The Marques of Markarf's Story

The Marques of Markarf
The lavender skies set as the twin suns rose to light the new morning. The smell of warm dew on peppermint grass filled the nostrils of every young and able body men and women alike. To this a wise man would say, “It the most beautiful sight to behold in the world!” This is Ivory Skies, a little paradise in the middle of the panic of the Plague, somehow managed to leave this land untouched by its filthy paws. How? You should ask the Queen she is bound to know the reason.

For Hamnet Romano, he found the small kingdom strange as if something was a foot. It was quiet and peaceful but far too much for anything good to come of it. For now he waited till the hidden evils surfaced. He sat under a tall tree in the middle of the courtyard, looking up at the castle and sighed once more. It was a beautiful sight though, that was defiantly true.

The Stable Boy
The horses were grouchy today, as Henry feed them as he always did, he herd them whimper. “Shhush now!” he said gently and patted the mare’s mane. “Shh... Butter biscuit…” he hushed the mare. She was to foul any day now, and was getting a bit antsy.
“You should clam that animal” a voice gnawed in a nasal way.
Henry looked back to the man, “Of course m’ll Lord.” He looked at the Marques who were standing in the door opening. “She’s just scared is all…”
The Marques nodded, “I just came for my horse thought I’d take a ride for a bit.”

“Oh course,” Henry nodded and walked back to fetch the horse “Little John” When he came back with the horse saddled and ready, he found The Marques petting Butter Biscuit’s mane. The man stopped and smiled gently before taking “Little John’s” reins and leading him out into the field. As he walked away Henry found himself staring at the man, he was so noble so rich… if only they could switch places then he could tell Marlow how he felt about her, but alas he could never tell The Princess that he was after all a common person.

The King and Queen's Post
King Maximilian looked out the large bay window, his wife the fair Queen Gwendolyn sat with her ladies’ maid discussing small facts of gossip. “Maximilian why don’t you sit, your health.” She pleaded.

“I’m fine” he said in a stubborn yelp of pride as he stood with his cane. “The Doctor said I’m fit as a fiddle.” He laughed.

“He said you’ve recovered amiably, but your heart my love it’s still…”

“I’m fine…” he grunted, “I am I’m fine besides don’t we have other things to be worrying about then me?” he asked. “Our daughters perhaps?”

“Of course we do, but you behave last night seems to have driven away most of the young suitors, only three remain. What happened anyway?” she asked looking at him puzzled it wasn’t like her husband to lose his temper like that.

Thinking back to that night he rubbed his head, all he could remember was yelling at the group of men and suspending their mead privileges. “The wrong thing was said, to the wrong person.” He grunted. “One cannot be so drunk like that ever again! As I stand here I see cook tossing over the barrels as we speak. The only thing we shall serve in the castle from now on is Ivory Wine.” He sighed and limped over to her.

“The men cannot hold their liquor?” Gwendolyn asked, as her husband shook her head.

“And I fear it would result in scandal with one of the girls.” He at last sat down beside her.

“Let us pray to God that this charade ends soon.” She said gently and went back to her gossip.

Rosalinda got up even before her ladies did, and headed out to the garden. She could feel the rays of sun on her face, and smell the warm dew. A small smile slid onto her face and she reached out to gently stroke the leaves of the plants before her. "You're almost ready to bloom" she said softly to the plant. She could feel the head of the flower opening slightly and the smile on her face became larger. She then stood and outstretched her arms, letting them brush through the entanglement of bushes.

On her way to the courtyard she began to sing softly:
'A brisk young sailor courted me,
He stole away my liberty,
He won my heart with a free good-will,
He's false, I know, but I love him still.

There is an alehouse in yonder town,
Where my love goes and sits him down,
He takes another girl on his knee,
And don't you think that's a grief to me?

A grief to me! I'll tell you why,
Because she's got more gold than I,
Her gold will waste and her beauty blast,
And she'll become like me at last.

O what a foolish girl was I
To give my heart to a sailor boy,
A sailor boy although he be,
I love him better than he loves me.

She made her way over to the large tree in the middle of the courtyard and sat down just as she was singing the last four lines of the song. In the new found silence she could hear the birds chirping merrily and the crickets playing the only melody they knew. A small smile slid onto Rosalinda's face again and she cleared her throat. "Beautiful isn't it?" she asked, blatantly talking to the man in the tree.

