frog an unfamiliar "Princess" blinked right back at her. The illusion was broken when she grinned and she rubbed furiously at the pink wax speckling her teeth. She dismissed her reflection with a wave like it would go away then smiled at the thought of something humorous. Delilah was going to dig into this goldmine like a drunkard diving into a sea of whiskey. Beatrice shushed her quiet giggle, glancing in her direction. Her eyes widened in alarm when she noticed the faded dirt on Lara's chest. Lara ducked her head down in guilt then distracted herself with the magnificent ballroom. She couldn't help but feel just a little bit excited as she looked around at who else had arrived. The Allyrions had just been introduced before them, their son looking just like the wolf he was spoken to be and their young daughter - just older than Penelope - looking more like a big-eyed doe than a fierce predator. Lara looked to the others, not allowing herself to give the males thought and instead fixating herself on the ladies of the court. Her face paled as she stared at the back of the bewitching woman in the midnight gown, sunk when she spotted the blonde beauty in pale blue then turned grey as she zoned in on the three fair blonde sisters. Each Noblewoman held their own unique and intriguing air, one of them - the woman in the pink dress - seeming to have something particularly dangerous lingering in her smile. Dangerous meaning tempting. Was it an unspoken rule that all nobility must be gorgeous? With which of her lacking charms was she supposed to compete against these women with? Now she was getting annoyed with herself. She didn't need beauty or any pretty, witty, fluttery words! If she could tackle two fighting hounds, why not a romantic rival? No, not romantic. Political opponent. Not even that. Prince bandit. That sounded better. If only to make her day a little brighter, it was all she could ask - all she could pray - that that nobleman had already married and sunk to the bottom of the ocean on his honeymoon voyage. Perhaps she was being too morbid in her wishes.

"I present the noble house of Cavalier. Lord James and Lady Beatrice, escorting their eldest daughter, Lady Lara Lee."

Lara glanced up from her daydreams with a snap. She gave her parents a signal for help with her eyes that was returned by an urging look. She held her breath and made sure to not let the crown fall as she stepped forth to sink into a very low, respectful curtsey. She was not excited to meet the King, she was not excited to meet the King, no, she was not excited... She didn't dare look up at the two intimidating and (secretly) awe-inspiring figures before her.

"Your Majesties," she said softly, but not quietly. "The Gods have my gratitude." Such a simple set of words that took forever to come out right in practise. In truth her mother had planned a page long monologue about how brave the King was and how beautiful the Queen was but while standing in front of everyone like this... she couldn't. She couldn't find it within herself to spill out such pretentious jargon with everyone watching, it felt too much like a performance. She stood out of her curtsey and moved back to her parents who gave her small nods of approval then walked with her to edge of the room to await the next attendants. Lara had a violent vision of the chandelier above her falling down and crushing her head right then and there and spent a moment debating whether it was a nightmare or fantasy. As unusual as it was for her... she was in a bloody bad mood, and as per usual... she was terrible at hiding it.

Setting

The Black Keep

Characters Present

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#2017-01-05 22:55:19, as written by FaddedFox

AVERY THATCHER
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Eldest Son | The Armadillo
#FF4500 | Outfit

ELLIOT THATCHER
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Youngest Son | The Casanova
#551A8B | Outfit

ILENE THATCHER
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Only Daughter | The Thorny Rose
#CD1076 | Outfit

"Oh come on, you can do better than that," Avery grinned at his younger brother, lowering the large shield with the family armadillo crest adorning the front. "Where was the soul in that swing? The fight?"

"Oh shut up or it'll be your soul floating about," Elliot grumbled as he recovered from the bounce his swing had produced when it collided with Avery's shield. Elliot rolled his shoulders and twirled his swords in his hands as he got back into a crouching position as he and Avery circled each other.

"You'll have to practice more for that feat. At this rate you wouldn't be able to slaughter a slug," Avery taunted, his blue eyes alight with a teasing glint. Elliot gave a war cry as he rushed forward, right sword swinging, forcing Avery to bring his shield up and step back as Elliot twirled with the force to bring his left sword down at Avery's shoulder which Avery parried only to get a kick. Avery stumbled back from the kick and barely brought his shield up to block the two sword coming down from above. Avery flicked his own sword out to swat Elliot's ankles with the flat of his blade. "Better! But I still got you. In a real fight I would have slashed your ankles and you would be downed."

"If you didn't have that shield to hide behind I would have gotten you," Elliot growled as he pulled back to get some distance.

"Most will fight with shields. You need to find a way to get beneath them or you'll never win."

"Oh honestly, don't you two ever get bored of playing with your swords?" Ilene grumbled from where she sat beneath a shaded tree. Ilene pulled at one of her threads in her needle work as she fixed one of Avery's shirts. Her blond hair was down today, cascading down around her face and shoulders as she worked.

Elliot couldn't help the grin playing on his lips. "No, it is actually quite fun to play with my sword. Better yet with another slowly rolling over it."

Ilene looked up at her younger sibling aghast. "Elliot! Must you always interject with such lewd imagery?

"You started it," Elliot laughed.

Avery rolled his eyes at his siblings. Realizing he'd lost Elliots attention and would no doubt not get any real sword training from the man, he put his sword away and hoisted the shield on his back. Avery ran a hand through his own blond locks with a sigh. "I guess we are done for the day. I am going to go into the field. Farmer Padrick asked for some assistance in the cornfield. Tell mother and father please."

"I am not your page. You can tell them yourself. I am going out now that we are done here," Elliot answered and put away his own swords.

"Damn it Elliot, I know very well where you are going. You are going to give Mam a heart attack at this rate. Leave that poor boy alone. He's the best stable hand we've got and you'll scare him off."

Elliot gave his brother a mock look of horror and pressed his hands against his chest as if he had been struck. "Brother! You make me out to be a monster! I am wounded! I merely offer him my affections!"

Ilene and Avery both gave each other a look before leveling their gazes at Elliot un-phased by the youngest's theatrics. Elliot gave a pout before he gave up the charade. He rested his hands on his hip. "Approval or not, I am going," Elliot announced as he turned away. Before either brother could leave, however, their mother's voice rang out over the garden, calling all three of them. The three siblings glanced at each other in a bit of worry and confusion. It wasn't often their mother called for all three of them at once. The immediate thought was that something grave had occurred. Elliot and Avery both helped their sister gather her sewing before the three of them hurried back to the manor where their mother was calling for them.

Lady Ophelia was yet beautiful in her old age, a testament to the beauty she had been. She had aged gracefully, the wrinkles barely tugging at her eyes and lips. Her skin was still fair like her daughter's though slightly roughened by her hard work. Her pale golden hair was beginning to grow in silvery and gave her an air of sophistication. Even her movements were yet graceful and enchanting. Ilene truly hoped that she too aged as well as her mother. It was easy to see where the Thatcher children had gotten their charm and beauty from. Ophelia held her head high and proud as she rested her warm eyes on each of her children.

"Oh, Avery, Elliot, you both are covered in dirt again. And look at the holes in your clothing! You make me and Ilene work just to mend your clothing," she chided lovingly. "Your sister is already mending clothes," she mused as she looked at what Ilene was holding.

"Sorry, Mam. We were training in the yard. Has somewhat happened? Is everything all right?" Avery asked her, concern playing on his handsome features.

"It is not trouble so don't worry yourself over it but we received a letter from our liege of the Black Keep your father and I would like to discuss with you."

"The Black Keep?"

It wasn't often their parents brought them into counsel after a letter. What was all of this about? Three three siblings glanced between each other before they followed their mother into the counsel room where their father was waiting for them. Just as their mother, Lord William was a handsome man in his aging. Though far more weather and stress worn, the lines of his face gave him a sort of stoic recognition. His good nature was easily seen in his deep blue eyes, shinning through the gruffness of his love of simplicity. Unlike most lords, he was happy with the simple pleasures, never over adorning his home with trinkets. Even the clothing he preferred was tailored to be far less rich and elaborate for his station. It was easy to see Avery took after that predilection. Lord William smiled as his wife took her place at his right hand and he looked over his children as he sat forward.

"As I am sure your mother has already explained, we just received a message from his Majesty and her Highness. They have invited us to stay for the summer in the Black Keep."

"Stay for the summer the Black Keep?" Ilene repeated in surprise. That was quite the honor but there had to be more to it then that. The king and queen would have no use for all of them to take up residence there for an entire summer.

"Is that wise? Who would watch over our lands? The people?" Avery interjected. "I could stay home and watch over everything. You both know I do not have the desire to play in court intrigue. There are far more important things to worry about here." Ah, the ever practical Avery. If he could, he'd avoid these political games as much as possible.

"We will have the men here protecting the residence. You don't need to worry about that, Son. Unfortunately, the three of you must attend," Lord William explained.

"You see, they are holding a ball and we are not the only nobility that will be attending. All of the families have been called upon," Lady Ophelia finished. The lord and lady let that settle on their children for a moment. Realization of what the ball really meant was quick to sour everyone's mood.

"So it is a marriage convention, with each of us a prize for the royalty?" Elliot mused sourly.

"You mean me and Avery," Ilene remarked to Elliot. "We are eldest and neither of us have married yet. The time is ticking," she finished dryly.

"All of us. They just said all of us. I am not exempt," Elliot sighed and crossed his arms.

"Regardless," Avery said with a wave to quite them both before they began to bicker, "We have to go. Do we have a choice in any of this?" Avery asked his parents. He personally had no desire to marry, princess or nobility, that would be nothing but a pretty face. He had other concerns.

"You do have a choice in a selection of a marriage partner. You and your brother mostly. Should the princes take an interest and pursue Ilene, we will attempt to pursue the arrangement." William answered sadly. "I am sorry my Starlit. I know your feelings about a proper husband but as a queen, you could do much. Other than that, you to will have a choice of your marriage though we do implore you to find someone to settle with. You are right in thinking that time is beginning to run thin. You've forced many suitors away." He hated to speak this way, especially to his daughter, but soon, no nobleman would ask for her hand, beautiful or not. Lord William then looked at Avery pointedly. Avery would know why. He had yet to produce an heir and considering Elliot's odd... fancy, he did not expect to see one from him any time soon.

"I know father. I am sorry for making your life so much harder. I will keep your words and duty in mind, but I will not change myself either; not for any man, may it even be the king himself," she answered. The suitors would have to accept her as she was, not a pretty picture of what they expected.

"Of course my dear. I would not ask for you to change yourself. I want you to be happy to," her father said.

"When will be leaving?" Avery asked sullenly.

"Tomorrow," Ophelia answered. "Finish the tasks you have for the day and prepare to ride."

Finally, they were nearing the castle. Avery could see it rising up like the looming bars of a cage. He wished this summer was already over and that they were riding on their way home, not towards this dreaded place. The castle itself looked mesmerizing but the entire trip was colored by the fact that he would more than likely have to come out of this with a marriage proposal. He had had no intention of ever being married but he knew that would break his parents hearts. He needed an heir though he did not want to go through with this in the least bit. Avery pulled the rein's of his grey stallion to get it to stop and stood up in the saddle measuring the time. They would be at the gates in about half an hour. He heard a horse neighing behind him and turned to see his brother riding up beside him. Elliot at least was enjoying the horse ride. He kept straying off from the main road to explore at a safe distance.

Elliot looked like quite the lord with his rich clothing fashioned in the green and rusty red of their house. The Blazon stood out on his chest like a beacon. Avery himself had been forced into a fashionable attire least he be confused with a peasant though they were highly uncomfortable clothing. He felt like a peacock to be gawked at, what with the hot layers covering his skin. He even had a cape draped over his shoulders in the rich green his sister had crafted. It was connected to his attire with the golden clasp of the armadillo holding the evergreen leaves. Avery thought he looked absolutely ridiculous.

"Don't look so sour, Avery. You'r face will freeze that way. There isn't much going for you but your face, so don't screw it up," Elliot teased.

"Ease for you to say. I don't want to be here."

"Avery, I know you are looking at this through the duty lens but there is more to it then that. Look at it this way. Sure we are being paraded around like show ponies, but look where we are. We are at the Black Keep. We don't often come here or leave our territory. Don't let one part of it sour the rest of your mood. Take the time to enjoy yourself a little bit. You'll be better off."

Avery looked over at Elliot with an arched brow as he studied his brother. Elliot arched his own brow then. "What? Why are you staring at me?"

"Nothing. Just surprised you can say something intelligent and supporting."

Elliot scoffed and punched him in the arm. "I might as well not say anything at all if my words are so squandered," Elliot said with a proud toss of his head.

"You really are such a drama queen" Avery chuckled.

"Drama king. But look, I've made you laugh," Elliot answered with a mischievous grin. "My work here is done. You scowling and groaning... it doesn't suit you so put a smile on your face. Come on."

Avery was smiling as he shook his head and followed his brother back to the carriage. The two of them lined up with it and Avery knocked on the wall to draw someone's attention from inside. Ilene parted the curtains to look out at her brothers. "We'll be there shortly. he announced.

"All right. Thank you," she answered.

Within moment, their carriage arrived and both boys dismounted and handed their horses off to the stable hand. Elliot came around to the carriage door and stood aside as his father stepped down with a thank you who in turn helped his mother down. Elliot moved forward to offer his arm to Ilene then. Ilene carefully stepped out so she wouldn't trip on her dress. It was the same lush green as Avery's cloak with delicate silver and red laces and designs down the front and upon the little jacket she sported to cover her back. Her golden hair was done up extravagantly with little pink blossoms woven throughout. From it, some of her hair cascaded down her shoulder in rivulets to frame her face. An emerald necklace hugged her throat and she fussed with it to make sure it sat straight.

"You look beautiful, Ilene."

"Thank you, Avery. You should wear clothing like this more often. It suits you. And you to, Elliot."

Avery shook his head amused but Elliot preened like a bird and adjusted his shirt. Then it was time to head inside. Lord William escorted Ophelia first before Avery led Ilene with Elliot at the rear.

