Lysanthir Khiiral (WIP)'s Story

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Ross couldn’t help but wonder about the princess of the mages. She wasn’t one he had interacted with much and she seemed innocent enough, yet Lysanthir felt it wise to be cautious around her for whatever odd reason. She looked somewhat familiar in a different way, as if Ross should know her for whatever reason. Ross frowned slightly in thought. Ross didn’t miss the little kiss shared between Mer and Talzon, going with a nod himself instead. The smile that Ross got from Lysanthir sent his heart in a strange titter.

”Honestly, you people seem to think I only read in my time. I have been training,” Ross states with an exaggerated sigh and a smile. He doesn’t meet Lysanthir’s eyes, instead telling it to Iliana. He was sure if he looked in Lysanthir’s eyes, he would flush or say something stupid. He was nervous that it came across as he was mad at Lysanthir or not happy with them, but couldn’t help it, the man made Ross do stupid things.

Ross considered Lysanthir’s words, allowing his gaze to sweep to the dwarves and the mage princess again. It was rather odd. He and Emron got along well enough, yet they didn’t really know each other very well. He was a levelheaded dwarf, for the most part, at least, from what Ross had seen.

Ross looked to the stone that moved aside to allow his mother and the other rulers to emerge. He reached up to squeeze Lysanthir’s hand gently before going to his mother without a look back, praying she didn’t see his little gesture of affection that caused his face to flush in embarrassment for his openness.

His mother seemed affectionate as she spoke to him. More so even when she lovingly placed her hand on his cheek. She would never have been like this before his accident. He smiled slightly at her, embarrassed by the scene she was putting on. He hated her pep talks she gave him. It sometimes made him feel as if she were giving herself the reassurance that he wasn’t as much of a disappointment as he sometimes appeared to be. However, this one, this was better. ”Thank you mother. I will see you soon,” He spoke after she was done addressing Iliana. He gave her a hug before she left with the rulers after telling them their task.

He couldn’t help but wonder what it was. It happened almost immediately. The dwarf prince’s friend began a little issue with Talzon. Ross thought of stepping in, but Talzon was right. It would make most sense. He remembered back to his readings, how some of the best leaders stepped back and let others lead when they knew it would be best. This was a time. Ross could only advise so much.

He moved forward, walking in the direction of the mountains based off of his memory of the world map that he had learned when he was very young. ”Excuse me, but Talzon is correct that we must be moving if only because we do need to head in the direction of the mountain eventually. The debate on who is in charge can be done on the move,” Ross began by speaking directly to Talzon, then Jorgon, then to everyone before rubbing the back of his neck and walking. He honestly couldn’t care less who thought they were in charge. He just wanted to move, get away from the weird place he had been very openly flirting with Lysanthir and was no very self conscious about it.

He was ahead by then, not extremely far ahead, but at least thirty or forty feet away.

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She was so close as she sat. Even though they weren’t touching, being across the clearing was close to Emron. He didn’t do much more than glance at Morganna before glancing at his hands. he wanted to look to the beautiful princess, but feared that he wouldn’t be appropriate or would be odd. He was brave, it was known he was brave among his people, but around pretty girls… That was pure terror filled.

Emron felt like an idiot before her as he nodded at her response. She was right of course. There were many sets of eyes on the dwarves and the mage princess. She heard a few snickers behind him and managed to keep from throwing a small spade at his friends as they seemed to mock him from afar.

When she asked how he felt, he sighed, actually considering it. He thought about it a moment, looking into his hands before looking back up at her and furrowing his brow slightly before stating, ”Well enough considering the circumstances of course.”

As Athelia’s eyes drifted to the human, elf, and shifter group, Emron studied her. He felt as if she didn’t really want to sit with him, only entertaining his hope and he felt bad for having taken her away from individuals who might have been better to her in terms of companionship. He studied her eyes, amazed at the color and wanting to reach out to bring her closer so he might study them more, to etch them into a metal to hold onto, but he didn’t. Some might find it creepy if he did.

