Vasset

Each time the steel of the sword hit against the wood block, Jacari let out a loud grunt. She had been overexerting herself, throwing too much power into her swing causing the weapon to get lodged into the wood each time. Everything about her was off, from her stance to her emotions and she was thankful that there was no one there to correct her, no one there to point out her flaws. There was to be a grand party to celebrate her mother's engagement but there wasn't a single part of her that wanted to be participating in any part of the whole thing. Jacari thought all of it to be nothing more than a farce, she didn't like the idea of letting the mutts into their home even during their attempt at peace. As far as she could tell they knew nothing of it, the stories of them and their monstrous abilities on the battlefield filled her childhood. She would have given anything to be able to fight them, prove herself. The thud pulled her away from her thoughts and back into reality. Golden eyes squinted slightly as they fell on the sword once more stuck but no matter how much she tried to pry it out this time, it wasn't coming free. Frowning and with little options left fingers gently traced over to the marks she was leaving behind honestly at this point the thing was probably going to be thrown into a fire later that night and a new one placed out. Could it be considered a waste?

"M'lady, it's time to head back inside. The royal family of Novia'n has been spotted not that far. They'll be arriving soon." From across the yard, an older woman spoke to her with a soft smile. With a sigh Jacari nodded, for a moment she stood there-there was no reason for her to remain there but for a moment her feet just didn't want to move. "Why don't we draw you a bath." The voice once more broke through to her, Jacari nodded again this time leaving her mess to make her way back into the castle. With a head held high, she walked through the hallways eyes drifting to watch as people rushed around her in hushed whispers. Jacari felt exhausted. Honestly, she had been taking her anger out for far too long anyway, she was sure that her mother's head would go through the roof if she had known she spent the better part of four hours just hacking away at something. Smirking at the thought, fingers pulled at the hem of her sleeve a bit as she continued on her way looking around as she did. Stopping in front of an open door she stared intently inside.

Golden eyes fell upon the slender tall figure of her sister, her posture changed and she smiled widened. The woman stood in the library looking at different book something seemed to be on her mind. In a quick graceful stride, Jacari strode into the room quietly taking a seat behind Gia whose mind seemed to be engulfed in whatever she was looking at completely unaware she had gained a companion, "Shouldn't you be prepping?" She couldn't help but giggle as she watched her jump a little bit, "If we're anything less than perfect I doubt we will hear the end of it." Leaning her head into her hand, she rested her elbow no the arm of the chair. "This whole thing is...completely and utterly ridiculous." Pouting a little she looked away from the shelves and its books towards a window. The sun was still fairly high in the sky, the clouds that had been gathering earlier seemed to have faded though she wouldn't have minded the rain. Probably would have put things on hold for a little bit, maybe slowed down the travels of the mutts. "Think anyone will notice if I don't show up?" She turned back to Gia and made a face at her response and slowly rose from the chair with a small nod, "I shall see you tonight then." Bowing her head she walked out of the room, giving her sister one more smile before making her way towards her room to bathe and dress.

Jacari couldn't remember the last time she enjoyed being fussed over but here she was for the last hour dealing with it. With a grumpy look on her face, she sat at the vanity as one of the handmaidens pulled a brush through her black locks. The amount of things she was willing to give up in return to not deal with this was starting to pile, she was fairly sure she was going to be an empty sack of shit if anyone came to collect. Laughing a bit she got up from her seat using her hands to shoo the maids away from her tired of their primping and dawdling being able to put her dress on herself. It was a simple garment that fit her perfectly, it was long and black with some silver embellishment towards the bottom that mimicked the design of lace.

The grand ballroom was fairly filled with people, it was the first time she had ever seen the two races mingling. The scene took a second for her to adjust to, grabbing a drink she moved about the crowd. It was easy to tell she wasn't the only one who was uncomfortable about the whole thing but what could one do when your ruler says this is how it's going to be for now on. Music played as people talked with shifty eyes, slowly she made her way about the crowd the shadows at her feet shifted around as she did showing how uncomfortable she was right now. Nails gently tapped against her glass as she tried to find some kind of safe space. Jacari was beyond thankful when she found her sister once more, quickly she moved to her side the shadows below her calming almost instantly. After a few minutes, she regretted her decision.

"Absolutely dreadful." Jacari muttered under her breath, leaning into the ear of Gia hoping for only her to hear the protest. There they stood in the grand ballroom listening to a small group of noble men and women go on about the treaty and other political matters while her sister smiled and gracefully navigated the conversation without her help. For a moment Jacari's face scrunched up in slight anger. Of course, peace was the right route but feelings still remained. There was a slight jab into her side and quickly the princess came back to reality looking with surprise to Gia. Apparently a question or statement had been directed at her, with an eyebrow raised she just took a sip of her drink giving the conversation an air of awkwardness. Even if she had been paying attention there was nothing she wanted to do with the conversation at all.

