Dusseteu

“I would feel honored to join you,” Rhys replied quietly as he took the empty bowel from her fingers before returning to the table, mixing up another round of potent herbs as he listened to the children speak. Of course Prince Oliver would have to get a bit out of hand with his comments…

“Tsk, your highness please, there is no reason to be scaring your sister like that. They certainly are not like us but they are not barbarians,” he retorted. That was the last thing he needed, to be running back here in the middle of the night because her highness was having fits from nightmares about her impending marriage. It was almost like the boy WANTED to work people up with his over the top criticism of others.

“Your highness please do not take that to heart, it is certainly not a horrible choice. The Light nation is a very forward thinking nation, they are technologically advanced. That is a far better match that those peasant idiots in the Earth nation. I have heard the Prince is very intelligent and not horrible on the eyes. Even if there is no love between you, he will take good care of you.”

Rhys was not foolish enough to think that all marriages ended as happy sunshine and roses. The King and Queen were just one of the few lucky. Most were not even lucky enough to be civil to one another. He did everything he could to stop her Highness from being deluded by her parents because her chances of that life…were so heart breakingly slim. He couldn’t bear the thought of her having her heart broken over stupid fairy tale delusions that her maids fed her, of princesses and princes meeting at the Gathering and staring into each other’s eyes and falling desperately in love. It was utter rubbish, they should have been thinking of her Highness’ feelings too! Not trying to hurt her!

Silent now he handed her yet another bowl to down, this one more bitter than the first sadly, even despite his attempts to make it so.

The prospect of marriage was both frightening and ridiculous, not to mention the fact that Gethen and Stella would have to be forced to travel to their “respective” Nation to meet their fiancée. It seemed unreal and he found himself gritting his teeth against the idea, how could his father even think of sending his daughters away? Thankfully, being male meant that whoever he was supposed to marry would have to travel beneath the ground and stay in the dreary Nation. What women would want to crawl into these depths to marry someone? Had the Nations thought all of this through? He sighed warily, shaking his head as he stood behind his sister. Most likely, they were thinking the same thing. Phallus was a conniving weasel who would only think this as the best opportunity to ever grace them, but most likely, he'd grown sick and tired of seeing their faces over the years. As a boy, he'd caught the councilor speaking ill of them and knew that he'd only been too excited to marry them off.
“Phallus...” He seethed quietly, biting his lip, “It doesn't surprise me that he'd come to you and gloat, thankfully, I didn't run into him on the way down.” Which would have meant that the slimy toad had crawled away to their father, inevitably to plan the upcoming events. Stella, what did she think of this?

As Zenith finished undoing Gethen's lace, his dark eyes flickered back towards Hanza. Apparently, the man seemed to have a hard time sputtering out his words and he arched an eyebrow. Being as dense and inexperienced when he came to women's (or men's for that matters) fancies, he stood there wondering why it was so difficult to answer the question. He decided it was because he was intimidating, it happened sometimes. “It's alright,” He mused carefully, with a slight smile playing on his lips, “It's not as if I thought you were in league with Phallus.” It was only when Gethen patted the instructors head that he looked back to his sister, pulling back the bodice and holding it against his chest. If they'd been saved for last, it was because their father doubted they would go along with those plans willingly. However, what choice did they have? If they refused the marriages, he knew full well that war would wage across the lands—Nation against Nation, and the blame would fall on them. The muscles in his jaw bunched and he tried to keep his racing mind calm for a moment. There was nothing they could do, was there?

Zenith couldn't help but fidget with the lace of her bodice. For once in his life, he couldn't think of a way to slip out of this situation. It felt like he was tied to the tracks of an oncoming train, unable to escape and unable to scream his indignation. Pelvis measurements? When that was said, he fumbled with the bodice in his hands and eyed Hanza suspiciously. It was only when his sister slipped free that Hanza told them what the intended measurements meant, and even he stood stock still, unable to respond to such a thing. Gethen... with children? Would they expect the same of him? Suddenly, he felt as if they were livestock being offered to someone else, prepped for breeding, and his stomach turned.
“I'm sure... they wouldn't expect,” the Prince blundered uselessly, because he truly didn't know what they expected. He just stood there with the bodice in one of his hands, while he nervously swept a hand through his slick hair. “I don't suppose that was a joke.” He watched his sister slowly lean against the wall, and he knew he couldn't possibly understand the gravity of despair she felt. What could you say when your father intended for his daughters to produce children? It didn't feel like a choice. It was only then that he realized who HE would be marrying. Someone from the Wind Nation, her name escaped him, but he remembered it had been something pretty; he couldn't remember whether or not they had met as children, but as he grew up, he always thought his mother would have had many sons. But even then, he realized now that he wouldn't have been excluded. The idea that someone from the Wind Nation would enjoy the earthy depths of their Nation was unforgivably ridiculous. Did she have a choice?

As Zenith tried to gather his wits, he looked at Gethen and willed her not to cry, he could see it in her face. When she placed a hand on his chest, the gravity of the situation finally hit him. He would never see his sisters again, they'd be taken from him into a place they didn't want to be, and it was unfair. Shoulders tensing, he took a deep breath and stared at the ground. “I'll speak to father,” He voiced, struggling to keep his voice as calm as his stoic face expressed, “Something must be done, we can't all be separated.” In truth, there were very few who understood the Prince, and if Gethen left the Nation, he'd be lost.

Athy shook his head with eyes tight shut and a broad smile as he listened and walked with Orchid. If it didn't cause so much trouble in the long run, he'd get a real kick out of watching his step-sister's concerted efforts to tick off the palace protocol enforcers. But it was bad enough seeing the amount of money that was wasted on unlikely diplomatic endeavours without seeing them stalled and frustrated by levitous - if nonetheless amusing - recklessness.

Orchid's last remark hit a note with him.

"It isn't the least bit logical." Athy interjected. "It's tradition. Tradition is the democracy of the dead; it means being told what to do by people who've been in the ground for decades and centuries. Where's the logic in that? Of course there's a better way to settle things; the other nations could see sense and learn to take our lead, that's a better way. It's just rather difficult getting everyone to agree on it."

