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The Prince and the Shieldmaiden

Europa

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a part of The Prince and the Shieldmaiden, by almostinsane.

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almostinsane holds sovereignty over Europa, giving them the ability to make limited changes.

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Europa

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Europa is a part of The Prince and the Shieldmaiden.

13 Characters Here

Lelinus Augustus [130] "I am not questioning your honor, Ser, I am denying it completely."
Brynjar Augustus [129] "I will not yield. I am the king!"
Ingrid Jorvikdatter [113] I am no mere warrior, I am a weapon
Evangelina [106] "...."
Beorn Clovermaen [105] "Plants are God's mercy to mankind."
Julius Gadfael [65] "As you say, Your Grace."
Elska Agir [54] "Much can be said without ever needing the use of words."
Tyr Jorvikson [45] Blood makes you related, loyalty make you a family
Katinka Dragomir [32] So what if I'm a girl?
Sarah Morgane [10] "I fight for my people and my faith"

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2 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Evangelina Character Portrait: Beorn Clovermaen
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"You have a true skill, Brother, You're garden is so vast, I've never seen such wonders."

Beorn flushed slightly as he placed the jug of honey of the table and mixed it with the tea. He poured them both a cup and smiled, "You flatter me. The plants do most of the work. I just tend to them."

Still, he looked pleased and at her words about joining him he smiled, taking in the look in her eyes. He had never seen a person quite like her. He replied, "I would love to show you what I do. The plants... They're God's gift to man. Almost any use of them is possible from medicine to food to increasing fertility..."

He flushed again and quickly answered her second question, "Honey actually is made by bees up in their hive. No one knows how exactly, but it has to have something to do with flowers. They take something from them and create it."

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Character Portrait: Evangelina Character Portrait: Beorn Clovermaen
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"You flatter me. The plants do most of the work. I just tend to them." He said humbly after handing her the tea. She took a breath from the cup, the smell was thick and sweet but much too hot for her to drink at the moment, despite his stirring.

"I would love to show you what I do. The plants... They're God's gift to man. Almost any use of them is possible from medicine to food to increasing fertility..." He said and her brow shot to the top of her head. Why he decided that was a fact she ought to know, she couldn't begin to understand. All she could do was watch the poor soul flush brightly, and quickly move on. She could have let him simmer with that, tease him with questions about how and he knew such a thing and why did it tumble from his lips in regards to her, but he was sweet, too sweet and innocent for her to tease.

"Honey actually is made by bees up in their hive."[/.b] He said and she looking up, reflectively, for said hive then wondered what a hive was. [b]"No one knows how exactly, but it has to have something to do with flowers. They take something from them and create it." He told her and she smiled. "What wonders..." She said, looking down at her tea. She really knew nothing about this land, They seemed to have one God as far as she could tell, she'd been here for a while and the only thing she really learned was the language. She knew how to speak but reading it, was difficult, she knew enough to get by but not a great deal and she didn't know how to write.

"Brother Beorn?" She spoke after a quiet moment. "Would you mind teaching your ways....the ways of your people, I am what some call a gypsy, I don't belong to any one land, I know my peoples ways but in that, I did not learn the ways of others, nothing beyond the language...I know...about 19 languages, I even know a few that have been lost in time. but I can barely read them, I know a few words on sight in yours but not a great deal." She said, "I know my way around people, but books....I can not read them." She said and looked up at him. She liked to learn, every place she went she found a way to learn the language, but she never had time to learn to read, not when she was a child, and even more so when her family parish to illness.

"Will you teach me?" She asked. "To read and to scribe..." She paused. That was the wrong word. "to write." She corrected. She was still getting used to this language. "About your God....Do you have one to two, or more, I do not know for sure, and I fear I may need all the knowledge I can if I am to properly handle the King..."

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2 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Evangelina Character Portrait: Beorn Clovermaen
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They sat there in comfortable silence for a few moments as they enjoyed their tea. Beorn smiled slightly. It was a strange thing. He did not get many visitors outside of Lelinus to his quarters, let alone someone like her.

"Brother Beorn? Would you mind teaching your ways....the ways of your people, I am what some call a gypsy, I don't belong to any one land, I know my peoples ways but in that, I did not learn the ways of others, nothing beyond the language...I know...about 19 languages, I even know a few that have been lost in time. but I can barely read them, I know a few words on sight in yours but not a great deal. I know my way around people, but books....I can not read them. About your God....Do you have one to two, or more, I do not know for sure, and I fear I may need all the knowledge I can if I am to properly handle the King..."

Her curiosity was palpable and Beorn as he talked and he couldn't help but be impressed. He only knew a few languages himself. Nineteen seemed to be unreal to him. He nodded in aquiesce. it seemed to be a crime against God and nature to leave someone like her unlettered. Not to mention the thought of spending more time with her did not sound unbearable.

"That is incredible... I would be honored to teach you our letters and our ways. I'm flattered that you chose me. I know very little compared to some. To answer your question, our religion is complicated. We worship the Triune God: one God revealed in Three Aspects. Our religion was founded by Artemesia."

His eyes drifted to the statue, her sword and staff in hand.

"She was God in mortal form. The Daughter. I still find it strange that women are delegated to certain roles where She was a fighter and healer both."