The morning was spent elbow deep in dirt; Gianeva was preparing a new home for some yarrow saplings she had started a week or so prior. The irony in the situation was humorous, to say the least. She wiped her hands on her apron, setting back on her haunches to admire her handywork. Soon, she’d have to ready herself for the evening’s festivities. She had all but avoided her maids thus far, though there was still one thing she wished to do before it was time to get clean and dressed. Gia stood, and with a wave of her hand she summoned water from her bucket and gingerly sprayed the young plants until they glistened in the morning sun. Satisfied with her work, she gathered her tools and headed into her workroom. The table in the center of the room was filled with neat piles of various different herb cuttings in preparation to make a new concoction, however she was missing a component. A trip to the library would be her final step and although she was running short on time, it was necessary. Otherwise, it would wrack her brain all night.


Gianeva had her nose in a book on botany in an attempt to find a suitable binding agent that wouldn’t lessen the strength of her medicine. There was once an old woman who would mix herbs and plants together purely based on tales alone, but Gia found it dangerous, preferring science and tested methods against word of mouth. Because of this, she was deep in thought when Jacari entered the room and hadn’t even realized she wasn’t alone.


“Oh!” She started, promptly closing the book. “Yes, actually. I’ve been avoiding Paloma all morning. It doesn’t take as long as they think it does for me to get ready, such a waste of a beautiful day.” Gianeva pulled a pout, but recanted with a sigh. “Oh very much so. Mother will be watching like a hawk, I presume. I half expect her to start arranging marriages on our behalf.” Her eyes rolled at the thought, upper lip curling back slightly. “I suppose it could be worse. She could be marrying me off to the old dog.” She laughed and held the book to her chest. “But yes, I’ll see you later. Hopefully we’ll get through this without too much discomfort.” With that, she watched Jacari leave before plucking another book from the shelf and exiting herself.


Paloma was, as she suspected, a nervous wreck. Once Gianeva stepped inside her room her girls swarmed her. She allowed them to fuss over her for the most part until after her bath. When it was time to get dressed, only three maids remained with her. The eldest girl had the task of brushing her long, silver hair while another unfurled her gowns and robes. The youngest girl child went about rubbing in sweetly scented oil into her bronzed skin. Though she wouldn’t admit it proudly, she did enjoy being pampered. To say that Gianeva was spoiled was an understatement. Even though her training and schooling were rigorous, her mother accepted only the best for herself and her daughters. There was something to be said about the fine details such as the plush, purple carpet at her feet or the aromatic perfume that lingered in the air.


In the end, once all her clothing was aired out and on display, Gianeva decided on a light, gauzy ensemble. The colors were reminiscent of a setting sun, with a delicate golden design and sheer draping. Once she was felt ready, she dismissed the young women politely. Already she could hear the commotion and although the view from her quarters didn’t permit her, she was sure their guests had already arrived. Rather than wait and be summoned, Gia decided to find her sister.


Her journey to the grand hall was smooth, despite seeing several faces she hadn’t seen before. Her heart quickened in her chest at the thought of suddenly having a larger family. Were they going to live with them now? Her mother never did delve into the details. In fact, it was all so sudden they really didn’t know anything. Something told her that this…arrangement wasn’t going to be exactly smooth. Whenever there was a meeting between two polar opposite sides, things never went well. Especially since the people of Yoo’re all but left religion behind. Well, Mother and Father at least. Brother was something entirely different. Nowadays, his teachings and word was more relevant than anything the old books could muster. Then again, Gianeva herself wasn’t religious in any sense of the word. While she had a respect for Brother, the larger scale religion was just something that made the weak minded people act like sheep. But unlike most, Gianeva could accept that some people preferred Mother and Father. As long as they didn’t attempt to convert her, she was perfectly content. She had no doubt that her mother would allow such a thing, but then again, the queen was just full of surprises lately.


It didn't take long for the princess to be swallowed up by the crowd. Familiar faces -- nobles, lesser royalty, seemed to want to know what her opinion was on the treaty. Gianeva maneuvered through the conversations as politely and as efficiently as she was able, despite not knowing much herself. It was a damned shame their mother didn't at least rehearse with them what was correct and what wasn't. Alas, she was skilled at conversation and most people were eager to change the topic. More often than not, the Novia'n people. Despite sharing some of their feelings, she urged them to be respectful. One joked that a dog's hearing was too good for whispers; Gianeva nearly blanched.


