Parthenia "Paige" Daphine's Story

Parthenia Daphine was hurrying through the halls. Actually, Paige was hurrying through the halls. A noble woman with the name Parthenia would never do as Paige was right now. But alas Paige was not a noble woman so she was allowed to do so. Especially when the halls were as dark and creepy as these... Quickly Paige expelled those thoughts. They were unproductive and frightful and she had never had any desire to explore the darker places of her mind. She had heard that they changed you forever and disabled you to look at the world the same ever again. Paige liked the world as she saw it at the moment.

Balanced perfectly on the finger tips of Paige's left hand she carried a clear, glass pitcher of cool water and mint leaves; thought to calm a person's racing heart. Along with the jug of water she carried a glass cup for tea as well as some fresh bread with honey, butter and jam. These items were placed on a delicate glass tray Paige had to carry up three flights of stairs and down many of the innumberable hallways she had come to memorize. Paige like to believe she knew the castle better than it's owners. Drapped over her right arm was a rag which she could dip in water to clean one's brow of the corner of their mouths. All of these materials were nessasary in case there was something unpleasant amist the Master or his family.

Specifically, Paige had been sent to investigate the room of the Lord's Heir; Aethyra. The maids (including her mother) had heard noises of restless sleeping from her chambers and, naturally, they had sent up the servant girl to check on her and make sure their Mistress was alright. Paige approached the door and straightened out her dress as, like everyone else in existance (it seemed), she was expected to look well kempt in the presence of the upper class residents.

Gently knocking on the heavey, steel framed door with her calloused knuckles. She could hear of the other side footsteps and heavy breathing as if the one inside had just been frightened. It was apparent that her Mistress was not saftly asleep in her bed. Mostly likely it was one of the many nightmares her Mistress suffered. There was many a time in the dead of night Paige had been sent to render aid after a particularly bad one. This seemed like on of those nights. "Mistress Aethyra? It's your servant Parthenia. May I please come in?" Paige called quitely, then waited for a response from the other side of the door.

"Parthenia." Aethyra croaked the girl's name, her cold eyes unflinching from her gaze out the window. The girl was always sent for her when she awoke from her nightmares, when all other's were afraid to call out her name. Parthenia, or Paige, was a sweet girl, always wishing to be helpful, always respectful; Aethyra liked her well enough.

"Enter, Parthenia, I am awake." She could smell the tea and bread, and a ghostly smile creeped across her lips, foreign and strange. Somehow, the girl always knew what she needed, be it silence, darkness, or just a hot cup of tea or coffee. Still, though, she could not tear her gaze from the scenery outside; the freedom of the garden and forests seemed to mock her, teasing her with the fact that she was still stuck inside, kept away from all she loved. It wasn't fair, but it was her life, her fate, as the Heir.

Leon sat on his throne, looking at the report in his hand. His sword sat beside him, resting at a safe distance. His crown sat on his head of raven hair, tilted in the process of a late night. He read slowly, wishing that he could finally sleep.
"So, you two are the captain of the guard? both of you?" He tilted his head, staring over the page at them "And why shouldn't I have you beheaded?" He tapped his fingers on the arm rest, staring down at the two men. one of them had flowing robes, possibly those of a scholar or mage. The other... the other wore a blindfold over his eyes, as well as a mischievous grin.



Daniel bowed, His scythe's blade cutting into the floor slightly. "Dorian and I are indeed the captain of the guard, perfectly loyal to the Land and its people." He smiled, standing up. "Behead us if you must, but as long as you need someone strong to defend you, we will serve." His scythe's butt whipped out, stopping Dorian's movement when he stepped forward. "Forgive my friend, he's a little hot-headed. Daniel turned sideways to see a girl running towards the private chambers with a pitcher of water.



This is the new king? he looks weak. that sword... so weak. Dorian stepped forward, his fists tightening. This man thinks that he can behead me. I'll show him a behea- Daniel's scythe whipped up, crossing Dorian's pectorals. "Ah... yes, I apologize, my lord" Dorian kneeled, putting one fist on the ground and bowing his head. I'll play the obedient sheep for now, Daniel, but at the first sign of weakness, I'm beating him with his spine

Paige went in quietly, smiling a little. She was always happy to be helpful, and especially liked to be comfort to those who needed some, like her Mistress Aethyra. She carefully set the things down, glancing over at Aethyra and chewing her lip a little as she could see the longing in Aethyra's eyes. Paige knew better than most how deepy her Mistress longed to be free. She loathed being coped up inside the castle as was her fate. And so many times Paige longed to help her escape. It was as she said; as your servant I would beg you to stay, but as your friend I would encourage you to go. Of course, Paige was forbidden under the threat of exicution from this so she had to hold her tongue when not able to speak in private.