That, in truth, was what irked him most. He didn't dread being saddled with a wife who didn't please him; he had enough interests of his own to live happily day to day irrespective of spousal input (or lack thereof). The real bad taste in his mouth was the idea of relinquishing his adherence to the ideal of progress by giving a nod to a blatantly outdated tradition.

"I will accompany you" she murmured before withdrawing herself from the two of them and pulling herself together in some shape or form. Zenith felt the same way about this and she was certain Stella did too and that was all that mattered for the moment- that she wasnt alone.
"Im sure Father will struggle against the both of us- see what a mess he's making of things and clear it up" she didnt sound sure. Didnt feel sure either. Their father had a stone resolution and Mother...well they'd better just hope she wasnt around when they confronted the king.

She glanced down at Hanza who was momentarily startled by the two of them. Poor thing she thought. Gethen really did pity Hanza a great deal of the time. "Terribly sorry Hanza i know we're setting quite the bad example but lets face it would you want to marry one of us" stupid question. Hanza gave her brother a makeshift smile until she gave him makeshift glare.
"Well if i may you're both a very charming pair i would gladly take either of you as a partner- both even" he spoke up correcting himself. Gethen exhaled impatiently.
"That is understandable we are all of the dark nation but imagine someone from the wind or fire nation, earth, light or water any of them they all live above the surface none of them are going to appreciate being dragged underground to wed with Zenith and as for myself well- we wouldnt suit. The Light nation prince is bound to be abnoxious and the Fire prince self indulged in his ''superior'' technology then who do we have, the Earth nation prince who showers once a week using a bowl and the Wind nation prince no doubt an air head obsessed with flying when we should leave the flying to those who were born with wings oh and last but not least the Water nation prince, i mean come on they live in houses built on stilts- Stilts Hanza! STILTS ZENITH" she cried throwing her arms about like some beautiful yet derranged animal in distress. "Surrounded by all this ridiculous water they're not a bunch of frogs! and they waste their time on pitiful things like writing a book and non physical things he's probably some weak, weedy thing!" she sighed aspirated that her father expected her to join them. "Come on the sooner we have this out with him the better i dont think i can survive another minute thinking of that slimy creature Phallus crawling around our father convincing him most likely that this is good" she took Zenith's hand prepared to pull him along like some angered bull preparing to charge a hole through the wall.

It was Orchid's turn to be serious, closing her eyes as she mulled over her step-brother's words. She knew he was right. There was no logical reason for doing this. Why were their parents so bound to the tradition? Did they even love each other? She doubted that mattered to them anyway. Upholding the appearance of love and peace was the most important thing to them. Perhaps the marriages never created real peace. It was just a mask, covering up the tension between the nations until everyone had children. By the time their children were old enough to marry, the mask had worn thin and the real face of the problem, the real turmoil lying beneath its happy exterior began to show. The children patched it up all the same, content to cover up the problems, content to make everyone believe things were alright when underneath nothing was true. It was like Janus, the god with two faces, one happy one sad, no one knowing which was the truth.

"Why don't we try to change it then?" she said finally, turning to Athy with shining eyes. "They'd never listen to me of course, but you're the responsible one, the reasonable one. You could try to persuade them of the illogical and unreasonable nature of this whole affair. I'm sure that if anyone could pull it off, it's you." Though it sounded a bit as if Orchid was trying to butter him up, she meant every word. In her opinion, Athy was everything she was not, and although she was not completely unsatisfied with herself, she looked up to her brother for the characteristics she was never able to show.

"Do you honestly believe that our way is the only way? I think it's a little unfair to expect everyone to believe the same way as us when we would be unwilling to do the same for them." She shook her head, mulling over her ideas and thoughts. Though she whole-heartedly believed the Light nation was the best, the fairest, and, although not the most technologically advanced, the most prosperous she felt that it was wrong to expect everyone else to believe that way as well. She didn't believe they were wrong like Athy apparently did. She felt that there was value in the differences between them, and she wanted to experience those differences. That was the only thing that didn't keep her from running away and giving up on the whole arranged marriage thing altogether. If she married the prince of the fire nation, she'd not only get to see the fire nation, but since she will have done what she was told to do, she might be allowed to travel to other places. This was the way that Orchid's base mind worked. "I think it'd be nice to experience them first before you pass such a harsh judgment," she chided, tapping Athy lightly on the arm.

"Fair enough," Oliver said to his sister. "I'll give father your greetings like I said. Cheer-i-o now pair." And with that Oliver made his way from the window and toward the door of his sisters room. The Guards stood like statues outside of Siris' room as Oliver strolled out.
"At ease," He muttered as he passed them by though it made little difference. They were the Royal Guard, they did not know the meaning of ease. Oliver made his way through the large, empty halls. The long light curtains of the hall windows flew wildly as the morning breeze rushed in and out. Oliver made his way further through the Palace until the walls of the hall disappeared and the polished carpet of the floor turned into wooden planks that came across a river.
Oliver brushed his hair gently with his hand as he walked across the small bridge and entered another entrance to the castle, this one to the kitchen. He opened the doors wide and was greeted by two more Guards at each side of the door. Inside the kitchen standing around the table stood a group of slim men dressed in sharp suits, each sipping tea out of large mugs. One of the men, a young one with rich blonde hair, turned to Oliver with a raised brow. "Your Highness," He spoke slowly.

"Timothy Leanerb," Oliver replied back approaching the group. "Niles Roland Heartly, Phillip Green, and Mister Brighton. Tell me, have you seen the King today?"

"The Queen, not the King," The oldest of the men, Mister Brighton, replied.

"We were just talking about this Gathering coming up," Phillip Green, a very young man with brown hair and an optimistic face explained. "About what it would mean in the grand long term."

"What does it mean for the long term, Phillip Green?" Oliver asked, leaning against the kitchen table.

"Trouble," Timothy Leanerb replied. "Its corrupting a generation. What would the King say to having a foreign wife, the wife of an enemy no less. Would you like a cup of tea, sir?"