When she felt Jacari at her side, Gia introduced her properly and lingered only a few moments longer before excusing them both."We'll speak later, I believe our uncle is here. Enjoy yourselves." She offered a polite smile before turning, her hand gently placed on Jacari's elbow to guide her away quickly.

"As if regular gatherings weren't stressful enough. Answering questions I don't know the answer to is a bit more nerve wracking than I care to admit." She murmured, plucking a goblet of wine from a passing tray. Her lips pursed slightly, but her demeanor changed quickly; the last thing she needed was to get scolded. "Hopefully this won't last into the wee hours of the night." Jade eyes quickly scanned the grand room for any sign of their mother, but it seemed as if she wasn't formerly introduced as of yet. Perfect.

---

Two hundred sixty-one, two hundred sixty-two, two hundred sixty-three, two hundred sixty-four, two hundred sixty-five, two hundred sixty-six, two hundred sixty-seve-

"Sir?" A voice came from the entrance of his chamber. Letting out a frustrated sigh, Gideon tapped his fingers on his desk. "Yes, what is it?" He asked, amber eyes pulling away from the counting frame in front of him and settling on the boy in the doorway. Today was the celebration of the engagement between two kingdoms, and Gideon had the palace guard to organize. He did not have the time for any interruptions. "This came for you, Sir." The courier hesitated before shuffling forward nervously, a sealed envelope in his hand. "Leave it there." Gideon said and gestured to the corner of the desk already occupied by a mountain of paper. The boy nodded and put the scroll down before bowing and backing out of the room. The Yoo're general finished his count hurriedly, knowing the note would most likely be a summons.

Gideon eyed the parchment a moment before reaching out and plucking it from the heap of papers at the corner of the desk. After being unable to find the letter opener he was sure he saw a minute ago, the general pulled one of his daggers from his waist and made a slit in the side of the envelope. He read the contents twice over, his lips pressing together to form a thin line. It had only been about two weeks since the passing of his mentor, the former general. The man had no children, no close relatives, so nearly everything of his was left to Gideon. This included his position and the responsibilities that came with it. A summons. To the gala. The general leaned forward and rested his chin on his hand. Of course he would have to meet the rest of her Highness' family sooner or later. The Queen had been the one to approve his position as new general, so he was acquainted with her already. He had not yet, however, met her daughters or been formally acknowledged as the general of Yoo're.

It wasn't that he didn't want to meet them, nor was it that he didn't want to go to the gala. In fact, he was honored to do either, and furthermore understood how important it was that he do both. Gideon just felt as though the time could be used for more organizing. Conceding with a sigh, General Osiris set the parchment down and stood. He had some time yet before he was to attend, and he would be a blasted fool if he didn't enjoy it.

A few minutes later he was in the courtyard staring slack-jawed at a mutilated block of wood, a steel sword still lodged in it's side. "What in the Brother..." Gideon breathed and shook his head, blinking a few times before turning away to find a different practicing target. He would have to reprimand whoever had damaged the equipment later. The target Gideon found was far enough away that it would help him focus on the upcoming evening. The general pulled the two small blades from his side and held them up. He admired them a moment before sending them whizzing through the air and firmly into the target. He repeated the process until enough time had passed and he would have to begin preparing for the engagement party.

An hour later Gideon found himself in front of the entrance to the Grand Hall, his palm resting on the weapon at his belt. The guards standing by eyed the sheathed blade but said nothing. He liked the lingering threat it suggested, and although he may be watched closely by the Novia'n people, at least he could be of some use if things went awry. As he made his way into the hall, a short introduction was made for Gideon by a small man with funny-looking hair. The general gave the man (and the few people that had heard him) a curt nod before slinking into the masses. Somewhere along the way he was offered some sweet-smelling wine, which he politely refused, then pulled aside by some curious noblemen wishing to discuss his "odd blade".

"Where I'm from they call it a scimitar." He gave a hearty chuckle, trying not to seem as offended as he was. The group of men burst with jovial laughter, and Gideon winced. Really, he couldn't blame them for their ignorance. Most soldiers fought with a broadsword or a shortsword, and it was an odd-looking scrap of metal, though he always found it striking in it's own way. A tall (presumably) Yoo'rian man rumbled, "It looks very handy. I ought to look into having one made." before sending a hard clap onto his shoulder. Gideon was glad he had refused a drink, else it's contents would have spilled over his uniform from the jarring impact. He chuckled again, less convincing this time. Then the men began their debate as to which weapon was most efficient in the field, Gideon tuning it out and scanning the area for any suspicious characters.