Paige carefully poured the drink and spread butter and jam over the bread, presenting it to Aethyra on the glass platter. "Were you having nightmares again, Mistress?" Paige asked, sorrow echoing in her voice, "They sounded worse then the ones before." See, even though she was an indentured servant, Paige considered Aethyra to be the closest thing she had to a friend and wanted to do whatever she could to ease Aethrya's pain. Of course she could only do so much as she was still a servant girl. "Would you care to talk about them, Mistress?"

"They were only the usual ones," Aethyra sighed, taking the cup of tea and taking a sip. Shivers crawled up and down her spine, and the white blonde-haired princess choked slightly on her drink. After clearing her throat, she finally tore her eyes from the outside world and stumbled back to her bed, collapsing against the pillows and taking a deep breath. It felt like darkness had closed around her throat, and she closed her eyes, shivering. "It was just a bit...darker."

Leon shifted in his Throne, staring out at the trio with a frown. "I see, Anastasia, was it? I'm not giving any one of you the job of protecting me, but all three of you shall do so. I expect the three of you to maintain your selves fairly well in this task. Just remember that the kingdom takes priority over my life, as does the life of my heir." He tapped his foot, folding the report. "You three are dismissed, for now"



Daniel bowed his head to Leon as a small rune appeared on his hand. the spell flared quietly and disappeared. It appeared against the back of the girl he had seen earlier, fading from sight. Later, my beauty, when the kingdom can wait... He put his scythe in a holster, strapping it onto his back. "Dorian, let's be gone. you too, Miss." He turned and started out of the throne room, his own hands curling into fists.



Dorian grinned at the girl once his back was turned. she had a decent way about her, the way she walked. probably a good opponent. Se needs a sword, but she seems to know how to use it. the way her hands rasp inside her gloves, calluses... so she trains with it. this is a good sign. sparring... I could see it in our future He cracked his knuckles and started to follow Daniel. "Won't you join us, Anastasia?"

Paige bit her lip. There was a strange feeling upon her back, but it faded quickly as if it had never even came. She shook it off, knowing her problems were to be placed after those of her Mistress. Timidly Paige sat on the padded bench at the end of Aethrya's bed and looked at the figure half sunked in the comfortable sheets. "A bit... darker, Mistress?" Paige asked, careful curiousity filling her voice. "Would you... care to explain?"

Paige was always extremely careful with her words, but especially when it came to her upper class friend's dreams. She knew well enough that Aethyra feared her dreams, which were already very dark. A darker dream than the ones she had experianced before? That could be very bad. "I-I mean, you don't have to m'lady..." Paige was quick to remind her friend of her freedom to decline, but then added slowly, "But I've heard that talking about one's problems provides comfort. And... I'd be happy to listen if you wanted to speak, Mistress Aethrya."

She lifted herself, suddenly looking tired, and pointed towards the armoire in the corner of the room. "My cloak, Parthenia, please." Slowly and methodically, Aethyra combed out her hair and splashed water on her face, placing no rouge nor charcoal upon her skin. She would stay pale, today, as if she was as ghostly as she felt inside.

"The darkness, whatever it is, was let out. And it was...my doing. I am unsettled. I shall speak to the Lord, see what he thinks. There was a disturbance today, as though more people have entered. I shall investigate." Her sentances were short and clipped, and as she sagged against the bedpost, she looked far older than her nineteen years. Tucking her feet into slippers, she left the room, cloak forgotten, ignoring the shocked gasps from servants as she passed by them in only her nightgown. Improper as it was, none would scold her, she knew.

Almost falling down the staircase, she hurried to the throne room and stared at Leon, her eyes softening but little. "Good morrow," she said, her voice loud and booming, "I hope this day finds you well."

"Of course, Mistress." Parthenia said quietly, fetching the garment. Then, upon her friend's ominous words, she gasped softly. The darkness... she let the darkness out? Paige knew that there was a darkness which was always contained in her dreams. But now, somehow, she had broken the thing that held the evil darkness. This would bother her mistress to no end, Paige knew.

"I agree, m'lady. Seeing the Lord is a very wise idea." she said, nodding slightly as she plucked the navy blue robe-like cloak off of it's stand. When she turned around though she was alarmed as Aethyra had slipped out of bed and was already walking for the door. No make up she wore and her clothing was nothing more than her thin, white night gown as she walked out the door. Paige was in a momentary shock but quickly hurried after her.

"Mistress Aethyra!" Paige called softly, hurrying down the halls after her, holding the cloak tightly in her delicate and worn little hands. "Please, m'lady, put on your cloak. You are expected to be dressed properly when in the presence of his Sire!" she said, becoming a little frantic. Her friend did not stop, which Paige had anticipated as she was not really concerned with the ways of the court; but Paige persistantly followed Aethyra as she walked.