"Ta," Oliver replied. "And I don't know that its corrupting a generation. Nethaneal will have the throne of our Nation once the King and the Queen pass away. Do you honestly see someone like Nethaneal being corrupted by the horrible influence of a Dark Nation Princess?"

"In blunt honesty, sir, I see two ways the marriage could go down," A tall man with dirty black hair and olive skin replied. "One, Nethaneal and whatever the Dark Princess' name is will learn to love one another, and depending on the amount of power they have later on in life we could form an Alliance with the bloody barbarians. Or second the two could hate each other, which would be the same route just with no alliance in the near future."

"Thank you," Oliver commented as Timothy Leanerb handed him a cup of tea. "Where is everyone, Leanerb? Your the Chief Chef's apprentice, shouldn't you be cooking?"

"Ah, yes sir, I suppose but the staff is still in bed," Timothy explained nervously. "But I will go wake them immediately. Excuse me gentlemen."

"Speaking of duties I best be off to patrol the royal fields," Phillip Green muttered, grabbing a long rifle off the counter of the kitchens table. "Those damn farmers will probably try to rip us again. They always do if I'm not around. Good day gentlemen."

"Good day Timothy, Phillip Green," Oliver nodded as the two men exited, Green through the bridge entrance and Timothy through another.

"Those two are good boys," Mister Brighton said. "Better then the rest of the youngsters around here. Bloody royalty... with all due respect, sir."

"Treason, Mister Brighton, treason," Oliver said loosely. "Though they are good boys. Timothy is an amazing cook."

"Indeed he is," Brighton said. "The marriage has shaken Nethaneal and Siris, hasn't it, sir? I can tell."

"They suffer from fear of commitment, fear of lifelong restraint, fear of freedom in general," Niles muttered. "Which is natural when one is forced to make a life decision they do not want. Of course the fact that they don't have any real problems amplifies the marriage fear considerably."

"Niles Roland Heartly, your a philosopher," Oliver muttered as he sipped his tea.

"Indeed I am, I am a philosopher, a scholar, and your adviser, sir," Niles Roland Heartly replied. "I say I'm surprised you are as cheerful as you are about this whole ordeal. We are both from the fishing ponds, we both know how romantic life is supposed to be and I say a fair chunk of lifes romance is drained by a forced marriage."

"I'm afraid I drained much romance out of life already," Oliver said with a smile.

"Are you nervous, sir?" Mister Brighton asked.

"Of course," Oliver said. "I just don't show it."

"Why not?" Heartly asked.

"Because, Niles Roland Heartly, I'm a man, and I am a Prince," Oliver said. "And Princes do not fear women."

"Speaking of women I bring more troubles from the Dominion Lake Colony," Mister Brighton interjected. "The statue of the Queen Mother, your mother, Oliver, has been delayed."

"How so?" Oliver asked.

"Well, its mainly this Dark Nation architect, Vecked Avlior, has somehow wasted all the Lakes silver building the statues body. So we a have a magnificent statue of the Queen's body fifty feet high only its headless. We need more silver, sir," Brighton explained.

"A dark world architect, thats the end right there," Niles Roland Heartly muttered.

"If the man needs more silver for his art then give him more silver," Oliver replied.

"I would but we need more money for that, sir, perhaps a personal donation?" Mister Brighton said.

"Permission granted, Mister Brighton, just leave some gold in my treasury when your done fishing," Oliver said.

"Speaking of Art, sir, would you like to see the mosaic I've had commissioned for you and your brother, sir? Its just been finished," Niles Roland Heartly asked.

"No, but I will later today," Oliver said as he placed his tea on the table. "I'll see you two later on. Keep up the goodwork, gentlemen, I'm off to find the King. Oh and jolly good about the mosaic, Niles Roland Heartly."

Evelynne had been running errands for princess Veta all morning. With the ball fast approaching, Veta needed a large amount of fine dresses to choose from... not to mention shoes, jewelery, purses, make up, and hair styles. While Evelynne and Veta had become friends over the years, Evelynne was still her handmaiden (a fancier word for servant, in Eve's opinion) and there were jobs that needed to be done.

"Oh shit." Eve swore as one of the silk gowns slipped from her arm and floated to the floor of Veta's bedroom. She finished hanging the others up and then came back for the other dress. Picking it up from the ground, she inspected it to ensure there was no damage (thankfully there wasn't), and then placed it in the closet as well.

Eve was exceptionally good at her job and was paid well. She had a room next to Veta's (though it was no where close in size), so that she could be called upon at any hour if the Princess needed, and was given fine clothing to wear. For while she was not royalty, she was not an ordinary servant either. Being Princess Veta's handmaiden meant that she was with Veta almost all of the time, which in turn meant that she needed to look respectable. She had been given a few days off the previous week (which she spent dancing and drinking with friends in the city), but would not get the same luxuries for a while due to the ball.

She turned around and quickly inspected herself in the large gilded mirror that hung on the wall of Veta's bedroom. Her body looked tan and trim in a thin silk dress that cut low in the front (likely too low to be appropriate, though she could care less), which she paired with open open toed black heels. Her long hair hung in thick curls down her back and over her shoulders, and her cheeks were flushed slightly from the exercise of running the morning errands.

"Good enough I suppose." she said to her reflection, placing a stray strand of golden hair behind her ear, and then left the room and made her way quickly down the hall to find the princess.

She could hear Veta's voice coming from the dining area, soft and melodic sounding, and so she made her way there. Her heels clicked importantly on the stone floors, announcing her arrival before she even got into the room.

"Good morning Prince Lucian. Good morning Princess Veta." Evelynne said brightly as she walked into the room, casting a quick smile of greeting towards Mae before turning her attention back to the royal pair. "How are you two doing this morning?" She inquired, standing to the side of the table despite the fact that there was an open chair. She knew it was improper to sit with the royal family (unless asked to, of course), and though she found such rules completely idiotic... she was forced to follow them.