"We also have our own tales. There's so much," he told her with a slight grin, trying not babble on and on. He didn't want to drive her away. It'd hurt more than he cared to admit.

Setting

2 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Evangelina Character Portrait: Beorn Clovermaen
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"That is incredible..." He said and she wasn't sure exactly what was so incredible but she let it alone, and sipped her tea. "I would be honored to teach you our letters and our ways. I'm flattered that you chose me. I know very little compared to some. To answer your question, our religion is complicated. We worship the Truine God: one God revealed in Three Aspects. Our religion was founded by Artemesia." He said, his eyes moving to the stature, a tall proud woman with a sword and staff in her hands. That was a goddess she could get behind. "She was God in mortal form. The Daughter. I still find it strange that woman are delegated to certain roles where She was a fighter and healer both." He said and Evangelina chuckled. She didn't find it strange at all. Men were in charge, and Artemesia is not here. "We also have our own tales. There's so much," He said smiling and she chuckled. "I'll come after my works done, with any luck, I'll be have enough energy to learn." She said and stood. She wanted to know more about this Artemesia and how she began an entire religion that even men upheld but she had work to do. That was not why she was here.

"I must get started--Oh! I nearly forgotten, The Prince wanted to meet with a...Patriarch, but he'd had a coughing fit as we were speaking so I told him to lie down, and I'll ask you if you could tell this Patriarch that his presence was requested, though I doubt by now the prince has already gone and found this man himself." She said, rolling her eyes. Men were men no matter where she went, they never did as they were told, even if it were in their best interests.

"well you take me to this Patriarch?" She asked, "I figured it would be best meet him myself, since the prince thought it best if he holds the decree."

Setting

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lelinus Augustus Character Portrait: Evangelina Character Portrait: Ingrid Jorvikdatter
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Ingrid took the box from Lelinus and inspected the bracelets inside. Red and gold weaved in and out of one another. There was a quiet nobility to the bracelets. "These are beautiful," she echoed Lelinus's words. "Thank you." She had rarely had time for trinkets in Fjellborg; training had rarely left time for frivolity. Anything that might snag or be detrimental to her grip had been relegated to the past. Perhaps indulging herself in frivolity every once in a while wouldn't be so bad.

She listened quietly as Lelinus spoke with Evangelina, advising the newcomer to speak to Brother Beorn. Ingrid knew that Beorn was a good man, he was a man to be trusted which was apparently a rare thing in Byrdain. Lelinus looked at her, trying to look apologetic. "I just need to see the Patriarch for a few minutes. It shouldn't be long." Ingrid reached for Lelinus's hand as Evangelina spoke.

"Surely you are Prince, shouldn't the Patriarch come to see you, especially given your...illness?" She asked. "You should rest, I shall request that this Brother Beorn alert the Patriarch to meet your in your chambers, surely the Lady would agree."

Before Lelinus could respond, Evangelina had gone. "Her first day here and already she's taking your side. At this rate, I will be in bed, taking it easy for the rest of my life. I almost shudder at the thought."

Ingrid smiled. "Well, I like her. Gods know that this place needs more sensible people in it." She teased. Sensing that Lelinus was determined to see the Patriarch, Ingrid gently squeezed his hand. "Take care," she said and pressed a kiss to his cheek before leaving him to his endeavours.

Ingrid took the box back to their chambers, placing the box down on the dressing table. She ran a finger over the edges. She turned away from the dressing table and began searching through her clothes. Her dress felt restricting. She longed for a tunic and trousers again. She was sure she had something dark enough to pass for black. She pulled her dress off and switched it for a dark tunic and trousers. Ingrid took the sword that Lelinus had given her last night and headed out to hit a few training dummies.

The training yard was empty as Ingrid walked out across it. She found a distant corner, swinging her sword in a figure-of-eight. She turned and sliced her sword into the dummy. There was a dull thwack as the sword made contact. She swung her sword through the air again and again, switching her angle as she did, slicing and cleaving with her sword, slowly circling the dummy. She could feel the tension leaving her body as she moved with her sword. As she moved, she switched between one hand and two handed grips. She could wield the sword well enough with one hand, but she had greater control with two hands. Ingrid pushed her hair back from her face and continued attacking the dummy.

Setting

5 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lelinus Augustus Character Portrait: Evangelina Character Portrait: Ingrid Jorvikdatter Character Portrait: Beorn Clovermaen Character Portrait: Julius Gadfael
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"I'll come after my works done, with any luck, I'll be have enough energy to learn."

"I'd like that," he told her with what he hope was not with too much excitement.

As she told him that she wanted to meet with the Patriarch, he paused in thought. Patriarch Julius did not normally like people to drop by unannounced unless it was someone important like a member of the royal family, but he had seen him be more lenient towards servants and lowborn. The man was more concerned by slights directed at him by aristocrats who despised him for his lowly origins. Besides, it would be a good idea for her to meet him.

"Of course," he told her with a smile. He stood up and gestured for her to follow him. The walk wasn't too long, but one could clearly see that the interior of the halls they walked was much richer than that of the wing where the servants resided. It was a lot higher too, he thought wryly as he climbed the last step and knocked on the Patriarch's door politely before entering.

