They rose early.
Long before the means of the breaking of sun over the horizon. The forest still bathed in a pale twilight of mist and towering timbers cradling them amongst its hold. Offering a frail sense of security while the means of tasks had been promptly doled out to each separate accompaniment of soles. Women included. Giving most of the needs to find dry wood that had fallen from their stalwart redwood watchers, and others being given the task to start arranging the bodies that had been found and or collected together into a polite arrangement.
Hardly about to defile their dead further after the bloodbath that had been claws and wings alike.
Directing the creation of a large ceremonial pyre to be set up where the troupe had camped. To try and vaguely purify that of the lands from the stained taint of red upon soil and giving the souls of those who perished a chance to find their way to lasting peace. A final resting space in the land beyond their own with hopefully less of a threat that one or two could manifest themselves into terrible wraiths.
Work was by no means easy. With Prince hardly wasting his hands to be too dainty for hard effort. Helping with every and anything possible till the breech of sunlight cutting between the pillars of wood would allow them to start the means of proper blaze.
A white flame rather than red, conjured by the man just below that of the prince. A small thing that burned blinding hot and took quick to the dry arrangement of wood and bodies alike. Thankfully with the lack of burning flesh to accompany them, a divine flame was no easy feat. Clearly telling by the way the soul whom made it, looked positively worn out even then.
They’d stand. For a while. Assuring the burn was controlled and those who were being given guidance in their ways to find peace past the mundane realm; it was certainly a gloomy means of starting to walk back to the capitol at that point.
A singular small cart had been the provisions they came with. The tent returned back to a moderate size and a singular horse pulling the thing. Where Setu and Lon were the only other beasts of burden that were joining this collaboration. And it was a miserable affair. With a fair warning to be alert to their surroundings. A pyre had a tendency to summon other creatures to their location and it meant being attentive to what they heard or seen.
Calia had watched the burning pyre with her arms crossed and an piqued interest that came in two directions. A funeral pyre in Caeldalmor was the standard practice, with the ground too frozen cold during most of the year to do any burials. Likewise, there was once a time where one had to worry about the undead rising up again – which is all too easy with buried bodies that weren’t decaying due to the permafrost! That was such a long time ago when the world was still rich with magic. Before there were kings in the mountains for certain, where the old tribes would have shamans or mages that helped protect their people from things that were far more dangerous than the usual bear or wild cougar.
There was something to it too, in watching the flames rise up and finding a way to let things go. Though Calia could not seem to let herself think about her family or the people she knew from her own kingdom. Instead setting her focus to that holy fire itself and wondering just what made it different from the usual flames. It burned much hotter – that was the obvious part – only, how did one draw out that sort of fire? Did one need to call upon a deity? Could it be a purity of intention of spirit?
Not that it would matter. Calia was no pure spirit! She could summon a flame to burn just as hot, but there would be no divine goodness in it. Honestly, she was surprised she hadn’t gone up into sparks herself being near the holy fires. After being demon bound, contracted, and possessed, surely there wasn’t an ounce of anything good and pure left in her. Calia’s survival was out of spite and her chosen path was simply because it was her best chance of success.
If she had any sense, she’d throw herself in the fire and be done with it!
Alas it was not to be. As soon as there was a gesture than things were finished here, Calia rejoined Rhelic and took herself a moment to give Lon a good affectionate petting on velvet nose. Already having forgotten her prior decree to avoiding bonding with any more horses.
“The Commander Prince is not what I was expecting for an elven prince,” admitted the woman in private conversation to the drow. Needing not to mention that she was envisioning things that likely bordered on offensive elf stereotypes than any sort of reality. Pretty men in pretty robes, crying about getting dirt under their nails.
Attention varied between the various amount of sel elf heads and of course the reality of what was around them. Keeping her wits alert in case something faeish decided to spring from the far too high tree tops upon them. Not sure it would go well for anyone in that statement but wasn’t about to let it fade from her forefront thoughts either.
Till attention likely shifted in the company of the only round ear amongst them. Where they dallied a bit back seeing as they were just unexpected guests travelling with the band of holy law men and a commander prince. Not even she could have guessed that they’d cross this sort of luck.
“What were you expecting?” Rhelic asked, lips pulling into a impish turn. Hardly concealing the fact that she was waiting for the princess to declare that her thoughts of some elven prince to be some sugary tart that was easily offended and shrieked like they were some feminine imitator.
Leave it to Rhelic to leave such an irresistible open ended question, paired along with a daring grin all but inviting Calia to give grand detail of exactly what she was envisioning elven princes to be. Scoffing at first with the absurdity, telling herself she was in no mood to take such a bait. Focusing more on the mounting of horse and keeping a keen eye around them looking for… well. Calia wasn’t sure what she was watching out for now. Danger was th obvious answer – demons and the like. But she was painfully self conscious too about how the needed to present herself.
A princess. Someone of stature and elegance. Responsible and intelligent, trust worthy and stalwart. …not a temperamental whore with a chip on her shoulder and a desire to fight the whole world.
…turned out playing around with Rhelic was a lot more useful to her state of mind than brooding about all of that.
“Bells on his ears for certain,” she’d shot back. “Barefoot with toe rings, long gauzy robes and free nipples in the breeze. Those little crowns with the leaflets, braids with ribbons, rouge and gloss… and what is the male version of hand maidens? At least a dozen of those tossing around rose petals while strumming harps.”
This she stated all with a straight face, so deadpan seriously that anyone of lesser intelligence might’ve actually believed Calia thought it to be true!
The sound of her bursting out into laughter certainly had eyes swiveling around to look at them. Unbothered at the fact that she had to steady herself into Setu’s shoulder less she fall onto the ground because her feet became jumbled in their attempt at walking any further. Not entirely sure what the hell she expected to come out of Calia, but this had certainly taken the cake!
Add on that her mind was ever so helpfully supplying Renus face into the imagination of Calia’s details and it was lucky she wasn’t literally opening her sides from laughing so hard at it.
It was probably insulting in many ways to think of any royalty in such a description, but add it to the fourth prince, well… she was having an utter hayday. Tears brimming at lashes and an eventually need to gasp and mentally plea with her own body to cease the obnoxious spluttering because it had crossed into silent laughing and flapping one’s arm like a seal because there was little else she could do to confirm the fit of giggles.
Eventually – after the confused stares and idle murmuring- she managed to get her breath back. Wiping at eyes with vain hope of being able to use them properly, squinting up at Calia. “If this royal thing doesn’t work out, you should take up comedy.”
Well that was a far better sound that huffing, puffing, gasping, or scoffing. Or that awkward forced politeness of someone that didn’t get or appreciate the joke, but was trying not to outright call her something foul. Granted, there were plenty of curious gazes their way when Rhelic continued to cackle and warble like a forest turkey. Prompting Calia to give the most innocently casual shrugging of shoulders as if she had not a clue of why the drow woman was presently near to tears!
That winsome innocent smile was her response to Rhelic decree of comedy. Perfectly at ease now both in mind and in resting body, where she wasn’t so wrapped up in whatifs outside of her control. Waiting until the other woman had righted herself back to a sense of properness to mount her own wooley antlered steed so they could at least keep up with their escorts.
“Well, I am not so sure about that,” she answered with humor still in her voice. “Making fun of royal elves seems like another fast way to land myself in a prison. Surely I have some talents that aren’t going to get me in trouble.”
“I mean you would have to work on your comedy selection of course,” Rhelic offered not about to climb off this idea while doing the opposite to help herself into place with Setu. Shooing away a few lingering looks with a buffet of fingers, “You’d have to round it up. Make sure to cover all sorts of races so not just one feels particularly offended. Granted, I think you’ll just find trouble of any sort regardless of what you choose to do. I think that’s part of your suggested curse, after all.”
The drow now in place and ensuring their pace was once more suitable for the following of the entourage, “And refine not potentially referencing said royalty unless they are okay with it. You might want to keep your head on its neck.” Emphasizing the motion with a drag of fingers across her own. “Still, can’t say I’ve ever heard of such a description before. Certainly baseless but absolutely hilarious. Worse when you can pair the very face to the description.”
Calia certainly didn’t lack imagination, for it was all too easy playing out an entire set of bad jokes and sarcastic comedy to a completely unenthused crowd. Hell, it was probably all too reminiscent of her first few years at courtly gatherings as a young lady, trying anything to figure out how to interact with other nobles without getting weird looks! Unfortunately, being a jokester fell on her elder brother as it seemed no one really appreciated a pretty young woman to have a sense of humor.
Although, maybe if she’d bee less insulting it would’ve gone over better.
Still, in the present Calia was shooting Rhelic a wide grin.
“It does beg the question, exactly how many children does the queen have? Are they all in good standing? Should I be worried about any power fiending aunts and uncles and beware of who I get friendly with…” That grin of hers faded quick enough replaced with that soft frustrated sigh. It’d be easier if she didn’t think about it at all and just showed up and seen how it all played out. All this trying to think ahead was only frustrating!
“Standing or in total?” Rhelic asked and found herself practically wincing at the entire tone of the reply. Knowing it was callous to say it in such a way but it had been a few years since the first prince had perished. Well, a lot of years but the way her tongue felt like thick leather just seconds after, she knew it was still not the wisest of ways of speaking.
Urging the effort of clearing that of throat and thinking a bit more about the overall question. “Five once upon a time. Four now.” With her giving a brow bend to indicate Renus was the youngest. “There is two princesses and two princes. They are all in good standing from last I heard. And any additional relatives well, there’s a few. I believe. The court system isn’t exactly my forte after all. And admittedly, the Sel elves kinda of all look the same to me.”
The drow chuckled at her own admitting, “If there is any family turmoil, I am sure you will have the front row seat of discovery. Which in itself ought to be very interesting for you. Keep you on your toes, that’s for damn sure.”
“I suppose we can all bond over murder and loss,” it was out of Calia’s mouth before she could think twice, then it was she cringing at her own self and heaving another world weary sigh. If one didn’t have to watch every little thing they said in an effort to not be offensive, it would be a hell of a lot easier to have a frank and honest conversation. She was so in over hear head with all of this and she was far too stubborn to back out now.
Calia wished this discovery of people would be interesting. Maybe if she weren’t expected to be in the middle of it minding her manners!
“Well then, temporary unwilling Advisor, what do you think of our Captain Renus so far?” she dared to ask, more for the purposes of keeping Rhelic blabbering on her usual nonsense so Calia herself wouldn’t slip back into attempting to think when she was oh so bad at it. “Training knights was what I had wanted to do, if I could have convinced my father. Funny, I suppose, in a coincidental sort of way that the still standing youngest here went a similar path.”
“Lucky you.” Head shook once more and the drow threw her eyes upwards. To the emerald canopies like the action alone was going to save her from any further nonsense of her own mouth.
Of course she shouldn’t entirely be thinking it was simply her she ought to watch because in mere moments Calia was querying her about said prince. Dropping focus to look way ahead to the redhead leading the charge. Seemingly unbothered by their presence and having no need to keep a guarded eye on them either.
Lingering in that stare for a hope of some sort of grand wisdom that would employ itself upon tongue. “Training knights sounds like it would be a chore in its own way. With little boys being excited about holding a sword and trying to stab each other with it.” Remarking as though she had personal experience with that. “The prince is what one would consider a good egg I guess. I mean the work he is doing isn’t for the faint of heart by any means. But he also didn’t throw you to the wolves as it was for the whole need to speak to the queen. So I would consider him good. Young but good.”
Rhelic turned to face the princess, “I think you’d do well to make friends with him. Might be the youngest prince but again, with a difficult job. Get him on your side and you might have a very steadfast companion that will ensure you to have success in this moment. As my advisory sort of council.”
Young. Calia couldn’t help but grin at such a statement, because she herself was also young. Having given false impressions of maturity and elegance at court simply because she didn’t open her mouth or speak to anyone for fear of the fallout. Considered cold and unapproachable due to post physical stature and title. Only to be the complete opposite out amongst the everyday people, someone bawdy and impetuous. Of course, that was all under a safe masquerade of magic glamor, because it wouldn’t do to have a Princess of Caeldalmor with a bad reputation.
What would it be like to blend those two halves of herself and just be Calia? She wasn’t much caring for the small taste of it she was getting now… although, was she even really herself when she was missing such a vital piece! Her magic was just as much a part of her as everything else. In fact, she’d argue that without her magic she didn’t much feel like anything at all.
Empty and hollow. Save for the anger.
“Little girls too,” she added on, throwing out a smile. “No reason why girls shouldn’t get to try and stab each other too.”
At least that was something Calia would gladly change in being forced to rebuild a kingdom from the ashes. One would need every able body they could get, and who was more fierce and motivated than a pissed off woman!
And Calia was so very tired of feeling like she was flailing around and getting led around by the nose, hoping that she’d stumble into the right direction.
“…alright, fortune favors the bold, so they say.” she cryptically announced. Urging the stalwart Lon into a quick trot so that she might catch up with the Commander Prince. Coming up along side at a respectful distance and pretending like there wasn’t a frantic voice in the back of her mind screaming that this was all a bad idea.
“Everyone I’ve met of late seems determined to tell me I need to make friends,” she told him, skipping the whole ceremony of How-Are-Yous and usual greetings. “Do you ever find yourself at the mercy of everyone’s well intentioned but often unwanted advice?”
“Little girls are a lot smarter than little boys. You don’t think they stab each other already but know how to hide it well enough to blame it on the boys?” Rhelic arched her brow. Sincerely interested in this statement for she was convinced that girls were and could be absolutely the most subtle of statement. Especially as they aged, then their cleverness could flourish and alter itself depending on whom attempted to thwart it. Only encouraging them to rethink their efforts and assure it was disguised or used to their benefit.
Of course she may have been quietly referencing that Calia was probably part of that equation in some regard. Grinning shortly as said princess decided to take advisor advice to start using her wit to get some people into her court.
Namely a particular prince that would be better close than afar.
And that afar-ness shortened greatly when Lon heeded the measure of distance. Approaching around the milling bodies following the commander and said commander raising his brow to look up to the princess. At how she spoke about she had apparently been carrying a verbal embodiment of a noisy insistence. Leaving him to gingerly bend lips to smile and grow somewhat bolder to show teeth at the added portion.
“We are royals, Princess. Of course we are bound to have unwanted advice thrown at our heads.” Renus stated with no measure to without the truth. “It may be part of the title unfortunately. A good leader does listen to their citizens. Even if sometimes such advice could be terribly frustrating.” The man softened his gaze, “I surmise that a princess probably doesn’t have friends the same way a common woman would. The same way for a prince.” Indicating in his own way that the people who wanted to be friends often had other perks in mind as well. To rally on their coattails for favours, and things.
Calia’s resting face always leaned on the side of intimidating and cold, liable to appear as if she was more likely to snap someone’s head off than ever be friendly. But when the Commander Prince didn’t react in that scoffing dismissive way that she was so used to from royals, even offering up a toothy smile and related thoughts of his own… what a surprise for anyone to see that Calia of Caeldalmor could genuinely smile and appear more her actual age than a grim, weary warrior!
“I could argue a prince has it a bit easier than any princess,” she replied in earnest, gesturing with a shoulder towards some of those under his command. “A prince can make friends amongst anyone. A princess has only suitors and competition until she is finally married. Then she is a mother and can you really name any friends of a mother you know.”
This was not said with seriousness, as she was sure mothers had friends…. although maybe in that moment Calia sure couldn’t name any of her own mother!
“…I am just complaining to keep myself busy,” she did admit. “There is too much to think about and I am quite tired of thinking in general. Do you think I might save myself some time and clonk a few people over the head to claim as friends? I would be gentle with you, seeing as you’re both Commander and Prince.”
Renus considered the dark haired maiden upon the equally dark steed. The commentary falling from lips at the suggestion that perhaps it wasn’t entirely her stand that the women of royalty had it harder or not. Just that perhaps she had it far more difficult. After all, he had seen how the men were considering her. A beauty from the mountains that they all assumed were closed off due to the lack of interaction over the past few years.
But thought not to downplay the sly of her words either. Just arching a brow somewhat at the cryptic tone of whether or not he could name names of friends to that of a woman that bore children. “Perhaps not.” He suggested as he would not dare to infer he understood her or other women’s suffering. “However, there is plenty of chances for one bold enough to change the way things are currently. With work and tenacity. Although it could sound difficult and not worth it as well.” Implying gingerly that with one strong spark, a whole fire could change the lands.