He looked away sharply at the slightest movement. Emron nodded at her question, opening his mouth to speak before Jorgan spoke for him. He felt bad, as if a chance was stolen away, but didn’t say anything. It was as if his brother was trying to embarrass him in front of Athelia. When her gaze went to him, Emron motioned a slit throat towards Jorgan, showing his feelings on his friends actions.

It was only a few seconds later Emron’s father emerged with the other leaders and he was called to him. He moved forward, finding his father’s attention was mostly towards Jorgan even if he appeared like he cared. The two disagreed on so many things it was ridiculous. Emron nodded thoughtfully at his father’s words. He looked to Jorgon and gave him a look of trust and care.

Emron looked back to his father but didn’t say anything directly to him. The human queen came forward to say a few words before they all left. Talzon moved forward as if to lead and unsurprisingly, Jorgon moved forward to argue why that wouldn’t work.

Emron nearly groaned but let it be as he let his head fall into his hands. Prince Ross moved, spoke and told everyone they could at least argue while walking. Emron nodded, agreeing. He moved forward, walking slowly in thought.

Emron thought back to the way Athelia left him. It was as if she couldn’t wait to get away. Her thank you didn’t seem to mean anything as Emron thought it over. He so desperately wanted to at least be a friend to Athelia, to not make her hate being around him. He sighed silently as he walked behind Ross since he was heading in the direction of the mountains they were to go to.

Emron walks silently as he ponders what he did wrong when talking to Athelia. He kept his chin up, as if he was confident and just thinking through the future journey though anyone that knew him well would know he was thinking about something that bothered him.

Lysanthir wanted to go on teasing his human friends, but then motion caught his eye. As soon as the leaders exited from the cavern, Lysanthir straightened himself and dropped to his side. His mirth immediately faded from his eyes and he regained his captain persona. It was not proper for someone of his station to be so friendly in a strange situation as this. He was confident in his ability and the soldiers behind them, but appearances were important. Especially for the elves. He never wanted the queen to doubt his resolve or his ability to protect her daughter and that required he upheld perfect etiquette in her presence and when matters were dire. He even locked his hands behind his back and widened his stance. His eyes remained straight ahead as if he had become a statue standing beside his princess.

When the lady addressed him, he quickly brought his right hand up to clench a fist against his chest and gave his queen a deep bow.
"As you wish, Your Highness," he confirmed. He glanced back at his solders and made a motion to indicate for his second in command to take charge of the expedition back home and to protect their esteemed queen. He noticed the elf in question give a nod before he immediately took command of the rest of the soldiers and began to fall in line behind the departing queen. Once she was out of sight, he relaxed only a little and placed his hands on his belt instead. Now that he was alone with Meredine and the others, he wasn't able to drop his guard fully. He was all business now.

Already tension had risen once more between the traveling companions. Was direct leadership that important in a situation like this? They all had their strengths and weaknesses. It was only obvious to him that Talzon lead considering his extra senses and familiarity with this area. Jorgon was the instigator this time but he was glad that Ross seemed to be able to relieve some of the tension as he began to head towards the mountain.

"Come on, Mer. I believe it is best to stay at the head of this expedition," he murmured. After all, Talzon would be in front and with Ross determined to stay in the lead as well, Iliana would be by his side. That meant there would be more protection. He didn't relish the thought of standing the back but conidering most of the people he trusted would be in front, it was only logical he take up the rear of the group to add protection. This would allow him to watch everyone and should there be something that came towards them, he'd be given more time to draw his bow on the target. His own senses would help guard from things trying to sneak up on them as well. "I will take up the rear of the group," he announced and nodded to the other companions to start moving.

Lysanthir looked to Athelia then. Though she had intended for her question to only be heard by her companion, her words fell on his ears as well. "Any manner of things can show themselves, Princess Athelia. More commonly I would suggest bobcats and wolves near the mountain floor. It is very likely we may run into wyverns on the way since they love the forest dwellings. If we are lucky, a dragon won't be making this particular mountain of ours its home. Dragons are fascinating but nasty creature. I would not wish to fight one. I suggest you stay on your toes," he warned. "Have you ever encountered any of these creatures?" Lysanthir asked casually.