"I will speak to His Grace in the morning. I would prefer her to be on hand so that I might introduce her." Julius told Leo before the prince smiled wryly.

"Of course. And it seems she is just in time to meet with you."

The old man frowned, but he said nothing as he looked her over. He stroked his chin.

"You have a talent, it seems, for befriending those above your station. I did as well," he rose from his desk and paced the room. Lelinus grinned slightly as he made his way to the door.

"I better inform my lady wife that I will not be exerting myself further today."

Well, that meant that Julius was sold, right. The old man bowed his head slightly as the prince left before turning his gaze back to Evangelina.

"If you gain the new king's ear, they will always despise you. It is an unpardonable sin for a lowborn man to surpass his betters due to royal favor. But a foreign, lowborn woman? That is worse."

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As he stepped into the training yard, Lelinus was half tempted to sneak up behind Ingrid and greet her with a kiss on the cheek, but he was liable to be cut in half on accident if he did so. Instead, he took a seat on the bench and watched. He could not help but notice how her leathers hugged her form once more even as she attacked the training dummy like a wolf clawing open a deer's belly.

"You're looking well. I can see the tension evaporating from your shoulders," he told her with a grin. He took a moment to close his eyes. It was a nice day. The sun was warm and the breeze cooled his skin.

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lelinus Augustus Character Portrait: Evangelina Character Portrait: Beorn Clovermaen Character Portrait: Julius Gadfael
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Evangelina walked with Brother Beorn in silence, memorizing the steps from his garden to the patriach's chamber. She felt a twinge of fear. She worried about this new King, two men, one being his own brother warned her of his lecherous ways, and though Brother Beorn didn't believe her life was in danger, it had occurred to her, just then, that they did not know him as King, surely, as the is newly crown, perhaps he would test the strength of his power by killing a foreign handmaiden? She would have to be smart about this, it would have to be a dance. She would step but not overstep. Every move carefully planned, choreographed even. They arrived at door just at the Prince seemed to be leaving. Evangelina shook her head. He ought to be resting.
Men....
"I will speak to His Grace in the morning. I would prefer her to be on hand so that I might introduce her." The Patriarch, she assumed said.
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"Of course. And it seems she is just in time to meet with you." The Prince spoke as she and Brother Beorn entered the room. The Patriarch frowned looking at her, Evangelina just stood, not saying a word either.

"You have a talent, it seems, for befriending those above your station. I did as well," He said and rose, pacing slightly. Evangelina again was quiet, watching the man. The Prince however gave a grin and made his way out.

"I better inform my lady wife that I will not be exerting myself further today." To that she merely rolled her eyes but bowed graciously.

"If you gain the new king's ear, they will always despise you. It is an unpardonable sin for a lowborn man to surpass his betters due to royal favor. But a foreign, lowborn woman? That is worse."
Evangelina frowned. What an odd thing to say?
"I care very little for anyone's despite." She said, simply. "I am here as a favor, if I make friends, they will be much appreciated." She said, her gaze flickered over to Brother Beorn. " but if I do not, so be it, that is their problem, not mine."

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2 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Brynjar Augustus Character Portrait: Katinka Dragomir
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Brynjar watched carefully as Katinka removed her veil to reveal her face. He had always found her a pretty girl and the years had been kind to her so far. Even though he had often flirted with the temptress in the past, he had kept a respectful distant--which was far more than he had ever afforded any other maiden. She expressed concern for his own safety and a grim smile came to his face. Brynjar was known as the best warrior in Byrdain. He had dedicated his life to mastering the art of combat. It was laughable to think the enemy would try to attack him in an honest duel. Of course, none of the Fjellborgan's would dare challenge him at the moment. They were too concerned for their own lives because great shadows of doubt lay upon them.

"There is no guard who could protect me better than myself. If they were truly determined, then I doubt extra guards would detract them. I also doubt they would try and face me." He mulled over her second idea. There would be no poison slipped into his food, but Katinka would not know that.

"I suppose extra tasters would be a realistic option." He hesitated before nodding. "Very well, if it will bring you a measure of comfort then I will have all of the food tasted twice." He didn't mind manipulating her care of him if it meant getting her on his side. Katinka was a fox in the court. She was sly, cunning, and had an ear for picking up whispers behind closed doors. He was confident she would prove to be a good ally as he ascended the throne.

Even still, she was distanced from him. He could sense her sorrow and there was an emotion akin to sympathy for her. "I am sorry Katinka, I know how much you revered my father after he took you in." His words were genuine for once. "He was a great king and I hope to live up to his standard one day." These words were far from the truth, but they still had the sound of genuineness. Brynjar had looked up to his father until he had shown weakness in parlaying with the Fjellborgans. It was why he had snuffed the life from him. It was time a new and stronger king ruled Byrdain and brought back the pride it had lost.

Setting

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Evangelina Character Portrait: Beorn Clovermaen Character Portrait: Julius Gadfael
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Beorn couldn't help but smirk at Evangelina's words to Patriarch Julius. She was about as different from the self-serving, self-made courtier as possible. He watched the man pause in thought before nodding at the woman's words.

"It warms my hear to see someone take their promises so seriously. There are many whose words are worth less than the air they're made of," Julius told her pompously. Beorn shot Evangelina a look that was halfway between a smirk and a grimace, conveying that this sort of thing was normal for the would-be-chancellor.