Save his lips grew into a winsome grin and laugh at the boldness of her want to stop thinking and just drag souls off to claim as friends. “I would appreciate your gentleness, Princess. For my head may not withstand a clubbing.” Renus glanced back to the curious eyes that were staring in varying states at the maiden. “I do appreciate the warning however, although there may be error in your plan. For if you clonk and drag people away. You’ll still have to think about the next steps. Would that not be equally as tedious?”
While Calia was perfectly aware of curious spying always in her direction, what she thought she appeared like was quite different from the reality. After all, she’d been avoiding mirrors and reflective surfaces with a skin-crawling anxiety that she wasn’t going to recognize what she saw. Her hair was up in it’s usual circlet of black, though it’d come a bit loose during the night while she slept. All the clothing she wore was locally elven, and while it was beautifully crafted as most elven things seemed to be, it was still he garb of common folk. While she wasn’t covered in dirt and blood anymore, there were still plenty of lingering scratches and fading bruises. Calia imagined she looked quite severe, intimidating as the village girls had called her. Certain she appeared every bit the dismissive and surly noble. Almost a little afraid that anyone could see she was missing something vital and touched by so much darkness that if she’d ever been human before, it surely was all gone now.
The reality was that she just looked lost and out of place. Unmistakably royal born, in the way she sat on that beautiful horse with poise and experienced posture, with a sort of fearlessness that came from someone who was used to just existing without question. The only irony being that it never came from being a princess, but rather how she’d hidden behind her own magic just to avoid being perceived.
Now here she was sitting in her saddle squinting a curious glance at the elven prince after his suggestion of using work and tenacity to make great change. For one to be bold enough to do so! Stating the obvious, in her opinion, but it did make Calia pause for a silent moment. Hard work was not something she shied away from. Working hard on something was rewarding – she’d not be as skilled as she was with weapons had she not put in the time! The trouble came in that she didn’t know what to do or where to start, after being so used to others laying plans out and instructions for her.
She could follow instructions easily! How was she supposed to figure the rest of this shit out!
He was quick to laugh, though, finding humor in her struggle for claiming friends. Immediately drawing out this mischievous look from Calia, one that looked him up at down with a sly sort of smile. Clearly having something wicked to say about his soft royal noggin, but seeming to hold that commentary back. She didn’t really know him yet, best not to be snarky and accidentally insulting.
“I suppose you’re right,” she said instead. “I’d have to be charming enough to keep all that I’ve captured and at that point, I ought to have just been charming from the start.” Calia let out a long, deliberately over dramatic sigh. “That’s going to be difficult, I have the all charisma of a grumpy bear.”
The gaze of his own waited upon her to see what would be her reply to his own. Eventually seeing how she seemed to gather the fact that clubbing friends to be her own was liable to be far more effort than one would think. It would require more tact. Or threatening or something else to keep them in place. If not prisoners. Which he was speculating that wasn’t her purpose.
Nor was he going to point out that she seemed to be down on herself more than anything. A hard thing to miss when he was accustomed to dealing with royals and nobles alike that had their airs on.
“I think you may be a bit hard on yourself in that regard.” Renus offered her, “You’ve been through much, it would be questionable more so if your charisma was current that of a winsome maid rather than a grumpy bear.” The man shrugged, “Not to say its enjoyable feeling out of sorts, but allowance to give yourself time to feel as you do is necessary. Plus, you may find people gravitating towards you even at the lowest points.”
“You would be the first to tell me such,” she answered, with a smile that was more akin wily fox than any princess. “I must be improving, because my attitude was not so palatable to the first few people I encountered.”
Sassing and terrifying a demon to the point where he cut ties with her the very first chance he got. That in itself had to be a feat, even though she righteously believed he deserved every ounce of her ire and had been woefully unfair to her. As demons do, so he said.
It was the villagers she actually felt guilty over. Burning down that tavern in her anger was going too far as she very well could’ve harmed someone by accident. Those moments in the mountain tunnels where she ought to have been able to protect them somehow, only to abandon them the first chance she got. That too sat in the back of her mind, with the faces of those girls repeating all too true phrases about just how useless Calia actually was. Heartless, useless, pointless.
He said it was normal to be out of sorts, but he really didn’t know how truly awful of a human being Calia actually was!
And she was just going to have to keep pretending that she wasn’t. Stomping down that sudden urge to veer Lon off towards the forest so she could disappear.
“I’m not so sure I have time to feel what I need to feel,” she admitted softly, only to just as quick brush it off with a nonchalant shrug of her shoulders and another smile. “Although, it’s been easy since crossing into this side of the mountains. I’ve met a few kind people so far. Rhelic was an accidental lucky find as well, though she has no interest in the long and complicated process of rebuilding a court and kingdom. I’m a bit envious that she has the option of walking away and going back home.”
The princeling chuckled to her reply. Guessing she probably didn’t realize she had a sense of forlorning about her shoulders that hung akin to a broken halo. Able to figure out throughout his years, those who were so swift to offer a rebuttal to most things, were often the ones trying to hold together their own broken pieces. Acting as a distraction in other ways so people wouldn’t look at the wreckage in their arms.
But he was not one to prod where it wasn’t welcome. Unless absolutely necessary.
And it seemed she was offering him the chance because when she said she didn’t have time to feel what she needed, Renus frowned. A light thing but on no less. “You do yourself a disservice then.” He shrugged, “Only my foreign opinion, my lady.” Not about to tell her that she wasn’t about to be much use to other people if she couldn’t allow herself the time even in increments to feel as she needed too. A stonewall leader was no leader at all.
Instead turning to look back at the Drow that had made herself plenty comfortable conversing amongst the newer ranks of the holy law. Of course it was an easy feat. Drows were curious elves themselves and seeing one in person, out on the surface for longer than a few minutes was already quite the feat. “I would agree to that. To be able to cast a mantle aside once the task was down. Such is the way of those who don’t need to carry such broad responsibilities.”
He hummed then and looked at her gingerly, “You’ve never been outside Caeldalmor then? I assume by your words that this might be the furthest you’ve travelled?”
Doing herself a disservice. A soft hum of acknowledgement was the only reply she gave to that. Maybe it was true, really. Finding she didn’t feel she deserved the time to mourn and get her feelings in order after the role she’d played in bringing such calamity. Even if she knew logically that she needed to care for herself in some way, that she’d never dare say such wicked things to someone else. Calia didn’t want to deal with it, or even face it head on, because so far every time she opened up that coffin where all her feelings resided, it became so overwhelming she couldn’t function on rational thought anymore.
Even now it was threatening a lump in her throat, and what was she meant to do about that? Start bawling her eyes out here in front of holy knights and might a right fool of herself? To hear a bunch of There-Theres and It’s-Okays when everything absolutely wasn’t?
She was so grateful to be asked a question that at least somewhat veered off to other things!
“Never,” she affirmed with a soft shake of her head. “Not that I hadn’t wanted to. By the time I was old enough, my father wasn’t doing visits outside of the valley anymore. I suppose I could’ve gone out on my own. I don’t really have a good reason on why I didn’t.”
It would have been so easy too, Calia thought. Her magic was a wonderful and wily thing, it was so easy to travel across the entire whole Caeldalmor and back without anyone ever noticing she’d been gone at all. And she had legitimately wanted to see the rest of the world so… why hadn’t she?
“I guess I just liked being close to my family,” she surmised quickly enough. Soon then to turn head to examine the commander prince curiously. “Have you ever travelled outside of the elven lands? To meet those that live in the mountains themselves, or to see the other valley kingdoms and tribes?”
Renus grinned then at her claim that she had never in fact left her own kingdom. Broadening at the fact that she had expressed that even when she was old enough too, the king himself had not been particularly the sort to go beyond his walls. So there was no need for her to in the same vain. “I suppose you were better behaved then in that way. I don’t know if I would have been the same if our shoes were reversed.” A glance around may have been indication he did have a strong innate curiosity to the world.
And her question as perfectly timed. “Being close to those that matter is a great comfort, no fault in that. But yes. I have. I’ve been in the human lands before they were swallowed by the Imperial Lands. But never to Caeldalmor.” An arm lifted and pointed towards the south, the direct opposite way they were currently walking.
“When I was younger, myself and my second eldest sister went with our uncle across the ocean. To visit another elven land that was quite far. I’d say it was almost on the other side of our world but that is a young boy’s mind being unable to tell distance and time apart.” A brow lifted, “But I’ve travelled. Not extensively but being the youngest of my family, I was given allowance in ways that my siblings were not. Freedom in a way but a noose in another.”
He’d had her hooked then. Momentarily setting all of those gloomy thoughts out of her mind as she was quite interested in this idea of a well traveled prince. Or rather… the places he traveled outside of the mountains! Calia was aware that a few islands existed off the coasts, but to learn there was another elven kingdom out beyond the ocean? Truly amazing. Would it be a land just like this one, covered in giant redwood trees and emerald forests, or would it be vastly different?
“I was certainly not better behaved,” she mentioned with a sudden laugh of her own. “Don’t you worry, I found plenty of other ways to vex my parents. With all I have learned about this place and what became of the mountain tunnels, I am starting to believe my father had reasons for no longer traveling. I’m sure to find out why.”
That was for another day, as Calia was presently very invested in this idea of lands even beyond here. She’d only just learned about the Imperial Kingdoms and some of the mess that was… how big could the world be!
“I’ve not seen the ocean yet, is it really so large? Can you not see the islands from the cliffsides or even off in the distance to the other lands?”
If he figured out that she was a impish child, it didn’t show on his face. Or say it. Keeping his expression easy with every step forward. Just glad they seemed to have found something that made her grin and shortly laugh. “Well the future is open. I am sure an alliance is well in the words for our lands once more.” Suggesting that once more the Edelgard and Caeldalmor could open their routes once other things had been properly tended too.
Allowing the conversation to stay on simple frivolities such as the ocean and her wonders. “It’s expansive. And no, the cliffsides you speak of aren’t so monstrously high that you can see out to the other lands. Rather all you can see is how vast the ocean is. Leagues of blue waters and a few spots where one can see a ship leaving or sailing in to the port. It’s really quite the sight. Absolutely worth seeing. Experiencing.”
There was a wistful sort of expression that fell upon her features, and if she’d known it was there she would’ve righted her face immediately. Listening to the way he described the ocean with this unexpected sense of wanting, not so much about the ocean itself but in the description of it’s never ending vastness. For it was in that quiet moment Calia had the tiny realization that she’d always felt as if she was being squished inside of a bubble. That she was far too big, too much to be trapped inside her own body or even the valley of Caeldalmor. Now the entire wide, wonderful world was opened up for her, but without her magic she was disconnected. Like she was forced to experience it all through a thick layer of glass.
And of course the responsibilities that held her down. Though, there was no reason those responsibilities couldn’t lead her around the world if she was truly meant to make connections and strengthen her kingdom!
“I’ve told Rhelic that once I am finished in the capitol that my next stop would be a seaside city,” she admitted, once she’d broken out of her thoughts to return full attention of fir green eyes to he prince again. “For practical reasons, mostly, as I am sure to find someone who isn’t afraid of potentially having to fight demons and whatever other trouble I get myself into. But honestly, I could find such in your capitol, it’s really just an excuse to go see the ocean at least once before I head deeper into the mountains to seek out the other mountain clans.”
“Bo’ru is a very interesting place.” He thought fondly, “Not as large as some of the other port towns in the other lands but certainly more than you might know what to do with. And needing to develop an ear to distinguish the rougher accents of the Qualn elves. Since they typically are of high population down along the cliffsides and sea itself.” Indicating the elves she may have met thus far with the accents were of the sort.
But he was pausing. Thinking amongst the steps, “I am sure you could find all sorts that would rally to your cause, though I would be mindful of whom comes to you. Not all intentions are for help after all. Many of our people that still live after the scar placed upon Edelgard may be those who simply want to exact vengeance. Not particularly healthy about it either.” Of course he couldn’t say her thoughts were good or bad. “I’d not wish for you to find someone of lack of scruples to join you and then find they might be a worse monster than the demons themselves.”
“We’re back to me finding the people I want and clonking them on the head again,” she teased, brightening up into that wicked grin. If she was going to need to worry about who made her irresistible and all too eager offers, then maybe she was better off snatching ones she liked off the streets.
Not what she planned to do at all, but it amused her that it brought them full circle.
“Unfortunately, I am all too experienced with people who turn out to be not what they promised,” she admitted with a grimace. Calia couldn’t even blame that on the demon, as he was up front about not being someone trust worthy. She just seemed to have this annoying blind spot to certain types, and suddenly she was in all sorts of trouble. It was especially annoying when she thought herself so worldly and experienced with all of her tavern hopping and people spying. Finding out who was worth the effort of a fun romp didn’t really translate to other areas of her life.
Wanting to connect so desperately with someone was a weakness, she’d decided. Calia would make allies and hold them to a safe distance, where she could see them for what they really were.
“I was hellbent on vengeance myself at first,” she confessed with a wry shrug of her shoulders. Shifting soon enough to a thoughtful expression that belied that she wasn’t so sure whether or not she’d given up that goal either. “I suppose I still want it, but there are bigger priorities. In fact, I wager if anyone was daring enough to try and deceive me, they might find out in a most unfortunate way that I am scarier than any demon. I am a grumpy bear and a vengeful dragon and the temper to match.”
“In this particular circumstance, I think you may find some very intriguing people that way.” Renus laughed. A warm sound that wasn’t at all offended at the idea that she would plunk people on the noggin like some sort of cave dweller. Rather it might be to her advantage in such a way because if they couldn’t stand up to her in such a way, they likely weren’t the sort that could managed against a demon.
Even as he chuckled and it lessened soon to a gentle humming. Understanding perhaps very thing. Not entirely saying he had experience the same or not. Just that it was something everyone went through one way or another.
Ultimately it happened. It was how you worked with it after the fact that mattered to him.
They walked a bit further. Ears posed to listen to the murmuring of other chatter that was the company before the princess mounted on the equine spoke. Confessing her first intention was to seek vengeance. Something he didn’t complain about or offer her a judgmental look. Rather, he looked understanding. Not even lessening at the suggestion that she still wanted it.
Just something in his gaze rested on her as she spoke about herself in such a way once more. Something he was noticing. “Do you say such things about yourself in hopes it keeps people at arms length? Like a porcupine threatening its quills because the softness of their belly is the weaker spot?” Renus asked but his tone implied he wasn’t insisting on an answer. “I may have only known you barely that of a day but I have not experienced your abrasive side either. Meaning I cannot say if you are being too hard on yourself or not.”
“It’s good to be strong. But strength comes in many forms.”
Calia quite liked the way he laughed with a genuine warmth, which absolutely meant she could not allow herself to have any sort of close relationship with the Commander Prince beyond allied acquaintances. With her brand of luck, if she did make him an actual friend she was liable to get disappointed or stabbed in the back later down the road. With a whole manner of other reasons she was currently listening off inside her head, when he’d suddenly seemed to read those very thoughts as if they were plastered across her face as plain as day.
The squinted eye stare she gave him was very much twisted frown of being insulted. A weak soft underbelly! Nothing about her was soft!
That expression didn’t last, though as it did it’s job of making her pause her torrent of thoughts to actually consider the accusation.
“…you think I say such things to be self-deprecating? That’d be a first, Commander.” she told him, with a lit of being unsure about it before she straightened up in her saddle with all the imperious pride one would expect out of a princess. “Others have believed my statements were born out of arrogance because I think myself so strong and powerful and better than others.”
A wrinkle of her nose followed along with a scrunch of her shoulders. That frustrated sigh that foretold of too many moments where Calia had to explain herself, argue for herself, or some other manner over and over again.
“I tell people as a warning, as a preparation. What I say is what I mean, whether it is good or bad. …no one ever really believes me either way, so is it even a self defense? It feels more like self inflicted torture. I didn’t used to care about what people thought of me… or I thought I didn’t. Now I think I care a little too much.”
“It sounds as if you hate yourself when you speak about yourself in a manner that isn’t flattering.” Renus stated gingerly. “You say it’s a warning for others but is it? Rhetorically I mean. Of course I do not know you or what you have gone through in the means of your existence. But even I as a person of no value to you, can see there’s weight on your shoulders. More than just what has happened.”
Shoulders lifted, “To me, it sounds as though you are trying to keep anyone and everyone at bay. Because to call yourself grumpy bear. A dragon. Or whatever else you have potentially deemed yourself as, seems like you see yourself as such rather than a person who has struggles and conflictions as anyone else would.” He hummed lightly, “It’s merely my observation. Maybe its wrong and that’s alright for it to be, but for a woman that seems to have weathered through quite a miserable fate thus far, you appear to be alone. And if I was to be blunt and simply take what I see…” Lips pursed, “If you are looking for a friend to be honest to you of equal or just barely equal measure, then I don’t see what you say as preparation. It sounds like you’ve been hurt and are trying to make sure others know you will hurt them first if they try to get near. And in turn, hate yourself.”