Henry saw Princess Amilia and bowed as she entered the stable, after all he didn’t want to stop his employment after only four years. He went back to work, as she walked to J Marie’s pen. He grinned when she told him of their night last night and said, “I’d gladly take caring for the horses over then what you do any day.” He joked and poured a bucket of oats into Wesley’s feed.
When suddenly a big man came into the room, and demanded his house be taken care of. Well Henry walked to the man, and placed his hands on either side of its face, then looking deep in its eyes he muttered. “I am so sorry.” He said to the horse, “I had no idea.” He looked to the man, whom he had seen many times before but wasn’t aware of who he was.
“As you wish, milord.” He said and took the horse back to take the heavy armor of. Wail he did Princess Artemis ran past muttering a quick goodbye. He didn’t say anything to it, and continued to care for the horse. It was his job, and he couldn’t take his responsibilities lightly.

Hamnet looked down from the tree at the girl below; He smiled gently “Yes I’ll be so bold to say it’s one of the best sights I’ve seen in years.” He said as he watched his horse grazing in the grass across the courtyard. Looking back down he recognized the girl at last, “Aw Princess Rosalinda, I didn’t fancy seeing you here.” Then catching himself, “Well I didn’t quite mean it so literally.”

Krayt, pulled 2 gold pieces from his coin purse, and tossed them to the stable boy, "Take good care of my horse and I can promise you 2 more when I return. I reward those greatly who follow orders." He turned to leave, marching away with this guards who had taken there horses to the guards barracks. They marched towards the castle, peasants in front of them fled from the streets to escape the cold gaze of the Warlord. His eyes took in the spirits of the dead that still wandered, unseen by everyone except him. He was used to seeing the dead, only it was usually the souls of warriors he saw wandering. Glancing behind him in the sky he saw the same dark skeletal figures that were robed in cloaks of haunting darkness. Ever since he had sworn servitude to the God of Death, these dark beings of death had followed him for countless years. Sometimes whispering advice or commenting on his actions, it was under the dark gaze of these beings that over time his heart hardened more and more. As he approached the castle the guards stood forward and bowed frightfully, "I'm sorry my lord, but the King has retired to take a nap. He will not be having any visitors for now." Krayt looked on the man for a while then closed his eyes and nodded, at first he had felt rage then he decided not to direct it towards this young man who was only following orders. He ordered his guards to wait there so that they could send for him when the time was ready, they were used to leaving him alone. They knew they were only around him for appearances, Krayt was a warrior who did not need guards to protect him. Krayt turned to wandering aimlessly, he became lost in his thoughts and before he knew it was walking upon two figures talking, a girl and a man. Both obviously had some sense of nobility to them.

Rosalinda smiled up in his general direction and replied "Do you typically hide in trees Marques?" she asked playfully with an air of seriousness. She was just assuming he was the Marques, since she wasn't actually able to see him. He didn't sound like a warlord nor did she think he sounded like the Earl, but again she was assuming. He was pretty well hidden in the trees and the only reason she knew he was there was because of his scent and his sound. Since she was blind all of her senses were heightened. "Typically suitors go to the castle first to meet my father, yet here you are in a tree. What brings you here Marques of Markarf?" she asked softly, hoping her assumption was right.

When the wind blew she caught another scent, then she heard heavy footsteps. 'I've never heard those footsteps before. Another suitor hiding from my father?' she thought with a smirk. 'Still intimidating even on his deathbed' she thought with a chuckle. By the sound of the heavy footsteps she knew the person approaching was male. "Introduce yourself at once" her voice was soft but commanding.

Maximilian stood back up and limped away from his wife “I can’t sit here, damn it!” he moaned and headed for the door. Gwendolyn shook her head and returned to her needlepoint and gossip.
“He doesn’t like showing his week side,” she murmured to herself.

Henry finished taking the armor of the horse when he heard her voice behind him. Thank the lord he had already set the heavy armor on the ground or her could have lost a too rather easily. He turned around preying to the lord that his ears were not playing with his eyes.
“Marlow…” he said surprised, it truly was her. Then remembering himself added, “Princess Marlow, I didn’t expect to see you here. I’ll fetch your horse right away.” He started to walk away towards a different horse.