They entered the throne room and Paige stayed close behind Aethrya, knowing she had not been formally invited or even asked into the room. This was a punishable offense to a servant girl like her so gently she draped the dark blue cloack over Aethyra's shoulders. The fabric fell lucidly around the lady's slim body, covering her enough to be considered modest, even though she still wore her sleeping attire underneigth. Then, humbly, she backed away to the door, keeping her head bowed and her eyes low, praying to the gods she would be excused from her actions.

Leon had just shifted in his throne, the ware from the night already taking a toll on his body. He was tired beyond his years, but persisted as his Heir and her servant walked in to the poorly-lit throne room. "I hope this day finds us all well, Aethyra." he gave a kind, lordly smile as he readjusted himself in his chair. "Is something troubling you on this morning? You seem... drawn..." He drummed his fingers, now fully awake. His heir looked like she needed sleep more than he.



Daniel pulled at the Paige's robe gently, standing outside the exit of the throne room. He bowed slightly, his glistening scythe still strapped to his back. "My name is Daniel. I take it that you're with the new Lord's party?" He held out a hand, giving her a charming smile

Paige felt herself be gently pulled out of the throne room, which she was thankful for. She had no desire for punishment any time soon. Before her stood a young man, a few years older than herself. He was quite handsome in her opinion; semi short hair so pale it seemed to be white and a very noble face. A scythe was attached to his side and she assumed his occupation was guarding the king.

"My name is Daniel. I take it that you're with the new Lord's party?" he said charming, holding out a hand like a man would in front of a noble woman. Paige's disbelieving eyes darted quickly around the room, even looking behind her for someone else but there was only a stone wall. Her eyes returned to his and she smiled, a pretty white little smile, curtsying sightly in her simple white dress.

"Good 'morrow, sir Daniel," Paige said softly, placing her small tender hand in his, "I am Parthenia; or Paige, as most call me." In reguards to his question Paige thought for a moment, then slowly shook her head. "No sir," she answered, the lush brown hair swaying to and fro as shhe shook her head slightly, "I have lived here all my life. I am the servant girl to the Lord and his family and guests."

At this point Paige fully expected Daniel to let go of her hand and walk off with a muttered apology. Guests and those who didn't know the princess often mistook Paige for her. She almost felt bad telling them the truth, but they needed to be set straight or else they'd make fools of themselves, courting a simple servant girl. Of course, that didn't mean that it didn't hurt her feelings. Royal or not, Paige still liked to be acknoledged at the least. She prepared herself for the rejection.

Daniel kissed the girls hand gently, tasting the bathing perfume that was still on the surface of her skin. Her smile enchanted him as no spell in his spell book ever could possibly even hope to. "A very nice name, Parthenia. it reminds me of a sort of flower, or some other natural beauty, quite like the beauty you possess" His Scythe rattled slightly as he stood up. "Have you been out of the castle grounds before? I'm sure that your lord will not mind at the moment."

The color of the pinkest rose spread over Paige's cheeks and she felt her heart flutter as his lips pressed against her hand. The fact that she was not of noble blood seemed not to bother him, or at least if it did, he took care not to show it. "A very nice name, Parthenia. it reminds me of a sort of flower, or some other natural beauty, quite like the beauty you possess."

Paige was in a state of shock and extreme flattery. She was as beautiful as the flowers? Was that what he was saying? Paige had seen flowers quite a few times in her life and thought that nothing could be more beautiful than they. Especially in the blush of spring, when they grew on the hill side west of the kingdom. "T-Thank you, Sir Daniel. I-I am flattered by your words." she said, feeling small butterflies in her stomach.

Though maybe she was over reacting and Paige kept her dignity. But it was very hard to maintain her proper stance as he went on the say, "Have you been out of the castle grounds before? I'm sure that your lord will not mind at the moment." Paige almost leapt at the idea. She loved to go, but knew she could get in trouble. But then again, she was unable to refuse this request as it came from one of the Lord's guests and his own body guard. Smiling, Paige simply nodded her head, leaving her delicate hand in his.

Daniel smiled at the small blush on the Paige's cheeks, still persisting as he stood and pulled her along gently. "I know the feeling of being in a high position, though your blood dictates that you should be kept close to the ground. I was born to the humble lifestyle of being a warrior; a peasant's farm-guard, to be honest. it wasn't until I was twelve that I was revealed to have an affinity for magic. Have you ever seen magic, Miss Parthenia?" He kept is callused hand in hers, stepping onto the rough cobblestone of the ground's paths.