He held a hand out, “Again, these are my ramblings. You know yourself better than anyone Princess Calia.” Renus looked back to Rhelic chatting amongst the men casually. Then back to the princess, “You’ve one person with you. And I suspect, when she is gone you may be lost.”
He laid everything out before her so plainly, clear and blunt that it caught her by surprise. First with a furious intake of breath that she held, ready to shoot back all the ways he was wrong, only to very quickly realize with panicked alarm that he wasn’t. Without being numb to the would so deeply that all her thoughts and feelings were buried under a need to survive, and without her blessed glamours that’d change how people perceived and promptly forgot her, Calia’s full range of expressions were fully exposed. That annoyance, that dawning realization, even that sudden urge to flip up her middle finger and go galloping off into the forest went by in quick succession.
If she ran away to lick her wounds, that wouldn’t exactly get her anywhere would it.
“I would never strike first. But I would strike last,” she muttered with a dark sort of acceptance. Finally leaving her in an awkward, uncomfortable sheepish sort of state. She did hate herself for all that she’d done and for all that she was going to do. It was an unpleasant thing to sit with. This was not something Calia knew what to do about, either, as she was certain she was far too broken to be put back together again even when she did regain her heart and her magic.
“You’re not one to pull any punches, are you Commander,” she stated softly. Giving him a bit of a side eyed glare, though there wasn’t any heat or malice to it. “I appreciate the candor, regardless. It’s… painfully enlightening.”
Understatement of the year, but Calia wasn’t about to start crying about this either. Rather instead, she might’ve learned her lesson about being a little too honest. Suddenly the idea of wanting someone to see her for who she truly was, didn’t feel like such a good idea!
“That I would believe.” Renus smiled even at the dark commentary. “I believe the term is, don’t start the fight but be sure to finish it. At least that was someone I was told more than a few times in my life.” The prince chuckled as if it were a fond memory. It was in some ways and others, it was truly painful. Knowing the meaning of it. That you didn’t have to start anything but if you wanted to be sure nothing else came of it, being the one to stop it was always a tight rope walk.
And it was a very broad term that could be applied in so many angles.
Whatever she was thinking, he wasn’t terribly sure. Just that after a moment or three she stated with a theatrical eye at him. “I wasn’t intending to throw any punches as it were. Just,” Shoulders shrugged, “Offering you an perspective that isn’t your own. I would guess that you don’t like for others to see more than face value and currently, its far deeper.” Gingerly he offered her a bow of head. “But you also seem to approve of the straight forward method. If how you approached yesterday was anything to go by.”
Now it was his turn to laugh, “I’m not terribly grand at the courtly bravado and double talk. I might be a prince but I am a soldier first. One can’t flit pretty words at enemies and expect to live.” No less, “If I said anything that was too much, I sincerely apologize for it. But I don’t think I would retract it.”
“One could say I used to have an armor that made it easier for me to exist without anyone looking too deep. Which is funny in an ironic sort of way, because I’m realizing I didn’t need it then, but I sure wish I had it now.”
Riding there awkwardly uncomfortable, it was made all the worse to feel that embarrassment flooding warmth into her cheeks. It’s not as if she cared if anyone thought of her as stupid or weak, so why be embarrassed at all? Simply because she’d been caught off guard at someone seeing through the bullshit that she herself hadn’t even untangled yet? Calia had set herself up for it too with her own big mouth. Maybe she wasn’t the sort of person who should go around being self righteous about truth and honesty when she couldn’t even handle her own.
Still, there was something to be said for knowing where she stood with someone. None of the frustrating side looks, or the fake politesse. The attempts of charming her, or flat out lying to her face. This was uncomfortable, but it was real.
“I hope I can return the favor one day,” she responded with a cheeky lit. Absolutely promising to be trouble in the future, but at least in a playful way. Lacking any of the menacing threat that might’ve bee given to someone she was truly pissed at. “If you fumble at court, I’ll gleefully tell you so. Respectfully, of course.”
There was a quiet thought about the idea of whatever armour she had previously. Wondering if it was physical or metaphorical. While needing no actual reply because that wasn’t something he needed to be aware of.
Instead, he watched her between a few tosses of eyes till she came to speak up once more. And him chuckling deeply at the fact that her idea of returning the favour might include calling him out in the hall of crowns. “I dare say you might be waiting for the chance then to repay my favour.” Renus didn’t seem bothered by it, “You may join in with my sisters as they certainly delight in the fact to draw attention to my fumbles before the eyes of others.”
The rings of his own green seemed to smile as well, “Respectfully, of course.”
“Luckily I did promise to be gentle with you. I couldn’t possibly take all of the fun away from your sisters,” she answered easily. Matching his smile with a simple one of her own, still rife with that discomfort but it was easier to get through it when she’d feel like the opposite party was sitting there judging her for all of her faults and pretending all was fine.
Everything was not fine, and it likely never would be again. At least in this moment though, she could allow herself to push her brooding thoughts out of her head. To stomp down all her instincts that were trying to make her a manic fixer – to avoid trying to demand answers and plans and a flood of information that was absolutely not going to do her any good to drown herself in. Never in her life had she a problem with over thinking things before, and now here she was. A basket case of a woman that was unable to chill.
Thus Calia allowed herself to leave it as it was – a companionable silence that wasn’t strained or forced. To ride along as a quiet observer and attempt to actually enjoy this means of horse bound travel.
The travels were thankfully uneventful. As noted by the few collection of holy law knights and the commander themselves. Where they were still watchful of the trees and paths they took towards the northern ring of the thicket but after the first day of travel and no surprising bound upon them, their tension lessened.
A few of the men were certainly far chattier come that night of camping. Asking all sorts of questions that pertained mostly to the two additional companions. Whilst being mindful not to get personal, they were filling their wonders with simple questions.
Allowing the means of camaraderie to be a fine stitch to hold together the threads as of now. Making it a rinse and repeat process for at least for the four days of consistent camping and traveling.
It was noticeably on that fourth day that the forest around them had begun to change. Where the thick redwood trees were still abundant, there was more smaller trees becoming rampant amongst their roots. With their canopies thick with blooming pink flowers and waterways starting to cut their ways through the forest floor.
Dirt path changed slowly to smooth slabs of stone. Hard to tell the inseam of where they were laid down but made channels of canals for the streaks of water creeks to pass through. And people. More and more elven sorts began to make their appearance but noticeably gave a berth to the company likely do the same fact that Rhelic had been able to tell who they were.
They wore distinct garb that declared whom they were long before mouths ever could.
Now they were on the approach with the city forming before them in a grandiose gold and pink and green design, it was Rhelic that hummed. Nudging Calia, “Are you ready princess for this?” Asking and gesturing forward, “No turning back now.”
Calia spent those few days practicing the art of saying less and found that it got her a lot farther in conversations when she wasn’t sharing too much and by result avoided triggering her own broody moods until late in the evenings when all was quiet and there was longer anything else to take up her mental space. Not wanting to test her luck as a beacon to demons, she decided not to be an aid with hunting and made herself useful through tending the horses instead. It wasn’t exactly the most princessy of tasks, but it was always something soothing she had always enjoyed. A piece of herself that hadn’t been stolen away.
When the scenery was starting to shift from the dense redwoods and forest foliage to something more diverse and curated, Calia was immediately straightening up her posture with attentive interest. Most of Caeldalmor woods were evergreen firs, though there were plenty spread oaks and maples and other deciduous trees. This type of foliage was more familiar to her, but instead of the wild natural growth, this was manicured. Maintained. Cultivated all the way out to the city limits with a structure elegance that had to have taken decades if not a century to get it to this level of design.
Knowing that elves valued bringing out the beauty in everything, even nature was not a new concept to Calia. But seeing it for herself was still a shock to the sense. Caeldalmor had sprung out of the mountain and grew it’s capitol city in a way that was messy, unplanned. Organic as more and more people came to live and prosper there. This elven city was on an entirely different level.
Inspiring? Maybe. Intimidating, absolutely. Her humble little kingdom might’ve been a jewel to the roaming mountain clans, but it was still a fledging village compared to all of this.
Leaving Calia to lean towards Rhelic with a wide eyed expression and a slight cringe.
“There is a saying in Caeldalmor – to be a goose amongst swans. …I am not ready.”
She’d been more than a handful of times to the crown jewel of the elves, the main city. The capitol and the reigning roost for nobles and royals alike of the sharp ear variety. But there was something utterly magical watching a foreigner come to the place. Because to them, this probably looked so much more posh than it really needed to be.
And it was.
But when you lived a long time, you made use of it. Decorating your best places with all the most unnecessary things because what else were you going to do with such a lengthy age.
Barely keeping a blooming grin from spreading ear to ear at Calia’s own state, lips still moved. Offering a cheeky beam and of course a laugh when the girl expressed she was absolutely not ready. “But we got here in record time! I thought that was in the best interest and you’d have formulated a grand plan of action after the few days of calm and conversation.” Rhelic knew she was being particularly sassy but didn’t restrain it either.
“You are having far too much fun with this,” she told the drow woman with a frown. Not that she had any ill feelings or animosity about it – Calia too would likely be having a ball watching some backwater princess suddenly realize just how far out of her element she really was. Had she actually paid enough attention to her lessons, had she actually tried to be the royal socialite of demure elegance her mother had wanted her to be, maybe maybe Calia would know how to bullshit her way through a court that was out of her league.
Nope. They were getting a dumbass on a borrowed horse. This was a waking nightmare. This was going to be a dazzling display of pure fuckery.
Calia needed to get a grip before she worked herself into a panic. Save the panic for later when she’d actually screwed something up. Steeling her nerves with a deep breath and trying her absolute best not to let her inner thoughts come across her expression, cause she was liable to be glowering and scowling at the very people she needed to try and impress.
“I don’t think I like any of my plans anymore.” she muttered. “How about we put me in a coma and you can tell my sob story for me.”
“Guilty as charged.” Lofting hands up like they needed to swear upon anything holy that she was in fact, enjoying this. Not that the grin on the grayish visage wasn’t enough to portray that very thing. But it wasn’t every day she got to see how this all transpired and well, she had promised to at least get Calia to the elven majesty.
She just never said she wouldn’t stick around a bit longer to see just how this all ran. With the commander leading the charge still from the front of the line, she was going to savour every second of this discomfort. Smirking all the more at the whole idea that the plans she had created were no good.
“Only if I get creative freedom and can hire a whole theatre play to make it entirely unnecessary, over explained and drags on for a full six hours. And market it cause we might as well make some coin at the same time. It wouldn’t be very fun otherwise. You’d really appreciate it I think after you came out of said coma.”
There were eyes upon them. Of course there was. The sort of curious onlookers that had no trouble showing their were both interested in what had happened to the holy law out beyond the walls of the city, and the fact that there were two additional people that were not in fact wearing the same garb. “We look like a mismatch parade.” Rhelic waved for the hell of it, “Just missing the fanfare and trumpets really.”
“I’d be unconscious, you could get away with it,” she answered with a wrinkle of her nose. Finding it all too easy to imagine Rhelic actually throwing together a circus of a performance of the tragic fall of Caeldalmor, with silly demon masks and dramatic screeching elves playing the part of fleeing villagers. Throw in that dryder and the silly attempts of young elven lads trying to woo a princess, and she’d have herself a hit play. They’d only have to come up with a lie of how Calia fell into her coma!
The princess sighed. That was a dream not to be.
Following Rhelic’s line of sight, Calia was quick to stifle a laugh about the woman’s waving to confused city spectators. With all expecting their holy knights to return, it really was an interesting curiosity for them to be leading along a drow woman and some simple looking round eared lady. Aside from the fact Calia had this natural air of superiority to her, it wasn’t likely that anyone suspected this mysterious stranger was a royal at all. Causing her to glance down at her own clothing with a slight frown. Appearances often meant a lot more than people realized… she might not be able to converse with people the way she wanted, but at the very least she knew how to look the part.
“I don’t know about a trumpet, but I could play a flute if you’ll dress yourself up like a jester and throw flower petals into the crowd.”
“I’ll be sure to split the coins with you after you arise from your beauty sleep.” The beat wasn’t missed. Merely encouraged. Probably just as able to put together the mental image of arranging it all but knowing in the end, this was no laughing matter. Just if she didn’t try and make it something amusing, a good part of her worried Calia was going to roll up into a ball.
To imitate a pill bug that just couldn’t fathom much more of this.
OR, she would just go into a flaming tantrum while stomping around to show just how scary she was. Both were non too favourable options. And best left unexplored.
Instead letting herself wave to the eyes that wanted to see just what was happening. Adding to the mystified confusion. “Well now that just sounds absolutely fun. At least till we are thrown out of the entire city for some sort of faux pa. Probably something in old laws that would properly deem us as hooligans rather than anything serious. Likely to rely on your forged kinship with the prince to get us out.”
She noticed that the men in the company had fanned out. Bodies separating. Noticeably starting to drift apart like islands till it was hard not to tell that the very group had been dismissed with barely a word. Leaving only really the prince and one other to remain and lead them along. Prompting her to naturally, “So what’s the plan, your majesty?”
The elf looked back at her, then Calia. Smiling gingerly, “We continue to that of my private estate. I do not know about the two of you, but I would like a chance to bath. Eat something that hasn’t been dried and salted to a tasteless chunk and dress in clothing that doesn’t have the remnants of demon blood or pyre smoke upon it.” His gaze was lingering, “Of course you both would be my guests. There is etiquette to follow meaning that I would need to send a request for an audience with that of the Queen. To report of course and to give you both the chance to speak outside of a public domain.”
“So you’re saying we are unfit to meet a queen?”
“In less than polite words, yes.”
If Rhelic had any idea how close to the truth her thoughts actually were, for Calia was surely thinking about how much easier it would be to just bolt and run instead of trying to pull off this entire farce of being a rising new queen. Her only saving grace (or was it a torture?) was that she didn’t want the Commander Prince to be correct in his observations about her practically oozing a self loathing armor. That was an attitude she needed to shed if she wanted to convince people she was worth helping. Needing to remind herself that she wasn’t seeking this aid for her own benefit, but rather the people that were currently frightened and displaced with a kingdom in turmoil.
If she could just do right by them, then Calia could go menace the entire mountains searching for that sorcerer bastard.
Leave it to the Commander Prince to be wonderfully candid, though! Setting Calia into a laugh that was actually delighted rather than insulted or self deprecating.
“He is not wrong. A Queen cannot drop all that she is doing to greet unexpected visitors, even in moments of an emergency.” she explained the obvious, quickly turning into a wider cheeky smile. “Though, such things are just as much for the guests benefit as well. A good host allows a day of rest for weary travellers before all of the pomp and schadenfreude begins. And our Commander Prince likely doesn’t want to see us ending up in some random inn to be vexed by over curious city natives.”
Rhelic mulled over the reality that they were unlikely to see the queen so soon. Needing to do things in an order that seemed far more tedious than just getting straight to the point. Even if there was some agreement on the reasons why. Only adding to that flare that was the royals needing to make things feel so extra. But one had already made it this far and what was another day to ensure things were as they could be. The best they could be for Calia’s reveal of demons and lands falling.
Yeah, it was better they didn’t go immediately to the jewel of the city.
“I worry a bit more for our city natives, to be frank.” He had slowed his step to align with their own mounts. Looking up between them as the last survivor of the group had separated. Leaving them three and the prince being the guide that would pull them further into the ornate city.
Naturally welcoming more eyes because certainly everyone knew who he was. Now wanting to know what reason he was leading two very strange women along. “You only say that because we have a way with words.”
“Precisely.” He smiled easily, “I worry that either one of you may whisk away some innocent elf and then we may not finish what we have begun here. It would be quite terrible honestly. And well, the city folk tend to be rather easily swayed.”
Rhelic raised up her hand as if she were about to whisper a secret, rather than mocking it. “I think the prince is saying we are a country bumpkin danger to their citizens.”
Despite the Commander Prince’s concerns that without Rhelic Calia might lose her way and focus, the princess often had more the feeling that Rhelic was just as likely to get her into a bounty of trouble too. Oh, it would be joyous, fun, incredible trouble, but trouble nonetheless! Listening to their back and forth with a smile, even while she was curiously staring right back at those who were bewildered at seeing their prince escort along a pair of very unique ladies.
Gossip was sure to travel fast, it had her wondering if there was a way to use that to her advantage. Not here in the elven kingdom, but a way to spread outwards and chase on the heels of Derrick. To have him worry, fret, and fear the fact she’d gotten out of the dungeon he’d left her to waste away in, and now was making plans and movements of her own.