Hamnet laughed, “Well I guess I’m a bit out of practice.” He said then noticed the other man and started to climb down from the tree. “Umph” he grunted as he jumped to the ground.

“Hamnet Romano” he introduced himself to the man, “Marques of Markarth” he finished when Princess Amilia came ridding up. “I can’t speak for anyone else, but I have already spoken with the king about my presences.”

Rosalinda heard Krayt's voice and suddenly wondered what he looked like. 'Probably the 'tall dark and handsome' type Marlow is always telling me about' she thought. His voice was deep and commanding even though he wasn't giving a command. "And your voice is suitable for the job Vladimir Krayt, Warlord and High General of the Kings Army" she said saying his entire title back to him. 'Sleeping?' she thought 'That definitely doesn't sound like father. Mother is probably just making him rest...' she chuckled at the idea 'and he probably hates it.' but she was not about to tell the suitors that.

She then turned back to the Marques. 'AH so he IS the marques. I was right.' she thought with a sly smirk on her face. "and you Hamnet Romano, Marques of Markarth...your voice fits you as well." she smiled politely but her demeanor was otherwise serious. Most saw her as sweet, and she was, but everything she said always had a mischievous or serious undertone. She is the type of girl that will not tolerate being messed with.

Seconds later she turned sharply to the VERY faint noise of hoofs in the distance. Normal ears wouldn't hear it, but Rosalinda could and she knew the sound of that particular horse. Amilia' she thought with a grimace. Amilia was always over-protective and Rosalinda was sure it had to do with her blindness. When her sister finally arrived and spoke, Rosalinda approached he horse slowly, placing one hand on the long snout. "Baby meaning I cannot take care of myself? Watch your words sister. You are older and I do respect you but I am not a child, so do not treat me as such. These fine gentlemen were just introducing themselves to me. Father is not feeling well so they were told to leave and come back later." she said softly but sharply at the same time. It was a tone that was blooming with maturity and independence.

Hemnet thought for a moment, this man seemed so fimiler yet he couldn't place his face. He said he was the generel of The King's Army, which for all he knew could have been it. Like many noblemen of his day Hamnet did fight for the King in severel conflicts that crossed his path, but nothing in the past five years, not since Sybbyl's death.
"Pardon sir but how long have you been in your current posistion?" he asked trying to puzzle it all togather.

Henry turned around feeling a tug on his shirt, "I just thought" he started but shook his head. "Sorry I'm glade for the company." he smiled and started to head back to the mare he had been working on when a man came in.

"I am from Markarf. I come seeking my lord Hamnet Romano, the Marques." the man said. Henry thought for a momant not sure which of the men who came in today if any were the Marques. "THe only men who came in here today went to the courtyard." he said directing him to the rigth place.

Maximilian made his way outside, and looked out as he sow his daughters with two men. He knew them both of course one was Krayt of course and the other the Marques.

Krios turned his head to eye the direction the stable boy pointed at before turning back to him.

"My thanks."

He said as he reached into his coin purse and fished out two gold coins.

"My horse has had a long journey. She could use some tending to."

He said as he handed the smaller, blonde man the coins. Markus reached into his pouch and pulled out a third coin and handed it to the stable boy as well.

"For your trouble."

With that he turned to the princess and gave her a respectful nod.

"Milady."

He said in goodbye before taking his leave. Markus began his walk away from the stables and down the path outlined for him by the stable boy. He walked along the well paved cobblestone path, taking in the sight of the massive castle built on the edge of a waterfall. It was really quite spectacular but Markus had a specific reason for coming here this day and taking in the view wasn't it. He made his way along the path only passing a few servants and handmaidens who were careful to keep out of the warriors way as he walked. Markus, coming from a working class, always gave those of a low social standing their due respect for he knew all to well what it was like to go to bed hungry. To not be born with a silver spoon in your mouth. He nodded and greeted those briefly who he crossed as he made his way to the courtyard. Reaching the edges of the large, splendid garden that was the courtyard he was forced to stop and marvel at the sight. Meticulously tended flowers, trees and bushes called the courtyard home giving it an almost magical quality to it. Rare breeds of birds found no where else but the farthest reaches of the globe were here, making their homes in the perches of the tallest trees. Fruit, more valuable than the homes most servant folk live in hung from the some of the trees appetizingly. Through the trees and streaming rays of sunlight Markus spotted his friend across the way. He was speaking with a wicked looking man that epitomized something from a nightmare. Beside the Marques and the Death Knight stood a ravishing young woman with golden hair and eyes a peculiar yet captivating shade of greyish green. She had the air of regality to her. "Another of the Kings daughters no doubt." He thought to himself within the confines of his own mind. Turning his attention back to Hemnet and the Dark Knight, Markus' natural skepticism took hold and instantly saw the man as a threat. He slowly made his way toward the pair, careful to keep at the man's back. He approached from the rear, stopping a few paces from the two and called out to Hemnet with his hand on one of the hand axes hanging from his belt.