"The king is young. He is a fine knight, but he has little experience with ruling. The realm needs stability. If I help you, can you help me stir the king in that direction?"

Stability. That was a funny word. He didn't mean peace or justice, Beorn knew, but neither did he necessarily mean war or cruelty. A quick war or injustice the lowborn were accustomed to would not bother him overmuch, but a long war and a chaotic reign would destroy whatever it was the Patriarch had been trying to build. Beorn didn't know what exactly he wanted. Power and acclaim maybe. Courtiers and nobles confused him.

Setting

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Evangelina Character Portrait: Beorn Clovermaen Character Portrait: Julius Gadfael
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"It warms my hear to see someone take their promises so seriously. There are many whose words are worth less than the air they're made of," He said and Beorn gave her a sideways glance. It was clear that the Partiarch was always this pompous. Evangelina took a breath.

"The king is young. He is a fine knight, but he has little experience with ruling. The realm needs stability. If I help you, can you help me stir the king in that direction?"

"With all due respect, Father? I'm not here for you." She said, with a frown. " I'm not here for political reasons, I'm here to be a....tutor of sorts for the new King, not an adviser, nor am I his handler." She said, with a bit of an attitude. Already someone wanted to use this position that she didn't even want, to manipulate the new King. It was clear she had more then the King to worry about.

"If you want to steer the king, I am sorry I am not the one to do that." She said and looked at Beorn. She knew she would need Patriarch's help but she wasn't about to be used either. "If I may, I would like to begin my work."

Setting

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Evangelina Character Portrait: Beorn Clovermaen Character Portrait: Julius Gadfael
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For a moment, Beorn thought the Patriarch would explode. His face reddened and his eyes narrowed as though he had unexpectedly ate something sour. To his relief, however, Julius merely sighed and gave a her a look that might almost be pity. He picked up his quill and began to write.

"In the end, it all becomes indistinguishable. What is tutoring but one form of steering the subject to a path you would choose? Do not look upon me like I am but a parasite. The whims of a young king will soon effect people far beyond these walls."

I will introduce you to His Grace in the morning. Evangelina, correct? You will earn one and a half silvers a week, a most generous sum in this realm for one of your occupation. I trust you can see to her accommodations, Brother Beorn?" he asked dismissing them.

"Of course, Your Excellency," Beorn told him with a slight bow of his head, moving to leave, but hesitating incase Evangelina had more to say.

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3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Evangelina Character Portrait: Beorn Clovermaen Character Portrait: Julius Gadfael
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Evaneglina watched his expression, her face blank of any as he seemed to be deciding what to do with her.

"In the end, it all becomes indistinguishable. What is tutoring but one form of steering the subject to a path you would choose? Do not look upon me like I am but a parasite. The whims of a young king will soon effect people far beyond these walls." He said, and she narrowed her eyes.

"Surely." was all she said in response. "I will introduce you to His Grace in the morning. Evangelina, correct? You will earn one and a half silvers a week, a most generous sum in this realm for one of your occupation. I trust you can see to her accommodations, Brother Beorn?" He said and Evangelina watched the Patriarch with dark eyes. She did not like this man. Already.

"Of course, Your Excellency," Sweet Beorn said and Evangelina merely tuned to walk out but then paused.

"His path is of his own choosing, I am here merely to allow him to do with with grace....I never said I saw you as a parasite, those were your words....You chose them well." She said and with that, she walked out, certain she'd made her first enemy. Oh well. She did not like his attitude. Alteast she was friendly with the Prince and the Brother Beorn.

"I fear I may have overstepped, Brother...That will be a problem later, won't it?" She asked, her shoulder's relaxing some after that exchange.

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2 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Evangelina Character Portrait: Beorn Clovermaen
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"I fear I may have overstepped, Brother...That will be a problem later, won't it?"

"Yes, I think it will," Beorn told her honestly. It was impressive seeing her hold her ground against Julius, but he had a feeling that he would make trouble for her later on. It was a matter of pride for the older man. He had offered a hand in friendship after all, even if he did seek to make her his pawn for his own schemes. It wasn't something the Patriarch would forget anytime soon.

"I don't know what he will do. I mostly try to keep out of his way," he told her apologetically as they walked. In no time at all they reached the servants' portion of the castle. He paused in front of an oak door and opened it, nodding at what he saw. They were cramped, but comfortable. There was even a fireplace and small desk along with the small cot.

"I'll speak to the head servant to let her know you've taken residence her. I'm just down the hall if you need me. I hope it's to your liking," he told her.

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2 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lelinus Augustus Character Portrait: Ingrid Jorvikdatter
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Ingrid stepped back and thrust the sword forward, the blade sinking into the dummy. She focused on the tip of the blade, watching it disappear into the padding.

"You're looking well. I can see the tension evaporating from your shoulders." Ingrid heard a voice behind her that was rapidly becoming very familiar, and welcome. She drew her sword out and turned to face her husband. A cool breeze drifted through the courtyard, cooling Ingrid once again.