He feared her power itself, that much she knew. Now he ought to properly fear the woman that wielded such a power.
Those thoughts bolstered her up all the more to a wicked sort of playful grinning, with the poor youngest prince trapped between two women and their mischief.
“Smart, isn’t he?” she chimed in, with that same stage whisper. “Between the two of us, I bet we could charm ourselves an entire dozen of handsome elves for my own court in a single evening with just a good bottle of wine and a couple winks. Best to keep us under supervision.”
“Smart. And a bit of a fun killer.” Rhelic agreed readily. Landing the vibrancy of her stare on the prince to make sure he was watching their antics closely. Something he was playing along with even if he was trying to act like he wasn’t actually listening at all. “I mean with a thought like that, it could be quite the affair. If not a great way to get word out too. After all, a round ear coming into the elven capitol and swooping through to make herself a suitable elven reverse harem, it’d be the talk of the town for days.”
“And I feel like my name would be casually mentioned in every conversation.”
She grinned. Tapping her nose, “You’re catching on. Gotta make the local chatterboxes really have a hayday as it were.”
Renus, was at least a good sport. “At least allow me a day of proper hosting before you both decide to become local legends and the sort of things mothers whisper to their children about avoiding.” He motioned with a point of finger down a street that had been almost hidden by that of some trees. “It should at least give me a solid day to escape too so no one could drag me into their gossip too. Asking what was true and what was not.”
Renus was a good sport indeed, which was excellent for him and great for Calia who had certainly had her fill of stuffed up nobles too concerned about looking good in front of others that they couldn’t be silly and have a little fun.
“You might have a better time if you joined us,” suggested Calia, fully teasing at first, but almost even wondering if it were actually a good idea. An all too obvious considering expression crossing her face as she went quiet and tilted her head, thinking over just how they might pull that off in a way that was both entertaining without getting them into any real trouble. After all, no one was going to dare try something wild with their own prince. And what better way to bond and build a friendship that getting stupid drunk at a tavern and listening to everyone’s equally drunk stories.
Not every tavern crawl had to be chasing a frolic after all.
Pure faeish mischief was written all over her face. Luckily for herself, she realized it quick, tempering herself down to more acceptable, noble behavior.
“I agree a day to rest is best for us, though. This is my first time visiting another kingdom, I ought to see what it is like being properly hosted. Give me a standard to compare all of my future visits with.”
“Join you?” Renus nearly fumbled a step spurring a light snicker from the drow. Properly dampened behind a quick hand and cleared throat. Though the prince looked positively uncertain about such things, maybe broadcasting that he was a perfectly naïve and tavern sort of virgin that didn’t even consider such things.
As he saved his footing and smoothed hands over that of each forearm, the man looked positively relieved when Calia agreed to the idea of rest first. And Rhelic well, had gotten curious about the way Calia had temporarily looked like the cat that had gotten the finch from the cage. “Y-yes. I think that would be good. Though I am not too certain my hospitality will match up entirely to that of any mountain style homes.”
Rhelic smirked, seemed that the princess even daring to invite the prince on a tavern crawl was enough to ruffle his feathers. Suddenly looking peaky.
He seemed so surprised by the suggestion that for a small moment Calia was worried she’d crossed a line again – got too familiar too fast. But as she curiously peered at him while he stammered, fussing that his own abode might not live up to a mountain home, she was almost certain the man was flushing. This man was a soldier and commander of holy knights, and somehow a simple night at a tavern had him off kilter!
Was she going to tease him about this? Absolutely. Later, when they were two royals of equal stature alone, as Calia might be a pain in the ass and all kinds of trouble, she wasn’t about to embarrass the prince in front of his own people. Certainly not around Rhelic who would gleefully pick up any mischief that Calia threw down and then increase it tenfold. She liked him enough to spare him such chaos.
If she didn’t like him, that’d be a different story.
“No need to worry too much about it, Renus. I’ve been sleeping on the dirt for weeks, if you have a proper bed and a bath I’ll be content. I can’t imagine a prince would be living in a little wooden shack, now would he.”
“Perhaps at one point. Elves weren’t always so aesthetically inclined,” Gesturing all around them to impress that maybe long ago he would have had a little wooden shack and it would have been considered luxury. Or rather, lived in a tree since they were typically very nature bound beings. “But for this moment, no. A modest home it is, nothing grand like a fifteen room manor. We’ll leave the grandeur for the true palace.”
The drow hummed seeming to be thinking about something. Likely still the fumble before and was trying to think of a tactful way of asking if the prince had even had a glass of wine before. Let alone got himself sloushed enough to forget his own name.
It wasn’t too long before they were on a street that had some obvious residences. With still people offering their curiosity as the prince nodded or greeted them gingerly. Leading them to a home that was well, as modest as a prince could have. And it was hardly what she would say was modest! With trees and pots all the way around the outside of its home, favouring a gold and blue colouring. Leaving her to snort, “I thought you said it wasn’t a fifteen bedroom manor.”
“It isn’t. More like ten bedrooms.” Renus smirked seeming proud of himself. “Please come in.”
Calia couldn’t help but agree with Rhelic on this one – a modest home this was NOT. There wasn’t a house like this in all of Caeldalmor to the point that despite the massive size of her castle home and all the work her mother had put into it after she’d married her father, it still didn’t hold a candle to this sort of refinery. This was picturesque storybook elegance! A style very much inspired by the romanticism of the ancient fae, and now Calia could understand exactly why elves thought the round eared humans were still nothing more than wild savages. If her elder sister could see this, she would be squealing with delight.
…and Calia? She loved every bit of it and hated that she loved it. For it was outrageously dramatic and this was just the youngest prince’s home. The castle was bound to be so much more! These people were going to eat her alive!
Somehow, knowing she didn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of coming across as anything more than some valley bumpkin seemed to take a lot of the pressure off to behave oh so perfectly. Calia was never going to be on this level, it was going to waste all her energy trying to pretend.
So as she followed the Commander Prince inside and Rhelic made her commentaries, Calia didn’t bother to hide any of her interest or stunned amazement. Instead, allowing herself to be duly impressed and apparently in turn, giving the prince all the more reason to be proud of his humble home.
“Are you looking for a wife, Commander?” she asked, fully joking… but. Maybe she ought to consider political marriage after all!
Entering inside to the foyer, the sound of other feet were practically upon them. A slender man making his presence known with his tails coifed and his ears perked whilst eyes naturally rounded to see that the lord of the home was not merely alone. Stilling any original attempt to bid good day and well wishes of return, the steward merely motioned to take any coats or things that would be suitable to be hung. Or washed.
Possibly burnt.
The inside was no less ostentatious than outside. With marble flooring showing of a golden vein moving through its workings, leading in a T shape. A right, left and forward. As the forward was sheltering a lavish half spiral staircase that lead to an open landing. Only using runners on the floor in the deep blue as acting directions of which way they could go, “Are you asking for yourself, princess?” Renus replied and smiled to the elder elf. “Alas you may be a little too young for me. Elivor, would you please make sure there are two rooms suitably freshened and prepared for my guests.”
“Of course your majesty.” The elder man bowed at the waist, “Shall I send any word out?”
“A message to the queen that I would like to have a private meeting with her come the morrow. Otherwise, just a quick note to the delegation to let them know we’ve returned and that I will speak to the queen about what was found.” His eyes looked to Calia, “There’s much to be discussed. Impress the importance, Elivor.” Again the man bowed to show his agreement. “Other than that, just whatever Princess Calia and Lady Rhelic need, please see to it that they are comfortable and properly lavished upon with our hospitality.” He turned then, “Perhaps this evening we can dine together but for now, I do have a few things to do. Please, make yourselves at home.”
What in all of the ten thousand hells, even his household man servant was more posh than any she had known. Which couldn’t possibly be actually true, just that she was still in such a state of awe at the unnecessary grandeur that she couldn’t even feel properly brooding about the fact that all of those dear people she’d grown up with were now dead.
Only giving Renus the sort of smile that said maybe, but not really as an answer to his quick witted statement. True it was, Calia was too young for him, and he was far too good for her!
At least she was on her best behavior… genuinely best, because she wasn’t attempting to stand up straight and stiff with that imperious stoic stonewall of an expression. Nor was she being grizzly with a snarl, or even awkwardly fretting. Now that she’d given up entirely on trying to be the perfect princess Calia, she’d clasped her hands behind her back in a relaxed, cheeky sort of way that one might do if they were pretending to be royal and playing a grand trick on the world. Only in this case she actually was, and that made it all the funnier that she’d be here in this opulent place, looking like she’d been dragged up out of the woods by the scruff, with a travelling companion that practically reeked of trouble.
Poor, poor Elivor. She’d need to be kind to him.
“Thank you, your highness,” she chirped back, as demure as any princess would. Setting her attentions fully then on Elivor – what a name! – to follow him through this ridiculous house.
“We are in your hands, sir. Though you can save lavish treatment for my companion. All I need for myself is a chance to get fresh clothing in whatever manner you recommend.”
In a manner of seconds Elivor was looking at the prince. After the round ear spoke about how she didn’t need any lavish treatments. Seeming to have known whom was a princess and who was not, “Both.” Renus merely replied as to negate around the conflict that the elder man was about to have. “Treat them both to a lavish treatment. Even the strongest of warriors ought to be pampered when the chance arises.” His green eyes reflected playfully at that of Calia but tipped his head to make a proper departure for now.
Where Rhelic managed to contain herself, “When’s really the next time you’ll be given such luxuries, muddy princess?” She asked looking pointedly at the one to ensure that she was more than aware she was being called out.
Much to Elivor’s obvious horror. A commoner speaking to royalty in such a manner was utter blasphemy! “Oh she doesn’t mind, don’t worry. I won’t be too insulting.” Rhelic reached over to pat the man on the shoulder, “I’ll behave if it will stop your pretty head from worrying sir.” He stumbled. Looking plenty horrified but motioned at least for them to follow along. “Highborn, I swear.”
Calia was a person that loved and appreciated finer things – even with this opulent place that was extravagant enough to be intimidating, it had this alluring appeal that was quite opposite to how she’d enjoy the casual spaces of the village taverns. They were obviously unnecessary but she had no problems with taking advantage. It was the being center of attention that made it all so uncomfortable! To be fawned over, singled out, made a big deal over… having to perform joy or graciousness so she wouldn’t seem like a spoiled asshole.
And that was just before when it was only because Calia didn’t like being perceived. Now? She didn’t deserve anyone going to extra trouble on her behalf.
If Rhelic had not been there, Calia might’ve flat out refused any of that lavish treatment with a simple politeness and explanation. Giving the drow woman in question a squinting side eye as she teased and ruffled poor Elivor. As it were, it was probably best for Calia to behave as a royal should just to balance out the girl! Grateful at least, that with Rhelic being the one to cause all the mischief, it made the princess look better by sheer accident!
“…I suppose I apologize in advanced on behalf of Rhelic. I promise once she’s been fed, she’ll be far less spicy. Only moderately vexing.”
“That’s what you think,” If there was some unspoken message that she was supposed to be the terror of the manor, she had heard it loud and clear. Eyeing Calia and then Elivor with a toothy grin that was loudly speaking of her being a true terror if the chance arose.
Pressing hand upon breastbone, “This big city stuff is all so fancy after all, I may not know what to do with myself.” Elivor was staring at her like her shoulder had erupted into a second head. Even as she giggled unbothered at the whole affair, the man took a deep breath.
Motioning, “Please follow me.” Trying his damnest not to be abhorred further but seemingly that was going to be quite the feat. “We’ll have your rooms beside another to assure there is an ease of accessibility.” His steps pointed towards the half spiral staircase and Rhelic decided that she was ready to amp it up.
Sidling up to Calia to loop an arm through her own, “Well I guess that works. We’ve only been camping out in the wilds for the past week and so, I guess nearby rooms is good enough.”
This situation reminded Calia very much of an old Houndskeeper she’d met out in the countryside. He’d had a pack of hunting hounds gathered around him at all times, and they were sweet and well trained… up until he brought them indoors. Then he’d stand there at the tavern bar ordering himself a drink, just grinning with the widest of smiles pretending there wasn’t absolute mayhem going on around him as the dogs got into everything.
That is what she felt like now. As if she as leaving Rhelic unleashed to go menace this city of highborn elves, while she was doing her own absolute best not to be a grinning jerk about it. Following the poor man servant as he led them up the grand staircase, and giving Rhelic a soft sort of smile that was far too allowing of this nonsense.
If it weren’t for the fact Calia was actual royalty, there was no way the two of them would be getting away with such behavior.
“You’re going to make him think we’re lovers,” she mumble back, though purposely still loud enough to be overheard. “Which is all too amusing, but a little counter productive if I’m meant to be keeping my eye out for someone worthy of being a potential future King, hmm?”
“Maybe that’s half the fun.” The white crowned woman shrugged nonchalantly. Letting vivid gaze pass over one of the hanging tapestries with mock interest. Humming as if that was about to convince anyone that she knew what she was looking at or the sort of dedication that went into crafting such a piece of hanging art.
Yet stealing sly glances towards Elivor. Checking to see if the tips of his ears were pricked or if they were potentially burning red with her antics. Finding so far, the elder servant just seemed perfectly flabbergasted at the whole scene. Likely judging in his own way.
Settling a side eye onto the round ear woman, it was the selection of words as they made it to the upper landing in which she smirked at Calia’s suggestion. “I mean, is this not a good test. If they could not handle my presence potentially crossing a line, then they may not be suitable to withstand the burdens of said crown.”
Elivor had stolen a look at them. His dark gray eyes looking up and down but pressing his tongue between teeth. Being a compliant steward by saying nothing at all. All the way up till he brought them to a pair of doors, at least a good few feet apart from another. Settling on opening the one on the right with a double door flourish to invite them inside. To something she was pretty sure was entirely more of a house than a room. With walls of deep blue and so many plants that one would think they were outside once more and a door that seemed to be near the bedroom in which Elivor seemed to notice her attention, “A room for wash.” Rhelic whistled and then looked pointedly at Calia.
“Well this is pretty damn fancy. Makes camping out seem like a peasant’s dream.”
If Rhelic wanted to put everyone through trial by fire, well, Calia wasn’t one to disagree! Calia was already living her waking nightmare of needing to somehow surrounded herself with useful, trustworthy people… something she was most certainly not good at if her past excursions were any hint. So why not see who could handle a wicked sense of humor and a mind full of mischief, at least then she might enjoy being around those future companions.
In the here and now, Calia was so glad to find that the guest room of this place was not going to be the sort full of nothing but cold marble stone and shiny gold metals. Instead of a display of ostentatious riches, there was warm wood and beautiful lush greenery with soft carpets and cozy fabrics. Still elegant finery to the max, but in a way that seemed oh-so-irresistible.
Leaving Calia quite glad she didn’t make a fuss about this lavish treatment.
“I’ll be happy here,” she announced on her full entrance to the room. Glancing around at this and that, thought notably avoiding any spaces that was going to cross her by the big framed mirror on the wall. A subconscious avoidance. “I’ll have a bath immediately if that’s not going to be too much trouble. I think it’d be a nice surprise for Prince Renus to return home and find out one of the widling creatures he brought in actually is a princess.”
“Yes your majesty,” Elivor bowed. Deep. Professional and so smoothly that if she wasn’t already watching the whole thing unfold, she might have been surprised that a person could move in such a way. Especially as he rose back up without snapping into place, “Is there anything particular that you would prefer to wear after your bath? We are not typically in accommodation for human apparel, but I can try and find something suitable.”
Rhelic smirked but suppressed a need to blurt out anything too wild. Merely untangling her arm from Calia’s, to go and inspect the lush fern over the top of the bed.
Elves took their royal treatment seriously… or at least Elivor did. Calia had to wipe that ridiculous look off her face fast as to not be disrespectful. Caeldalmor had it’s etiquette and social procedures but they leaned so much farther to the side of casual, due to her father’s old clan ways. He’d much preferred the straight forwardness and simple signs of respect – not a man to be set upon a pedestal and worshipped as a King, but certainly demanding of the respect his title held. Calia was pretty sure all the manners and politesse had been brought in directly by her mother. The woman might’ve been a farm girl, but ooooh did she truly embody everything a Queen was known to be.
She was never more grateful than now that her mother had been so annoying and frustrating with those lessons. Calia might’ve tried to get out of most of them, but at least she had some sense enough not to completely embarrass herself and look the very uncultured bumpkin that these elves were going to expect.