OOC: Her outfit. http://static.fotoalbum.hu/picturezoom/ ... 224651.jpg

“A-Alright,” the Prince responded, taken aback by her easy accompaniment. A few moments ago, he thought he would have to storm up to the throne room by himself, ashen faced from the news and stomping like a child. In his mind, the idea hadn't been his best but what else could he do in a situation like this? Like a young boy still clinging to what was familiar, he hoped his mother would see things differently. Watching as she withdrew from them, and as she steeled herself as best she could, he knew that he wouldn't be alone in this. They both didn't want these “weddings” to befall them, let alone that it was ridiculous to expect any woman to willingly take his hand in this dreary place. Zenith himself wanted to mend their ways, perhaps even bring them to the surface? Those thoughts posed dangerous, and he knew his father would never consider it. What could they do when he took the throne? Nothing.

Zenith stared down at Hanza as well, the instructor was only doing his job in the preparation so he couldn't very well blame him for that, and the wary look on his face made him take a deep, withering breath. Staring off down the lengthy chamber, he blinked his dark eyes and brushed his numb fingers through his ebony hair. What kind of Prince cowered at the thought of a woman coming permanently into his life? It wasn't as if he'd asked for this position, he would have done fine braving the suffering streets belonging to their kingdom. Most of the time, he strode along the streets to enjoy the company of “unmentionables” by Phallus' standards, he enjoyed their company far more than the stiff blokes residing in the underground castle. “No one from the Wind Nation would enjoy the constrictions of living underground,” He mused thoughtfully, scratching his chin as he eyed the pillared structures of their architecture, “A place without the open skies? Unthinkable.”

The Prince couldn't help but laugh at Hanza's notions of taking them as partners—even calling them charming, it was flattering but he immediately thought he'd been joking. Gethen was right, they were all of the Dark Nation and understood what happened in its depths. This wasn't a happy place where you would awaken to the sounds of fluttering birds, with the sun peeking through translucent curtains. It wasn't a necessarily happy place. Their people suffered as much as they did, watching them with only stubborn councilors and royalty discerning the idea of raising the capital. It was as if they struggled against chains they'd put on their own wrists. He wondered if Gethen and Stella felt the same.
As Gethen threw her arms around in distress, lamenting how each of the Prince's wouldn't fit her, he couldn't help but agree. He couldn't help but twinge a small smile, crossing his arms over his chest. “You'd get to see the outside, though,” Zenith remarked, eyeing Hanza, then his sister, “I'd fancy that, my life doesn't change besides the fact that I'll have a very unhappy woman at my side.” Before he had the chance to consider his actions, Gethen stole his hand from his chest and pulled him determinedly through the doors. This... would be interesting.


((Oliver's line, "And Princes do not fear women," made me laugh really hard. XD ))

The banging on his door pretty much got him to blast through pulling on his shirt and those damn pants he had always wanted to burn to shreds. But they were proper looking and decent and a prince should always look his best and blah blah blah. It made him want to puke up his organs and see how everyone would react then. Probably just shock and disappointment that he'd killed himself in such an unsanitary way but they would still be upset... right? They'd still miss him and everything. Marcus shook his head; he didn't care about what the people thought. It was only about what he thought.

It was too bad he didn't know what he thought.

The sound of Sebastian calling him made him realize the wizard wasn't going to enter his room; which he was thankful for. He found the way his father's adviser acted around him almost awkward. As if there was something about him that threw the man off. Not that Marcus really cared because any amount of privacy was wanted and taken with vigor. Then he heard that his father wanted him and he lost all sense of being happy about having a free day.

It was always something with his father.

Marcus opened the door and smiled up at the wizard who stood in front of him. "I'll go see to it that I see him then," he said softly. With a nod he passed by Sebastian and let his door swing shut as he did so. He didn't want to see his father so early in the morning nor did he want to hear his father's news nor did he want to have to do something 'princely'. It was sucking out his nerve and his energy and he could definitely say that he did not like the feeling of turning into a human jellyfish.

Though the creatures were incredibly cool.

He entered his father's hall and dipped his head in respect because even the prince had to acknowledge who was king. "Good morning father. I was told by Sebastian that you wanted to see me." The fake regal tone that escaped his lips make him want to puke but he kept his face blank of all emotion except a calm patience. The sky wasn't going anywhere.

Athy shrugged. "The fact remains," he said, "as long as there isn't an alternative that everyone can agree on, things will carry on the way they are. To challenge a tradition without providing a satisfactory replacement is a dangerous business. For now, the tradition is the placebo keeping the war under control. It can never hope to be it's cure, but it's an example of how even bad logic, bad science, can have a use."

As they left the main city district and began to approach the royal gardens, their conversation turned to the subject of the other nations.

"Well perhaps without realising it, Orchid," he replied, "you have made the very point I'm trying to communicate. The enforcing of a dogmatic ideal can never result in peace and unity. Unity comes not from assimilation, but from integration. And the reason the Light Nation should be at the centre of the process is that integration is our ideal. While other nations hold onto their ways to the exclusion of others, we are the confluence of the best of all. The Fireans have superior technology to us, it is true. The Air Nation have mastered the skies admireably. But when I say to you that our way is superior over all, it is because our "way" is to recognise the validity of many ways. And until the others learn this lesson from us, they shall remain primitive by comparison."

They were now inside the palace Atrium, which had transformed considerably even in the short hour Athanasius had been gone. Three customised helicopters lined the courtyard, being prepared for transportation to the Dusseteu Gardens for the Royal Ball Gathering. The footman, Bellamy, was accompanying security personal in and out of the aircraft making final checks.

It wouldn't be much longer now...

Lucian listened quietly as Mae described this new servant, and was happy with her enthusiasm. Nodding after she finished he gave her a coy smile “If he wasn’t so clumsily I would make a guard out of him, but we can’t have a man falling on his own sword. He will do fine here I am sure” He turned back to his sister and was about to speak when the familiar face of Evelynne popped out and sat with them.

He did not have a servant of his own, usually taking care of everything himself, though it was more of stubbornness that desire of being alone. He briefly wondered if he should take one, but he pushed the thought aside in order to turn to Eve, and smile warmly “Hello Evelynne, you look absolutely stunning today” His compliment was more out of politeness than anything else, his first rule was avoid sticky situations with women, he was to get married and first rule was keep others at arm’s reach, would make it much easier, without the difficult break ups and sobbing goodbyes.