"It helps," she said, slightly breathlessly, pushing her hair back from her face. She turned the blade in her hand. "You gifted me a fine blade. It seems almost a shame that it will not see a battle. Still, perhaps peace won't be so bad." Ingrid sat beside Lelinus on the bench. "So long as your brother is wise and doesn't accuse the wrong man of murder, we should be fine." Ingrid said lightly as she rested her hand over Lelinus's. "How long were you watching me for?" she asked, smiling as she did.

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2 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lelinus Augustus Character Portrait: Ingrid Jorvikdatter
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"How long were you watching me for?"

"Long enough to admire your form... And to see that you rival our new king. It's best you don't tell him I said that. I wouldn't want to wound his ego," Lelinus told her with a grin. She made it all look so effortless. He knew he'd never be able to wield a blade anywhere approaching "well", but he could recognize talent when he saw it.

"I actually prefer the bow. My father used to say it was the thinking man's weapon. A man could defend his city without opening the gate," he told her. His thoughts drifted to his father. It wasn't right. He hadn't been in ill health and he had wanted to talk to him in the morning. Him and Brynjar both. It was important. He knew it was. But he couldn't grasp what he would have had to say. Putting that puzzle out of mind for now, he turned look at his wife.

"He was as wise as he was strong. He didn't arrange my marriage poorly."

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3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lelinus Augustus Character Portrait: Ingrid Jorvikdatter Character Portrait: Tyr Jorvikson
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"Long enough to admire your form... And to see that you rival our new king. It's best you don't tell him I said that. I wouldn't want to wound his ego."

Ingrid let out a small laugh. "Oh, I don't know, might do him some good."

"I actually prefer the bow. My father used to say it was the thinking man's weapon. A man could defend his city without opening the gate." Ingrid could sense that Lelinus's thoughts were wandering. She remained silent, not wanting to interrupt him. She knew from experience that distractions, no matter how well intended, were rarely welcome when someone was grieving. Her own thoughts turned to Tyr. Like Lelinus, he favoured the bow. Not that she had ever thought it to be a thinking man's weapon while it had been in Tyr's hands. A deadly weapon, yes. Tyr had rarely missed his mark. Still, Tyr was the wisest of the three, well two now, of them. Perhaps Lelinus was right. "He was as wise as he was strong. He didn't arrange my marriage poorly."

Ingrid smiled down at the ground. "Both nations need peace and it seems the gods chose us younger children are destined to be the symbol of it. I can think of worse people to be a symbol with."




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Tyr kept his head down as he made his way back to the guest house that the Fjellborgans had been granted as a living quarters while they were in Byrdain. How gracious of them, Tyr had thought at the time. Then he realised that half the rooms were in disrepair. The slights were coming thick and fast. First they married Ingrid to a man who would be lucky to survive to thirty, and then housed her family in a building that was falling apart.

Tyr felt the gaze of the men on him as he crossed the hall to Jorvik's room. He knocked twice and let himself in. Jorvik was sat at the desk and barely noticed Tyr enter the room. Tyr quietly closed the door behind him. He took a moment to study his father. King Jorvik was a man who was rapidly approaching his twilight years, if he had not already embraced them. His face was lined with wisdom, age, war and grief. His hair was peppered with grey.

"Father," he cleared his voice, announcing his presence.

Jorvik looked up, startled as he saw his eldest child. His eyes were a watery blue, sparkling as Jorvik's face crinkled into a smile. "Tyr, what brings you here my boy? You should be out, seeing all that Byrdain has to offer."

"I saw Ingrid earlier. The bells mean that Artos has passed. Prince Brynjar will no doubt be king by the end of the month."

Jorvik nodded slowly. "It is as I feared. I had hoped that Artos would live a little longer. Alas, we are both old. Our lives are in the hands of gods now more than ever."

Tyr folded his arms. "Ingrid fears that the mood may turn against us. She says many of those in the courts believe we had a hand in his death."

Jorvik laughed. "As if we would kill an old man! The Byrdains might be a mighty people, but they are lead by half-wits." Jorvik calmed himself. "And what else does Ingrid say?"

"Ingrid believes it prudent that I leave Byrdain after the coronation."

Jorvik shook his head. "No. You will stay." Tyr frowned,, ready to protest. "I don't know what Brynjar's intentions are towards our people. If I die here, it will be dismissed as the death of an old man, nothing of great consequence beyond the passing of a king. If you are to die on Byrdainian land, it can only be an act of war. Killing the heir apparent can only be an act of war. You will stay." Jorvik said with an air of finality that left no room for any argument that Tyr might have constructed.

Tyr nodded his head. "Yes father."

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Character Portrait: Evangelina Character Portrait: Brynjar Augustus Character Portrait: Julius Gadfael
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As Patriarch Julius strode down the hall leading to Brynjar's quarters, he double-checked his robes to ensure he had the correct documents he would need to bring to the future king's attention. Duty to the realm stopped for no man, even the king. True to his word, he would be introducing the king to his new handmaiden. As much as he disliked the girl, King Artos desired her to serve his son and he would carry out the late king's wish. He owed him that at the very least. He waited for a few minute for the handmaiden to appear. He wanted to get this task over with as soon as possible.

"She better get here soon," he murmured before deciding that he could not wait for her any longer. He proceeded to knock upon the door and step into the room, bowing his head as he addressed his future liege.

"Your Grace. Preparations for your coronation are underway. A few things require your attention this morning, however..."