"Romano..."

He said with a calm smile yet his fierce gaze rested on the knight speaking to his best friend.

Rosalinda Othello

Again, Rosalinda heard unfamiliar footsteps, then she heard another voice. The new man was wary of Warlord Krayt she could feel it. She couldn't see the situation at hand, but because of her empathy Rosalinda could feel the tension rising, although she was sure everyone in the circle could feel it too. The emotion in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife. With a deep breath she started to emit feelings of calm. Her empathy worked both ways. She could feel emotion and emit emotion. Most of the time it worked but there were a select few cases where the tense emotions still hung in the air. She approached the new man, with his hand on the axe and guessed where his hand was. She placed her hand gently on his and said softly "No need to be hostile." an angelic smile spread onto her face and she moved his hand off the axe hilt. She continued to emit calm feelings and approached the warlord. She searched for his face, her hand starting at his chest and working its way up. It wasn't meant to be scandalous or seductive in any way, she was just trying to find his face. He was a bit taller than she thought but she finally found his face. She placed her soft pale hand on the side of his face. He was clearly uncomfortable with the action but she didn't care. "The same goes for you Vladimir Krayt, Warlord and High General of the Kings Army. I will not have bloodshed here. Do you both understand?" she said firmly. She removed her hand from his face and stepped back "While you are here you will coexist peacefully or you can leave the premises." she said, speaking to everyone in the circle.

Before going to sit back under the large tree she stopped next to her sister and whispered "Worry about yourself sister."

The tension in the air was palpable, like the calm before the storm. The cold, death stare from the knight only cemented Markus' concerns about him. The next few moments hung in the balance. Should blood be shed Markus would make sure that this knight die. He would see to that. He always got some measure of satisfaction out of fighting knights, with their heavy, expensive armor. They thought themselves so superior, they thought themselves invincible. Markus had proven more than enough of them wrong. He was ready to do it again when an angel appeared before him. The princess stepped between Markus and the knight. Her golden locks seeming to enhance her beauty as if they were made of the suns very rays. Her piercing captivating eyes seemed to cut clean through his natural hesitation towards new people.

"No need to be hostile."

She said, her words like precious droplets of water to a man dying of thirst. She smiled with such serenity the warrior thought some benevolent deity had shown him favor. Her hand, small and light of touch reached out and her fingertips met his hand. Her skin, silken and pristine, so different from the rough large hands of The Huntsman. She gently pulled his hand away from his axe and he didn't resist. He allowed her to move his hand as he couldn't help but be captivated by her beauty. It wasn't until she turned from him to address the knight that he blinked clear the fog her radiance placed around him. He groaned ever so slightly and rubbed his eyes with his thumb and fore finger while secretly a portion of his mind yearned to feel her eyes upon him once again. He settled now with allowing her to order the knight to stand down before she spoke to her sister.

Hamnet was silent for a long time; his gaze was trapped at the King. It was strange how a man such as him, who was so physically fit, could look so altered and sickly. He hardly looked like the man Hamnet had fought for ten years ago. Ten years was a long time, perhaps it always happened when one grows older? Then again Hamnet has already faced something ten times worse than any battle scare or sickness, losing the love of his life.

After he returned from war he learned of injustices across the kingdom from Willowshire, to Constance, Falconhem and Greensburg the lower class were losing land and starving to death, and Hamnet would not have it. He once confronted the king about this, but didn’t get very far this was his chance to speak to him, he was right there in his eye sight, and he could stop their pain.

“Markus?” he turned hearing his friend’s voice. “What, are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be…” he paused and remembered the children. “What happened, did he?” Hamnet asked quickly.