"I apologize. It's just; I guess I had a rough night is all," he excused. Marcus hating hearing his father call those other two his 'brothers'. They weren't related in anyway for them to even be considered a part of the family; but he didn't let it show. They lived with him, ate with him. They'd grown up together but he'd never seen them as older brother's to look up to. To him they were still strangers who had no right to even call him brother; to call his father their own.

Marcus blinked and felt a ripple pass over his skin at the singsong voice of Kalmut who he had been hoping stayed in bed; he'd lost. Still he flashed a quick smile back as he stayed on his feet because the ground was dirty and unsanitary. "It seems your sarcasm didn't stay in your bed." Another reason as to why he didn't like them at all. They just didn't understand his need to get the fuck out and get the fuck away. He couldn't stand being trapped in a building when there was so much elsewhere.

And there was so much else in places he wasn't. The wind was always changing; he wanted to taste the new fresh air.

But first he had to wait for whatever his father had to say because it was probably important. Of course Marcus wanted to know because he was always up for knowing something new but the longer it took the less time he had to go out and do things he wanted to do. He wanted to battle to gain more freedom so that he would never have to stay in the stuffy building with the people he was supposed to think of family. Well, one was but the rest were just people he had to consider family in order to keep up appearances even though half the damn nation knew that the two brothers Kalmut and Kore were not of his family. They were outcasts. Brought in through a stroke of luck.

"Anyway; father. Can we hear the news for I have to go and deal with Ostensus because the poor mechanic I asked to do it can't seem to find the problem. Besides, I have a letter to send to someone who I wish to speak with."

If there was one thing he would never do it was admit that he had interest in someone. Marcus was a man of secrets and riddles; he would let them all think it was someone who lived in their nation. Not that he would ever correct them if they were wrong in any sense.

Azure suddenly looked over to the castle with a sudden air of urgency in her eyes. She felt as if she needed to get back home and needed to quick lest she worry the people inside who she called her family. For she knew that they were all already there eating whatever breakfast Mae had prepared for them ahead of time. That and she felt that something interesting was about to happen and she didn't want to risk missing it at all. "Oh I'm sorry Croix. I have to go." She walked over to the servant and knelled down. "Meet me here at noon." She stood up and placed her hands on her hips. She was going to help him do better; she would fix his clumsy self even if just a little. "Don't be late or I'll kick you out," she said jokingly with a wink. Azure ran back to her horse. "I'm off." The blunette quickly hoped onto Dawn and gently urged the horse on towards the castle.

As she rode she felt her blue hair fighting against its restrictive hold and in a flash pulled the bow off and let hair fall; cascading over her shoulders only to be blown back by the wind. "Oh they'll wonder where we've been Dawn. What do I tell them?" She bit down on her lip worriedly as Dawn whinnied in response to her question. There was no way she could admit that she'd left out to practice magic with Brian - a boy she'd been learning it with for years - in the outskirts of town. They'd probably be disappointed in her or worse disown her. She knew she could handle the disappointment and even the fright but she didn't know if she could handle losing her family.

They were all she had.

"Feed her and give her water please. She's been busy," she said to the stable boy; and one of the only other people Dawn seemed to like. With one last smile and stroke she left her horse in the hands of another and quickly made her way into the castle and straight through the hallways to the dining room. Her attire could have been much better than a short blue dress with black breeches underneath but at the moment she really didn't see any reason to care. She just had to get into that room and say good morning to show she wasn't dead.

The blunette quickly flung the doors to the dining room open and stood in the doorway catching her breath. "Good morning Veta, Lucian, Evelynne, Mae," she said between breaths as she made her way to the table and took a seat. Azure quickly passed a hand through her windblown hair to calm it down. "What have I missed?" Not that she really cared but she needed to seem interested in the morning conversation didn't she?

Oliver stepped quietly along the Palace's main hall. At each of his sides a Guard stood, stationed beside the massive gold pillars that held the palace roof. They stood perfectly still unmoving, like statues. Oliver enjoyed starring at them as he passed because he knew they could see him, and they could not stare back.
Oliver moved on once more until he reached the grand entrance of the Palace, which had been opened as it often was to let the calm seaside breezes fly through the halls. Oliver exited the palace and began to head down the palace steps. Eventually he reached the gentle grass at the bottom of the steps and continued on through the hilly green field. He soon reached the edge of the field where he could see the city below him. The grassland continued awhile longer, sporting many farms and fields, until it reached the costs, and that was where the real city was. Thousands of houses of gray and brown on stilts marked the waters surface, dangling plank bridges crossing between them. Grand statues of gold and silver arose from the waters between the houses. In the center of the city the houses became much more regal, their stilts replaced by stone pillars, and the brown wooden huts replaced by massive stone houses. This was where the nobility lived. But Oliver was not interested in the nobility, no he was interested in the cheap town on the cities north side.
Oliver then began his journey into the city. As the sun raised he continued on forward, through the vineyards and fields of green, passed the beaches where several of the poorest cities lived, and onto the city. He went through the bridged streets where he was passed by men and women who looked like him. Their skin was tanned and their hair was brown. he continued on through the streets until he reached the city plaza, where the stone buildings sat, between them a gran market that stretched as far as Oliver could see. Yells on the latest piece of artwork done by a Fisherman and the latest trinket made by a brewer could be heard from all directions. Oliver eventually made it out and resumed his travels forward. Eventually the buildings of stone began to dwindle and the huts became farther and farther apart. This was as far as the city went, the north side. Where the docks sat.
Oliver looked up at the sun. It hung high in the sky. He sighed before approaching a large Stone house, a complete contrast to the rest of the area. Oliver swallowed slightly before knocking on the door. After a second of waiting he knocked again, and this time the door opened as a response.
"Hello mother," Oliver said with a slight smile.

"Oliver dear what are you doing here?" The women, who looked like an aged female version of the young Prince, asked.

"I was supposed to meet with the King but he's nowhere to be found today. Most likely taking care of top secret business," Oliver replied. "I thought I'd see you instead."