"Introducing Lord and Lady of the South, William and Ophelia Thatcher with their children Avery, Ilene, and Elliot Thatcher."

The family gave their bows and sweet words then before moving to stand farther away and waited.

Setting

The Black Keep

Characters Present

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#2017-01-09 03:34:21, as written by mjolnir

RHAEGAR CASTILLON
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Heir to Blackvale | The Falcon
#B70909 | Outfit

BROM CASTILLON
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Prince | The Peacock
#061B62 | Outfit

SYLAS THORNE
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Heir to Dark Wood | The Viper
#999999 | Outfit

GWENDOLYNN CASTILLON
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Princess | The Little Dove
#F56E6F | Outfit

Sylas bowed beside his sister while she curtsied towards the King and Queen. As he did, his gaze never left the Queen Guinevere who seemed to be intently watching him with an animalistic hunger. He quirked a brow as a stood upright, adjusting his attire as he glanced away. Although the gaze was direct and a bit unnerving, he held his composure and if anything stood tall and strong.

After the King and Queen moved on to greet the next family, Sylas stood elegant and tall as his mother held his arm. His gaze was drown towards his sister when he heard her voice, “Excuse me mother, for I must steal by brother. I feel that having some alcohol in my system may make the socializing a tad less painful.”

He smiled towards his mother as she adjusted part of his suit and then a bit of Sylva’s hair. “I would say behave, but where is the fun in that.” She then gave him a more serious look which garnered his full attention. “Make sure she doesn't get too drunk. Remember what happened that one New Years eve?”

Sylas looked between his mother and Sylva, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Yes, of course mother.”

“Yes yes, I accidentally burnt down half the stables. Don’t worry mother. He will take care of me, he always does.”

Sylva slid her arm through his and began to guide him away. He glanced back over his shoulder towards his mother before they were too far away, “It’s my turn to get drunk anyways.” He winked towards Desdemona who chuckled at him before waving them off.

When they reached the table that was worked by a young servant girl, Sylas smiled towards the girl while giving a sly wink. He grabbed himself and his sister a glass of champagne before leading her over towards the large windows that lead out to the gardens. He watched the King and Queen greet each family as he sipped his champagne. When he noticed the mannerisms in the King shift at the presence of the Graysons, he quirked a brow, leaning in towards his sister slightly. “Now what could have the mighty Magnus so tense, I wonder?”

As more families filed into the ballroom Sylas felt like the viper in the brush patiently watching as all the field mice scurry around him. He was ready to pounce. Every move, every suggestive glance and translative body gesture had him eager to attack. But all the exterior showed was a calm, cool and collected young man. Refined, and elegant, everything a young lord should be and everything young women swooned over. He was going to give the Prince’s a run for their money. Seduce and destroy every woman just to watch the Blackvale crumble.

His train of thought was disrupted when Maxwell moved before him, bowing in greeting. “My Lord.”

“Ah. Maxwell. This is my lovely sister Sylva.” Sylas motioned to his sister.

“A pleasure my Lady.” Maxwell bowed in her direction. Sylas then motioned for the young man to come closure and keep to hushed tones. “I have taken care of your rooms, my Lord. The adjacent chambers have a shared door so that you make travel between the two without notice.”

Sylas reached into his pocket pulling out a couple more gold coins, slipping them into Maxwell’s pocket. “That’s a good man. Now…” He took a step closer to the servant, leaning in to whisper in his ear. “Who is your allegiance to?”

“You my Lord.”

“Good man. I’d like you to keep your ears open. Anything and everything you hear you report to me… The more useful, the more gold for you. As long as you’re loyal to me, you’ll never want for anything ever again in your life.” Sylas’ grasp on Maxwell’s shoulder tightened, not enough to cause pain but enough to send a message. “If you betray me, the King will wake up to your head on his breakfast tray.”

***

Gwendolynn sat at a window seat in the study, resting her chin upon her arms on the windowsill as she watched the families arrive. “The Davernys… That’s all seven.”

Rhaegar stood behind her with his right arm raised, resting against the wall as he too watched the arrivals. “Do you think it was intentional for it to be exactly ten ladies and ten gentleman?” More of a rhetorical question that literal. Of course, it was intentional. Most likely every Lord and Lady was hoping for their child to make a smart match during their stay here. And a majority of them would be pushing their children at them… Him.

Gwen slowly reached behind her to grab Rhaegar’s hand in hers while she looked over her shoulder towards Brom. “This… is our last summer together.”

The comment caused Brom to stop his mindless scanning of the numerous books in the room to look towards his sister. He wouldn’t admit it out loud but a lump formed in his throat. The thought hadn’t crossed his mind. Him and his siblings haven’t been apart for more than a month but now… This summer was going to take at least Gwen to the opposite side of the nation.

Rhaegar gently squeezed Gwen’s hand while Brom walked over to her, and place a kiss on her forehead. He remained silent as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and she wrested her head against his side.

They remained silent. They hoped maybe if they never let go then no one could tear them apart. A trio forced to separate because of ridiculous societal norms and laws. It took everything they had not to cry or run away. It was their duty… A horrible responsibility.

The knock on the door hit them all like a dagger in the back. Their grips on each other tightened, but they did not move. After a moment without an answer, the servant slowly opened the door. “Your Graces… Your mother has asked me to fetch you.”

Gwen took a deep breath before she finally moved to her feet, exchanging a look between her older brothers. They all we scared and they knew it. They didn’t have to say anything to know. The one thing they knew best was each other.

“Come here,” Brom whispered before pulling them in an embrace. He patted his brother’s back while pressing his forehead against Rhaegar’s. His other arm held Gwen close, her forehead resting against the twins’ jaws.

“I’m sorry…” The servant spoke up again. “But your mother implores. If you do not come, I’ll be the one to pay.”

Rhaegar pulled his siblings in tighter for one last embrace before whispering to them, “No matter what, we have each other. Do not settle for anyone short of amazing… If we have to run away and live as paupers to be happy, then so be it.” He leaned in pressing his lips to Gwen’s forehead while using his hand to rustle Brom’s hair. He then nodded his head towards the servant, “Apologies. I do not want you to suffer on our account.”

As they walked down the hall towards the ballroom they recited the names of the different Lords and Ladies that will be present. Their mother made sure they knew who was who. Royalty should know their people. Of course Rhaegar and Gwendolynn had the names straight weeks ago while Brom was lucky if he could guess how many children each family had.

They neared the large doors at the top of the grand staircase and while Rhaegar and Brom continued forward, Gwen froze in her tracks. It wasn’t until the servant had his hands on the door that the twins turned around looking for her. “…I can’t do this.”

The brothers both held out their arms to her while Rhaegar nods his head towards the door, “We’re right here with you.”

“Yeah and if you fall we’ll be the first to laugh.” Rhaegar smacked Brom in the chest, “Ow.”

Just as Brom went to smack the crown right off of Rhaegar’s head, Gwen quickly ran up between the two and took their arms. “How about you both stop fighting and escort me so I don’t fall in these ridiculous shoes.”

”Your Grace, the Queen wanted me to announce you one at a time and—”

“It’s all of us or none of us.”

Brom rose his brows towards Rhaegar as they both chuckled at the ferocity in Gwen’s voice obvious from her nerves. “Remind me not to piss her off,” he whispered towards his brother as the servant pushed open the large doors.

Their escort stepped out of the shadows where two other men waited. With a motion of his hand the two men raised horns to their lips and blew a tune in sync to gain the company’s attention.

“Seriously? A horn?”

Rhaegar brought snorted back a laugh as he raised his hand to cover his mouth.

”My Lords. My Ladies.” As she the servant started, Gwen’s grasp on her brother’s arms tightened. ”It is my honor to present to you the royal children of the family Castillon.” He motioned towards them and with a deep breath they stepped forward. Gwen could have sworn she saw stem flood out of her mother’s ears at the sight of them entering together, arm in arm. ”Eldest son to the King and Queen, heir to the Blackvale Rhaegar, his twin brother, Prince and King’s Guard Brom and their sister Gwendolynn.”

The siblings walked down the stairs elegantly, arm in arm. Gwen tried to best not to trip but even when she thought she was losing her balance her brothers just held her steady. When they reached the ballroom floor Rhaegar and Brom bowed while Gwen curtsied. They walked through the crowd of people towards their parents. Gwen tried not to look at her feet as she walked, her nerves growing with each pair of eyes she saw fixed on her.

When they reached the King and Queen, Magnus stepped forward raising his hand in a way to ask the crowd to grow silent. “I would like to thank you all for making the long journey to the Black Keep. We are pleased to accept you all into our home for the summer. Although our time together is to hopefully make new alliances and marriages between our children it is also a chance for us all to get a chance to know each other and create new friendships where we previously wouldn’t have the opportunity. So I’d like you all to make yourselves at home and please do enjoy yourselves.”

King Magnus bows towards the crowd before motioning towards his wife. Queen Guinevere tried to seem as genuine as possible when addressing the crowd. “In celebration of the beginning to this great summer and new friends, we invite all of our children in the dance of the Blackvale.” The Queen motioned towards the Castillon children beckoning them to take their place in the center of the dance floor. “The dance is simple,” she holds out her hand towards her kids who lined up where Brom and Rhaegar were in one line and Gwen was on the other side. “Our strapping young men will line up across from the beautiful young ladies. They share a dance with the woman across from them and when the song changes you switch partners. The dance is over when you’ve danced with every young man or woman.”

Sylas’ attention shifted towards the main staircase when he heard the horns. He didn’t know if he was disappointed or what about the royal children looking fairly attractive and nice. Of course, nice means nothing, especially when Thornes are around.

Although he never of thought of anyone other than his sister in a none loathing matter, he was surprised at how agreeable the Castillon daughter was. He had heard rumors about her but words failed to compare. He wondered how many of the men in the room were going to fight at the chance for a chance at her hand. Her beauty no doubt would only make her more desirable partnered with her status as the Princess of the Blackvale. It only made the wheels in his head turn as he contemplated the demise he could cause.

He sighed when he heard the Queen’s announcement about some sort of Blackvale dance. Sylas held out his hand for his sister and guided her towards the forming lines of the young men and women around their age. Trying not to be blatantly obvious he made sure that after he helped his sister to her place that he did not stand across from her. Instead he moved into an empty place in the line that was across from the Daverny girl.

Underneath all of what she wore he imagined a beautiful woman was there. Sylas could respect that she wanted to be her own person and not conform to societal norms. But either way he would like nothing more than this dance to be over with.

Sylas bowed towards the woman before offering her his right hand while his left hand was behind his back, “Ms. Daverny.”

Rhaegar made his place to the line while his hands nimbly worked on his cloak. He removed the cloak before handing it the closest servant. “Thank you William.” He patted the lad’s shoulder before he resumed his place, adjusting his sleeves so he’d be more than capable of dancing.

He waited patiently, cupping his hands together before him as he watched the others line up. Before some of the more eager girls shuffled their way before him, he reached out his hand to grab Clara’s and guided her across from him. “Apologizes, but I think I could handle this evening better having the first dance with a familiar face.”

Rhaegar knew Clara may not have remembered him because it’s been numerous years since they had seen each other. But he hoped she wouldn’t hate him for wanting to dance with the one person he knew.

Still being the gentleman he is, he bowed before her as the dance entails then offered her his hand. “Of course, you can always dance with someone else,” he said in a hushed tone. “Being paraded around always makes me a little nervous.” He smiled towards Clara with his hand still held out palm up towards her for if she decided to accept the dance.

Brom was more hesitant to make his way to his spot in the line, moving to stand beside the dark and sinister looking Thorne son. He thought about talking to the guy maybe even talking about all the attractive women at the ball but the guy looked like he had a royal stick up his uptight ass.

Instead he waited until an intriguing young blonde beauty came to stand before him. Brom began to smirk as he glanced her over. Maybe this wouldn’t be all bad if he got the opportunity to meet numerous beautiful young women just waiting for a dashing young man like himself to sweep them off their feet.

“Lady Vivienne… Right?” He held out his hand towards her as he bowed, but his gaze never left hers. His smirk only seeming to grow as he took in more and more of her beauty.

Gwen moved along with her brothers before she could even take a step she felt her mother’s hand on her shoulder. The Queen stepped up to whisper in her daughter’s ear, “Don’t you dare ask someone to dance.” Gwen looked out of the corner of her eye towards her mother. “You are a lady,” the Queen grasped her shoulders tight, “ladies do not do the asking. The gentlemen ask you to dance.”

After her mother let her go, Gwen slowly took her place in the line between two blonde girls. She gave them both her best attempt at a friendly smile as she waited. Her fingers toyed at the lace embroidery on her sleeves when a young blonde stepped in the line opposite her.

Feeling her mother’s gaze on the back of her head, Gwen took the skirt of her dress in her hands as she curtsied towards him.

Setting

The Black Keep

Characters Present

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#2017-01-09 21:49:22, as written by MoonlightWraith

JONATHAN CHAIMBERS
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Eldest Son | The Pawn
#9BC4E2 | Outfit

FREDERICK CHAIMBERS
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Youngest Son | The Trickster
#96CDCD | Outfit

VIVIENNE CHAIMBERS
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Only Daughter | The Weaver
#92CCA6 | Outfit

Frederick made for the far wall, his intentions to grab as many flutes filled with champagne as he could and drink as much as he could. He could hear the capricious falsities, Lords and Ladies all huffing and puffing about themselves and their pretend interest in the others, the rumours he could hear circling were enough to make his head spin and not in the fun way alcohol did. The back table was his safe haven, away from the hushed whispers and polite lies, he grabbed his first glass of champagne and downed it without a seconds hesitation, flashing a smile at the serving girl as he handed her the flute back. "You've been here all of one minute." The familiar voice tutted as he spun to meet her gaze, loose strands of brunette shook with her head as she did so.
"Catalina? How did you get in here?" Frederick then grinned and put his hands on his hips. "This is a private party, am I rubbing off on you?"
"Don't be ridiculous, your mother got me in, apparently she thinks I was hired to your court to babysit you." Catalina's tone was far from kind and closer to mocking.
"Isn't it?" Frederick asked as he reached for his second glass.
"No, I am your court advisor. I advise you on important matters, by the gods, why do you think I am always telling you who is who and what to do in the court?" Catalina threw her hands up in exasperation, nearly knocking the champagne from his hand. "Your father hired me to make sure you didn't mess up the Southern Shores and to maintain our political friendships." Catalina then stormed off into the crowd as Frederick shrugged before downing the second glass, just as his brother finally caught up to him.