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Character Portrait: Evangelina Character Portrait: Brynjar Augustus Character Portrait: Julius Gadfael
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Evangelina had gotten a bit lost, this palace was unnecessarily large for so few people, and seemingly endless corridors. She just happened to see the distinct red of the Patriarch's garbs duck into a room, that she realized she was in the right place.
She groaned, stopped herself, to take a calming breath, and walked toward the door. Just like everything else, even the door was unnecessarily big.

She gave a light knock and waited. Wondering if all that she was told was just a mix of jealous? She couldn't imagine Brother Beorn being that way, but given his rank, she wouldn't be surprised it that was the case, then there was the matter of the Prince. He genuinely seemed kind and considerate. Illness does that. She knew that well. The Patriarch, he would be a problem. He wasn't jealous, he was..ambitious. He seemed to have some plan for the new King, already, and wanted someone that could manipulate him which told her that the King might not be so bright either, or at the very least, didn't have many people could trust.

She would have to get a feel for him before deciding how to proceed but she figured she couldn't exactly play nice. She wasn't vain, but nor was she blind, she was aware that she was attractive, and all manner of men have tried to either talk her to bed, or take her, she was always smart or strong enough to fend them off.

Royalty is another matter. Brother Beorn said her life wasn't in any danger, which would be good if the King had always been king, he was new to the role, which means he might try to test his power, his range, and with someone like her, a foreign woman with no last name, she could be the perfect experiment. She had to be strong though, she could play the magical gypsy, make him a little nervous about hurting her, that worked before, but that was for lesser minded men, or religious ones. She would have to read him well before deciding what to do.

Taking a breath, she watched the door. This was not ideal.

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Character Portrait: Evangelina Character Portrait: Brynjar Augustus Character Portrait: Julius Gadfael
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Things were sitting very tensely now that King Artos had died. Brynjar was silently enjoying the atmosphere as everyone was walking around stiffly and on eggshells. There was suspicions over Artos' death and most of those suspicions were still cast towards the Fjellborgan's. The poison he had used would be extremely difficult to isolate. It was foreign to Byrdain and it was unlikely that it would be identified.

The morning was busy for Brynjar. He had not heard of his new handmaiden yet and was currently busy running matters of the kingdom. He was only mildly surprised when Patriarch Julius arrived with some documents in hand. "Good morning Patriarch." His tone was smooth and gave little away as Patriarch Julius stepped forward and indicated there were matters that needed to be looked over. "I'm glad to hear that. The sooner we can secure my place the more the people will be able to relax. They are restless without a king."

His eyes dropped to the documents and a small frown formed. Sometimes was a little off. He was just about to beckon Patriarch Julius to bring the documents forward when there was another knock on his door. His eyes narrowed. He was not fond of being interrupted. "Come in," the irritation was evident in his tone.

A woman stepped in and for a moment Brynjar didn't say a word. He had never seen her before and he wondered what her purpose was here. She was beautiful, but beauty was a weapon. He scanned her body and it wasn't too difficult to make the leap that she was a nomad of sorts, most likely a gypsy.

"And who are you to disturb the crown prince during a terrible time of mourning?" his eyes were steely and he kept them narrow before he glanced at Patriarch Julius wondering if the holy man knew who this remarkable specimen was.

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Character Portrait: Tyr Jorvikson Character Portrait: Elska Agir
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A woman with dark hair and troubled eyes was walking quickly down the halls towards the chamber of the palace that had been given to the Fjellborgan's to stay in during the wedding celebrations--and now a funeral. She looked disturbed and she held her skirts up as she kept moving. They billowed behind her like dark wings as she finally spotted who she had been hunting down. A tall and strong man was at the end of the hall and she approached him as if there were fire upon her heels.

She was quite out of breath by the time that she reached him and had to take a moment before she spoke.

"Tell me-" she stopped and sucked another breath. "Tell me it isn't true." She shook her head. "Tyr, I heard that your father has asked you to stay here after the funeral and coronation of Prince Brynjar have taken place." Her voice was hushed and her eyes held fear and concern. Tyr was her oldest and greatest friend and when she had heard he was expected to stay and continue to repair relations it had made her stomach sick.

The foolish Byrdain's were quick to turn their accusations upon the Fjellborgan's for their late king's death. It was preposterous of course. Why would they kill the man who had helped finally end all of the blood shed?

Elska knew that if they kept Tyr in Byrdain it was only going to give them an opportunity for subterfuge. She already hated that Ingrid had been married to the sickly prince--though it seemed to two were already becoming allies--and she wasn't going to lose Tyr too. Ull was gone, Jorvik was not long for this world as he was an old man, and with her own father gone she would be in anguish to lose the last person that mattered most to her in the world.

"Please Tyr, this place is full of people who would love nothing more than to watch you and your people fall. We need you to come home." Even if it was at the request of Jorvik that Tyr stay, Elska still hoped that it could be undone.