The women smiled and opened the door wide for Oliver, who gave a quick nod and entered. "So," The women began, seating herself in a large armchair. "What news have you got from the castle."

"Well, there's drama as always. Siris and Nethaneal are feeling a bit under the weather, I'm afraid," Oliver said, sitting down opposite of her.

"Oh, is it the flu?" The women asked.

"No, nothing like that, though Siris' has a condition from birth, you know about that though," Oliver said. "I don't like that physician of hers, Rhys. He's a slippery one, alright."

"She's a sweet girl," The women said.

"Indeed she is. But its not illness that's effecting those two its just some politics," Oliver muttered. "Also we are building this statue of the Queen in one of the colonies and they've run out of gold to finance it. Its a Dark Nation architect, Vecked Avlior, and he's already run the project dry."

"Damn cave dwellers," The women spat. "Probably spent it all on women and ale."

"Yes, well speaking of women I have some news," Oliver said, sitting up slightly straighter as he did. "I've met a girl and I've been engaged to marry her."

The woman gasped in shock and then smiled in excitement. "Oh gods I can't believe it, Oliver!" She said happily, getting up and hugging the boy. "Your a man! Is she gorgeous, who is she?"

"Well shes actually a Dark Nation Princess," Oliver said. "Shes not what you would think of a Dark Nation hound at all though, she is a wonderful, loving sort. I have a theory that her spirit got misguided on the way to her body. It was going to go to an unborn Water maiden but it got confused and got trapped in her body so shes practically one of us. Trust me, shes all that."

His mother paused at the identity of the Princess and sat down slowly. "Huh," She began. "A Dark Nation Princess. But if she makes you happy Oliver, I suppose... and you could do worse for yourself then a Princess..."

"My thoughts on the tee," Oliver said.

"Whats her name?" His mother asked.

"Yes, well, she actually hasn't decided yet, it is still to be seen," Oliver said. "Between Stella and Gethen, she says. Shes an odd thing like that, but she will choose a name to go by once we wed I assure you."

"How peculiar," His mother muttered. "I will want to meet her, you know."

"She will want to meet you," Oliver said with a smile. "It was good seeing you again, mother. I love you, you know."

"I know, Olie, I know," His mother replied.

"Now I must get going, its nearly lunch time," Oliver said, raising from his seat. "The King said he'd have lunch with me so I hope he will be waiting for me when I arrive at the castle." Oliver picked up his brown corduroy jacket from the coat stand and snugged his arms into it. "Jolly good seeing you again, mother," Oliver said as he opened the door and made his way back to the street.

"Wait!" His mother called. "Is she gorgeous?"

"Dreadfully so!" Oliver called from over his shoulder. "We went to a lounge and the other women began to sob with envy, it was awful!"

Oliver smiled to himself as he walked on. He was not a fan of lying to his mother, not to say that he didn't do it, because he did do it a great deal. Of course the lies he told were necessary lies. He couldn't tell his mother that he was taking part in a forced political marriage, it would break her heart. Oliver sighed as he began the long journey back to the castle. Hopefully he would spend some time with his father the King when he returned...

As Rhys poked and prodded the usual places on her body, Siris' mind was far ahead of her. She could hear the female servants murmuring voices outside the door, probably waiting to bring in breakfast and dress her in her day clothes, and the excitement in their voices - regardless she couldn't understand a word they were saying - made her own excitement spike. Her small hands had gone slightly clammy under Rhys' touch and her heart fluttered like a trapped bird. Now sitting on the edge of the window, her legs swung slowly, her heels tapping the wall she sat on.
"How long until the gathering?" She asked, her eyes pinned to the door. She felt like a child awaiting a surprise, and in a sense she was. Soon she would be whisked away to a land far from her own and placed in the hands of a man she has only heard rumors of. To anyone it would be a frightening thought, but Siris always had an appetite for adventure. Never before had she been allowed to even leave the castle walls, other than to visit the gardens (always with a few hand maidens). And now she might not be let back in to these same walls. She had heard what her brother had said and kept it in mind, but in her mind it would stay. Even if her future husband came out to be a horrible, bitter man she wouldn't run back to the water nation. It wouldn't be easy.
Again she looked at Rhys, her eyes thoughtful. Oh, how she hoped he would be allowed to travel with her! What medicine would the light nation carry that could help her? Her mind brought up the laughter of a few maiden's, their jokes lost on her. 'They would probably electrocute you, ma'am!' They had said. How that would even tickle someone was beyond her. But who would take Rhys' spot? Did he have a successor? Had he trained a younger magician all this time? Why had she never asked! Pursing her lips, she felt sorry for never wondering about her healer's life beyong these silly checkups. Rhys was more of a father to her than her own, and maybe she had never expressed it but she hoped he heard her unspoken words.
Her feet continued to sway underneath her.

Lucian glanced up at his youngest sister as she hurried in, her blue hair flaring rather dramatically behind her. He had always admired her hair, it was a stark contrast to the rather green world around her. Gesturing with his hands in a what can you do expression he smiled speaking softly "Not much, just my poor attempts at complimenting, but over the years you've probably seen me fail enough times to last a lifetime"

Pausing he glanced over her clothes, he truly never understood Azura, she had no reason to act like she did, playing the part of the outcast, the black sheep... or maybe he thought this becuase he didnt understand her... well no matter, he gently shook his head to dis spell the thoughts.

Picking up his fork, he gently took small bites from a over-easy egg, the yellow yolk spilling out over the plate rushing like a mini-river. He played with the river a while with his fork, gently gazing at the plate. "What have you been up to Azura? you probably had a much more... adventurous day than mine" The question was asked with geniune curiosity, as Lucian did enjoy hearing about peoples days.

Rhys smothered the urge to tisk at the girl, watching her from under dark eyelashes. He could feel her pulse racing but finally he released her from his gaze, bowing his head. What could he possibly say, oh your highness you are being entirely too high strung? Hardly. Granted it was unlikely the girl would get angry, but it was still highly unacceptable for him to say.