"Did you get lost in the crowd?" Frederick clapped his hand onto his brother's upper arm. "Here, have a drink." Frederick grabbed one of the flutes and handed it to him, but was politely declined. "Okay, more for me then, brother." He then lifted another and proceeded to knock it back, Jonathan gave him a less than impressed looked.
"Gods, how desperate are you for a drink." Frederick smirked before grabbing another and did the same simply to spite his brother. Jonathan merely rolled his eyes at how petty his brother was being. "Can you be normal for just one night? For Viv's sake?"
"Sure, no doubt she'll ruin it for herself, talk about one of her bizarre nightmares and then we'll all be sent home, no big deal." Jonathan looked as if he'd taken a hit from Frederick's words, but he simply grabbed another flute and went to drink it, not even showing any remorse for his words.

Jonathan snatched the five champagne glass from Frederick's hand, "She's our sister, how dare you?" Jonathan scolded the youngest, taking a sip from the champagne to show him how it was done. "Keep yourself out of trouble and do not come near me or Vivienne tonight." Frederick merely rolled his eyes as he pinched a grape from one of the platters.
"Oh dear Father's pet, you are a good guard dog." Frederick clapped his hand against his brother's back three times with a large grin on his face, the intended joke being far more offensive than he clearly meant it.
"How you're mother's favourite still astounds me to this day." Jonathan set the crystal flute back on the table and was swallowed back up by the crowd, leaving Frederick to his champagne.

Finally being left alone to the table, Frederick turned to have another but then the royal children were announced and he was forced away from the very table he intended to spend most of his night. He leaned up against a pillar, his expression and composure revealing his lack of interest in the well rehearsed speech. The announcement of the speech even garnering an eye roll as he pushed off from the pillar and made for the floor. He positioned himself next to Jonah, the Northern Lord, dark of hair and only slightly lighter of skin tone, he gave him a polite wave, he had no doubt Jonah and Jonathan had dealt with each other at least once but Frederick had never had to pleasure. He looked across and spotted a woman the complete opposite in description, her hair was like spun silver and her skin just as fair, her eyes weren't a dull brown but instead an enticing blend of blue and gold. Her features were so delicate and innocent, Frederick almost felt bad that her first dance would be with him. "Lady Aurora, may I have this dance?" He bowed and stretched his hand out towards her as he did so.

Whilst navigating the crowd, Jonathan occasionally paused as each of the families were announced and greeted, watching them and making a note of the faces as the names were called. He eventually caught sight of Vivienne as he navigated through the crowd, she was stood with some courtiers, playing her little game, no doubt. As he made for her, there was a loud horn announcing the presentation of the royal children. He found himself bowing with the rest of the ballroom, whilst watching the children descend the steps. Before he could continue towards his sister, the King and Queen took to the floor to announce a dance, before inviting all the intended to step forth and form a line, when Jonathan looked back to find his sister she had already made for the floor. So he opted for simply falling in line with the other young lords.

Jonathan took his position in between Howell and Benjy, both the Daverny sons, the presence of the two making him uncomfortable, as if he were about to be jumped and mugged. He didn't usually harbour such stereotypical feelings, he spent a lot of time in the Southern Shores, he was used to their presence. He then watched as the woman lined up before them, his mind clicked then, he wasn't wary of the Davernys, he was simply nervous about the dance and was projecting it onto whatever presence was most familiar, he would have chuckled to himself if he wasn't surrounded by such watchful eyes so simply smiled at the lady before him.

Her blonde hair held up by golden pins adorned with pearls and her dress matched their colours, a lovely golden trim with a pearl fabric being the most present. He observed her features, his inner artist taking in the subtle details. Her beauty was subtle, the pallor of her skin, which revealed why they called her the Swan Princess, simply accentuating the shadows around her eyes and the beauty mark just slightly above her lip, and the indent to the left of her lip, noticeable only by the faint shadow.

He smiled at her before bowing, "Lady Cavalier, may I have this dance?" As he bowed, he stretched out his hand for her to take, waiting patiently with a smile on his face. "Although, please do not vomit on me." His jest was meant to tease and not offend, indicated simply by his playful smile and soft tone.

Vivienne blended in with a group of courtiers, they were at the court often enough to get enough information about the other families, they mainly gossiped about the families, including the Chaimbers, making Vivienne chuckle at their ignorance and herself for believing they would be of any use to her. She remained with them, however, saving herself from being a social pariah and being seen at the ball sitting looking out the window at the garden. As luck would have it, she wouldn't be with them for very long as the royal children finally presented themselves. Vivienne curtsied as they descended the stairs, she listened with a smile on her face at the announcement of a dance, before the Queen had even finished she made her way to the floor, paying little attention to where she stood.

Vivienne smoothed out her dress as she awaited her partner to appear, if it was her first time playing the game that is court intrigue she would have fiddled with her hair and even ensured the placement of her jewellery was just right, but then she would have revealed herself from behind her mask. As she ran her hands down the fabric one last time, she heard a strong, somewhat charming voice address her. “Lady Vivienne… Right?” She looked up from her dress to see him, his golden mane cushioning a silver crown, whilst simultaneously curtaining his strong jaw and proud cheekbones. His hazel eyes nestled in the sockets above taking on a more cobalt blue colour, the same eyes that locked with her deep blue ones as he bowed, she took his hand and curtsied, low enough to be at the same level. "Prince Castillon." She smiled at his smirk, his eyes never breaking from hers except to blink. "One might be considered about that grin, particularly if one is to believe the rumours around these very halls." The tone of her voice soft and sweet, with no intended malice, and her smile the same.

Setting

The Black Keep

Characters Present

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#2017-01-10 00:57:48, as written by TheCrimsonLady

JONAH ALLYRION
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Eldest Child | The Winter's Wolf
#E80000 | Outfit

CLARA ALLYRION
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Only Daughter | The Winter's Child
#388E8E | Outfit

Clara rang the fabric of her dress as they waited for the Princes, and the Princess to arrive. She looked around the room and saw that not just a few families were here but ALL of the families were her. Everyone in the Cradle was present, even the Davernys to whom Jonah always called pirates, even if they technically weren't since The King hadn't issued a mandate saying that what they did was illegal. Of course, she couldn't tell Jonah that because he'd still call them pirates. They were privateers if anything. She took a breath, looked at all of the beautiful girls, most of them with brilliant yellow hair, and while hers was a deep midnight black, she seemed to be the only one. She looked around again, besides the Throne daughter....Sylva? If Clara remembered correctly. While, no one had her dark curls, golden amber eyes, and warm skin, she still felt unimpressive and to make matters worse, she wasn't healthy either. "Now, Songbird, try to relax." Jonah said, obviously noting her nervous habit. She dropped the bit of fabric and closed her hands. "What if I cough?" She muttered to him, trying not to move her lips much. On the ride, Mother told her to try to at least appear healthy, she didn't want any of the other girls to know how ill she was, or the Prince for that matter. Though Clara knew she wouldn't make a good wife because of her illness, Mother didn't want anyone to know that. "You only do that in the cold and it's summer here," Jonah said in the same hushed tone. "Besides, Their winters are our summers, you'll be fine."
He assured her just before the herald blew his horn.
”My Lords, My Ladies, It is my honor to present to you the royal children of the family Castillon.”
Just then, arms locked the Princes and the Princess walked out. Clara swallowed, feeling small and out of place, while Jonah gaped like a fool at the Princess. Clara was about to elbow him but she stopped as they were introduced.
”Eldest son to the King and Queen, heir to the Blackvale Rhaegar, his twin brother, Prince and King’s Guard Brom and their sister Gwendolynn.”

Clara's eyes went to the focus of this party, Prince Rhaegar. He was handsome, looked strong and he had a kindness in his eyes. She felt a little at ease for a moment and then thought. Right now, she looked like the picture of health, something she was very not, she knew all too well, looks could be deceiving.

Cursing her pragmatism, she took a breath, she could feel the rawness of an incoming cough in the back of her throat. If she could get some water, or perhaps fresh air...or better yet, out of this freezing corset, she'd felt better.

It was then that that King Magnus stood, and a hush fell over the crowd.
“I would like to thank you all for making the long journey to the Black Keep. We are pleased to accept you all into our home for the summer. Although our time together is to hopefully make new alliances and marriages between our children it is also a chance for us all to get a chance to know each other and create new friendships where we previously wouldn’t have the opportunity. So I’d like you all to make yourselves at home and please do enjoy yourselves.” He said and Jonah twitched beside her. He turned to their mother, who Clara forgot was behind them this entire time, only to get swatting and shushed. Jonah turned back as the Queen stood. "I suppose I'm not the only one to be wedded this season, Am I, Brother?"
"Don't you start..."Jonah replied only from them both to receive sharp shushes from their mother. Clara merely smiled but it faded when the Queen began to speak.

“In celebration of the beginning of this great summer and new friends, we invite all of our children in the dance of the Blackvale.” Clara's eyes went wide as the Castillion children were gestured to the middle of the ballroom floor. She looked at her brother, who was the one smiling now. He had the princess in his sights, and probably was looking forward to dancing with all of the women. Clara did not want to dance with anyone.

"Clara...You'll be fine, you've done this dance a million times." Jonah told her, casting a glance at Mother but since he was consoling her, Mother said nothing. Father was as stoic and watching as always.

Clara merely nodded. She had done this dance, but it had only been with Jonah and the first few times, she'd broken into a horrible coughing fit. It was the middle of winter though so if Jonah was right, that shouldn't be a problem.

Clara merely sighed as the Queen continued.
“The dance is simple. Our strapping young men will line up across from the beautiful young ladies. They share a dance with the woman across from them and when the song changes you switch partners. The dance is over when you’ve danced with every young man or woman.” She instructed and Clara looked around. Every young man? Would she have to truly dance with every man here? Clara felt herself beginning to panic. She took a few deep breaths, and a cough tried to surface but she held it back as best she could. Jonah gave her an appraising look and she nodded. One of their many wordless conversations that usually only happened whenever he was worried about her but didn't want to worry Mother.

"Go on." Their mother told them as the others began to line up, and Jonah gave Clara a smile, and a nod before separating from her and moving to the opposite line.
She moved to the line and didn't make any move to assert herself. She was never a sociable person, quite the opposite so she hung back, hoping to be passed up.

Instead, the Prince, the heir no less, came forward, his eyes on her, and her olive cheeks flushed red. She looked around her and behind because surely he wasn't after tiny little Clara but no, he reached out for her, taking her hand and guiding her in front of him. Her eyes were wide. She knew it, she felt it them staring wild at him.

“Apologizes, but I think I could handle this evening better having the first dance with a familiar face.” He said and she blinked, her face no longer frozen like a deer. "Familiar?" She muttered but he didn't hear her, not over the music and her voice was always soft, raising it would cause her to cough and no one needed that. He bowed to her and she fumbled a curtsy that she knew her mother would keel over and die if she saw. Clara glanced and either her mother didn't see it, or she was holding her reaction until later.

“Of course, you can always dance with someone else,” He told her and she smiled, albeit a bit awkwardly and shook her head, missing that he had offered his hand and since he was not Jonah, he wouldn't know that she merely meant that was fine and not that she was declining the offer.
“Being paraded around always makes me a little nervous.” He said and offered a smile that eased her tension. She laughed before placing her hand in his. "It's alright, Your Grace, I understand better than you think." she said and chuckled. "I must admit, I must have been very small, the last we met, I fear I don't remember you, I know of you, but no memories of my own, I'm afraid." She said, knowing that she probably shouldn't be that honest but being bedridden for so many years, cut off from people, she didn't have many of the social graces most people developed, she spoke her mind far too much most of the time.
"When last were you in the North?" She asked, as the music picked up, and she allowed him to lead her as Jonah would have.

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Jonah having left Clara on the other side of the line, watched as the men chose their partners. To his surprise, Rhaegar went straight for Clara, and soon enough she was smiling. That was a good sign...he hoped. Clara could be rather despondent so for someone other than him to get her to smile was something he was glad for. Turning his attention from his little sister, he eyed the women. They were all so lovely but who to choose? His first thought was for the Princess but he didn't want to be so forward, she was the Princess, after all, surely she would not be dancing alone and besides, he would have wanted to make a good impression and he noticed that eagerness was not exactly charming in the eyes of women, at least not in the women he came across.

Then his eye caught sight of the eldest Greyson. She looked formidable. She would be a challenge. He could see it in her eyes. Sweet words would not do for a woman like her, she had a light in her eyes that was all too familiar but whose they belonged to, he did not know. She was tall, carried herself like a fighter, being one himself, he knew it when he saw it. Jonah smirked. He made his choice.

He sauntered up to her. "My Lady Rosalyn."He said, hoping to the Gods that he did not confuse her for one of her sisters. Mother made he and Clara memorize the names of the children from the families, and while he'd heard them being introduced, he wasn't entirely confident in his memory of them to be sure. All of them were blonde, but this one was tall, unlike her sisters. When she didn't correct him on her name, he assumed he guessed right. He gave her his wolfish grin and bowed gracefully. "Magnus Allyrion, but please do call me, Jonah, might I have the honor of your first dance" He asked, using his charm in his expression as oppose to his words as he offered her his hand.