And with that wicked little smirk on Rhelic’s face, Calia felt the need to give the woman more to cackle about. The full princess experience, so to speak.
“Misfortune plagued me several times on my way here, and I am afraid I have nothing left aside from even these borrowed clothes,” she explained with a soft gesture of her hands to what she currently was wearing. They were plenty good enough for hard traveling, but not for what she needed now in the capitol. “You would be doing me the upmost of kindnesses to find me some things suitable that I am not going to embarrass myself in or offend your nobility. Both in staying here with Prince Renus as well as when I must meet your queen. It needs not be anything grand, just appropriate.”
She was putting a lot of trust in the prince’s man servant not to be a human-hater who planned to dress her up like a clown for court. If he did… well, she’d have a good time swapping outfits with Rhelic.
One could literally see the thinking gears moving in Elivor’s eyes. Taking in every word stated by the princess of a foreign realm and treating it like it was gold. Paired with the way he gave her a quick up and down in the way that was simply assessing what would be needed for a lady of her particular height. Rather than that stare in which typically a judgmental sort. “I will see to it, your majesty. And for Lady Rhelic?”
“Nothing. I won’t be staying to meet the queen or doing anything fancy pancy anyways. So I’ll just need some night wear and if my current attire could be cleaned for the morrow, we’ll be in the right place.” The man hummed. Waiting to see if there was a fuss about it but over all Elivor took it well.
“I’ll leave you both be for now. Lady Rhelic, your room is to the left.”
Clicking her tongue with a snap of a finger in her own way to express she got the details, the man just blinked. Seeming uncertain if that was a dismissal or an acceptance. Making his feet slowly shamble from the nature inspired room. Perfect too cause the second the door lapsed back to its closure, she bounced her butt onto the bed. Testing its surface with a visual show of awe. “Not that I am grateful for the way we came upon the prince, but by the Earth Father’s great balls, talk about hitting the jackpot here.”
“It is an auspicious turn of luck. Maybe my curse has decided not to follow me to this side of the mountains,” Calia agreed with amusement. Pausing there with a thoughtful look and a wag of her finger. “Unless the curse is you and we’re about give Prince Renus a whole lot of trouble in this ridiculously pretty house.”
With a final teasing look, she turned away to get a more hands on exploration. Touching fabrics and peeking into little drawers. Finally moving over to one of the large windows for a glimpse outside. Finding that she might’ve been just a little bit restless with said luck. That everything felt like it was going too smoothly, that something awful was sure to be around the corner in one manner or another. With no way for her to know what sort of mayhem and chaos was going to hit her to make up for all of this progress!
“You intend to escape in the morning, then?” she asked with all curiosity. “Not interested in meeting a queen, attending some fancy royal functions, or charming upper class elves into giving you shiny expensive presents?”
Hands rose in a means of defense, “I mean dinner is always up in the air to see what sort of things I can get into. But I won’t razz the prince too terribly much. I would like not to be notorious entirely in a royal’s eyes.” Meeting that gaze with a impish grin, hands shortly fell. Bouncing on the bed because when was the next time she was going to see something so overly lush and done to the nines.
Likely never and that was entirely okay with her.
Shortly raising ears at the query about her length of a stay. “The way you are describing all of that is near enough to give me absolute hives.” Rubbing arms for emphasis, “I mean the deal was to get you to the city after all, but all that rich nonsense and formalities. Eh? It’s not my jam, even if it was just to be a fly on the wall. Plus you made friends with Renus. A good foundation to help you keep going forward, yah know.”
It was all too easy to imagine Rhelic accidentally, or even purposefully earning herself a notorious reputation. To be so memorable in the eyes of posh royals that her name only dare be spoken in whispers. That set Calia to an outright laugh and a little bit of regret that they were soon going to end this temporary partnership.
“You’d be amazed at how noble folk take something that should be the time of your life in a grand party and somehow still make it the most boring thing that ever existed. As if all of them are so worried about looking a fool, they can’t even dare let loose and just enjoy the moment even in dancing. The only thing that makes up for it is the food. The chefs in the kitchens have a ball getting creative with tiny little treats.”
Everyone had a craft that they were passionate about, Calia could be any soul that loved to cook likely dreamed of getting to make little pieces of art with their meals.
Apparently she was starving, because food was now prevalent on her mind. A good distraction from being anxious about parting ways with her current only friend in the world.
“I like him, at least. We should get along well enough without any issues. Regardless, I am going to miss your company. It’s not a goodbye forever, but still… it’s been nice having someone to talk to that is on the same plane of existence.”
“I doubt I would be surprised. I’ve seen how nobles already act with their stuffed shirts and their noses turned up. They appear once in a while at the tavern.” She motioned like she was clutching at her chest, “Wooden stools with no cushion. What backwater hickville is this? And well water. Don’t get me started.” Eyes rolled a moment before settling on the other once more. “I feel if they danced too much the sticks lodged up in their rectums would probably be very uncomfortable. It probably might tear something so better not to risk it.”
Lifting feet up to wiggle boots a moment, she slipped off shortly. Nearly water slided off the silken comforter top in the process. Blinking a moment till attention could chance and rest upon Calia once more.
“You know where I will be. I’ve got to make sure the place doesn’t burn down or is picked up and moved to a new place because of the rowdy locals. Consider that as a good thing. Cause with me being in one place, it means you also have a place to stay. Safe. Warm and absolutely harassed. But,” Lifting a finger up, “With booze. You can’t go wrong there.”
Rhelic was doing a perfectly excellent mimicry of just the sort of nobles that got on Calia’s nerves, prompting her into another laugh. Those stuffed up windbags that thought everything in the world should be catered to their whims – as if people just living their damn lives were going to have specially cushioned seats and precious sweet wines stashed away in closets ready to bring out on the off chance a noble wandered into their neck of the woods!
“And I will indeed need to go back through that way at some point. Hopefully by then I’ll have plenty enough money to actually pay you properly for that very rowdy drinking party we are bound to have,” she suggested with a cheeky grin on her own. “Not to mention introduce you to any poor souls I’ve managed to collect.”
“Oh absolutely. The day you come back through, I’ll have to make sure the entire place is done to the bare nines. With the best drinks on the shelf just to make sure they get bought and sold out.” She grinned. An easy thing while obviously migrating to the door. Just that a airy laugh came from her no sooner, “I would love to see what sort of souls you’ve lashed together to follow after you. I do hope they have some wit and aren’t just dogging after you because a pretty face. Although those ones you could use for fodder.”
Whether or not she was kidding was up for debate. Instead, “I’m guna go check out my room for the night. And depending on how fast you get to wash up, maybe I’ll be a pest and go snooping around. Feign my country bumpkin fate like I don’t know any better. Think Elivor would faint if I did that?”
Giggling at her own jest, “Get washed up stinky, we’ll see what horror of dress Elivor brings to you so I can snort and cackle.”
There was a lot Calia could’ve said. On how easy it’d be for Rhelic to use a visiting princess as a way to make an obscene amount of cash, and Calia would be happy to ham it up on her behalf. That it was likely only idiots were going to dumb enough to join Calia in her traveling, because she most certainly was not going to set up camp in some castle and have people do the hunting of that sorcerer bastard for her. Even if she wanted to rebuild herself a cabinet of advisors and nobles, there could be no Caeldalmor until he was gone and her magic was where it belonged.
She could have even had a grand bit about the nonsense she was going to end up wearing once that elf returned, but instead she merely smiled wider and with a long over dramatic sweep of her hand gave her ‘permission’ for Rhelic to take her leave. Completele with that assinine, cheeky smirk knowing that it was oh-so stuff royal of her to do so.
Once Rhelic was gone, Calia found herself resting her hands on her hips ad glancing around the naturesque room with a bewildered sort of wonderment. Never had it occurred to her to cram a bunch of potted plants and greenery into a space. The entire castle of Caeldalmor was a monolith of stone, and it’s not that it was cold… but it wasn’t exactly this sort of fresh warmth either.
At least while he was here, she could be inspired for things, even if she still hated the position she was now in. If she were meant to be Queen, she could figure out what sort of queen she wanted to be.
For the time being, she ought to wash, as Calia was certain that Rhelic’s stinky teasing was very likely to be true!
Maids had knocked and begun bringing in buckets of boiled water paired with cool as to get the tub to a suitable temperature for the royal. One they had already been gossiping about outside the doors due to the fact that Prince Renus never had guests of any caliber. Now he had two in his home.
A royal.
A drow.
Both highly unusual and both worth the idle chit chat that made them speculate all sorts of nonsense. But not in front of the guests, because that could get them into real trouble.
Of course Elivor had sent in a woman soon enough. “Your majesty?” A little blond elf maid asked softly. Hands full of cloth, “Elivor apologies for the lack of attire but he had me bring the following. As you are rather tall, he didn’t think you’d be comfortable in a dress. He wishes to know if this is suitable for after your wash, otherwise he will keep looking to see if there is something else you wish.”
This sort of bustling activity was a normal thing for Calia, for the Caeldalmor castle was not blessed with fresh running waters pumped thru ought such an old stone monolith. A good reason to be kind and respectful of the poor souls who had to haul all of that water from where ever their nearest well or water pump was located. Calia stayed out of their way, busying herself with untangling her braid and combing through the mess of coal black hair.
Casually listening of course, while the ladies were comfortable enough to feel like she wasn’t hovering nearby. While she couldn’t speak even a word of elvish, she’d still catch common words here and there, and too was keen to pay attention to tone and general vibe.
One needed to be wary of such things.
“Hmn, let’s see what we have,” she answered the young woman that appeared finally on Elivor’s instruction with some clothing in hand. Taking it over to the bed for spreading out the paired pieces to see just what the man servant thought Calia should be shrouded in.
Well. She didn’t hate it! It was very distinctly elvish in design and style. The ruffly parts of the sleeves and the lace felt a little too girlish and silly for her own tastes, but it’d look fetching and Calia would be comfortable in it. Glad too that she wasn’t going to be stuck in men’s clothing as a punishment for being so tall. She might stoic in the face and a feisty violent lady, but even Calia still wanted to feel like a beautiful woman!
“This will do me well,” she affirmed for the woman with a smile. “Let Elivor know that I also do not mind a dress, and that he might have more luck looking for the overcoat styles to be worn with pants. It’ll help the next time Prince Renus invites in especially tall guests.”
The girl acquiesced that of the clothing but tailed after the tall woman. Stealing a moment to look at the inky black of her long hair. Finding its very state pretty but then again, all the maids had been very surprised to see the woman. Her bright green eyes and dark hair while standing taller than most of their own men! It was so strange but so interesting. She had become someone very quickly that the maids found enchanting.
Even if Elivor had been very stumped on what to offer the woman so she could move freely and not look like an awkward duckling.
At this moment, she personally felt the princess would look good in anything. Only that as she was studying the attire and turned to look at her. Offering a smile, she had personally been in awe. Eyebrows raising after a moment, “Oh yes. Overcoat styles. I will let him know.” Although there was a strong doubt that any future guests would be here at all. Knowing the Prince didn’t much care for entertaining and he was usually out for missions anyways. “Is there anything particular about this outfit you like or dislike. Elivor would like to know anything specific for the selection of clothing to meet Queen Ashera tomorrow. To look your utmost best.”
Calia paused there, hoping she hadn’t accidentally let any of her thoughts through because it sure wasn’t her attention to seem displeased about what was given to her, when it was being done so with care. She hated when nobles had their fussy temper tantrums and it was the last thing she wanted to do herself.
..but there were expectations too, where she couldn’t just be a ditzy little pushover that loved everything and suffered in silence. A royal figure needed to be decisive, make their opinions known. This was such a small thing, but she supposed it could be practice too.
Damn, she hated to be a bother about it. This was honestly fine!
“Hmn, alright,” she finally answered, beckoning with a finger for the girl to lean in closer as the bent over the attire to point out the specifics. First tugging gently at the ruffle at the shoulders. “This style is very young, or for a girlish young lady – very pretty but is not me.”
She then moved hands down to show how the sleeve expanded out.
“This I like, but it isn’t practical right now. If I need to draw a weapon, it will get snagged and ripped in a fight. Of course, I hope nothing troublesome is to happen at all, only I have a need to feel prepared. That is all.”
Calia then paused, drawing her bottom lip through her teeth as she gave it one last think.
“…and blue is my favorite color. It isn’t important, but I suppose it is an extra detail.”
The woman looked up to the princess. Waiting a moment because she had been tasked with following through with Elivor’s request. Wanting to be sure to offer a proper experience to the princess. Where she also had no idea what to expect from the tall human woman.
It took a moment and it seemed she did have a problem with it. Although when she said young, even she couldn’t help but look at the woman plainly. Making it show that she got the look up and down then a slight squint. As if to point out that she was in fact young. Unsure if that was because elves lived a long time or if they knew or were told that Princess Calia was in fact, a youngster in the human terms.
So that part didn’t exactly work. But the latter did.
Only for the maid to openly gawp at her when she stated a need to draw a weapon. “Your majesty, weapons aren’t allowed inside the Queen’s court. And this is your attire for tonight with Prince Renus… are you expecting something terrible?”
One of the other maids that was filling the tub heard and made a comment in their native tongue about how barbaric that sounded. Her tone was clearly disturbed even if the words might not make it through.
Still, she fixed herself. “I… I will let Elivor know.” Stepping forward to take the garment in hand. Smoothing fingers over it. “Thank you, your majesty.”
“They’re not?” she asked first sounding astounded by it, before she was very quick to correct. That instinct to smooth things out before the people here thought she was some sort of club swinging barbarian. Calia understood why they wouldn’t be allowed, it had simply never been a concern or custom in her own kingdom. Let someone bring in their weapons, if they were dumb enough to draw on on the wrong person, they would learn the error quick enough!
“Forgive me, I don’t mean to disrespect the safety of Prince Renus’ home or the Queen. I… fled from something incredibly traumatic and that fear of dangers around every corner still has me very much on edge. It’s been difficult to let that feeling go even in the wake of such kind hospitality.”
As diplomatic as damselesque as it sounded, it was also the sincere truth. Calia felt exposed enough without her magic and now she was meant to go on without a weapon too? So what if Renus was someone to trust, that did not mean demons or otherwise weren’t lurking elsewhere. Damn it all, it was pretty obvious they were already in the elven kingdom and there was no telling how fast and far they’d traveled!
She’d have to find a way to hide a dagger on her person. A hair pin. A dinner knife. Something discreet enough to tuck away but sharp enough to be deadly if she needed it.
Calia stepped back with a nod though, allowing the girl to make her exit and having to remind herself again that she knew she wasn’t going to appear as anything more than a wild brutish bumpkin. She was likely to make a fool of herself several times more just from cultural faux pas alone! Best to take it with grace and push forward.
If her eyes could have popped out of her skull with the way the round eared princess sounded so surprised by the lack of weaponry allowed within the queen’s court; they would have been right on the floor. Swallowing a bit dryly and wondering just where the hell this one had come from that such weapons were so common. And deciding that she wanted no part of it either.
Not even in a history lesson.
Rather trying to school her expression while maybe putting a bit of a word into Elivor to give the prince a bit of a heads up of possible danger that the guest was at all. Just to be safe rather than risking something utterly dangerous.
“Of course your majesty.” She bowed and just let the explanation hit upon her skull as it was. It wasn’t her business any further to deem what was appropriate for a foreign royal or not. Just that she could mention it and go from there.
It certainly would take quite some time too. Leaving the princess ample time to wash once the tub was prepared.
Only that when the maid came back, she was hardly alone. With the drow coming in behind as she had apparently been rallied into new attire for the evening while her other stuff was being washed. “I hope there’s no royal pale white ass hanging out in there.”
The maid gasped. Horrified. Spurring the drow into a laugh. “Don’t be so surprised, I’ve said worse.” The girl wasn’t entirely sold but floated closer to the bed once more.
“I’ve brought two other things. We aren’t able to accommodate everything unfortunately. So Elivor apologizes but we have a men’s outfit here if that would be more comfortable for you and well, another… pretty one?”
Rhelic in her gold and reds helped herself to the bed. Plopping down once more, “At this point, she’s just guna go naked.”
Calia knew when she’d put someone off, as by now it was like clockwork. It didn’t matter how much she told herself she didn’t care and that in the long run it absolutely didn’t matter… something about it always struck deep at this over-sensitive little chord of insecurity that now plagued her all the worst without something to hide behind. Soon enough not even Rhelic would be there to take away the attention and Calia would have weather through on her own.
So even when the girl and all the maids were gone, leaving Calia alone to mind her own bath, it was a sullen bitter affair.