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Character Portrait: Evangelina Character Portrait: Brynjar Augustus Character Portrait: Julius Gadfael
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Image "Come in,"
Evangelina felt her nerves spike at the sound of the voice from behind the door. She swallowed and opened the door, and immediately knew she was in over her head. He was handsome, she couldn't deny that as much as she wanted to His chiseled features, soft honey blonde hair, dark eyes. She couldn't deny his attractiveness, however, this complicated things. It would be easier for her to ignore the advances of a man from who wasn't attractive, and it would mean that he's likely not to taken rejection well, he wouldn't be use to it. She had her work cut out for her.
Standing by the door, her hands cuffed against one another, his eyes unabashedly scanned her body, lingering at what interested him.

"And who are you to disturb the crown prince during a terrible time of mourning?" He said, narrowing his eyes. He was feigning annoyance, but she could tell by his tone he was curious. She didn't wait for the Patriarch to speak.
She probably should have, realizing she was showing her upbringing by not letting the men speak, even though he did address her.
"I am Evangelina, Your grace." She said, swallowing her nerves as best she could. "I did not wish to disturb you, but I was asked to greet this morning." She said, casting a quite glance toward the Patriarch. She should have ended it there, but she wasn't here to be like the other women here, she was to be herself.
She took a step forward.

"But...I was asked here, by your father, weeks before he passed, he was a good man" She said, with a nod. "I am sorry for your loss, Your Grace." she added, "He'd asked me to make a gift, for your brother's bride, and if I could come here, and assist you, as a handmaiden." She said. "The Patriarch holds the decree and it's conditions, but if you'd like to me go, I'll wait until you've mourn, I'd like to, he was a friend, as odd as it sounds." She told him, and gave a small smile. She was treading carefully, with the Patriarch around. She wondered what would happen if she told him what the Patriarch's intentions were.

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Character Portrait: Lelinus Augustus Character Portrait: Evangelina Character Portrait: Beorn Clovermaen Character Portrait: Brynjar Augustus Character Portrait: Julius Gadfael
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Before Julius could reply, the woman in question spoke up for herself and the Patriarch frowned, worried for a moment about her faux paus. He was annoyed that he had not had the chance to speak first. Nonetheless, as he always had done, he hid his irritation with a smile and a bow as he handed the king the decree.

"Indeed, Your Grace. You know that I am a king's man through and through. When she was brought before me, I knew I had to honor your late father's decree," he told him as he studied his expression. He was attracted to her as was Brother Beorn, the foolish boy, but he was also suspicious. That information could be of great use.

"Brother Beorn has been seeing to her living arrangements to my understanding. She is here at your pleasure, however, Your Grace."

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Lelinus was never strong enough to wield a sword, but with a bow, he was the equal of any man upon the battlefield. With a smile, Leo knocked an arrow and pulled it back before sending it flying across the courtyard into the target. He didn't need to watch it fly to know it hit the center of the target.

"Deadly as always, Leo," Beorn commented with a slight smile, though he seemed distracted. He was probably worried about the Evangelina or about his investigation. He had told Lelinus his suspicions that evening and Leo had believed him. His father had wanted to tell him something, but he never got the chance and now Brynjar was to be king. These were dangerous times that they were living in.

"So, what are you going to do? When you are asked to bend the knee and swear loyalty?" Beorn asked. Leo frowned.

"I won't challenge him openly. Not without cause. But I won't trap myself in oaths."

"Lady Evangelina.... I've let her step into a hornets' nest," Beorn said uncertainly. Lelinus tried smiling reassuringly at him.

"Father saw something in her and besides... I won't let Brynjar harm innocent people. Not if I can help it. The king can't always do as he likes."

"He can try... How is Princess Ingrid?"

"She's... Pleasant. Though, distraught that her brother is leaving soon. It must be strange, to care for your sibling," he commented.

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Character Portrait: Evangelina Character Portrait: Brynjar Augustus Character Portrait: Julius Gadfael
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What a bold woman she was. Brynjar was quiet as the woman spoke for herself and disregarded the propriety that would've had Patriarch Julius speak first. It was intriguing but terribly annoying. "Handmaiden?" he couldn't help but ask. He looked to Patriarch Julius who stepped forward with the necessary documents. Brynjar scanned them and was surprised to see it in writing, by his father, that Evangelina was bound to him as a handmaiden. It was a very curious thing. Why would his father put in such an odd request? His father had never been fond of Brynjar's pandering with women, so he doubted that her handmaiden duties would encompass such activities.

However, they briefly crossed his mind; she was beautiful.

"Thank you for coming to me this morning Patriarch, you may leave us." His voice was cool and steady as he surveyed Evangelina with a critical eye.

After Patriarch Julius had left, Brynjar stood to his feet. He set the decree upon his mighty oak desk before he came to the other side to size her up better. He was the lion and she was the lamb. He circled her quietly as he took in every angle and attempted to gauge how she felt to be left alone in a room with him.

Brynjar stopped his prowling and stood behind her. He lowered his head so he was close to her ear.

"What are you afraid of Evangelina?" the question was odd under any circumstance. Brynjar asked it because a lot could be learned from how she chose to answer. He knew invading her personal space as he was would unnerve her. He wanted to see how she could handle the pressure of being intimidated by him.