Setting

The Black Keep

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#2017-01-10 14:43:22, as written by CabbageAngel

LARA CAVALIER
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Eldest Child | The White Frog, Swan Princess
#A8C5EA | Outfit

Lara eventually and painfully her attention away from the Davernys who had just entered the ballroom to watch the Castillon siblings be flaunted to their company. Her gaze fixated on the to-be king in silent resignation, as she saw no reason to shy away from observing the Blackvale's most wanted bachelor. He knew they wanted him and was probably ignoring the stares, including her own. Ah, no, there could be no staring. Only coy glances. Despite this Lara stared still before raising one eyebrow and busying herself by looking inconspicuously around the ballroom, whistling inside of her head. At least he seems easy to fall in love with, she reassured herself despite being a little disappointed at the lack of "love at first sight". Sure, such a thing was unrealistic, but was she forbidden from dreaming? At the same time, she was relieved to not have been poisoned with mushy love-sickness despite how it would've made things easier. Feeling ill, she distracted herself by looking up at the ceiling and entertaining a small, unusual thought.

"What is running through your mind..." James whispered to her as the Queen called for a dance, "... Frog?"

Lara didn't want to divulge that the only thing "running" through her mind since arriving had been her tiny subconscious screaming "I'm doooooooooooomed", and she especially didn't want to explain that she had just been speculating what it meant to relate oneself to a wall, a floor or a ceiling so instead, she lied.

"I'm going to have to fight them," she said suddenly, like the epiphany had just hit her. "I see no other way to win. I must tie soap to the Prince's shoes so when they chase, they fall and break their necks." She swiped up a goblet of red wine from a passing platter and held it up high in a toast. "Here's to the Prince going down with them so they can call this entire mistake off." She shielded her face from the crowds as she chugged the entire thing down, her father watching on disapprovingly.

"Not so loud. Such loose talk can be interpreted as treason," he shushed then frowned when she didn't repent immediately and instead muttered something about the wine being strong stuff. "You cannot be se-"

Lara shot him a dark sideways look. "I'm deadly serious," she uttered. Barely a moment passed before her hardened features relaxed into a little amused smile. "Of course not, anyone could have heard me. I'll have to think of something else now." Her eyes trailed up to the magnificent chandeliers adorning the ceiling, mischief in her eyes as she remembered her daydream from earlier. She gestured up at them suggestively with a nod as she swapped out her empty cup for a full one.

"Battle plans for a ball are thoroughly unnecessary."

"This is a battlefield. All the women secretly try to knock competition off the dance floor. That, is why they make our skirts so ridiculous." She swooshed her excessive skirts around her to prove a point then hurriedly sipped at her wine when it threatened to leap from the cup. James watched her gravely and she walked back to him sheepishly. "I only make jests, Father. I'm going to be fine. My skirt could shroud a bear, I can't possibly lose."

"There's no shame in retreating to the gardens once you've had enough, but you will go no further." Lara smiled gratefully, despite knowing he was basically telling her not to run away. "Be careful."

She curtsied. "I just won't say anything." Interesting.

With that she bustled over to one of the final places in the line. Despite all her attempts at humour, her mood hadn't improved and unease settled like dust on her tongue. It was then that she realised she had claimed her place between two Davernys, the sons of the house she had been watching with as much excitement as a boy seeing his first jousting match. Her eyes darted between the two almost half expecting them to pull out cutlasses and take the entire castle hostage... and the King to reveal that they were all kidnapped and had to take part in some blood sport for his children's favour in which her soap trick proved victorious but alas, such fantasies existed only in her head. The daydreaming young woman almost forgot that she had a dance partner of her own in front of her before he spoke.

"Lady Cavalier, may I have this dance?" Her attention was stolen by the dark-haired man bowing before her. She tilted her head only slightly as she peered at him, her face crinkling with curiosity at who the man could be. She concluded that he had a handsome face - was there anyone in the court who didn't - that while plain in comparison to some of the nobleman, was littered with enough tiny imperfections to be interesting to her, such as the small brown dot beneath his right eye. She felt that if she were to look away for a moment then return her gaze to him, she would discover some new crease or shadow to color him with. If he were a treasure chest, she thought unabashedly, he would be made of pine and leather, and hold old papers inside. Probably of something boring, like a merchant's accounts.

"Although, please do not vomit on me."

What a gentleman. Lara shut the metaphorical chest in front with a snap. Of course, she already knew this was going to happen. A look at the man's face told her this was a lighthearted jest that under usual circumstances Lara would laugh at however this time it felt as though her heart had been shot, merely because she had failed in enacting her plan of being openly self-deprecating before anybody could tease her. Being the only noblewoman present to have been sick on the groom on her wedding day certainly took her down from a six to a two in terms of desirability. Her eyes trailed down guiltily to the goblet she had forgotten was still in her hand. A servant was already hurrying over to assist her and she quickly took a final drink before solemnly passing it over. She looked down at her partner and placed her slim yet surprisingly calloused hand in his.

"It would be my honor," she said with a polite smile, "Lord Chaimbers." She ticked over what she just said and quickly added on, "To dance with you. And to not vomit on you, I suppose. I'm sorry my reputation has you concerned." After all, if the story had made it to as far as the West, it had to pass through, somehow... that blob of land being the Vale, home of the Castillons themselves. After that stumble she stopped talking and let him lead her into the opening bars of the music. After watching the other dancers begin to talk she looked up at the man - who was either Jonathan or Frederick, she could not recall which of these names belonged to the eldest Chaimbers son - and her eyes narrowed, the way they always did when she was about to ask a question. "Forgive me for asking, my Lord, but from whom did you hear of that story?"

Setting

The Black Keep

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#2017-01-11 06:59:07, as written by FaddedFox

AVERY THATCHER
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Eldest Son | The Armadillo
#FF4500 | Outfit

ELLIOT THATCHER
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Youngest Son | The Casanova
#551A8B | Outfit

ILENE THATCHER
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Only Daughter | The Thorny Rose
#CD1076 | Outfit

Avery glanced around at the families gathered after their introduction and realized that almost all of the families had arrived. There were the Thornes, Graysons, Allyrions, Chambers, and the Cavaliers. Had his own family been the last to arrive? How long had the other families been waiting? He thought they had made relatively good time. And then he heard the door as another family was announced. Ah, the Daverny. How could he forget the strange and yet intriguing Daverny? He didn't often hear their name or hear about them really. He supposed it was nice that at least he could finally put more faces to the names rolling around in his head. The Davernys' dress was intriguing to say the least. He wondered what they had seen of the world. By far he was sure they were the most world savvy. He was itching to ask them about the different places they must have visited. What were the Misty Isles like anyway?

"Do you see anyone you fancy, brother?" Elliot asked as he too scanned the room for someone of interest, breaking Avery's wanderlust pondering.

"Not really. I mean I would like to speak to Clara of the Allyrion family. I haven't heard much about her. It would be fun to talk to Marriane of the Daverny. I am sure she would offer by far the most intriguing conversations. She doesn't look like so many of the other women, concerned with dress and primping."

"You do realize I am standing right beside you," Ilene asked with an eyebrow raised. "I am a lady, concerned with dress and pimping."

"You don't count,"

"You don't count,"[/color Avery and Elliot answered her in unison. Avery gave her a smile then. [color=#FF4500]"You are our sister and I know you have more on your mind that snatching a prince," he answered. "I doubt most of them want to even associate with us since we don't wear crowns. How about the two of you, any fancy?"

Ilene shrugged idly. "Not sure yet. They are all fetching," she answered but like her brother, she was far more interested in their personality, rather than appearance.

"You two are a bore," Elliot answered. "I would personally love a tumble with Howell or Jonah. And Johnathan is a cutie. There is a subtle look I like about him."

"Please behave yourself," Ilene implored. "If you do anything here, it will go beyond reprimand by our parents hand. I'd rather have you sullen and sulky then beheaded for a misunderstanding," she warned.

"Relax! I am not going to be stupid," he reassured. He'd watch, test the waters. He liked his head where it was to.

The three siblings were brought out of their revere when the royal family finally introduced their children. The family, like all the others, bowed and curtsied as was proper. Avery was about to pull his gaze away when he caught sight of the princess. He couldn't help but give a double take. He had never seen a beauty like hers. He had no love of the power mongering and originally, had no interest in her but to see her in the flesh... she was truly the most beautiful person in the room. Then again, it was just her physical appearance. What was behind those polished jewels and political smile? He didn't want another girl in his life that only cared about events such as these and looking 'pretty'. He was far more interested in learning more about her on a personal level, gauge who she was as a person. He shook his head to himself. This was all politics. She wouldn't tell the truth. Then again... he would try and find a way to ask her for a dance before the night was out. Or maybe... maybe not. He wanted to distance himself from the fight that would no doubt ensue. Maybe he'd find a way to talk to her another way. He didn't want her to think he was like everyone else, even if he did decide to pursue her in any manner.

"You are oogling," Ilene tsked though she was trying not to smirk. She was honestly surprised how instantly taken her older brother was with the princess.

Avery flushed and brought his gaze down. He was already figure out how he wanted to talk to Gwen when the queen announced the dancing. They had to dance with every lord and lady, respectively? That was good and bad, he supposed. He didn't really want to dance with everyone but it would hopefully make the evening go by faster. People were already lining up.

"Careful to keep your gaze on the woman you are dancing with," Ilene teased Avery with a subtle bump on his hip.

"I know, I know," Avery answered. "Let's go get in line."

Elliot led the way to the line with Ilene close behind. While Avery moved down the line, Ilene ended up standing beside the princess and offered her a smile when the princess looked her way. "Hello, your highness," she greeted politely. She looked forward, assuming that Elliot was going to try and dance with her first so he could gossip about the lords he wished he was dancing with. When Elliot instead stood in front of Gwen, her eyebrows reached for her hairline. What was her silly little brother up to?

Elliot himself was indeed up to something. He may not be looking for a love relationship this summer, but having friends in other families was always a bonus. You never knew what could happen in the future. He had looked over the ladies available and quickly took up his place in front of none other than the princess. He figured she would appreciate her first dance being with someone who wasn't after her hand in marriage. And considering the whispering he heard between Ilene and Avery, he'd realize that Avery was smitten with her. Maybe he could see if her personality would match up with his brother. All teasing aside, he loved his siblings dearly and he wanted for them the happiness they deserved. He had far more freedom than they did. And he was blessed with being able to take risks without too much consequence or fear. Well, time to put his neck out there. This could end badly but you didn't get anywhere without risk.

He gave Gwen a flourishing bow as she curtsied for him and took her hand to kiss her knuckles in the most charming way he could and gave her a smile. "Good eve, my princess. I was hoping you'd do me the honor of being your first partner in the long series of dances we are about to undertake," he said. He stepped just a little closer to bring his voice down as he added, "I am not after your hand, or your honor, do not fret about that. Just a friend to dance with," He offered her a smile and a playful wink. "If men were compasses pointing north, my compass lies south, if you take my meaning."

Avery was a bit surprised that his brother had gone to ask the princess for a dance. What was he playing at? He didn't have long to dwell on that however. He turned his attention to the available ladies and his eyes settled on one of the Grayson daughters. He took a moment running through the names before he figured out who she was. The second eldest if he wasn't mistaken.

He moved to stand opposite her and gave her a pleasant bow and kissed her knuckles just as his brother did to Gwen. "Lady Seraphina, would you mind terribly honoring me with your first dance?" he asked and offered her his hand, head still slightly bowed to show his consideration to her choice.

Setting

The Black Keep

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#2017-01-14 14:01:45, as written by Bartholomew Finch

MARYNN DAVERNY
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Only Daughter | The Quarter Master
#567580 | Outfit

BENJY DAVERNY
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Youngest Child | The First Mate
#5BA664 | Outfit

HOWELL DAVERNY
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Eldest Son | The Swordsman
#DEAD83 | Outfit

”It is my honor to present to you the royal children of the family Castillon.” All the attention in the room seemed to shift to the Castillons in an instant. And for that, the Daverny children were most grateful. Following the steps that were taken by the rest of the families, the three of them turned their attentions to the princes and princess. They looked as noble as their titles proclaimed to be, but if one were to look hard enough they would see the difference. Varying degree's of reluctance, but also, a great amount of strength within each of them. Marynn did not linger her gaze on any one of them, instead, taking in the room as a whole.

Her brothers - well, they were much more interested. Howell never wavered his gaze from the Princess, seemingly contemplative. Of course, Benjy's stare was more lustful than appreciative. He didn't often go for powerful women, they were much harder to bed let alone engage in conversation. But he thought he could make an exception for a princess.

As soon as that spectacle was over the Queen began to speak, drawing Marynns attention back. Howell already listening with rapt attention, but losing Benjy in the process. He instead began to survey, just as Marynn had done earlier but his focus landed mostly on the women of the room, Trying to get a lay of the land before he attempted to speak with any of them. These weren't the ditzy women that walked the shanties, no, these women were sophisticated. More's the pity - he'll have to work for his dues here.

“In celebration of the beginning of this great summer and new friends, we invite all of our children in the dance of the Blackvale.” As the Queen motioned to her children, Marynn realizes that she had been holding her breath. “The dance is simple,” she launches into an explanation, even though the two eldest Davernys think it's probably simple enough to figure out for themselves. Dances aren't usually that intricate. “Our strapping young men will line up across from the beautiful young ladies. They share a dance with the woman across from them and when the song changes you switch partners. The dance is over when you’ve danced with every young man or woman.”

They had known this was coming, but so soon after introductions? Marynn glanced between her brothers with mild desperation. At least at some point, she'll be able to take a rest by dancing with them. That at least should cut out a bit of the anxiety crawling up her gut. But before she could even manage to voice her issues their mother appeared by their side. While she spoke to the boys, her eyes lingered on Marynn with the usual amount of malice.