What did it matter what they even think of her? She was a savage mountain girl, that was the truth and not something to be offended about. Was it the assumptions that upset her? That she was something dangerous? Calia was dangerous. They should be afraid of her. Honestly, they should all be glad that she wasn’t giving them more reason to be wary! Because it was easy to be a monster! So easy to flip a switch and no longer care about their feelings or their space or anything about them!
She’d sank deep into her bath and attempted for the briefest of moments to pretend she could drown there.
While the bath didn’t do much for those wicked thoughts in her head, it did afford Calia the time to carefully reconstruct that wall of perfect bland stoicism. A perfect courteous royal, full of all the proper disdain and disinterest that was expected of a princess. Quiet, reserved, and most importantly fucking silent.
Rhelic dressed like some flowery romance novel heroine was NOT what the princess expected to see coming in joined by the other young woman. It nearly shook her out of her practice expression, t have her standing there in naught but the soft robe that’d been provided with her bath and the plush towel she was presently using to dry her dark hair.
Instead of asking what in the absolute fuck was the drow wearing, she instead drew over to the bedside and see what new options had been provided for her. Unnecessarily, as the original had been perfectly fine, but found she did like the pretty option so much better than the original outfit. With an almost defiant, unnecessary jolt of irritation to be offered a male’s garments at all. Having to bite her tongue so she didn’t pop off that she ought to go nude just so all had something to actually gawk about.
“This new one will be perfect, thank you.” came her curt reply. Her only reply. Because damn herself if she said anything more! Only deeming enough of a shift in her stance to set aside her towel so she might do something about her hair.
Eyes narrowed at Calia when the two garments of varying degrees were laid out. And the consideration was given to select the more monotone of the two. Far more flattering too as she was privately convinced that Calia would cut a very regal and beautiful figure in any elven clothing. While their style was close and flamboyant –case and point her attire- she’d pull it off well with her complexion and eyes alone.
But she was being hushed.
“That’ll be all.” Rhelic tried her hand at sounding imperious. Though to her it just sounded bossy. Which was well… probably accurate. “No men’s clothing today, thanks. Give that back to whatever poor guard had been stripped of it and is standing somewhere out of sight wishing he at least had pants on.” The maid eyed her. Unsure if she was going to be scandalized or amused. Leaning more to the former over the latter.
With the green garb gathered in arms, the maid bowed as best she could to scurry out. Seemingly needing no further reason to do besides an invitation.
Leaving Rhelic to stare obviously at Calia. “Did you find a stick to put up your bum too? Is that a requirement for royalty, cause it sounds painful.”
“I don’t know, did you fall into a vat of roses and clamber back out as a cherub?” Calia shot back without missing a single beat. At least her tone of voice was normal, even if there was a distinct coolness in the way she moved about the room now. A clear a don’t give a fuck about any of this sort of vibe to the moment, if that were even visibly possible. Calia combed through her hair with swift practice, twisting it up to the top of her head in a tidy, tight little bun, with the sharpest, most study hair pin she’d been able to find within the supplies that had been provided to her.
Once that was complete, she moved to the bed to gather up the new garments to disappear with behind a dressing screen.
“I hope there is a man out there bare-assed because Elivor demanded it so. That is a moment worth picturing,” she declared, tossing that robe to the side to first don what was necessary before she started the layering. The pants were a little short in the leg, but her boots would cover for that. She didn’t care much for bows as an embellishment and deliberate left out the one that was meant to tie around her neck, instead leaving those few buttons undone so she could breathe. Finally the corset and skirt she cinched tight. Glad that it fit properly in the waist to not end up busting at the seams.
Once she stepped out from behind the screen, working on buttoning the cuffs at her wrists, she was every bit the proper princess. Cool and serene and not a single thought in her head, or at least that is what she hoped she embodied.
Folding her hands under her chin, Rhelic grinned. Batting her lashes all sweetly, “Don’t be jealous cause I look amazing. And if I come out as a cherub, then that only adds to the delusion that I am of a tender and sweet nature rather than a imp.” Unbothered by the whole thing, her gaze was following after Calia. And whatever it was that had turned her into a snoot all the sudden. At least in the way she walked and looked like she really did shove something straight up her backend.
Following till she disappeared behind the screen and made a dramatic sigh. Flopping back on the bed as if this was the one she was to be sleeping in. Folding hands behind head. Crossing ankles with a gentle tapping of toe in the air.
“I mean, that would be worth seeing. Those little maids all gasping. Trying to cover their eyes while also peeking through their fingers because they’ve never seen a man without his pants on before. But trying to be pious because they were good little girls and don’t want to ruin the prospect of the prince selecting suitable suitors for them in the future. Hmm, sounds thrilling.” Waiting still till the madam reappeared, looking quite different in the sense that it seemed like her soul had left her.
“So, what happened? Why you getting all nose in the air and turning into the living doll? It’s no fun if I am the only one thinking mayhem and dinner.”
A living doll! Well, that was enough to give her a sudden pausing start and an unwelcomed shudder. Grimacing at the very suggestion for it brought up those very awful moments of being a demon parasite’s unwilling puppet, while she switched to buttoning the other sleeve. The statement at least wiped the blank expression off her face even if it didn’t force a shift in her stiff posture.
“Nothing of consequence,” she answered then. Casting the slightest of exasperated, even envious of glances to Rhelic so carelessly lounging. For things were a lot more simple for the drow woman. The rest of Calia’s life was going to be like this and it was almost cruel to have allowed herself to believe she was going to be able to recapture those casual moments of getting to be a minx whenever she wished.
“You could say I am getting into character,” she did dare to explain. “I have to make that royal impression, after all, and it takes a little… finding the right mental space.”
Once done up, she did a slow turn with a gesture of her hands. She’d even taken her signet ring off it’s usual chain hidden under her shirt to place on her middle finger. Not about to dare take even a single inch of a step near a mirror.
“What do you think? Princess, soon to be Queen in the making? Someone to be taken seriously at her word?”
“Uh huh.” Apparently not buying what she was selling, the drow waited a long moment for the princess to do whatever the hell it was she was doing. Which was apparently getting into character. “For the guy that you just spent like four five days hanging out with and already proving that you aren’t a stuffed shirt princess.” She suddenly rolled over to brace her chin into palm. Laying belly down and looking after the woman.
“Am I missing something here for that? Why change who you are? I mean that just seems sneaky and absolutely like you are trying to appear as something else to get something more than what you need? I mean I don’t get the politics of being royalty and really don’t think I want too. But,” Pink eyes went up and down Calia as she made herself into a present appearance.
Considering her a long moment till, “I’m pretty sure I took you seriously at your word the first time you spoke and told me what happened.” Rhelic pointed out, “Without all the pomp and getting into character. Unless that was also a ruse?”
“Sometimes you are annoyingly perceptive,” she answered back, standing there in all her imperious coolness to rest her hands on her hips. Seriously considering telling the drow woman to mind her own damn business for once and just let it be. Calia knew what was sloshing around in her head didn’t make sense and she didn’t need someone else pointing it out to lecture her about it.
After a beat, she left out a frustrated growl, reaching up to pluck that pin out of her hair, undo the tight knot she bound it in and ruffled it all up back to being loose again with another heavy sigh.
“It gets to me sometimes, you know, that way people flip from perfectly friendly and nice to this… look on their face of disappointment or disgust. I am not kind enough, not royal enough, not feminine enough, not fun enough… It’s all a load of bullshit and I know that dwelling on these things is it’s own load of stupid bullshit wrapped up in my own head.”
There! Let the woman have her thoughts as they were, dropping the act of cold stoisim to just let full truth be there as she wanted. Having the gall too to be smug about it, before sighing again and gesturing towards the door.
“I honestly don’t want anymore pep talks about it, so let us go explore the Prince’s not-so-humble home and see how many fair maidens are going to follow us and peek around corners to make sure we’re not stealing or planning an assassination.”
“Part of my charm.” Meeting that answer with the measure of both amusement and truth before watching how swift the pin was pulled out. Black hair given its wild freedom to be a tussled mess that Rhelic softened the smile on her face. Looking at this little… tall wild spirit of a mountain princess get all annoyed.
And express that she was bothered by the fact that her world was quite literally a fracture of what she originally thought.
A royal.
A lost soul.
A victim.
A orphan.
And struggling through it all trying to put on a face of any sort of measure because she was trying so damn hard to hold it together. But she was right about one thing, she didn’t need a pep talk. Nor was she about to get one.
Rather Rhelic slithered herself off the bed to circle around. Looking at the woman with the same sort of amusement but something else was there. Just that for a moment, she reached a hand out to lightly wrap around the princess’s wrist. And pulled her into that of her own arms. Hugging her tightly. Saying nothing because she didn’t need that. A lot of people had been talking recently and well, sometimes nothing at all could say so much more.
Releasing her after a moment and nodding. Taking up the cloth that was a drape of a cape, “Think I can stuff some valuables in here discreetly? Make you look amazing and have the maids going rabid that they let a thieving drow into the prince’s not so humble abode?”
Calia might have preferred a slap to the face! A slap to the face could have snapped her back to the present just as well, and roused up her anger and will to fight. Calia knew what to do with anger and to use it as fuel to keep fighting her way forward. This awful, agonizing gentle embrace? Agonizing was perfectly the world. A soft and gentle thing not a single person had even attempted to give her an ounce of comfort, even in those candid moments she’d laid her soul out bare.
Thank all the gods that Rhelic hadn’t said a word about it. Calia could already feel the tears welling, the sore lump in her throat and her chest tighten up. If the drow had uttered a single thing to go along with such an embrace, any composure Calia had left would’ve been gone in a blubbering instance.
She didn’t have time for that. She didn’t have the energy for that.
“You’re certainly not going to get to leave without all your pockets searched,” she answered, with a distinct heaviness to her voice that Calia promptly ignored. Along with pulling and turning away quick enough to make sure she blinked away any hint of glittering tears, to lead this bit of exploration herself through the Prince’s home.
“Might as well steal me a dinner knife too, as apparently I’m not allowed to go wandering around strapped with weapons to meet the Queen.”
If she noticed the way Calia was after the embrace, she called no attention to it. Probably because she knew that sometimes even the strongest people, just needed to be comforted. In the most basic and open way possible. Ignoring the heaviness to her voice but rather scoffed. “I suppose I will just have to casually toss things out my bedroom window to collect after my departure.” As if she had been already scouting out ways to lift things of high value and stash it in safe keeping for later collection.
She never actually would. Not about to put a price on her head from any royal.
Roosting palms to her hips and leveling a look at Calia no sooner when she suggest thieving that of a dinner knife to have on her person in the crown court. “I don’t think you want a tour of the dungeons as a guest. Won’t make it very easy for you to go chasing after the lunatic that decided to set you on this path in general. Better to oblige the rules and understand that the lack of weaponry is because there is fae magic around the court of the queen. Not sure how its wielded but apparently it keeps people safe in ways that is old and ancient and obscure. So lets not invite chaos in that way. Save your stabbing arm for those who need it.”
“Magic then? Well at least that is understandable,” she answered, finding perfect sense now in why they’d be so fussy about weapons. One didn’t need physical weapons when you had magic to protect yourself with.
Then again, she knew well now how easily magic could be stripped away. If Calia hadn’t been a wildling daughter, so invested in getting to learn how to fight and scrap and wield a weapon the same way her brothers did, would she have even survived? It brought to mind her gentle sister that had nearly gotten herself gored to death by one of those damn demons. If she were still with their brother maybe she’d have made it, but otherwise… if one can’t defend themselves, then one can’t survive!
Regardless, she shook herself back to the present, already far too raw in terms of emotions to be allowing any new thoughts to make it worse. Instead leading the way to the door and outwards into the hall so they might start their casual snooping.
After all, no royal guest was expected to stay confined to their rooms. That’d be unacceptable!
“I did not know elves even still had ties to the fae anymore,” she declared, now that her interest had been piqued. “I know they were once part of their realm, but there’s so many different stories about it that it’s hard to tell what is true and what is just myth and fable.”
With a low hum accepting the means of magic as being a fair reason, she was hardly about to waste effort remaining in the room any longer. Trailing prompt on the royal’s heels so they could vacate the room into the hallway. Looking left and right because now their options were quite open. And there was a temporarily lapse of maids bodies present so it meant they could likely abscond in whatever direction they wanted. In which she decided left was the first way, about to play instigator for the princess in case they did get into trouble.
“There’s so many stories that fly that it’s hard to know what is truth and not.” Rhelic agreed, “I just know the court has a tree in it that apparently is linked to some fancy pancy Fae stuff and it keeps the magic flowing. How it works, why it works and that. Not a damn clue. Just that it exists and it’s apparently quite the sight to see. Of course, it’s literally in the Queen’s court, so it’s not exactly for everyone’s eyes.” Offering her limited knowledge, “Just that its roots go deep and something something magic.” Wiggling fingers for show.
“The elves of pale skin and drow’s weren’t always an accommodating bunch.”
Rhelic had taken over choosing their direction, which was just fine for Calia. Falling into an easy step next to the woman, to give her casual perusal of what little nick knacks, artwork, and pretty pieces of decoration the Prince had decided to adorn his home with. …Or had he even personally chosen these things, now that she was pondering about it? Most of the things her castle home had been there for ages, and while her mother had brought in a lot to add a feminine touch and an air of coziness, most was still very old.
She realized, she didn’t actually know what it was like for a royal sibling that wasn’t an heir once they’d moved out of the castle proper to start their own life. There were no aunts or uncles or cousins left in her family – seemingly her father’s bloodline hadn’t exactly been prolific child bearers. Her mother too had not any extended family left. Calia supposed that’s why the woman ended up having so many children.
Now with a new sense of curiosity, Calia was eyeing the place trying to decipher what sort of life Prince Renus was living. How much of this was of his own interest and how much was just laid out for him?
“I hope I get a chance to see it, then.” she responded, seemingly still following the conversation. “I’ve always been partial to the woods and forests, so a tree rife with magic seems like a spectacular thing.”
Thus far, the place was generally just sort of minimalistic but abundant with greenery. Unsure at this point if the prince just like having the forest on the inside or if he was one plant away from having his entire home turn into a greenhouse. Whatever the reason was, it at least wasn’t suffocating.
Lacking any sort of heavy clutter and generally there were only a few painting on the walls every few feet. “You will. It’s literally part of the court so it’s under this glass dome of a entry and the queen’s throne I believe is either in the room or under the tree. Unclear of it exactly outside of speculations and idle commentary from those who natter along their way through the tavern.”
Unbeknowst to them that the thicket of greenery was in fact, leading them to a set of broad glass doors. That clearly showed it opened into a massive conservatory. Which had her looking at Calia in that way that said, explore?
Calia seemed to have this compulsive need to touch a leaf of every single plant the crossed, even more so if there was a blossoming flower that also need to have the brief soft test of petal. Though she did view and appreciate some of the artwork adoring the walls, there wasn’t that same need to connect or examine.
So of course she would be interested in some giant tree growing right in the center of the elven queen’s court. Spectacular too that it could be under a giant dome of glass to protect it from harm. How much nicer that would be than an imposing castle of stone!
Without a single ounce of hesitation, Calia grinned wide at Rhelic’s imploring look. Already taking the reigns again to grab at the handles of the double doors to allow them entrance into what was surely going to a be a lovely space. As long as nothing was alive and going to eat them in there, anyway!
“One has to love tavern travelers with a love of mead and loose lips. Truly a wealth of all kinds of knowledge and nonsense for those that like to listen in.” Calia surely was one of those, sitting generally in her dark corners, sometimes with someone handsome and amusing to keep her company. having a chance to observe others and enjoy the atmosphere without everyone staring her down.
With the doors flung open and a step through, one could feel the humidity within. Eyes dancing across the room, realizing they were on an upper floor to look down into. Where a pool was in the middle and more of the greenery made itself plenty homey within. Somewhere she swore she could here a bird or birds making their noise. But overall the very area was calm and warm and had her migrating closer to the edge to get a better look around.
“They certainly have all sorts of stories. Some believable. More not.” She hummed and looked around trying to spot the avian that might be present. “What you get as a tavern owner half the time, is fish stories. All sorts of utter nonsense that at some point you have to learn how to tell what is truth and not. Otherwise risk the sort of insanity that comes from believing everything at face value. I am pretty sure I’ve heard almost everything at this point.”
Pink eyes found the princess, “Funny isn’t it. Your story was probably the least crazy.”
At that moment Calia didn’t give two shits about the sort of wild stories a tavern owner or bartender might hear from drunk imaginative patrons. Rhelic might as well have been talking to a chicken wire fence with the way those words went one ear, out the other, in the wake of Calia’s full attention being stolen by what might’ve been the neatest, most why and how sort of room she’d ever seen.