"My nightmares have plagued me once more, my Lord, and they have grown worse. I ask permission to be allowed to descend into the dungeons alone, in order to face what eats at my heart." Aethyra glanced over her shoudler as a man shamlessly flirted with Parthenia, and barely contained a scoff. Men were such predictable, disgusting creatures, and never once had a man made her heart flutter, nor her cheeks tint pink, as the servant girl's did now. It was almost sad how much the girl was affected, but Aethyra chose to ignore them as they left the room. Let her have her happiness, she thought, almost sadly, the girl deserves it after being plagued with a mistress such as I.

Turning back to the Lord, her eyes cold and emotionless once again, she tightened the robe around her and half-smiled, looking haunted as she did so. Smiles were foreign to the Heir, and they did not grace her lips often, for when they did, she seemed to grimace more than grin. "I know it is a strange request, but I must go, and I must be alone, lest I find no answers."

Paige allowed herself to be pulled along, listening to Sir Daniel speak. His story was interesting and inspiring, making her feel rather pathetic. He had fought his way to the top; tooth, claw and nail where as she had remained low. A mere servant who had not the courage or the skills to stand up and fight for herself. Even though Paige dearly wanted to claim that she could fight and even 'defeat' another, she knew she didn't have what it took. She was a servant on the inside and a lady in her heart. But sometimes, Paige knew, a lady needed to be a warrior. In fact, she had made a resolve to learn how to defend herself and others if need be. But so far she had not the time or even the knowledge of how to begin.

Her thoughts were inturepted by a word she knew very well: magic. Magic was something Paige never seemed to be able to forget as it filled her dreams, making them whimsical and lovely. Sometimes, when she awoke, Paige could have sworn that she felt so powerful she could... well, Paige didn't know what she could do, but it was something great. It was always something great. But alas, Paige had never been able to conjour the power she felt she had into really, feisable pwoer she could use. She could only look on in awe and mild longing as others practiced it.

"Yes Sir, but only a small bit." she said, a tiny smile gracing her lips as she felt the cobble stones through her fabric slippers. "The court magician used to preform and once in a while someone could call for me. On my task I would sometimes get to watch from the corner of my eye. It was always spetacular." Paige sighed dreamily, begining to fantasize until one of the rocks poked her foot, tearing from her day dreams.

Leon's head was rocking slightly, his eyes partially shut. he had heard every word his heir spoke; though it sounded far off; distorted by the sleep that called to him. Had he been in any other state of mind, Leon would have said some kind, comforting word to his heir and sent her on her way, but the need of sleep had dulled his senses and judgement. "Do as you wish, My Heir, but hurry back." Somewhere far off, he heard the man from earlier, Daniel, flirting with a girl. Let them have their fun; they deserve it He stood and nodded to his heir before waving her off. He didn't have any other scheduled meetings, but still felt he should take his seat. "Oh, and while you're down there, can you tell the men on duty to bring up that one prisoner? the one not connected to the royal family" he had to ask the man a few questions, and possibly answer a few.

Daniel watched the girl fade off unto dreamland, drifting away from their conversation. she brightened when he mentioned magic, then quickly explained the 'magic' she had once observed "those are simple parlor tricks, miss Paige. real magic is strong and powerful, pure energy of nature and the arcane" He raised two fingers, sending a crackle of blue lightning across them. "would you like to see some real magic, Miss Paige?"

They were out of the castle now, just infront of the gates and standing upon the cobblestone walkway. The sun was slowly being covered with clouds, casting a slight grey shadow over the land. 'It may rain later today,' Paige thought. That was nice; a good rain today meant lovely flowers tomorrow, which made hher quite happy. Paige's eyes lit up and she gasped slightly at the proposition. "Yes!" she exclaimed, then quickly chastized herself for being to foreward. 'Know your place!' she mentally scolded herself, then looked at Daniel. "I mean; yes, please, Sir Daniel. I would love to see magic."

Daniel smiled at the Paige's reaction, his hand arcing with more and more energy. the sun was being overcast, leaving shadows to be cast by the city walls. he leaped up on a wall, standing in front of a garden. here, the flowers were neglected, due to the bed being out of view. He waved his hand and they began to spring to life. birds flew overhead, glowing translucent. they began to sing a calm, beautiful song overhead, circling Daniel and Parthenia.

Parthenia watched in awe, stuned by the beauty. The bird's song was nothing like she'd ever heard and the flowers; oh the flowers! The moment she saw them spring into blood Paige immedieantly went for them, knelting beside the garden that was tended by one of the more careless maids in the kingdom. They had never looked so beautiful before. She tenderly touched one of the more lush roses, running a light finger over the ring of delicate petals carefully. Turning to Daniel she openned her mouth to exclaim how lovely they were, but quickly shut it, knowing she could not thank him with spoken words. All she could do was smile and smile she did; brightly and adoringly.