"None of you will cause a scene, understand?" They did, more so than Lady Elena could ever believe them. Benjy, the most likely to do something wrong nodded despite his devious grin. "Of course mother," He answered, too polite to be anything but deception. Howell scowls and Marynn tries not to let her nervousness show in her small chuckle.

"Good, we want to make a good impression here," Elena took a moment to look at the already forming dance partners. "Now hurry along." Fully dismissed, the boys went along their merry way. But Marynn was stopped momentarily as Hector appeared, a drink in hand - why did he get to drown his suffering in alcohol while she had to be completely sober.

"Marynn dear, do try not to castrate any of them." Hector spoke between a laugh and a wink, "If any of them have anything to Castrate that is." While Elena was not amused, she said nothing as Marynn shared the laugh. "I'll try not to." She's grateful for his attempt to make light of the situation. A bit of the nervousness ebbing away as she regains her strength of mind. She would not let something so small as a dance bring out any weakness in her. She is a Daverny, and Davernys are as strong as they come.

Deciding that she'd best line up now before she is left behind - as much as she would like that - she steps in, just barely straightening herself out before one of the Thornes is stepping in front of her. Sylas, she thinks is his name, only memorable because of who the Thorne's are. She can't exactly deny how handsome he is, but that doesn't mean she is exactly grateful to be dancing with him - in fact, she'd much rather not dance at all. He'd soon find out just how big of a mistake choosing her as his first dance partner would be.

He bows and offers his right hand. "Ms. Daverny," He says, and she tries not to balk. Her dress nearly trips her up as she curtsies once more, glad that she has yet to fall flat on her face. The damned sleeves get in the way as she offers her hand, hoping that her light hold doesn't show too much of her reluctance.

"Lord Thorne," She nods, tone light but not without its usual edge of misguided sourness. "Calling me Marynn is alright, or Mary if you prefer informalities." She tries her best to muster a smile that her mother would be proud of (ugh) without it seeming too fake, "I should warn that I am not very good at dancing."

~*~

Benjy had hoped to swoop in and steal a dance with the Princess, but it looked like someone had already beat him there. However, he was unconcerned with his bad luck and chose instead to just line up nearby his sister. Soon joined by an intense brunette who didn't exactly seem thrilled. Benjy doesn't fancy himself women like her, she reminds him too much of his own mother with the intensity of her gaze and the strength nod doubt hiding behind her formal attire. But, non-the-less she is beautiful and he would be a fool not to want to dance with her.

“Lord Daverny.” Even her tone of voice is strong. He grins, bowing as he is supposed to and takes her hand kindly. "Lady Thorne, I must say that you are very beautiful." Somehow, he knows that his usual lines won't work on a lady such as herself. But, he didn't feel like working for it either. They would dance, and perhaps converse a bit, and then he would be off to the next. Hopefully, causing as much grief as possible in the short time they are given to dance. His mother would not be thrilled to know of his plans - but he didn't care for her thoughts either.

Had she wanted him to behave she would have left him at home. He did not pretend to be the same as Howell, the prim and proper son of the family. Benjy prescribed to a much grimier side of things.

~*~

Howell was fully in his element here, the formality of the event something he enjoys immensely. As well as, he isn't the worst of dance partners out there. He worries only for a moment about his siblings. Benjy's lack of grace and Marynns hopelessness when it comes to anything like this. But, they are not his concern at the moment. He watches as the dancers are quickly lining up, and finally eyes a pretty blonde without a partner, one of the Thatchers - Ilene, he remembers her name at last. His knowledge of the other families surpassing most of his family. They were unconcerned with anyone outside of the Vale and the Misty Isles, but Howell took far more interest in the way that the other families worked.

He moves in across from her, giving her a kind smile. He doesn't want to put off any sort of thuggish air - he isn't like his brother - nor does he wish to be as stand-offish as his sister. Howell put himself far above the standards they set. Bowing, and offering a hand to her.

"Lady Thatcher, would you be so kind as to give me your first dance?"

Setting

The Black Keep

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#2017-01-15 04:46:13, as written by mjolnir

RHAEGAR CASTILLON
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Heir to Blackvale | The Falcon
#B70909 | Outfit

BROM CASTILLON
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Prince | The Peacock
#061B62 | Outfit

SYLAS THORNE
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Heir to Dark Wood | The Viper
#999999 | Outfit

GWENDOLYNN CASTILLON
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Princess | The Little Dove
#F56E6F | Outfit

Brom made no attempt to divert his gaze from the beautiful blonde before him. He found it surprising for the Black Keep to be an overwhelming sea of blonde. It seemed the golden hair blended from one head to the next aside from the pirates, the Thornes and his very fiery sister. Even himself and his brother part of that overwhelming pool. But he never worried for a second that he'd be lost in the crowd. Even if he wasn't wearing his crown, him and his brother seemed to tower over a majority of the guests.

His thoughts were brought back to the present circumstances when the enchanting woman before him took placed her own satin palmed hand in his, curtsying so that she could meet his bow. "Prince Castillon."

"Oh my dear, you may call me Brom... Or call upon me tonight, I wouldn't mind." Brom quirked his left brow as his pressed his lips upon the top of her hand as he stood back upright, taking a step towards her.

"One might be considered about that grin, particularly if one is to believe the rumours around these very halls."

Brom cocked his head as he turned to stand to the left of Vivienne, holding her left hand in his right. He waited for the music to begin and moved instep with the dance along the promenade part of the dance. The young woman looked naive and younger than what her age probably was. Her features were soft and curved. But even behind the sweet innocence she portrayed he felt there was something a bit more devious behind those golden locks.

When the dance called for them to face one another again, he placed his free hand on her waist. Brom then began to twirl her around, finally deciding to reply to her previous comment, "Rumors?" He played innocent even though his smirk was deceiving his tone. "Do enlighten me because I fear I do not know what you speak of." He released her waist to twirl her beneath his palm. He then pulled Vivienne in closer so that they were chest to chest and whispered, "I'm an angel."

***

It was obvious to Rhaegar that Clara took note of all the eyes that were upon them. After all he was the heir so no matter what he did, the entire party was going to be focused on him and all of his decisions. "Familiar?" she asked in response to his comment but she said it so softly he didn't catch it.

When she went to curtsey but fumbled, Rhaegar was quick to step towards her, gently taking hold of her shoulders to keep her from falling. "Are you alright my lady?"

Clara seemed to smile and chuckle at his honesty about not enjoying the pomp and circumstance behind this arrangement and placed her hand in his. "It's alright, Your Grace, I understand better than you think." Rhaegar smiled glad that someone understood how odd this whole situation felt. Generation after generation parents were doing this to their children, probably hating it as much as they did... but then they went on to doing it to their kids. He made a mental note that when he had kids of his own, they could marry whom they wanted.

"I must admit, I must have been very small, the last we met, I fear I don't remember you, I know of you, but no memories of my own, I'm afraid. When last were you in the North?"

Rhaegar turned with the line of other young Lords and Ladies, walking the intro of the dance as he held Clara's hand. Out of sync with the dance he playfully twirled her before bringing her in towards him, and placing his hand on her waist. "I do believe it's been the better part of a decade. My brother," he started as he moved with elegance as he guided her around the ballroom in accordance with the dance his mother drilled into his head. "It must have been when he decided to become King's guard. I believe we took him to the North to train under your father. Understandable that I would remember you and not vice versa. I was 17 or 18 which would have made you... 8, I believe?"

He released Clara's waist and gently guided her through a twirl, before bringing her close yet again. Rhaegar smiled towards his siblings when he caught their gaze before looking back towards his partner. "So are you hoping to find love this summer? Or did you come because your parents wanted you to?"

***

Gwen raised a brow at the very extravagant bow her dancing partner made towards her. He then took her hand and place a tender kiss upon her knuckles. "Good eve, my princess. I was hoping you'd do me the honor of being your first partner in the long series of dances we are about to undertake," Elliot said. When the young blonde smiled towards her, Gwen returned it with her own smile. She hoped she looked sincere even though deep down she wanted nothing more than to run out into the gardens and disappear up in a tree. He took a step closer to her with took her by surprise but she didn't pull away. "I am not after your hand, or your honor, do not fret about that. Just a friend to dance with," he winked towards her.

Gwendolynn inhaled sharply as she turned to stand beside him, walking to the beat of the music. She didn't quite believe his words because what better way to get close to a princess other than claiming not to want anything to do with her. His next words though caught her off guard, "If men were compasses pointing north, my compass lies south, if you take my meaning."

She turned to face Elliot, freezing in place until a couple behind them cleared their throats loudly in an attempt to get them to move. Gwen quickly picked up her pace, turning to face him scooping up the train of her dress in her free hand. It was a few moments into the dance before she finally connected the dots. "Oooohhh..." She laughs at how stupid she felt when she connected the dots. "I'm afraid my lord, that there may not be much in that realm here at the Black Keep. I don't know if there will be anyone to satiate that appetite."

Gwendolynn was able to finally exhale a deep breath almost worried she might pop her corset. But it was nice knowing she didn't have to put on airs for the first dance of the night. She was nervous enough as it is, having to dance with someone who would try to seduce their way into her bed or status wasn't something she wanted to deal with just yet.

***

Sylas tried not to scoff or simply walk away when the Daverny woman seemed to be having more trouble with her dress that it was worth. None of the other women seemed to have issues but then again it looked like this one wasn't used to walking on land for more than a moment or two, or in anything that wasn't trousers. He grasp on his hand was light, no doubt she was looking forward to this dance about as much as he was.

"Lord Thorne," she started. At least she knew who he was, that's a start. "Calling me Marynn is alright, or Mary if you prefer informalities." She smiled towards him as he began to lead her side by side following the line of partners.

"Ah well, my Lady Mayrnn, you may call me Sylas." He gently turned her, placing his other hand on the back side of her ribcage.

"I should warn that I am not very good at dancing."

Sylas could see right past the fake smile. She seemed as uncomfortable with dancing as she was in that dress but no matter he wasn't going to let on. It was too soon to show his true colors so he simply smiled his charming effortless smile that made his eyes seem to sparkle even if they masked his true disgust with this whole evening. "You are in lucky my lady, for I've been told I'm an excellent dancer." With a soft press on her back he guided her into a twirl. "But it is fortunate that this dance is simple. A bow and a curtsey, promenade, break off into pairs, a few twirls... And then switch." When he said switch, he spun her again. "The most difficult part is pretending like we actually enjoy this boring dance."

Sylas gave a slight chuckle. The Dance of Blackvale was horrid and boring. Nothing short of doing the same exact same thing over and over again. Simple enough for this dull crowd.

***

The King watched as the younger generation moved together to begin dancing. He could see their hesitance and disdain as plain as day on their face. He couldn't help but feel a sinking sensation in his gut. He wished it was easy enough to allow them to marry whom they wanted when they wanted. This was there glimmer of a chance but their pool of options was small. Arranged marriages never turned out remotely as well as they should.

His gaze drifted towards his wife with the thought. Magnus leaned towards her, pressing his lips against her cheek in a loveless kiss. "I am going to converse with our guests my love." With that he stepped down form the royal podium and worked his way through the crowd. When he caught only a momentary glimpse of his daughters gaze he gave her a smile and a playful wink.

Magnus wasn't sure where he was going, his feet carried him and before he knew it, he found himself before her. She hadn't aged a day, looking radiant as ever. She didn't try to look younger or hide her age like the Queen did. Her age was shown like a badge of honor to show her accomplishments and she wore it well. He couldn't help but smile as he bowed before her, taking her hand in his and placing a long lingering kiss upon it. "Elizabeth, lovely as ever."

He then looked towards Robert, smiling in greeting and shaking his hand. "You take very good care of all your girls. They've grown up to be such beauties, you must be proud." His gaze drifted to Elizabeth for a moment before back towards her husband, "Might I have your permission to walk about the room with your wife?" He asked Robert out of kindness as he held out an offered arm towards Elizabeth. If her husband denied him the offer, Magnus would find another way to get an audience with her, after all he was the king. But he was never one to cause futile disputes in the middle of a celebration.

Setting

The Black Keep

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#2017-01-15 13:47:11, as written by TheCrimsonLady

JONAH ALLYRION
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Eldest Child | The Winter's Wolf
#E80000 | Outfit

CLARA ALLYRION
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Only Daughter | The Winter's Child
#388E8E | Outfit

"If we must." Lady Rosalyn said and Jonah couldn't help but chuckle. He knew she wasn't going to be easily won, not that, that was his intention but still. He was glad to have been proven right. He could meet only so much polite and admittedly insipid women in one lifetime without wanting to fall on his own sword.
She followed him to the circle, and at once, appraised him with a hum and a raised brow. He knew this face, but for the life of him, he couldn't place it. "From the looks of you, you are a soldier. Most soldiers aren't graceful, so if you are too afraid of stepping n my feet, I could always lead you." She told him and Jonah outright laughed at that. Oh yes, formidable indeed. He took her slender fingers and rose her knuckles to his lips, brushing a soft kiss against the skin. Her skin was soft but still rougher than that of his sister and mother. It was the tips of her fingers that were rougher than the skin on the rest of her hand. Archery, or Throwing knives, if he had to guess. Perhaps she was a hunter too?

"Oh, My Lady, while it goes against my principles to tell a woman she is wrong, I must inform you, I am a not a soldier, I am a Ranger." He said after cupping her hand with the one that held it and wrapping a hand around her waist, keeping a respectable distance away from the small of her back as they were giving their cues to begin. He led her in the dance, his steps light, and quiet.

"Soldiers aren't meant to be graceful, they are meant to be loud, they are meant to seen and heard coming" He told her as he swirled them both, his back straight and his grip on her hand and waist firm but gentle, considering how they'd only just met and he did not want to seem too forward or controlling. It wasn't his way, he was always the one to let the woman have it her way and with a woman like Rosalyn, it was probably a safer bet.