Leaning over the railing to look down at the floor below, she was already trying to figure out whether or not it was meant as an indoor pond with fish and water plants, some sort of natural hot spring, or even just… a giant bath for swimming! She had a guess that between the plants and the glass, that helped kept the room’s atmosphere toasty warm. Would it stay that way in the winter too? How did they get all that damn water in there!
A sane person would’ve kept walking and looked for the stairway down. An elegant, refined, woman of culture would’ve done the proper thing. Calia climbed herself right over the railing, flashed Rhelic the most ridiculous, childish of cheeky grins and jumped herself down to the lower floor, skipping that all together.
“You can’t expect much from a tavern storyteller,” Calia called back up to her. “A refugee princess chased by demons is not nearly as entertaining of a story than a man’s bar fisted battle with some ancient god he accidentally pissed off in the woods. It’s almost always stories about how they survived or bested a god or fae.”
Without a pause or a second to lose, Calia was over the railing. Becoming a monkey rather than human, spurring her to the edge to look down at the woman. Shaking head slowly and not about to do the same. Being a functional person to find the stairs down instead. “When you put it like that, it makes it seem like I have nothing better to do.”
Finding said stairs to help herself down to the lower level, Rhelic hummed. The place was certainly something and, “I get the distinct feeling that Prince Renus may like plants. Just a hunch.”
“If you had better things to do, I doubt you’d have joined said princess on what could have been one perilous journey,” she shot back with that easy grin. Seeming, at least for now, to be past those turbulent moods now that there was something unique to keep her occupied. By the time Rhelic found the stair case, Calia had already made her way to the waters themselves to dip her hand in and see just what it was like.
This was a sort of lavish space Calia could get used to having. Easily imagining being able to lounge here in quiet safety but still get to have a beautiful look at the stars. Even glancing up at the glass windows and curved ceilings as if she could see them already.
“It’s his passion,” she remarked, glancing over shoulder at the wide array of greenery. “It must be difficult as a prince as well as being a commander of his holy knights to find any time to be out in the world. You’re getting a tiny peek at his very soul. As long as we don’t find any skeletons around here being used as fertilizer, it’s safe to safe he must really value and love life.”
To be fair, Calia had spend a few days getting to know the prince, but even still those conversations were in most cases surface level casual. Safe conversations that didn’t set her off into her moodiness, nor invited too much examination in her own direction. Especially when the man had been so astute to call her out to begin with. Here in his home, though, anyone had to be daft if they couldn’t see him baring his own soul with every beautiful green thing he could shove into a corner.
Willing to bet she’d find a pot and a cutting from every place he ever visited too.
Then all of that thoughtful commentary was gone in an instant, replaced by that sparkle of mischief.
“I dare you to ask him if he takes nude moonlit baths down here.”
“I don’t.” The voice slipped in as a door seemingly covered by a large frond was shutting. The said prince present in an casual attire that expressed he had taken time to equally wash and become suitable in a way that wasn’t in his work garb. Seemingly having the blue that might have been originally Calia’s preference as the stark of red popped all the more.
Whilst eyes were playfully calm, “Though I do believe that is something drows are known for doing.”
Rhelic had been caught off guard but straightened. Hands on her hips, “Only when its full and it has to be warm out. My naked ass isn’t going to be outside when its frigid. That’s how people loose eyes, your highness.” She was shooting Calia a look then as if blaming her for the sheer timing on this. “I hope you don’t mind us taking a wander through your home.”
Head shook and arms bound behind his back. “Not at all.” Stepping closer to look down into the waters with a frown, “Must be have been getting cleaned.” He stated and continued, “Fish. Usually in here. But they must been taken out so the pool could be cleaned for them.” The man tilted his head left and right then, “I shouldn’t be too surprised my conservatory was the one of the places discovered. It tends to pull people towards it with an affinity to the woods.” Eyes were then on Calia, “And I’ve come to see that a certain princess has the same deign for the woods as many elves do.”
He didn’t seem to miss a beat, “Well since you both have gathered here, I suppose I can address that the Queen has granted an audience for tomorrow morning. She is interested in meeting a foreign royal and eager to introduce you to that of the Crown Princess here as well.”
At the sound of his voice Calia shot back up to her feet so quickly she very nearly pinwheeled herself backwards into that very indoor pond. Lucky that the prince’s attention had been on making commentary to Rhelic about drow habits and not likely to see her moment of near clumsiness. It’d be a waste to have to change her clothes again!
At least he didn’t seem offended by their nonsense, Calia even giving a cheek smirk of a green back to the drow woman at receiving such a look. For she was fully aware even if the other enjoyed making a little trouble of her own, she didn’t want to get on the bad side of a prince.
Said prince had seeming refreshed himself too after their journey, sporting what Calia felt was a very enchanting sort of midnight blue that was oh so reminiscent of a spring night sky. It was a good look, she had to admit. There was something about elven styles that appealed to her, and between himself and Rhelic they both looked like a pair of jewels.
“I suppose you could say I have an affinity for natural things,” she agreed, although looking a little bit unsure about this news from the Queen. A meeting first thing in the morning was good and expected, but being introduced specifically to another of her children sounded very much like the adult version of a playdate.
And princesses were all kinds of trouble, Calia would know! She was Trouble with that capitol T!
“That’s good. The sooner I meet her, the less likely I am to make it all more frightening than it actually is. Especially since I’ve been told I am not allowed a weapon, and that it wouldn’t be wise to hide dinner knives in my skirts.”
A smile had quirked gingerly upon the man’s face while Rhelic was contemplating what sort of new mischief they could get out of him. Seeing as he could be embarrassed but apparently talking about potential nudity under a moonlight was it. So far, drinking or tavern crawling was the part that had drew uncertainty.
“That would be a way of putting it that doesn’t sound so recluse to one particular thing.” Renus turned then on the flat of his heels. Considering their appearances and nodding. “You both look lovely.” Something that she personally was surprised on how sincere it sounded. Was that royal talk or was it actually something he meant?
Just his brows lifted mostly at Calia talking about the meeting come morning and once more the means of a weapon. “I did advise her that hiding it in her cleavage might be better.”
The prince chuckled softly, “It would be awkward to find it in either place but yes, no weapons. Only the holy law weapons can enter but even then, it would have to be allowed by the queen with her knowledge. The meeting with the queen should not be threatening. It won’t be in front of an audience either. Just yourself, myself, the crown princess for education purposes,” Aka to learn how to deal with foreign royals and the etiquette that went into such things, “And the Queen. My brother and other sister will be absent for the meeting but you may meet them later. They tend to be around often enough that I would say it’s very likely.”
A sidestep was made, “We can head towards the dining room if you would like, it may be a little early but a seat might be nice. I can see Rhelic is already having the cogs in her head turning for what I can only assume at this point is mischief.”
“Mmm, guilty as charged.”
Calia knew she cut a good looking figure, so the compliment was entirely wasted on her. Simply a nod of agreement and that air of Yes, I know, with a curious tilt of her head when Rhelic seemed a little surprised by it. Likely wondering if the man was giving the usual stock compliments of if he was smart enough to realize that yes! Rhelic too looked the very picture of a romantic storybook heroine!
With Calia the tall and auspicious dark Queen.
“Hmn,” was her first response to his explanations on weapons. Unnecessary, but Calia understood. “It’s difficult for me to feel comfortable without one right now, but I do intend to play by the rules. …most of the rules.” she admitted without any hesitation. After all, Rhelic was already admitting all the plots of mischief, Calia didn’t need to repeat it.
In the meantime she was already leaving the poolside to join Renus, casting an almost regretful look at the large conservatory to be leaving at all.
“I’ve not had a chance to peep into every room, but is it necessary for you to have such a large home or was it chosen simply as a means to house as many plants as possible?” Calia asked with all genuine curiosity. “I know it’s customary for much larger courts to hold regular events for noble houses or visiting dignitaries.”
“At least play by the rules till you get a chance to meet the Crown Princess. If you hit it off, I am sure she will show you all the ways to play by the rules and get around them all at the same time.” Smirking in such a way that was more on par for a sibling that knew what he was talking about. More aware of his sister’s antics. “I am sure you will get along well.”
In turn giving Rhelic a considerable eye. Where agreement to the means of shuffling to the proper part of the home for the serving of food when ready, he aligned that of stride to the women. To be the dutiful host before glancing around the conservatory after Calia’s question to the sheer ridiculous size. “If I was in the city long enough, I’d likely host events and guests often but with being one of the commanders of the order, I rarely have a chance. So perhaps I do intend to turn the place into a living house of all sorts of plants.”
Renus grinned as he opened the door to let them through first, “Though I suspect if there ever comes a time I am to marry, this may change. But for now, it’s just a place to rest and both meet the expectations of a prince to the public eye.” He considered Calia, “The way you speak, I assume Caeldalmor did not have large private estates?”
Well, there was an expression she was familiar with, of a sibling that had all sorts of inside information about what sort of mouse or wolf you were about to be thrown at. Unsure if she could trust that she’d indeed get along with the Crowned Princess – the heir, no less apparently! – but having to trust that Renus had accessed and screened her own temperament and attitude in these past few days to have a good idea. Hoping that it was true, as she did not much like having her future success in someone else’s hands.
“I thought we had large estates for some of the nobles, but I am thinking they might just be quaint country houses now that I’ve seen all of this,” she admitted with some soft amusement. “I think in some ways, Caeldalmor never fully grew out of the old clan ways, where they used to travel through the mountain valleys following the herd animals. My castle home is built right into the mountain and took quite a long time to complete, the capitol city grew up outside it. Then there is farmlands and pastures, then beyond you’ll find dozens of villages scattered in the forests. Most of the nobles preferred to live in the castle itself, or in a townhome at the capitol. The rest had residences in villages near the mountain passes as guardians of the routes.”
“Inevitably it was likely I would be betrothed to one of them, if not some visiting prince or lord of the mountain clans should I have taken too long to choose someone myself.” she muttered with a wrinkle of her nose. “The only solace was having siblings that needed to be married off first.”
Eyes ventured around that of the nearby walls. Assessing them as though they were simply windows that could look at the whole estate with no obeying to laws of the world. Humming as one listened to Calia express that the land of Caeldalmor was not as bright and large as that of his own home. Though was then shortly curious to the means that the mountain palace had been built quite literally into said mountain. A feat that would have been quite the task to complete. But he could bet it was absolutely something to behold.
With a city developing at its feet.
“Elves live a very long time.” Renus offered the knowledge they all knew, “When time is so lengthy, you tend to find ways to make it interesting. Estates of our sizes weren’t probably very common upon our first steps into the realm outside the fae. Changed. Grown and altered to fit more of a luxurious stand point that is absolutely unnecessary but when you live for so long, you might as well have things to look at.”
Rhelic chuckled but she offered no witty reply to it. Just that it grew into a proper scoff when Calia expressed that she would have likely been married off to some unknown soul eventually if she did not pick. “Suppose that is solace, especially if they were picky and didn’t find someone they wanted to marry either. Then you could be a wandering princess all the while longer.” The drow offered and he found himself arching a brow at this.
Calia could guess that with time, Caeldalmor too would’ve grown into something grand and beautiful, cultivated by her mother’s hands and no doubt continued by her eldest brother who always seemed to favor their mother’s vision of things more than their old fashioned father. Bringing up plenty of conflicting opinions for Calia, because she’d always been closer to the King and understood the value of things being simple and straightforward… but when you were surrounded by so much beauty and comfort, it felt as if it was soothing the soul.
Of course now things were set back to the beginning again. Maybe better off than the start, when there was no castle at all and the clans had to huddle in the mountain caves to survive. The castle itself hadn’t been fully destroyed… there was just a lack of people now to do the rebuilding. Even if she did rebuild a royal cabinet, were people going to be brave enough to return!
Leave it to Rhelic to draw her ought of those thoughts and set her to laughing.
“My eldest brother married his childhood sweetheart, so was no help at all. But in the spirit of hope, I pray that Haaron and Araminta are alive and well out beyond the mountains, absolutely not falling in love and instead building armies to return so that I might go climb a tree and skreek at the sky free as a bird. I’d help them of course, but they could have the crown and all it entails.”
The doors they were led too opened into a dining room. With a long table but set up that they would not have to holler over to another. Rather a cozy affair with the three spots at the head, left and right. As Rhelic gave a cackle at the very idea of Calia standing on top of a tree screaming her lungs out like some deranged bird. “I shouldn’t be able to picture that so vividly and yet,” She continued snickering at the very mental description as he in turn motioned for them to sit too said left and right.
“What an army it could be if they gathered one.” Renus mused openly and wondered himself what sort would be brought to fruition. Depending where the siblings had gone. Musing privately the sort of feat that would come from the Caeldalmor children. Bringing elf and whatever matter of man to stand against the demonic hoard.
It made him wonder what sort of demonic quelling feats other places could have. And left that to simmer in his head. “A crown is certainly a heavy burden though if your siblings return, whom is to say it must be a singular crown?” He looked to Calia, “There is fundamental functionality in a council over a singular monarch. Siblings ruling together with different and cultivate view points. You stated the clans were separate, you could always employ the old ways with modern takes.”
Rhelic would be all too easy to envision such a thing, and Calia did cast her a knowing cheeky grin. That needed no commentary, though, so once they’d entered the dining room, she first took a short stroll around the long table to simply take in the place before finally having a seat in the chair Renus gestured for her.
The Prince seemed to be on an interesting train of thought, and while he wasn’t someone energetically animated, he did always seem to get this one look on his face whenever he was deeply thinking. Calia didn’t have to wonder what those thoughts were, either, as he was soon to speak up with a curious question and a sort of suggestion that actually made Calia paused.
“To share the crown? Do you think so?” she stated more than asked, finding it intriguing enough to mull about, but unsure how that would go well. “It’s… interesting. Although there is the old phrase ‘too many cooks in the kitchen’. Not to mention how often the old clans would fight each other, because someone always wanted to be the bigger voice…”
Still, that was something to mull over when she wasn’t looking for any and every excuse to run away and not take on the responsibility herself. Calia’s history of terrible, bad, consequential choices tending to find the worst route possible for everyone.
Not to mention she didn’t actually believe her family was alive, either. Calia was having a hard enough time dealing with attempting to make friends, let alone trusted council and leaders.
She was going to go cross-eyed trying to think about all of this!
Hands folded themselves upon the table top, nodding in turn. “I would think the phrase works if you didn’t know whom you were dealing with. Siblings on the other hand, you typically have a good idea of who they are. Having grown up with them. In turn knowing when and who could be the best for a situation or not. It has its pros certainly. Merely thoughts though without any tangible ground of course.” He wasn’t about to just say it was the greatest idea in all of man kind, because he wasn’t sure of what dynamic the kingdom would have.
Especially after the retrieve of it from demonic claws. So it was anyone’s guess at this point.
But it was also not something that needed to be dinner conversation either. Spurring him, “I am not too familiar with the human diet so if there is something that isn’t to your liking, Princess, please do not feel inclined to eat it.”
Calia had the distinct feeling that the prince once again had picked up things far too perceptively, else maybe she really had gone cross-eyed for a moment trying to think too hard about future could-bes and should-bes. For the best, as she wasn’t all that great with the planning ahead and bigger picture of all the ten thousand things she needed to accomplish. Every new thing felt like another mountain she’d have to climb over. Any normal human person would start to feel like things were impossible at this rate.
She supposed it was good that she wasn’t the average, normal human person.
Glad for this change of subject, she rest her elbow on the table an chin in her hands. Giving a mysterious sort of smile, that could mean anything and everything, really. In this case she was settling in, like a rascally cat that was content for the moment but might switch moods to slap something off the table at the drop of a hat.
“What do you think humans eat, Prince Renus, suddenly I find myself curious. Surely you’re familiar with our most treasured of dishes, the classic pig hooves brined in pine needle, with creamy smashed slug potatoes.”
“I hope to all gods imaginable that you don’t eat creamy smashed slug potatoes,” The man looked horrified. Apparently the pig hooves was fine but the slug potatoes, nope. Renus actually shivered spurring Rhelic into a open laugh. Liable to start snorting like said pig because the whole horror of it was just so sudden and mesmerizing.
Leaving the man to push a finger dead upon his brow. “I know you eat meats and fruits and vegetables. I suppose I should have phrased it as, if there is something you don’t like in the meal do not feel inclined to eat it. As some people have a dislike to chives and others love it. Is what I meant, but clearly did not articulate that well.” Hands released to fold down as there was telling sounds in a room nearby –the flapping door at the end of the room was surely the kitchen entrance- indicating they were to be served soon. “Slug potatoes, is that truly such a thing, Princess Calia? Because if it is, I dare say you may be blown away by actual potatoes scalloped and marinated in a buttery cheese sauce.” Lips formed into a quirk of a grin then.