“We are finished your Highness,” He murmured, turning away from her to start packing his things up with slow, deft hands. “It will not be long, perhaps a few days from now. “

He wanted to tell her not to be nervous but that seemed silly, of course the girl would be nervous. It was a wonder her health hadn’t start to show signs of the girls abnormal levels of anxiety towards her upcoming adventures leaving her home and perhaps marriage. He could feel her eyes lingering on him as he finished packing up his things into a neat little bundle on the table. For a moment he felt puzzled, not sure why she was looking at him so. Finally he was forced to turn back around, his own eyes meeting hers, perhaps a brave movement for someone who was well beneath her station, and yet he did it defiantly anyway.

“Is there something else your Highness?” He questioned, his voice hinting curiously. “Something else about the Gathering you wish to know?”

That was probably it, he told himself. The girl was just curious. And whom else did she have to rely on? Certainly not those gossipy maids flitting about, filling her head with nonsense!

"Lady Seraphina! Lady Seraphina! Please come out! Milady! Where are you!?"

The callings of the handmaidens and guards alike echoed within the palace's premises. Quickened footsteps and panicked expressions were rampant from the people searching for the said lady. It would appear that the princess Seraphina had gone missing after a discussion with the Fire King. This was truly an unlikely event to have occurred. She was well-known to be a very proper lady and would face her responsibilities with much elegance. Thus, her sudden disappearance caused great discord to those around her. Everyone could not help but be worry that something dreadful had happened to their beloved princess. Unbeknown to them, the missing princess simply wanted to hide momentarily from all realities.

Her father the King had announced her marriage in the upcoming Royal Ball Gathering. It was no surprise to her. After all, her parents had gone through the same arrangements. Yet, she could not still be at ease with the fact of marrying a person she had never met or might never love at all. Ignoring the calls for her, she drowned out any unnecessary noises and focused on finding a sense of peace within her tumultuous mind. It would help more if her other siblings were here however, she could not grasp where her brothers and sister could be during these times. They were in the same situation at the end of the day. All she could do was to be the ever obedient princess she had known to be.

"I should not worry everyone any further."

Standing from her seat at the center of a well-made maze within the gardens, she made her way out effortlessly despite it being popular of being unsolved. This was her hiding place when she wanted to be alone for a moment. No one could reach her here and that gave her the sense of comfort in the very least. Dusting her pristine white tiered layer chiffon dress, she engaged with one of the servants looking for her with an apologetic smile. It is truly her fault not informing anyone about her whereabouts however, she still needed a place to feel her privacy.

"My apologies for worrying everyone. I needed a few moments of my own to contemplate. Do inform everyone, I am alright. If anyone would need of me, I would be at the library."

The servant had a relief expression upon his face as he bowed down with much gratefulness and respect. He gave a polite "Yes, your Highness." and left to spread the good news. Seraphina released a sigh as she went on her way to the library that had been practically left only for her use. Computer terminals were much more efficient than written books however, she gets a sense of serenity when she reads in 'old-style' as her brothers would tell her. The thought of siblings did bring her anxiety. She wondered where they could be her elder brothers Aden and Blake should be in busy with their own experimentation. Although, Aden could be having fun somewhere. She did envy her elder brother for that kind of personality. On the side note, she also wondered what her sister's reaction would be about the marriage. Her brothers would be probably nonchalant about it.

"Soon all will be revealed. I should enjoy my few moments within in this palace until I am married off."

Entering the grand halls of the library, she had a twinkle in her olive green eyes of joy. It was wonderful that the books were kept well-maintained here. She was vehemently opposed when it was suggested to have everything be transcribed into data and have it all burned. Approaching one of the bookshelves, she picked a book of interest and allowed herself no worries about the marriage for now.

"Azure," she quickly corrected without any thought prior to the action. It was interesting to her that her own brother would say her name wrong at times but it didn't bother her very much. Her mother had given her a name similar to the colour of her hair. Azura sounded simpler and easier; more simple to remember. But it wasn't her name and she wouldn't accept anything but the name she had been bestowed with. It was a gorgeous name and she loved it.

She nodded at Mae as a thank you for the egg but frowned when she saw that it was cooked sunny-side up. She hated them but none the less she wouldn't say anything and merely said; "I'm not too hungry." Her sea-foam green eyes lifted to her older and only brother as he asked about her morning; and she found it easy to lie her way right through it. Some could say Azure had become a chronological liar but she could control it. She was just a person who lied to cover-up things better left unknown by certain people.

Tugging at a lock of her blue hair she bit down on her lip. "Well, I took Dawn out for a ride and stopped for a while to let her roam free for a time. While she did that I practiced some archery. Uhm, after that on the way back I bumped into Croix sitting under the willow tree by the small pond," she explained. Half of that story was a lie; a complete and utter lie. But they didn't need to know about her practicing of magic or who she did it with or where she did it. That was for her, Brian and Marcus alone. God she wanted to see that boy again. He was much more interesting than anyone in the Earth Nation.

"Croix? I just sent him out. I thought he'd be doing something else by now." She heard Mae say from behind her as the woman took her plate - the one she didn't plan on touching.

"I bet he'll be working on something sooner or later. He seemed to be musing over something." Azure smiled and nodded just a bit as she spoke. She hoped that none of them would disapprove of her speaking with a servant. It would be unfair and it would hurt her feelings for she hoped she would see him again. Croix was a point of interest for Azure; she was going to keep him around as long as she could. "So, what have you two been up to?" she asked with faked curiosity. Oh the things she'd become a pro at.

Lying, Acting and Faking.

“Hello Evelynne, you look absolutely stunning today”

Eve turned her attention to the Prince and smiled kindly back, "Thank you Lucian." She said with a laugh, "I call this look running-around-like-crazy-while-still-looking-fabulous." She teased, unable to keep the flirtation from her voice. Eve was a natural flirt... Her movements, words, and even her eyes seemed to always have a hint of allure. She was known as a sort of heart breaker, so to speak, around the city. Evelynne wasn't easy by any means, but men seemed to desire her and who was she to say no sometimes? Especially if the man in question was gorgeous.