"Rangers, however, are trained to be quiet, to not be seen or heard until it is too late, that means, we are to be light on our feet." He said, twirling her gracefully, to prove his point before he gave her his wolfish grin as a thought occurred to him.

As much as he wanted to flirt with her, he was curious. She noticed he was a fighter, that much was obvious, but that also meant that she had to be good, well trained to be able to spot another fighter. "Though, I will admit, I am much more interested in hunting with you than dancing." He said, hoping he didn’t offend her, but she seemed like a woman who wouldn't be offended by a man choosing to focus on a skill, something that was selected personally rather than a dance which most were forced to learn if his sister's lessons were anything to go by.

"You noticed I was a fighter, and I noticed the same of you. Which means that you know a thing or two, Your weapon of choice....Bow and Arrow, or Throwing knives, something light but takes focus, patience..." He said, not wanting to make her feel self-conscious about the small callouses on the tips of her fingers and focused on what it would take to use those weapons rather than the obvious tells. "Archery, is my guess, Am I wrong?"

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Before the prince was able to answer her, he led her in line with the others, holding her hand. Suddenly, he twirled her, her dress blooming around her legs before she was gently tugged toward him, his hand on her waist. Clara let out a small giggle of surprised. Her nerves were gone all of a sudden.

"I do believe it's been the better part of a decade. My brother," He began, as he glided across the ballroom, and with her nerves gone, her feet followed with relative ease. It was as if she were dancing in the great hall of the Shadow Keep with Jonah, something she'd been doing since she was very small. "It must have been when he decided to become King's guard. I believe we took him to the North to train under your father. Understandable that I would remember you and no vice versa, I was 17 or 18 which would have made you...8, I believe?" He said and she smiled, nodding. He knew, or rather remembered how old she was. That was refreshing though a bit sad. She didn't remember him. She was eight at the time, and that was during the years of her seclusion. She wasn't allowed out of the chambers, she was barely conscious during those years. The doctors had her drinking tea that made her sleep. She hated that tea. He might have been able to visit her in her chambers but if she were awake she was hardly lucid. She did remember once seeing the King. She remembered thinking he looked bright, like the sun.

Rhaegar twirled her again, and this time, more confidently, she spun and after bring he brought her close again, she closed her fingers around the hand that held hers.

"So are you hoping to find love this summer? Or did you come because your parents wanted you to?" He asked and Clara was struck by the question, luckily, she hadn't missed a step of the dance.
"Um, well." she stammered before swallowing the lump that formed in her throat and started again.

"To be honest, a little of both." She said honestly. "My parents--my mother mostly, insisted, but I agreed," She said and looked him in the eyes. "You've known me since I was small, you remember how sick I was?" She said and sighed. "I'm not good with other people, I tend to shy away from them, but I figured, since I was going anyway, I should give it a try since I probably wouldn't find love otherwise." She said and chuckled, "Do you hope to find love?" She said and with a suddenly surged of her brother's silver tongue she thought to ask if he'd found it yet and being that she'd been the only woman he'd danced with that would only mean she meant did he like her but she was hard that cheeky.

Setting

The Black Keep

Characters Present

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#2017-02-06 03:21:17, as written by mjolnir

RHAEGAR CASTILLON
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Heir to Blackvale | The Falcon
#B70909 | Outfit

BROM CASTILLON
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Prince | The Peacock
#061B62 | Outfit

SYLAS THORNE
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Heir to Dark Wood | The Viper
#999999 | Outfit

GWENDOLYNN CASTILLON
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Princess | The Little Dove
#F56E6F | Outfit

"A Marquise calling upon a Prince, oh how scandalous. Here I thought the Royals gave the orders." Brom caught a glimpse of her a hint of playfulness behind her dazzling blue eyes. ”Prince Castillon,” Vivienne said as she stepped closer to him as the dance called for.

Brom leaned his head towards hers while keeping his head and face turned forward. “You’d find… That I am very good at following orders.” he whispered towards her. His face had a seductive and potentially sinister grin that matched the velvet like caress of his words.

As they began dancing Brom was light on his feet and elegant. No doubt surprising for someone as large and bulky as he is move with such fluidity. He carried the dance in such a way that they moved in sync like a unit. He guided her and lead her with ease but Vivienne had his full attention.

Of course, Vivienne was ready to play when it came to his humble declaration of his angelic-ness. "Come now, Prince Castillon. I am not a lady so easily fooled.”

Brom chuckled, using his hand on her back to gently move her through a spin before returning her before him. “Oh I would never think such a thing of a beautiful woman.” He quirked his brow weaving them through the other pairs of young men and women. Brom would have loved to have heard the conversations being exchanged between all the partners. The information he could find and to know everyone’s interest would be enticing. But being the gentleman he was, no one had his attention aside from Vivienne.

"However, I shall indulge you…The woman of the Vale have very loose lips, and the men are all to eager to hear. Although, I have it on good authority that the Western woman know how to hold their tongue."

The comment made Brom let out a hearty laugh, enough to where he had to raise a hand to try to stifle it when he caught glaring glimpses from the Queen. He cleared his throat as he calmed his laughter. When he looked back to Vivienne, he smirked yet again as he spoke. “Well, I have never had the pleasure of holding the tongue of a Western woman. But it is a delicacy I’d greatly enjoy experiencing.”

But as soon as the friendly and flirtatious banter started, it subsided taking Brom by surprise. "The Princess, she's very beautiful tonight. One could see why she wouldn't be short of suitors..." The comment made Brom stiffen and his smile fade. He quickly tried to make it return but not it was strained and his discomfort noticeable. "Does that worry you?” His gaze was met by hers causing his tried smile to fade showing the true concern he felt across his face. "I don't mean to offend or upset you, it's just we understand what it's like to be seperated."

Brom took in a deep breath. He was trying not to think about it but now that it was brought to the table there was no way of avoiding it. “I love my sister very much. She has grown to be quite beautiful… She deserves all the happiness in the world.” He could tell by the music that the pairs would begin to pull together for a switch soon. “It’d be a lie to say that it doesn't hurt to know that this summer could be the last time my siblings and I are together. But,” He gave Vivienne a final spin bringing her close to the line. “If someone were to hinder Rhaegar’s or Gwendolynn’s chance at happiness they would have to deal with me. I would rather them happy and separated then heartbroken and all of us together.”

With everyone gathered back together in their lines, Brom’s smile slowly reformed. He gave Vivienne a final bow with a tender kiss upon her knuckles. “Enjoy the evening my lady for it is the first night of an amazing summer.”

As shifted along the line with the other gentlemen, Brom cleared his throat and adjusted his shirt trying to get back into a more enthusiastic mood. He adorned his face with a suave smile as he stopped before one of the beautiful blonde Grayson’s. Seraphina no doubt was the most attractive of the Graysons. He gave a flawless bow while taking the beauties hand and placed a gentle kiss upon it. “My lady Seraphina, you are without a doubt stunning this evening.”

***

Sylas smirked ever so slightly when Marynn laughed at his comment about the horrible dance choice of the Queen. "I'm a Daverny, all we do is pretend to enjoy that which is beneath us." Although Sylas smiled at the comment he thought there couldn’t be much that is beneath Daverny’s… Not much more than pirates but given the title of “Lords.” There was nothing beneath them besides dirt. "I suppose it isn't so bad."

After that they both took part in some silence between them which Sylas did not mind. It was tiring sometimes to pretend to be the charming and friendly Lord that he is far from. His eyes caught a glimpse of Sylva during a rotation in the ballroom. A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as she seemed to be greatly unsatisfied with her dance partner of yet another Daverny. Poor boy will be destroyed by the time she will be done with him.

"I can't say I'm much for chatter either... merrymaking is much easier with a drink in hand.”

Sylas raised his brows slightly, nodding his head in agreement. ”Now that I can agree with. But too much drink can also make the chatter worse.”

"I don't know much about your family, and nor do I believe you'd care much about mine so what then is there to talk about?"

Sylas actually chuckled at the comment, nodding his head before guiding her through a spin. She then wasted no time to continue talking, mostly nonsense, but that wasted the last portion of the dancing while they shifted towards the lines. "We’ve covered names, of course, that’s a given. As well as the inability to dance, a phrase I’m sure to repeat more than once tonight.” He would not deny that. "I’m sure you’ll also be able to reassure more of the ladies here about your ability to dance. How delightful.”

He allowed his charming smile to shift to barely a smirk of understanding and content. ”Well… whomever told me that all Daverny’s lost their intelligence from drinking that salt water was wrong.” He bowed before her, and gave her the customary kiss upon the hand. "Let’s hope more rumors are disproved this night… What fun would a summer in the Keep be if we all already knew everything about each other.” He nodded his head towards her one final time. "Have a pleasant evening my lady.”

Sylas let his façade fall momentarily when no one was watching him before taking a deep breath and putting on the charming smile once again. He gave a bow and kissed lady Vivienne’s hand. "You are looking lovely this evening Lady Chaimbers.” He then offered her arm to begin the promenade and start yet another dance. Sylas was curious to find out if more of these women here had something more to them than looks or if their skulls only contained marbles.

***

”Um, well,” Clara mumbled apparently taken by surprise by the question. Rhaegar’s smile faded slightly. He didn’t mean to ask a question out of line he was simply curious as to the intentions of others here at the court. Him and his siblings were just hoping to survive, they didn’t like being paraded around for the world. But he hoped that maybe at least someone hoped for love and happiness here this summer.

"To be honest, a little of both. My parents--my mother mostly, insisted, but I agreed.” Rhaegar’s gaze did not waver from Clara as she answered his question. "You've known me since I was small, you remember how sick I was? I'm not good with other people, I tend to shy away from them, but I figured, since I was going anyway, I should give it a try since I probably wouldn't find love otherwise."

Did Rhaegar believe that? Not entirely. Everyone has a love out there somewhere. That included her. Even if she did not find love here this summer he knew someday she would. ”You’ll find love someday be it here in the Vale or in the North. Everyone has someone out there, we just have to find them.”

He gave Clara a slow and elegant twirl before she returned to his arms and asked a question of him. "Do you hope to find love?"

Rhaegar’s face saddened slightly as he contemplated the question. He let out a soft sigh before he continued. ”Yes but not for the reasons I should.” His gaze fell slightly and his smile slipped away. ”If I do not find love this summer and choose someone, then I unfortunately will be assigned someone.” He began to guide her back to the line as the song was coming to an end but still held her gaze. ”It’s not that I would not care for the woman and treat with the utmost respect… But I could never be truly happy with someone I did not choose.”

When they reached the line and the end of the song, even though the dance did not call for it, Rhaegar gave Clara one final twirl. He then smiled towards her while bowing and kissing her hand. ”I do hope that you find the love you deserve this summer my lady. Someone deserves to wake up to your beauty every sunrise.”

Rhaegar then parted from Clara and shifted down to find himself standing before the Daverny daughter. He couldn’t help but grin at how she made the formal attire her own. It was a nice sight to see someone still be themselves throughout all the pomp and circumstance. ”A pleasure my lady Daverny.” He pushed back his cloak as he bowed and gently took her hand in his. His lips graced her knuckles with a soft kiss before he stood and offered her his arm. ”How are your land legs faring you? I can imagine it’s quite different being in the Vale.”

***

"Ugh! I know!" Gwendolynn giggled at the comment. "It will be a lonely summer I am sure. Such a dreadful thing. But if you do happen to see that one of these handsome lords might take a fancy to it, please do send them my way. Especially if it is Jonah Allyrion. He is quite the looker. Jonathan Chaimbers would do quiet nicely as well. Howell has a nice roguish looking quality now that I have a chance to look him over.”

Gwen smiled towards Elliot. No doubt it was a relief to relax and not have to worry about impressing him. “Well my lord, I shall keep my eyes peeled while I dance with the other Lords and report back to you with my findings.” She smirked playfully towards him. “But in return you should listen out for which gentlemen have true and honest intentions so that I might survive this summer unscathed.”

"Sorry. I hope you don't mind me scouting eye candy."

“Oh no, it’s quite alright.” She smiled reassuringly. “I find Sylas Thorne quite agreeable, but I stop that right there, she leans in to whisper, “We all know the rumors there.” She allowed Elliot to spin her before returning to his arms. “I do agree Jonah is quite handsome. Howell looks charming as does your brother,” she chuckles making a silly face. “As for Jonathan Chaimbers, I’ll leave him to you. He isn’t quite my type… At least, so far as I know.” She playfully winks towards Elliot.

"It is of no offense to you though, my lady. You are quite beautiful and the dress does suit your complexion. But I digress. When not being forced into an overly tight corset, what do you enjoy doing with your time?"

Gwendolynn smiled at the compliment. “Well thank you my lord.” She then momentarily placed her hand on her abdomen. “It is so tight.” She agreed quietly.

She noticed that the song was coming to an end, unfortunate. Gwen was enjoying her time with Elliot. Of course she’d enjoy time with someone completely uninterested in her. She supposed as a last resort they could potentially marry under the agreement to allow each other to take lovers. But she pushed though aside hoping she might be able to find someone. “Well… I do enjoy horseback riding. I’m quite good at it, even beat my Father in races. Honestly, I enjoy most things that gentlemen prefer that is unacceptable for a female to enjoy. My mother detests it. But what does she expect when I grew up with two older brothers.”

Gwendolynn let out a soft sigh as she curtsied before Elliot, flashing him a sweet smile. “Well I did quite enjoy our time together. I do hope we can spend time together again… When I’m not wearing an obscenely tight corset.”

She ran her hands along any ripples or wrinkles in her dress as she waited for another partner to step before her. When Gwen saw Howell step before her she nearly choked on her own forgotten breath. She wonder if it was a cruel joke by the Gods. Over hear her mention that he looked charming so of course he’d be her next partner. Gwendolynn curtsied, holding out the fabric of her dress. “Lord Daverny.”