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Character Portrait: Ingrid Jorvikdatter Character Portrait: Tyr Jorvikson Character Portrait: Elska Agir
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Ingrid sat at the foot of Tyr's bed as he finished dressing himself. Ingrid idly traced the pattern on her gauntlets. Tyr would be leaving tomorrow. Most of the Fjellborgans would be leaving tomorrow. The rest would no doubt leave after the funeral. Then she would be on her own. That was not a thought that Ingrid enjoyed dwelling on. She had Lelinus, true, but her allies were few and far between in Byrdain. It would take one word from Brynjar and she would be an outcast in the court.

Ingrid shifted in her corset. She was grateful that it was styled to at least look like armour, but it lacked any of the comfort of armour. The gauntlets were her own. She was still Fjellborgan, though she would humour the Byrdainians their one day of pomp. The corset was uncomfortably tight around her waist. She reached back, trying to loosen the ties with limited success. And she hadn't realised just how much breast she had until she had been tied into the infernal contraption. They were high and proudly declaring her as a woman.

"Swap," she grumbled. "Let me wear your tunic and you can wear this ridiculous thing."

Tyr chuckled. "I'm not sure I would look nearly as lovely as you do. Lelinus must be pleased."

Ingrid frowned at the edge in her brother's voice. "He's hasn't seen me today."

Tyr turned to look at her, "No?"

Ingrid shook her head. "He had business to attend to and I was left to the mercy of a small army of handmaidens. I'm half afraid to do anything in case I undo their work."

Tyr offered his hand to his sister, helping her to her feet. "And yet you made it here." He said, leading Ingrid across the room. "Is Lelinus treating you well?"

Brief flickers of their nights together, of bare skin and gentle touches; of the days they spent together, their hands brushing against each other, words said and unsaid. "He is. You have nothing to worry about."

Light footsteps came down the hallway towards them. The siblings looked up to see Elska running towards them. Ingrid untangled her arm from Tyr's. "I'll see you at the coronation." She said and headed back to the keep, leaving her brother alone with Elska.

Tyr watched his sister leave as Elska came toward him.

"Tell me-" she stopped and sucked in a breath. "Tell me it isn't true." She shook her head. "Tyr, I heard that your father has asked you to stay here after the funeral and coronation of Prince Brynjar have taken place. Please Tyr, this place is full of people who would love nothing more than to watch you and your people fall. We need you to come home."

Elska's concern was palpable. Even if they hadn't grown up together, Tyr fancied he would still have been able to sense it. He placed a hand on her shoulder. "It won't be forever, Elska. Just until Ingrid is properly settled, or father calls me back, whichever comes first. Besides, King Brynjar wouldn't raise a hand against me if he was wise. It would mean another war soon after peace had been brokered. No new king worth his weight would take that risk. I will be perfectly safe."

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Character Portrait: Evangelina Character Portrait: Brynjar Augustus Character Portrait: Julius Gadfael
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"Handmaiden?" The King inquired and Evangelina was going to speak again, that was only a title, she wasn't a slave, she was an employee. He didn't read the entire document. That much was clear, so she'd have to say it.
"Indeed, Your Grace. You know that I am a king's man through and through. When she was brought before me, I knew I had to honor your late father's decree," The Partiarch spoke "Brother Beorn has been seeing to her living arrangements to my understanding. She is here at your pleasure, however, Your Grace."
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To that Evangelina shot him a dark look, not bothering to hid her disdain for the words "At your pleasure" he spoke nor her dislike for the man in general.

"Thank you for coming to me this morning Patriarch, you may leave us." the King spoke , but his eyes were on her, and she did not let hers waver. She looked directly at him, with no fear, or pretense. He was a man, a King were merely a title. He would soon find this out. Once the Patriarch left, he stood, and approached her, like an alpha wolf, sizing up a challenger, he thought was weaker. She was not as weak as he may thought. She didn't back down, as he circled her, she watched him, her chin high, she felt no fear, he was testing her, gauging her merit.

He stood behind her, and she rolled her eyes. He was trying to scare her, see if he could intimated her. He could try all he liked. Even if she was slightly nervous, she wouldn't show it.

"What are you afraid of Evangelina? He said, his lips near her eyes. She turned her head to him. "Scorpions, You're Grace." She spoke openly, telling him that this was not going to work. She was brave, not stupid, "The small ones, the ones you can't see, you can't hear, they don't hiss like a snake, or roar, like lion, or howl like a wolf, the ones you don't know is there, the quiet ones, the unassuming ones, they strike without warning, and before you know it, you're dead." She said, looking him in the eyes.

"If this display is meant to scare me, you're Grace, it won't work, I am not from here, I am not like the women here, Men, don't scare me, Men like to roar, hiss, and howl... " She said, and leaned in. "I can see them coming...I can see you." She said added with a whisper and a rise of her brow. She straightened herself, looking him straight in the eye. As much as she hated to admit it, he was attractive, looking him in the face wasn't a difficult task.

"The Patriarch was very wrong, I am not here for your pleasure, I am not here for you to use and abuse, there's a clause in the decree, I am here by choice, for work, honest work. " She said, and smiled, walking over to the desk and picking up the decree, and holding it out to him. "I'll cook, I'll clean, and I'll even bathe you if you so wish but I am not a plaything." She told him. "You should read this thoroughly, " She said, she was testing her own limits, much like he had been. She wouldn't outright insult the man, she wasn't a fool, but she wasn't going to pretend she was afraid of him. "Do you accept?"