She had known the royal family all her life and had the biggest crush on Lucian when she was younger (despite her being a year older). That crush had faded over time, but Eve could never deny that Lucian was extremely handsome. The wall he put up when it came to women, on the other hand, was not so attractive.

The doors were suddenly flung open to present the other princess. Her blue hair flew around her in dizzying waves as she skidded to a stop to catch her breath. "Good morning Veta, Lucian, Evelynne, Mae," she said between breaths as she made her way to the table and took a seat. Azure quickly passed a hand through her windblown hair to calm it down. "What have I missed?"

"Good morning princess Azure." Eve said, smiling down at the girl. She had always been fond of Azure and thought that if she had been a princess, she would have fought against it tooth and nail in the same way Azure did.

Gesturing with his hands in a what can you do expression he smiled speaking softly "Not much, just my poor attempts at complimenting, but over the years you've probably seen me fail enough times to last a lifetime"

Evelynne smiled to herself and resisted commenting on the prince's words. Her stomach threatened to growl in hunger and she silently cursed herself for not eating before running her errands. She'd have to wait for the royal family to finish their breakfast before she could eat.

"What have you been up to Azura? you probably had a much more... adventurous day than mine" The question was asked with genuine curiosity, as Lucian did enjoy hearing about peoples days.

Tugging at a lock of her blue hair she bit down on her lip. "Well, I took Dawn out for a ride and stopped for a while to let her roam free for a time. While she did that I practiced some archery. Uhm, after that on the way back I bumped into Croix sitting under the willow tree by the small pond," she explained.

Evelynne watched with interest as Azure spoke. She saw so much of herself in the young princess that it was no surprise that she knew Azure wasn't telling the entire truth. Eve could read people, especially people so like herself, but she could never tell anyone that Azure was lying. First of all, it wasn't her place... but most of all she thought it was up to Azure to make her own decisions! Let her do what she wanted. After all, Eve had been lying for years about studying magic illegally in town.

"Croix? I just sent him out. I thought he'd be doing something else by now." She heard Mae say from behind her as the woman took her plate - the one she didn't plan on touching.

"I bet he'll be working on something sooner or later. He seemed to be musing over something." Azure smiled and nodded just a bit as she spoke.

Eve turned her attention back to Veta and moved to her side, "Is there anything you wish to do today?" She asked, head tilted and eyebrows raised in an expectant manner.

Pushing off from the windowsill, Siris flattened her palms against her nightgown in thought. "I don't believe I do." She admitted. Which was odd, since it seemed a thousand different thoughts were running through her mind in that exact moment and yet no questions were forming. Chewing her bottom lip, she looked about her room. There wasn't much of anything, just a bed, a bureau and a small table with two chairs askew. Her bed was large, much too large for just herself, and the blankets were thrown about from sleep.
She rubbed her pale eyes and thought a moment longer, but still no question arose. "Thank you for checking on me again." She always thanked him, and she always would if he were to continue helping her. "I've heard one of the kitchen staff is with child so maybe you could mix something up to ease the stress on her? If it isnt a bother, that is." The maids might gossip, but she knew this story to be true. She had seen herself the kitchen girl running off with a boy when the others weren't watching.
Now, in her own twisted mind she was imagining herself pregnant, her stomach swollen and her tiny hands placed on the curve of it. Ruffling her hair, she made her way to her bed. Too many thoughts for today, now she would let her brain dismiss itself. If only.

"I'm sorry," she said, a blush rising into her pale cheeks, "I wasn't quite listening. Could you repeat that?"

Eve's expression softened slightly and she nodded, "I had asked if there was anything you wanted to get done today?" She repeated, no hint of annoyance in her voice. She knew Veta was upset about having to go to the Wind Kingdom, and couldn't blame her. If the King had told Eve that she had to go to a new Kingdom to be married off she was quite sure she would have told the King to go screw a horse because that was more likely to happen than her moving away.

Wait a second... am I supposed to be going to? Her heart skipped a beat and she felt anxiety clench at her chest. No one had said anything to her about having to go with Veta, but now that she thought about it... it seemed likely that she'd be forced to go. Fuck that.

"Who's that?" she asked, rising slightly to get a better look at the boy.

Eve leaned forward, momentarily pushing aside her thoughts, and spotted the new servant, "That's Croix. He's new." She explained with a shrug. Servants came and went all the time, so it wasn't that big of a deal to have someone new. To be honest, she was surprised that Veta had even noticed the change in staff. She was usually too busy in the gardens to focus on much else. Not that Eve blamed her, though, because Evelynne sort of envied the fact that Veta had something that grounded her. Eve was more like a bird that flit from one thing to the next, while Veta was a gorgeous flower that knew its place and where its happiness lay.

"Veta, when you've finished, if you have nothing else you wish to do this afternoon I think it would be best if you came and tried on some of the dresses I brought you. I don't think bringing twenty two dresses to the ball is necessary, especially when you'd like wonderful in any of the ones I've selected." Evelynne said with a playful smile, hoping to pull Veta out of her daze. The princess was a very beautiful woman. She had a sort of natural warm beauty that Eve could never achieve.

While Orchid set about tormenting the staff in her own harmless way, Athy peered into one of the aircraft. It was certainly the most luxurious vehicle he'd ever seen. He could only hope that when he returned in it with his new bride the air was as comfortable as the seating! It would be a fine balance to be sure. He doubted he'd be paired up without someone who would interest him greatly, but unless he put on some sort of a pretence the first weeks could be extremely uncomfortable.

He listened to Orchid when she returned.

"Well there's the big irony." Athy sighed. "You are being sent to the Fire Nation - the one place where I might learn something interesting about technology. And I am recieving a wife from the Water Nation - the one place where your artistic interests would be appreciated and encouraged. So I'm afraid the only council I can offer is to take as many art supplies as you can to last you between visits home...if indeed such visits will be allowed by those stubborn Fireans. That is my council; my hope is that you will take some open-minded influence to them."

The atrium was filling up even more, and certain cordens were being set up. No doubt there was to be some elaborate sending-off ceremony to endure before it was time to go...