***

“Of course, it would be an honour,” Robert replied to Magnus’ question to walk about the room with his wife.

”Thank you. I’ll take good care of her.” Magnus smiled towards Robert.

When Elizabeth took Magnus’ arm his heart skipped a beat. How long had it been since he hand touched this goddess of a woman? She was effortless, perfect and utterly gorgeous in everyway. He couldn’t restrain himself from reaching his free hand to rest upon hers that held his arm. But just before they touched she spoke. “Your Majesty, to what do I owe the honour of this stroll?”

The subtle harshness in the words dug deep. But he keep the smile upon his face and let his hand finally rest upon hers. His gaze fell as he hesitated before speaking in a hushed tone. ”Would it be too forward of me to say because I missed you terribly?”

He finally looked back up and met that gaze of hers that made him fall in love those many years ago. Magnus made sure to do nothing to draw attention their way, he didn’t want scandal or to disgrace Elizabeth. ”I know I shouldn’t speak of such things,” he concluded as he continued to lead her about the ballroom.

Magnus remained silent for a long while until they stood on the far end of the room where no one lingered and their voices could not travel. He kept his gaze forward, fixated on his children’s merriment but he spoke towards her, his hand lightly grasping hers tighter. ”I’d be lying if I said my heart did not yearn for you every waking moment since the day you left.”

Setting

The Black Keep

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Gwendolynn Castillon

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#2017-02-07 00:35:05, as written by TheCrimsonLady

JONAH ALLYRION
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Eldest Child | The Winter's Wolf
#E80000 | Outfit

CLARA ALLYRION
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Only Daughter | The Winter's Child
#388E8E | Outfit

“My, my, Lord Jonah. Despite the way you look, you are quite clever.” Lady Rosalyn jabbed and Jonah chuckled. She wasn't the first woman to tease him and surely she wouldn't be the last. He had the feelings with the women here, most of them anyway, that would happen a lot before the night was through. “As much as I love to prove someone wrong, I must adhere to your assumption. What can I say? The gigantic tension before the shooting of an arrow and the total release and relaxation seconds later is my way of keeping me connected to reality.” He said and the way she spoke Jonah believed every word. He could see it in her eyes when she spoke them. She got a sense of relief and escape when her arrows flew, much like when he and Snow were out for a hunt. The wait, the quiet, the way his senses came alive and the world around him felt as if it rested on his skin, and the freedom that came when he snagged his game. Yes, he understood that feeling well. Perhaps not the same as she, he could only imagine the pressure she was under being the heiress, it was harder on the women than the men he noted so he could understand the sense of control she must have felt. Rosalyn, catching herself in a moment of vulnerability, shrugged. “I am quite good at it also.” She said simply and Jonah smiled. He wouldn't press for any more than what he'd already received. He was honored really.
"Of that, I have no doubt,"
He led her a little in the dance before she mused something, a small chuckle escaping her lips.

“A piece of advice though, I wouldn’t go digging around within the backstories of many people here, lest you come across something too shocking that ends you with an arrow right here…” She said and pressed a delicate finger to his forehead and tapped. Jonah gave her a wolfish grin. He wanted so to...well, he wouldn't, but she was tantalizing his thoughts. “Whether you take this advice from a woman, or not, is completely up to you, Lord.” She warned him and he rose a dark brow, his grin never fading.

"The best advice I've ever receive tumbled from the lips of a woman, I trust her words more than my own." He said and of course, he was talking about his mother but he wasn't about to admit to that. Some woman liked how much he loved his mother but some might not. He hadn't deduced that from Rosalyn just yet.
"I will say, though, My Lady, A mysterious woman such as yourself, tend to arouse curiosity." He told her, choosing that word specifically, not in a crude sort of way, but he was flirting again. He couldn't resist considering his curiosity wasn't the only thing she aroused. "Though your advice is sound, I'm sure, you should know it will be very difficult to heed. Especially when the mystery dances just out of my reach, He told her, allowing himself to pull her a bit closer than he had before. His hand was still a respectable distance from the small of her back, but she was tugged gently to his chest. "it would make any man risk an arrow to solve it."He said just as the song ended. He graced her with a bow and another kiss to her knuckles. "We should hunt together, I imagine it would be great fun, I will be sure to wear my armor, should there be any stray arrows flying my way." He said before spinning her off into the line again. He swaggered to the line, hoping she was watching and did not dare look back. Women liked mystery as well, he noticed.
A wolfish grin lingering on his full lips, he turned to face the women again. He noticed his sister and there was a lingering smile on her face. Her lips were turned slightly upward and for Clara, that was saying much. She liked Rhaegar. Whether it was romantic or not, Jonah couldn't tell from here, but she liked him and that was a good sign. He looked over the women and he was back to his previous dilemma. Who to choose?

He scanned the women and his eyes once again fell on the Princess and her crimson hair. A strange lump formed in his stomach and he thought about approaching her and he couldn't bring his feet to carry him her direction. A strange sensation filled the pit of his stomach. Nerves? No, not him. He never had nerves, well, he did but it was often the bold nerves to approach a woman, not the ones that held him back from one. Despite this, his eyes averted and he found himself looking at a tiny little silver haired woman and he smiled. She was awfully small, she had a childlike aire about her that drew his thoughts from whatever happened to him when he looked at the Princess. She reminded him of an opulence version of his sister, who too was small and had a childlike aire. He chuckled to himself, poor Clara was the shortest thing here. He approached the woman and realized by the blue of her eyes that he found himself with the youngest of the Grayson. He wasn't sure about how Rosalyn would feel about him dancing with her sister shortly after flirting so vigorously with her but it was much too late now. "My lady, Aurora." He said with a graceful bow, wondering if her sister actually brought that bow with her because if she did, he was in trouble. It took one look to tell him that she, unlike her eldest sister, would smile at sweet words, not crude ones. He decided to treat her much like he would his sister, more or less. "Such a fitting name, It reminds me of the lights that dance in the sky in the North." He told her, taking her hand and pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. Now, her hands were soft, but she had a warmth to her skin that, a sun kissed glow to her skin that showed that she liked the outdoors but not in the sun, directly, too often, not with that silver hair. He wondered if she'd ever seen the snow. [color=##E80000"Might I have this dance?"[/color] He asked her with a sweet smile, not his usual predatory wolfish grin, he didn't want to intimidate her.

”Yes but not for the reasons I should.” Rhaegar's expression grew crestfallen causing Clara to frown sadly herself. ”If I do not find love this summer and choose someone, then I, unfortunately will be assigned someone.” He said and she sighed. How awful it must be for him. She was the youngest child, and while yes, her mother drilled it into her head how important it was for her to marry, she would never be assigned to anyone. Her father would see to that. The song came to an end and he lead her back to the line. ”It’s not that I would not care for the woman and treat with the utmost respect… But I could never be truly happy with someone I did not choose.” He said and she nodded, understanding. When they reached the end of the line, and the song slowed to a stop, Rhaegar gave her a twirl, she did not see coming. She managed to keep from spinning off like a klutz and released a chuckle. He was smiling now but it wouldn't solve his problem. He gave her a bow and took her hand into his and pressed a gentle kiss to her knuckles. She smiled sadly at him. He was so kind, so sweet. She wasn't in love with him, but it wouldn't be hard to do so.

”I do hope that you find the love you deserve this summer, my lady. Someone deserves to wake up to your beauty every sunrise.” He told her and she felt heat rise to her cheeks. She wanted to tell him, he deserved true love too, and she would pray to the Ancestors that he would find it but he'd already walked off. Distracted by the Prince and his parting words, she did not see Fredrick Chaimbers approach her and he gave her a bit of a start. "Oh, I didn't see you there, My lord, You gave me a fright!" She said, a hand to her chest. He was a handsome fellow, as many of the men here were, but he had a friendly face and an easy smile. She had half a mind to ask him to dance, he was so welcoming.

Setting

The Black Keep

Characters Present

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#2017-02-13 03:04:17, as written by MoonlightWraith

JONATHAN CHAIMBERS
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Eldest Son | The Pawn
#9BC4E2 | Outfit

FREDERICK CHAIMBERS
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Youngest Son | The Trickster
#96CDCD | Outfit

VIVIENNE CHAIMBERS
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Only Daughter | The Weaver
#92CCA6 | Outfit

Jonathan observed Lara as she listened to his attempts to reassure her, if he was at the court he would think it as merely polite, but in the Court, it was a large influence on how well you succeeded in the Game. If one didn't listen in the Court, they would miss the one link in the very chain that connected everything. Whilst she was no doubt playing the Game and merely using such information for her own uses, he felt somewhat at ease with her, neither of them seemed to fit in completely and he was glad of that.

He watched as she twirled, the dress swallowing her up as the skirts spun with her, for eye catching features it was a shame, her beauty was in the details and not in large statements, plain but not without intriguing detail. He was pulled back from his artistic view of her when she pointed out his defeated look.
“You are disheartened, my Lord? That you have no answer or on my behalf?” Her tone was genuine and he gave her a halfhearted smile.
"Am I so easily read?" He chuckled before bowing his head in agreement. "I'm just sorry that I can't offer more to put your mind at ease, when it's my fault it has concerned you."
“No matter your concerns, I am both happy that my plague may have spread, and that you did not partake in its spreading.” Lara's smile reassured him, he was glad to hear such words.

“Jonathan,” When he heard her utter his name, he smiled, glad for someone to treat him like a person and not a title for once. “I'm afraid my House is strict with formalities, however, as you said – your house considers mine a friend, therefore you may call me Lara. Lady Lara.” He returned a smile, but looking into her eyes he could see something, something with meaning but whether it was fear or sadness he couldn't quite tell, if he was to paint her, it would be the eyes that ruined it for him, painting such emotion into the eyes was always where he went wrong.

“The topic of my attempted marriage does not concern me when discussed with those who will take it with laugh, rather than those who... sheath it.” Jonathan nodded at her final words, she was right, there were people in the court who would use such a scandal against her.
"Such is the way of the Game." He found himself admitting out loud, his tone sombre and soft. He noticed her sigh as she looked over to where the parents stood, watching their children dance.
“The story may condemn me in some eyes, but a blackened name brings certain freedoms. I am in truth in gratitude to my gossiping groom. No noble in their right minds would sacrifice a son to an arranged marriage with the frog of the marsh.” There was a glint in her eye as she spoke, the very glint that sparked a wicked grin across his face, there were layers to the lady before him and it made her more human than most of the other ladies at court.
"Well, aren't you lucky? Some of us have boring duties to attend to and lack such freedoms." He teased her, his tone light and charming, his smile cheerful and soft.

Her next question surprisingly didn't catch him off guard, he was going to have to get used to that question over the summer. He was the eldest son of the Duke and held his own lands and responsibilities, yet was still to be betrothed.
“And you, Jonathan, you are of age and have been for some time. How is that you are here and not married? Have the Westerners kept your scandal?” He shook his head with an amused breath escaping his lips.
"And what scandal would that be, Lara? Has my misdeeds spread far and wide?" His words once again teasing her lightly. "The Westerns have never really married because we came of age and it was a duty, that's a recent thing to the West. The tribes were already family, marriage was sacred and the truest form of love... It's more customary in the West to marry for love, not for duty. I don't quite have the time to find such a bride." His explanation was probably more long winded than Lara had hoped for and as he went to engage her further, the signal for swapping partners hit his ears. He looked at Lara, and his smile faded, she was an interesting lady but their time at the dance had come to a stop.

He released her hand and waist, before bowing to her, with the music in a quiet lull he returned to the proper manner to address her. "It has been a pleasure, Lady Cavalier, I hope to see more of you during our time in the Summer." His words were sincere and wished it didn't seem so rude, but there were rules to this dance much to his chagrin. The pair then retook their places in line and Jonathan moved to his next partner, Lady Ilene Thatcher. Bowing before her, he took her hand and placed a kiss on her delicate hand. "You are a sight fit for the Gods, Lady Ilene." He greeted her, playing to her vanity, the corniness of the line reminding him of why he would roll his eyes when he heard his brother interact with women.

The Prince was so full of confidence, it was slightly intimidating. Vivienne had known how to feign confidence for so long that she could see it in others, but with Brom it was rather real. For her, confidence was tiring, but to him it was just nature, who he was at his very core. "You’d find… That I am very good at following orders." Brom's words were like silk, trying to wrap Vivienne up, but she was no fool to the ways of men who played several Games.
"A captain of the guard who's only good at following orders, what a pity for the nation." She teased him, the hand that rested on his shoulder now tracing a symbol on his chest, but no doubt to him it would seem like she was simply teasing him but it was more a gesture of mockery only a westerner would understand.

Vivienne followed in Brom's steps as he lead the pair in their dance, he was surprisingly graceful and delicate in his steps, they seemed to dance in perfect unison, there was no keeping up with him or slowing for him, their movements flowing together without issue. Vivienne would have been more surprised but he was a soldier, a soldier needs to know his enemies moves in order to defend himself, combat itself was a dance.

The pair continued their dance and harmless teasing, until Brom's outburst of laughter, whilst embarrassed at first, she recognised where she'd gone wrong and started to chuckle too, although in a much more reserved manner.
"Well, I have never had the pleasure of holding the tongue of a Western woman. But it is a delicacy I’d greatly enjoy experiencing." Vivienne blushed slightly at his cheeks, but the corner of her lips pulled up into a smirk as she held back another giggle.
"I guess, I could have worded that better."