Henry smiled, “As you wish” he said and took the mare the man left into a new stall trying not to look too much at Marlow, but unable to help himself.
“What...” he paused, “Why dose a person read those books of yours? Isn’t the bible good enough?” He asked.

Markus put his hand up, easing his Hamnet's fears.

"Peace brother, they're fine. They're all fine. They're... with your father."

Markus took a step toward Hamnet knowing he wouldn't much like the idea of his father watching over his children, well aware of his tense relationship between the two.

"Now before you take my head off he insisted. He did not like the idea of you being here alone with no one to watch your back and neither did I. The children are being looked after by the same maids and servants that raised you. They're probably sneaking sweetcakes from the bakers just like you did as a boy. Besides... you know I'm terrible with them on my own."

He said with something of a joking tone.

Henry looked at her feeling kind of guilty that he said anything, “how? Errr” he tried to think what to say, but he couldn’t think of the right way to ask her. “I always wanted to learn to read.” He said as he brushed the mare. “Something other than the bible that it, but I can’t even read that really just memorized it during mass.” He shrugged.

“Our father whiche art in heuen, halowed be thy name Let thy kingdome cum unto us. Thy wyll be fulfylled as well in erthe, as it is in heuen. Gyue vs this daye our daylye breade. And forgyue us our trespasses, as we forgyue them that trespas agaynst vs. And lede vs nat in to temtacyon. But delyuer vs from euyll. So be it.”

Hamnet calmed down although he wasn’t happy about Markus being here, and his father being the cause of it. “Very well.” He muttered. [at least their safe. Nodded and stepped back, and introduced the man as his brother.

Markus stood behind Hamnet silently as he was introduced to those before him. The watchful protector. Despite what Hamnet might like or would even admit they both new Markus would always be there to watch out for Hamnet. If the roles were reversed Hamnet would have been the one showing up to keep an eye on Markus. It was just their way. Shield brothers who stand at each others side no matter who the adversary. Markus gave a respectful nod to the lords and ladies before him, still not saying a word. None was needed, they all were well aware of who he was and why he was here now. He was here to protect Hamnet, to watch over his friend. Should any hope to win the heart of the princesses by "eliminating" the competition they'd receive an axe to the face for their trouble.

Rosalinda could also feel the affect she had on the men, and she was impressed with Warlord Krayt's subtle resistance. It still worked, just not as well. It told her that he was good at his job, and that not much can sway him. The effect on Markus Krios was much different, but she was equally satisfied with the result. "Forgive me Warlord Krayt, but I don't think you heard me. The point of that little charade was to tell you that blood WILL NOT be spilled here. I understand that it is your nature to be on your guard and feel no remorse when you've decided to rid the world of someone, but here everyone will go home alive and in one piece. And to be quite honest, I do not care how it made you feel. All I care is that it worked."

Then she turned her attention away from him quickly and felt something else as well...intense love, slight anger, and companionship? The emotions were coming from Hamnet. She listened nonchalantly as he spoke to the Markus about his children and the opposing feelings he had about him being there. She took in the words, emotions, and tone of voice and smiled. The air had calmed just as she had hoped and everyone's attention seemed to be focusing on something else. Warlord Krayt was slightly harder to read. There was always a sinister air around him; that's how she knew he was uncomfortable with her touching his face.

"The next time a barbarian decides he would like to test my might."

Markus growled at the comment as his jaw tensed in anger. Images of him knocking the pale bastards teeth in flashed in his mind. He managed to restrain himself however as the Warlord left to speak with the king. Markus scoffed under his breath in disgust as he turned back to Hamet.

"It never ceases to amaze. No matter what country, what kingdom, what keep you find yourself in knights are all the same. Pompous, arrogant, and foolish."

Krios said, his words laced with distaste. He sighed trying to get the aggression out of his system before allowing his eyes to glance around the courtyard. If he was going to be here to protect Hamnet it would be prudent to get a lay of the land.

"Going to take a walk about, brother. Won't be far."

He said in a slightly hushed tone before beginning to walk off.