A sense of relief flooded her when Gia took them away from the boring conversation, a sour expression on her face as they moved about the crowd before finding a spot to hide for a bit. Taking another sip of her drink, she finished it placing it on a passing tray waiting a bit to grab another. While Jacari would rather drink herself into a stupor she wasn’t in the mood for the lecture that would accompany it. Shadows shifted awkwardly at her feet, a small portion of it reaching up to touch at the fingertips that were at her side trying to comfort her they best it could before falling back down. “You know we will be stuck here all night.” Grimacing at the thought Jacari turned to her elder with a small smile on her face, “At least she hasn’t arrived to separate us yet.” Her tone was a little happier as she spoke about their mother, she was sure that once their Queen arrived she would monopolize Gia’s attention forcing her into conversations about pointless things and politics. These were the small times she has cherished. Everyone had been so busy for so long that it was nice to be with her sister even if it was in a situation like this.


Once more the shadows at her feet swayed, wrapping around her ankle they tried to gain her attention once more but for a different reason this time. Tilting her head she turned in the direction that they were telling her to look, there stood a man surrounded by a curious mixture of men. While the group seemed to be enjoying themselves it appeared to be the opposite for the man, it wasn’t till through the gaps of the men she saw what it was that attracted her shadow’s attention, as it whispered lowly to her - it was the same thing that had gained him the small company, the sword at his side. Her golden eyes widened at the weapon and her lips curled upwards. Without a second thought her arm twisted it’s way around into Gia’s pulling her in their direction. Not caring how rude she was being Jacari pushed her way past one of them to place the two in the middle of them. Bending slightly she looked at the weapon letting out a sound of awe as she tilted her head curiously. “A piece of work isn’t it?” One of them laughed a little as he tried to speak to her completely unaware of who she by his tone. Barely a second passed before he reached out to her shoulder, a low growl erupted from her throat as she slapped the man’s hand away ignoring her sister’s whisper about tolerance or something of the sort. Her attention wasn’t broken as she straightened her back and cheerily smiled to Gideon her attention purely on him.


“You said it was sci..mit..ar?” Jacari was close to butchering the word, blushing for a brief moment as she tried to pronounce it the way her shadow had. She heard rumours of their new general and the odd weapon he carried, she wondered if this man was him. She was pretty sure that her mother was keeping him as far away from her as possible, even though she had officially listed into the army nothing had come of it yet. It seemed that their previous general even though he was happy to have her was worried about what to do with her, something she was hoping to avoid with their new military leader. “It has a very odd design, is it better than a regular sword?” Hundreds of other questions ran through her mind but for now she would try her hardest not to completely bombard the poor man.

It wasn't long before the men began asking him direct questions again. Gideon did not enjoy these men prying questions from him publicly. "Where is it you come from then, boy?" The large Yoo'rian man asked, his monster of a beard moving with his mouth as he spoke. Gideon shot a glare at the man, displeased with the condescending tone held over the word "boy". "Oh, I doubt you would know your geography well enough to know where it is, if I were to tell you." The General's eyes flickered with challenge, the insult blatant. There would be talk between the noblemen for days, if not weeks, after this response. First impressions were important to these people, and Gideon was not about to be remembered as "the foreign boy with the funny sword". The bearded oaf went crimson and flattened his mouth into a firm line, he stayed like this for a second or two before opening his mouth to respond.

Just then, the group was parted by two young women, elegantly dressed and (like every other body present) obviously noble. Nearly in unison the men dipped their heads to acknowledge their joining of the discussion. "A piece of work isn’t it?" Burst the man whom he had angered a moment ago, eager to change the subject. He tried reaching out to touch the shoulder of the dark-haired one, earning him a dismissing swat and a low- nearly inaudible- noise of warning from her. Gideon held in a laugh.

"You said it was sci..mit..ar?" The shorter of the two women asked, and although she greatly mispronounced the word, he nodded. The way she was analyzing him was amusing, in a way. As if she were already putting together how useful he would be to her. "It has a very odd design, is it better than a regular sword?" The question caught him off guard, although it shouldn't have, considering her clear interest in the weapon. "No better, nor worse, my lady. A sword is like a person, each will have their strengths and weaknesses," he paused, tapping his fingers on the hilt of the blade still resting at his hip. "It's how they are wielded that determines their usefulness." It was an opinion Gideon had carried since he was old enough to support the weight of a sword.

The general blinked a few times, remembering that there were other guests present. He leaned back and looked to the fair-haired one, then turned to address the rest of the group as well. "For instance, a broadsword is heavy, yet wonderfully designed to pierce through armor. Whereas the skimitar is lighter and quicker, but has more difficulty inflicting damage where armor is involved." He was tempted to unsheathe the curved blade and demonstrate, but knew better than to do something so stupid in such a public setting. With his luck the Queen and her daughters would show just to witness his idiocy. Gideon considered the thought of his beheading so shortly after his introduction.