Vivienne knew she would come to regret her question regarding the siblings separation, she had ruined the mood of the dance with just a few sort sentences and she could feel it when Brom's whole body stiffened, even though he tried to smile it off, she could see through it.
"I love my sister very much. She has grown to be quite beautiful… She deserves all the happiness in the world. It’d be a lie to say that it doesn't hurt to know that this summer could be the last time my siblings and I are together. But," Vivienne was surprised by the spin, and rather ungracefully missed a step, but she managed to recover it before she embarrassed herself or her family further. "If someone were to hinder Rhaegar’s or Gwendolynn’s chance at happiness they would have to deal with me. I would rather them happy and separated then heartbroken and all of us together." Vivienne couldn't help but feel threatened at his words, her intentions were to help the royal siblings with something her mother mentioned in the carriage. The idea of his misinterpretation even upset her, he merely thought of her as a prying courtier.

Before Vivienne could clear up the situation, Brom bowed low and kissed her hand, "Enjoy the evening my lady for it is the first night of an amazing summer." With an almost defeated look she curtsied him before returning to the line, when she turned around, her fake smile for the Court had returned. When she looked back up, before her stood one of the Thorne's, a tingle sent shivers from her spine out across her body, that sense of dread she felt every time something bad happened was slowly creeping over her. He bowed and took her hand in his, before placing a soft kiss on the back of her hand.
"You are looking lovely this evening Lady Chaimbers." Vivienne offered him a smile and a slow blink, she was a good actress, she told herself to simply get through this one dance.
"Lord Thorne," She managed to say his name clearly and without a quiver. "The same could much be said of you." She took her position with him for the beginning of the dance, she looked at how well he had presented himself and she smirked, looking at the people surrounding them, she realised she was in no immediate danger. "Sometimes the most venomous snakes, have the most beautiful scales." She quoted her teacher outloud to Sylas. "The Snake House, that's what your family is known as?" She didn't know where she was going with this, but maybe if she could make him aware of her knowledge that the family was dangerous, he'd see her as a threat and not a victim, in her head she hoped to intimidate him, but she would no doubt put herself in more danger by acting in such a way.

Frederick smiled as Aurora laughed at his story, just by looking at her he could tell there was little in her that made her malicious, she was a young and kind soul, the kind that would give you fuzzy, warm hugs. Her seemingly delicate nature inspired a bit of guilt in himself, but he shook it off being the arrogant Westerner he was, he couldn't second judge himself.
“I have never been outside of the Riverlands. Being the youngest does not get you far from home… But I love adventure, and I have read books on the Western Bluffs, none of the Fae though. They sound marvellous. The only other person with this white hair is my mother and she isn’t a goddess as much as she may seem like it at times.” He chuckled at the comments on her mother as they twirled under the parents watchful gazes. “I would love to travel there one day. I would love to see everything.”
"I have suspicions that she would not be too happy to hear you say that." He teased, before twirling her in a swift motion, luckily he'd done it enough times with more alcohol in his system and his partners so even if she stumbled, he'd be able to catch her without an issue. "And if you ever wish to see more of the world, the Southern Shores would very much welcome you." The invitation was very much so real, but his tone implied he was merely teasing her. He spinned her once again, softer this time so as not to disorientate her and let her drop into his arm, her entire body relying on him for her not to meet the marbled dancefloor. He leaned in closer and whispered in her ear "I also have a feeling you'd get on well with my sister, mayhaps she could even show you some of the lands believed to of housed the Fae maidens."

Frederick returned her to a standing position and they resumed the dance, the theatrics earning him an approving glance from his mother, but an eye roll from his father, not that he noticed, his full attention on Aurora as she discussed alcohol with him.
“From what I have seen though… alcohol can be quite beautiful too.” Frederick's head cocked to one side and he noiceably pouted as he pondered, the only beautiful images he had faded when he sobered up, as in from a 10 to a 2, and vomit was never pretty. “From what I have seen, a mans true heart comes out when he is drunk. In that sense, alcohol is like the key that unlocks the window of a persons true inhibitions.” Then it clicked in his head, he then chuckled at his previous imaginings and he smiled at her.
"Beautiful for you maybe, humourous to I imagine." He looked into her soft eyes, the soft colour and the innocence behind her words, made her all the more delicate than he first anticipated.

“I suppose it has its good and its bad. Is that an odd way to think of it?” Frederick chuckled, unsure of the intent for asking, but he offered her a smile.
"Not at all, in a sense it is true." His own honesty seemingly taking him by surprise. "I suppose it depends on the person, and why they're drinking."

As he trailed off, so to did the music, indicating they were to switch partners. "It would appear our time has come to an end," He glanced at the other dancers before returning his sights to Aurora. "'tis a shame, I was rather enjoying the discussion." He smiled at her, before letting her go and bowing to her. "It was a pleasure to have danced with you, lady Aurora, hopefully we shall see more of each other over the Summer."

Frederick fell back in line after saying his goodbyes to Aurora, he fell back in line and across from him now stood Clara Allyrion, the miracle child of the North, he didn't really know what that meant just that he'd heard Jonathan and their father discuss the family before. He stepped closer to her, a smile on his face, making his eyes softer and accenting his cheekbones. When she finally noticed him approaching, her reaction made him chuckle.
"Oh, I didn't see you there, My lord, You gave me a fright!"
"I guess, I'm just so unremarkable." He teased. "Especially if such a beauty doesn't notice me... Perhaps I should become a thief." His final comment more of a teasing ponder than an official disregarding of his life of luxury. He then bowed down to his her hand, her hands were soft and delicate, but there was a bump on one of her fingers, she had the hands of a writer. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Clara." Frederick wasn't one for the proper way of address, if he is to marry one of these women, he should address them by their name, not the name simply inherited from their father.

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The Black Keep

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#2017-03-13 17:03:58, as written by TheCrimsonLady

JONAH ALLYRION
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Eldest Child | The Winter's Wolf
#E80000 | Outfit

CLARA ALLYRION
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Only Daughter | The Winter's Child
#388E8E | Outfit

Lady Aurora was adorably little. Jonah noted, as she nodded. Her very present reminded him of his sister. He felt much too big, the urge to look after her was overwhelming. Yes, he would not be flirting with this one, it would be like flirting with his sister. “Of course you may, Lord Jonah.” He took her hand with a smile and led her to the floor.

“My Father once told me that I was named after the night skies lights. He said that my Mother wanted me to be just as bright and beautiful as them one day… So they named me after it.” She said with a grin. “I have never seen the lights myself, though, as I rarely left the Riverlands.” She said and Jonah was about to speak on that when she wore a curious expression, gazing up at him. Poor thing had to crane her neck to look him in the eye, he wanted to lift her on his feet, to stop the straining.

“I must ask, Lord Jonah. Why did you not go to her? I am not the one you want to be dancing with right now. I can tell, I’m very perceptive,” She said plainly and Jonah's dark brow rose to his forehead. "I see,"Jonah replied. “The Princess is very beautiful, but that should not deter you or make you nervous. If you are smart enough to make even my older sister laugh, you can make the Princess smile as well.” To his Jonah laughed. Yes, much like his sister. They were the younger, not much was expected of them, so they could speak their mind as they well pleased, or at least in Clara's case when Mother wasn't around. He looked down at her with a smile. He could say something flirty but no, not with her. He wanted her to smile, nothing else and a lie hidden behind a flirt would not do, as she said, she was perceptive.
"You should meet my sister, I believe you to would get on quite nicely." he commented. "You are right, she makes me nervous, but it is not her pretty face, if it were, I would have been nervous to speak to you as well."
Alright, so he wouldn't flirt too much. "Truthfully, My lady, my nerves are well..." He paused, he didn't like speaking this allowed but he appreciated her willingness to speak her mind, and that should be rewarded with the truth. "My true name was a gift to the King, a thank you for gifting my father a lordship when he'd been nothing more than a stable hand before the war. My father promised that he would name his firstborn son, the heir to the keep after the man that gave it to him." He said and his eyes found his father for a moment. "So my name is Magnus Jonah Allyrion." He said and smiled. "So you can imagine why I am nervous to dance with the woman whose father I am named after." He said and had the feeling she would ask why he went by Jonah and not such a powerful name. His sister would have. "This part is a secret of mine, but I go by Jonah because I have yet earned my true name. I will one day, but not as of yet." He told her with a smile. "Can you keep that between us?" He asked. "And perhaps one day, I can show you your namesake."

Meanwhile, Clara watched Lord Fredrick as he chuckled. "I guess, I'm just so unremarkable."He said and for a moment she missed the jest. "Especially if such a beauty doesn't notice me... Perhaps I should become a thief." He said and she pursed her lips in a pout. He bowed to her and she smiled a little. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Clara." He said and she nodded. "The pleasure is all mine, Lord Fredrick." She said with a curtsey and allowed him to lead her to the floor. "So, My Lord Unremarkable," She began, knowing her mother would not be pleased with her being the one to start the conversation but she couldn't resist the urge to tease him back. She knew coyness was a game that women often played, she needed to try her hand at it, besides, it would be much too easy if she did play things this way. "What do you like to do?" she asked with a smile. "Outside of teasing innocent girls?"

Setting

The Black Keep

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#2017-05-04 06:15:24, as written by TheCrimsonLady

JONAH ALLYRION
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Eldest Child | The Winter's Wolf
#E80000 | Outfit

CLARA ALLYRION
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Only Daughter | The Winter's Child
#388E8E | Outfit

Darkness fell upon the room with the suddenness of a lightning strike. Clara gasped, grabbing ahold of Lord Fredrick as candle smoke wafted through the room. She closed her eyes a long moment, before opening, allowing her naturally dark attuned eyes to adjust. She could see as clear as day while the others seemed to need a moment. The other not including her brother, who adjusted much more quickly than she had. She turned to her dance partner "What is happening?" She asked with a frown, just before a stillness fell over the room that was in equal parts unsettling and familiar. The sensation danced a shiver up her spine. Lord Fre-" Now sooner had she spoke, did a man, clad in black appear before her and behind him. She gasped causing Lord Frederick to turn. He pushed her behind him, still needing to adjust to the sudden darkness. So much so that he didn't see the blade that sung as the hooded man pulls from his sheath, clearly enough to do much of anything before the man slide it across his throat. Clara screamed as Fredrick grabbed his throat, a cascade of crimson flowing between his fingers. He tettered before collapsing on his knees. Clara went down with him, unsure of what to do beyond hold his hand there as if that would be enough to staunch the bleeding.

It was a momentary lapse but she forgot all about the man that did this, and she looked up at him, as he eyed her, as if deciding what to do with her. She stiffened and held close to the dying man in her arms as the assailant reached up with his blade, prepared to strike. Her eyes closed but nothing came but a sharp snap. Clara jumped looking up to see the man down and her father standing over her, "Father!" she cried, tears falling down her face, while Lord Fredrick went limp in her arms, she followed him down and sobbed. "Clara, there is nothing we can do for him now, Come," Her father said with a touch of sadness in his voice. Clara nodded and stood, laying Fredrick down gently. "You are remarkable." She whispered to the corpse before clinging to her father,

Meanwhile, Jonah wasted no time, his eyes adjusted to the darkness almost immediately. He pulled Lady Aurora behind him, wishing he had a blade of some sort on him but he didn't. It was a freezing dance for the sake of the gods, yet he could feel the darkness brought forth danger. No sooner then he thought that did his sister's shrill scream ring out, Jonah turned, keeping a tight hold of his partner. While finding Clara in the crowd. Lord Fredrick was down and a man stood over his sister. He made a move forward but his father, as his title suggested, emerged from the dark, like a shadow and snapped the small man's neck with his massive hands. Jonah knew his sister was safe and looked for his mother, instead of his mother's red hair, he saw a touch of it, just outside. He knew that was the Princess and he couldn’t imagine she was running away from her brothers. No, she was being taken. He couldn’t very well leave the little woman he was with, so he turned, scooping her off the ground, protests or now, and made his way over to his father, who had both his sister and mother in tow. The two men didn't exchange words but they didn't need to. His father gave him a curt nod, promising he would get the women out, Aurora included. "You're Safe here, My Lady, Go with them." He said, and without another word, he dashed off, moving with an uncanny silence.

He found himself outside, and he stopped, pausing a moment, to listening. His heart was racing, but he calmed himself, so not to make a mistake. There was a grunting sound, but not the ones that would indicate a lover's tryst. He followed it, and soon, dotted of blood gave him a trail to follow more precise than the sound. Wishing Snow was with him and not somewhere in Blackvale's woods, Jonah softened his steps to see that a man was forcing his blade down on the princess. Jonah quelled his fury, at the sight. What man would use such a tactic on a woman, she wasn't defenseless but she wasn't armed either. Jonah crouched low and stepped around them so that the man had his back to him, and silent as a shadow, he snuck up behind him and grabbed the man in a headlock, pulling him off the princess, and backward, using his weight to send both of them to the ground. The man blade clattered to the ground, while the man scrambled to get to his feet, all the while Jonah recovered gracefully. The man couldn't find his blade in the dark but Jonah could see it, unfortunately, it wasn't within his reach. He wasn't nearly as strong as his father but that would be fine. The man attacked and Jonah braced himself for the manic swings. He dodged them, his back stiff, his stance strong before he countered, smack a hand away that came toward his face, and coming in without a clenched fist. The blow tipped the man's head backward and that was enough of an opening for Jonah to come in, grabbed the man's arm, turning it, and pulling it down. He sent a sharp fist into the joint, and a sickening snap resounded. The man squealed as bone protruded from the skin. Jonah released him, and picked up the blade before with a touch of flair, relieved the would-be assassin of his head. Jonah took a breath and turned to the Princess.
"While I'm sure you are perfectly capable, I thought to offer my assistance." He said as he held out a hand to her. She was bleeding quite badly but overall she would heal. This was not the way he wanted to meet her but it couldn’t say it was a bad first impression unless she had an aversion to violence. In which case, he was a monster and stood not a chance but that was a thought for another time."Jonah Allyrion, May I help you up?"

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Clara Allyrion

0 · 725 views · located in The Black Keep

a character in “Blackvale”, as played by TheCrimsonLady

Description

So begins...

Clara Allyrion's Story

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