Rosalinda Othello

Rosalinda raised an eyebrow at Krayt's comment, and a thought occurred to her. 'How many of them know i'm blind?' she smirked. 'You'd think it would be obvious by now' she thought. "I would hope you're able to follow simple orders Warlord Krayt. I should not have to stay your blood." she said before he left. Rosalinda bowed her head slightly at the sight of her father. "Father, some suitors have already arrived, I realize that one of us is going to rule the kingdom soon, but I feel it is also critical for the suitors to view the land. Who better to show them than me?" she smirked. It was clearly ironic. "Furthermore, I am sure you will be planning trade routes, strategies, and things of the like...which require map work and...well father...i'm blind." she laughed lightly like it was a new development.

She turned in Hamnet and Markus' direction. "Gentlemen if you'd like to see the property I would be happy to show you." She heard Markus Krios walk off and walked after him, grabbing his upper arm for support and to define where exactly he was. "You will not have to deal with Warlord Krayt again. He should be leaving tomorrow if all the planning gets done today." she said quietly. "You feel such strong emotions. What attaches you to the Marques?" she asked bluntly.

Maximilian looked at his general and nodded, fearing the sickness was already fogging his ability to rule. "Yes..." he nodded frailly unlike the man he was just moments ago. That was the curse of this sickness, one minute he felt fine the next... He coughed loudly, holding a handkerchief to his lips. He knew Rosalind had little care for maps and charts, although he did not see her condition as the reason. It was unfortunate true, but she was a lady of status it’s not like she was going to ride into battle.

“You will one day Rosalind need to understand the ways of war, but I pray that day never comes” he said and patted the girl’s cheek before frailly heading inside towards the throne room, where he hoped Krayt would follow.

Hamnet, remained quite as he elaborated on his thoughts, she seems taken with them, perhaps I shouldn't interferon I've had Sybbyl, for as brief as it was, but Markus hasn't had a woman. I should allow him some happiness, what friend would I be if I did not.
"Well." He at last spoke. "I think i'll go for a ride, if you wish to join very well." he grinned and walked towards his horse.

Henry nodded shyly, “well yes of course” he said looking up from the mare’s coat. “But I don’t expect to be much good at it.” He shrugged and went back to the mare’s body. “Some people just don’t know that sort of stuff I guess…”

A young maid by the name of Martha came running down the corridor; she was late having slept in too long. She ran from the servants’ entrance into what was known as the Great Hall, when she ‘bumped’ into a man. “Pardon me sire.” She said picking up a few linens that has fallen.
“Are you here for the princesses?” she asked looking at him in ah, “You don’t look very rich, to me” her dark born eyes looking into his, her dark completion echoing her beauty. In another lifetime she would have considered a countess, “They’re all in the courtyard, or just about anyway.”
(ahhhh sappy….)

Maximilian sighed lessening to the warlord, “I’ve had fears that this would happen.” He said meekly, “But I fear it is not another Kingdom, I would seem my Brother-in-law has at last found the forces he needs to take back Ivory Skies.” He shook his head and coughed once more, then asked him. “How much do you need?” he said reaching into his pockets for his change purse.

Hamnet walked to a large weeping willow that stood at the very edge of the lavish courtyard. He knelt down and pulled a small golden ring with a purple gem set in the middle. It had been his mother’s ring the last thing he had to remember her by, and when he went off to war seven years ago he had given it to his sweetheart to hold till he returned.

Rumors of his death spread to her, and she married Constance. Now Hamnet doesn’t know the exact details, but one thing he is certain of she thought he was dead.
”You could have stayed here in the first place, instead of following your King to the Holy land which you wouldn’t have if you even cared about these precious people, but you didn’t you choice war, you choice Glory.”

“and I will never make that mistake again,” he uttered trying to hold back the tears. He didn’t want to be here, truthfully but he had to The King is dying and he had to convince the man to save the people for the Cruelty of some of the nobles. Things were not as good in Ivory Skies as they seemed, as he looked over at the princesses he wondered do they know anything beyond these walls?

“I can’t keep fight this without you Sybbyl.” He remembered holding his love as she died in his arms.
”Oh I’d love to keep arguing with you but we haven’t got the time, You promise me you keep fighting.”
He kissed the ring gently, remembering her embrace. “Good bye my love” he said softly.

Henri smiled at her, “I suppose your right princess.” And burst out a small chuckle. “I really do need to finish up here though” and started heading back to the mare once more to brush her. He wanted to say so more, but it was no use anything he said would be a mistake.