“I’m guessing she’s eaten some questionable things at this rate to pull that so quickly.”
Calia had intended to hold onto her deadpan delivery and expression, willing to convince the man that humans did indeed smash up slugs into their mashed potatoes. His initial shock was exactly what she’d expected, and she was amused that he’d began stumbling over his own words, so worried that he’d made some sort of cultural faux pas and insulted a visiting royal.
In fact it was that struggle that had her blooming into a wide smile instead, ending his suffering quickly instead of drawing it out to a long teasing torture. Having recently had too much of that experience herself in being afraid she’d screwed something up, and not willing to have the man twisting in the wind, even if it was both funny and sort of adorable.
“I can happily say I’ve never eaten pig hooves with slug potatoes and pray that I never will,” she muttered with a wrinkle of her nose. “Nor have I ever had to eat anything questionable. You do my imagination a disservice, Rhelic! You already know I am a perfectly talented hunter.”
Finally letting out a laugh herself as she shook her head.
“In any case, I am looking forward to more of this lavish treatment that you’ve insisted on. If the meal is as lovely as this house, it’s going to be difficult to leave here at all.”
“You may be a perfectly talented hunter, but how would I know that doesn’t include pulling slugs off trees and hunting down rogue boars in the woods to take their hooves and leave the rest. I’ve seen your skills in the way of being properly formed for mortal appearance.” Leaning elbows on the table so she might cup cheeks into palms, the drow grinned devilishly. “Honestly, could we truly rule out the possibility of the expansive skills you have in such a hunting manner?”
Renus was thinking about this rather deeply but seemed like he was not about to push at it too much. Accepting the means of the follow up, “I think you might have just become a bit accustomed to the woods. Though I would say that my home is open if you need it, I doubt come the morrow that you will be inclined to stay put. If the Queen gives the allowance for things to be in the agreement of aid.”
“Slugs don’t live on trees,” was the only reply Calia gave to that. Smugly too, if the wake of her current grin was any indication. As if that one single thing was such a perfect gotcha moment, despite the fact this conversation was pure silly nonsense at it’s finest.
Her attention then diverted to the very thoughtfully seeming prince, prompting all sorts of wonderment in her on exactly what the man might be thinking. While they were both the youngest siblings in their family tree, he definitely had a much different world experience than Calia ever did. In many ways being more worldly, exploratory, bold and experienced… in others, though, he did appear to have a bit of that Royal Inexperience to him. Where things that are so normal and everyday for the common folk were a mystery to him.
“Hmn, I suppose it’s true I’ll be leaving as soon as I have a clear answer of yes or no,” she agreed easily with a thoughtful nod. “Maybe not exactly that very evening, though, unless I am getting chased right out of town. I’d have to stay in the city a few days regardless in order to prepare for long term travel.”
“You’d know.” Rhelic met that smug grin with one of her own. It wasn’t like she went out into nature and identified everything and how it lived. So for the wildling princess to know such information only was cement that she had clearly been someone who ate slugs as a pass time. Or at least picked them up to annoy others with the nasty slimy selves.
For now and the view of bodies properly marching out of the flapping door to bring plates and glasses and utensils towards them, said prince righted in his seat. As if he weren’t already bone straight. Slightly leaning back as to allow the motion of hands setting all items down in a flurry of quick motion, “My home is still open to you for your time here, Princess. I actually think you might find it more comfortable than staying in the palace should the offer arise.”
Rhelic was watching the bodies move about with quiet awe, distracted like a child who had never seen or witnessed something of such a large organized scale. With the first plate being a bunch of shredded greenery with some coloured vegetable and a saucy drizzle that would make the ruffage go down easier. “Depends what you say to someone, you might need to have your running shoes on for getting chased out of town. Should I have Lon and Setu waiting at the front gate for your get away, Calia?” asking with a little grin.
Sometimes Rhelic’s thoughts were plastered all over her face and if Calia had any guess, the woman was already imagining the mountain princess scooping up all manner of bugs and shoving them in her mouth just for fun. Absolutely disgusting and wholly unnecessary on that front, but very much true in that Calia had never been afraid to get her hands all over any creature she came across just for the sake of seeing what it was or if it was a friend.
Even bugs were easier to make friends with that people.
Like he prince, she too straightened to get herself out of the way of the kitchen servants, giving that quiet soft thank you under her breath when she was presented with what looked like a first course of greens and a drink. Waiting until there were no longer bodies bustling around before she’d returned a quick grin to the prince’s offer.
“Staying here would indeed save me a lot of trouble from having to secure an Inn somewhere,” she admitted. Especially since it’d cost her money and for now, she needed to be frugal with where and how she spent what little coin she had left. So far she’d gotten by on the kindness of others and pure dumb luck – that wasn’t going to carry her forever.
“Poor Lon, he doesn’t deserve the sheer amount of fleeing chaos I am sure to get into. He should enjoy his retirement… Setu might enjoy a good run, though! And the chance to flip bodies to and fro with those antlers.”
“Then we’ll ensure the invite remains as it is till you are ready to depart fully.” Offering a polite thank you to the serving staff for their due care and consideration, one could see the quick consideration of cutlery from the drow.
Ultimately turning to watch what the two royals picked up first before replicating the action. And giving the woman across the table a thoughtful eye. Shortly shaking head for it, “I don’t think I want to have that happen either. So I guess there will be no speedy escape for any of us. You’ll just have to come up with a backup plan if necessary.”
Renus chuckled at the whole thing. It wasn’t difficult to tell or see that the two women had already developed a bond. More akin to friends than mere traveling companions. Something that one could hope would carry over even after all has been said and done. Spearing fork tongs into the leafy greens, he was keeping a thoughtful mind and an alert ear to the means of topic at all. Which unfortunately did spiral into, “If you are able to procure assistance from the Queen, what is the next step?”
Dinner was an excellent way to spend time with visiting nobles, as it gave ample opportunity for one such as Calia to stuff a fork full of leafy greens into her mouth to offer herself the excuse of needing to thoroughly chew before opening her mouth and saying the first stupid thing to pop into her head like: I’m planning a murder. Of course the truth was a lot more complicated than that, with many steps and processes and plans she hadn’t even come close to figuring out. It was simply the end goal. A good old fashioned murder.
Giving Rhelic the sort of look that spoke volumes about her own thoughts, as the drow no doubt knew exactly what Calia would’ve said.
“If it is the best case – my people are confirmed to be safe here, to commission myself a holy weapon – I would then find a more permanent traveling companion just for… safety reasons I suppose,” she answered once she was done chewing and swallowing. As much as Calia loathed the idea of dragging in another traveling partner, having to build yet another new relationship and all the worries and hazards it could bring… she did also have to admit that it’d been easier when she wasn’t alone. For a whole host of reasons she also loathed to admit.
“Then the most proactive thing to do would be trying to have a repeat success with the mountain clans. Being isolated left the kingdom vulnerable, the clans are going to have just as much trouble with demons if there’s bigger ambitions at play. I might as well make those ambitions difficult.”
The reality was that she’d run into those clans on her way following the beat of her heart. Calia might as well make use of it in whatever ways she could. If makin an alliance of clans and kingdoms was the stairway to beating the shit out of Derrick, then that was what she would do.
Mindfully the drow didn’t give the look any verbal subtitles. Or lean over to explain to the prince what it could and would and had a high probability of meaning. Instead, making use of the stabbing utensil to have at it with the salad. Keeping her mouth shut and her looks jaunty.
“A holy weapon.” Renus seemed to pause at that. His attention being no less thoughtful that if he were to ask about the whole mountain clan aspect. But focus shifted and looked at Calia in the way that he was sizing her up for battle.
Lacking any leering or potential shady commentary. “We did get new resources for the weapons to be crafted, it could be very possible. Depending on what sort of weapon you were looking for. They would take time to forge however and I am not sure how swift you would want to depart for your next task after approval from the queen.”
Calia caught the feeling that asking for a holy weapon was a tall order, straightening a little in her seat when the prince seemed to give her an examining once over, but glad that he didn’t out right refuse her such an item. He’d mentioned them before and the fact she couldn’t just take one, but it still surprised her even now that it wasn’t a Hard No, but rather just something that might take time to construct.
“Is it presumptuous for me to ask?” she questioned in earnest, pausing there to rephrase. “In that… is that okay to ask for? Other than being aware they exist, I don’t really know what all is involved in making them and the trouble it’s going to be.”
Honestly, Calia wasn’t even sure if her demon touched ass was even going to be able to touch one without bursting right up into flames. She’d just have to hope that her uneventful experiences being in close to the prince and his holy knights meant that not even an odd feeling or two from such weapons was giving her any trouble.
“It would be worth staying longer to have a weapon crafted…” she did admit, between poking at greens. “I’m most skilled with a short sword, but I imagine if there is to be a demon invasion here I wouldn’t want to take much of resources from your holy knights. A dagger would be do, or even something smaller. I could be creative.”
“Anything is presumptuous to ask depending the context.” Renus offered not trying to get all philosophical. “I think with the motives that are hot on your heels and the reason for the asking, it makes sense. The holy weapons aren’t easy to make. The reagents for them are diverse and there’s more to them than just heating up some metal to pound it out. Multiple cogs at work. Add on that a few of the resources to make them aren’t always in season, it can take some time.”
The prince set his fork down so he could properly mull this all over. “Regardless, I don’t think its unfeasible or unreasonable to ask. If its allowed then it would help. If it is not, then it is not.” A simple answer to that.
Which had him humming, “Should it be allowed, you should have something that is to play to your strengths. Not to be creative in the moment. As I am sure you know, demon’s aren’t exactly caring to how you react or don’t. Just that you do. So having something familiar and you are trained with is the best option. We can certainly come to terms with it and if necessary, you could take one of our fully formed ones and a new one can be forged in the meantime as a replacement.”
The Prince’s style of teasing seemed to be in his own way of deadpan delivery of obvious facts. Of course anything could be presumptuous. The fact he took it so seriously though, and was welcoming enough both to explain at least in vague terms what was involved in the weapons creation, as well as the potential offer she could simply borrow one if the need was high enough had her entirely amused.
“To borrow one means I would have to stay alive along enough to bring it back,” she answered with some mirth in her voice. A sort of tone that suggested she wasn’t so sure she’d survive that didn’t exactly match the expression on her face that said I’d like to see them try and kill me.
“At least I can say catching them by surprise has worked for me so far… not to say that I haven’t thoroughly gotten my behind kicked during on particular scuffle, but that was less the means of proper weapons and more of just being exhausted and outnumbered.”
She still cringed every time she heard a crow caw!
“Well, guess you would just have to do that.” Renus smiled in reply. Taking glass in hand to drink the provided beverage with a approving hum. “I’d consider that reason enough to be wise with your health and smart with how you fight.” Looking over the offered expression before chuckling a bit at the whole catching the demon’s off guard.
“It is a nice reward when that happens but not all demons are simple. I’ve never personally run into a demon that had intelligence, but I know they exist.” Rhelic was paying attention now having finished her salad, merely waiting for the next course. “I would say I would give you the reagent list on how to craft a holy weapon, but alas I don’t even know that. They are crafted under the approval of the queen and some of the items gathered have to be handled by priests and mages. So a bit outside my wheelhouse. My offer would have to remain as a fully forged weapon, depending on approval.”
“I think he likes me,” Calia announced, giving Rhelic a sly little wink even when she picked up her own glass to hide a wicked sort of grin when she took a sip. “I have managed to make one entire whole friend!”
Despite the scope of the topic, thank all of the gods she did actually feel well and comfortable here. Enough to tease and not feel like she was sitting on pins and needles needing to mind herself, her words, and every single action she made. Moreso too she was grateful that talking about those demons wasn’t dragging out that fueling rage and bitter grief. It was there, deep within her little mental coffin, stashed down in the hole of her missing heart. A part of her was having to admit that it was because of the company. The plain and simple thing of not being all by herself, sitting somewhere in the dark woods hating everyone and everything.
This felt like a weakness needing people. But her inner voice wasn’t wasn’t crooning hateful things and she was glad it remained quiet.
“I’m finding myself very interested in how holy magic and relics work these days,” she did admit. Deciding that was the better course of conversation than revealing that she herself had met a demon of sentient intelligence, although Calia hated to call Arc smart, when he was such a pain in the ass. Revealing she made a albeit temporary deal with the very man who had potentially once unleashed demons into this very land was a good way to get herself killed.
“If you use magic, does one need a patron god to make their magic holy?”
Once more the servants had slowly begun to amass. To clean away used plates and to file in an orderly fashion to bring out the secondary dish that was the meat portion of it all. A roasted bird of some sort with a grain of some sort. It wasn’t rice but it was similar to it. With the bird being trinkled with sesame seek in a light sauté sauce. They were melded together into a full course and Rhelic was chuckling at Calia’s claim to having made a whole one friend.
This was bemused by Renus, the man not saying no to the claim either. Rather he was just watching patiently as the servants went about and were thanked shortly once more. Motioning that they were welcomed to start eating as he pondered on the depth of Calia’s question.
“Not particularly that I know of. It’s more of an inherited talent. Believed to have been a blessing by the Sun father.” A light god of the elves if the way Rhelic looked almost disinterested had anything to say about it. “Nature is tending to be more of a deity and I know paladins are believers of light and a pious being. Alas in elven culture, it isn’t the same. There’s other gods but they aren’t as steadily believed in terrible much any more.”
“What Renus is saying is, Gaia is the be all, end all. She’s everything and only older elves still believe in the smaller gods. Gaia is one and all. Life, death. Nature, wind, earth and fire.”
Everything smelled positively divine and it was that moment Calia realized just how spoiled one could be when it came to beautifully prepared food. While she enjoyed hunting and preparing herself simple meals, there was an art to cooking like this with all of the layered flavors and textures that she sure as hell didn’t have the patience for. These sort of meals you couldn’t get in random taverns either, you could only find them in the homes of nobles that were able to pluck up talented food obsessed chefs and let them go wild in the kitchens.
Easily savoring a few bites while listening astute to the prince’s explanation of just how holy power was meant to work. And as it turned out, perhaps not as easy and simple to define as Calia would’ve hoped. An inherited talent meant someone had to have it within them… and Calia wasn’t so sure even with her own magic she could draw on anything holy. Holy magic was essentially pure goodness as far as she was concerned. On the other hand, she bet she could tap into something unholy real quick. A potent darkness was far too easy.
“I suppose that’s the nature of gods and kings, to rise and fall at the whims of the people who choose to believe in them,” she remarked with a light shrug of her shoulder. “Can’t say I ever believed much in gods myself, but then I also didn’t really believe in demons either. The world is bigger than I ever imagined.”
“That is one way of looking at it.” Renus agreed knowing that things rose and fell in the motion of the mortal kind. It all depended on what they believed in at the time and how quick or zealous someone could spread the word of their following. Often being met with all sorts of souls that ranged from quite the crew.
Personally he wasn’t that religious himself outside of Gaia. Raised on it and the teachings of the old fae from where their bloodline had come. Alas the only part that he knew was really true in Calia’s comment was demon’s. For they’d seen them plenty and were still managing the damn leaking portal that had once been opened in their realm. Still spewing out the vile beasts that needed to be slaughtered less they attempt to corrupt their lands further.
A bitter thought truly. One that only aided him in trying to think of a better topic as not to dwell upon it. Finding that surprisingly he was lacking in that department.
Ever so often Prince Renus would get this look on his face that reminded her the tiniest bit of her eldest brother, with those deep thoughts and quiet contemplation. He took things into his mind and mulled over it as if her were turning the pages of a particularly interesting book. With his home being as it were, a place of serene plants and rare guests, it was painting the prince as a solitary introvert. Almost filling Calia with a regret that she wasn’t more worldly and full of all sorts of philosophical knowledge, as she had a feeling he’d greatly enjoy those sorts of conversations.
Instead she was a magic slinging menace. Something she didn’t quite feel safe enough to mention.
Calia knew how to guide a conversation, though, when she actually wanted to and was interested. Swiftly tying a smooth segue from the earth mother Gaia into asking about the variety of plant life in his home. How much of it was grown as a food source, what plants were merely for their beauty. She’d asked him which were places from where he traveled and which were his favorites. Looping in Rhelic easily enough to find out what manner of plant or fruits went into making a purple cake.
It seemed when she wasn’t so worked up and terrified of being a fuckup, she was perfectly fine chattering away!