Smoothing lapels down as eyes flickered to that of the drow woman, her hands busying themselves with adjusting the bridle that had been placed upon the black horses features. Nervously glancing around considering the fact that Rhelic had expressed this morning that they and Calia had gone out to mingle amongst the masses. Save that Calia literally had gone to mingle, causing him a bit of alarm. While he wasn’t too worried about her, he did worry about what sort of person she might have selected.
From the sounds of it, it had been a white haired mage. With that of a variety of tattoos that were described as near fissues upon the skin. Giving him time to figure out that Calia had found one of the Bladerift Mages that only appeared in the city once every season. Though he was a bit more surprised when Rhelic expressed the man in more detail, leaving him a bit more than surprised at the fact that if he was thinking correctly, Calia may had found herself with the Master of Spell Research, Starling Everflame. A young elf that had quite the reputation for being rather strict and cool about the means of creation of magical items and processes.
Just he couldn’t say if that was in fact the man but he was also to be meeting with that of Queen Ashara this day. “You look like a fretting mother waiting for her lost chick to return, your highness.” Rhelic looked to him, having finalized the effort of her work. Smoothing hands along Lon’s face while Setu merely grazed nearby. “She’ll be back, Calia knows she has to go through some right channels.”
“I do not know if that’s what I am worried about or not.”
One might call it a walk of shame, but one would have to have shame and feel an ounce of embarrassment or remorse for it to be so! Experienced enough with those single wild nights, that there was no trouble in giving the elven man a friendly good luck and goodbye without there being an awkwardness to it. He’d surely lived up to all of his promises, and though she still remembered her name and could walk down the street just fine, there were no regrets at all about an evening well entertained.
Only one thing had been troubling, of no fault to her company. Simply that she had this lingering sense of… missing something. Oh it had all been wildly fun and she’d fallen asleep exhausted and content. Just usually come morning she was flouncing off with an added pep in her step and wanting for nothing. And now? Now Calia could only guess that with her missing heart, some piece of joy had been stolen out of her life too. Maybe Derrick had cursed her even further so now she’d never truly be content with another man again!
Calia did start to have a fleeting sense of second guessing her night when she arrived back at the Prince’s extravagant home not to found the household still happily sleeping away, but Rhelic outside preparing her beasts along with the Commander Prince who surely had more important things to be doing and preparing for. Prompting her to quickly comb through her coal dark hair to make sure she didn’t look like some well-loved harlot that had just tumbled out of bed.
“It cannot possibly be that late in the morning,” she declared upon approaching. Glancing up at the sky in wondering if she’d misjudged the time at all. At least she did give the prince an apologetic smile… mostly apologetic. To then turn her full attention to Rhelic, where all pretenses of being a troublemaking minx were replaced with a sincere sort of wistful sadness.
“Are you going so soon?” she questioned, already knowing the answer anyway.
“Well there she blows.” Rhelic declared loudly. Spreading arms wide as though she had been a sailor on the jaunty seas for decades. Declaring Calia to be the rare beast in the waters that had been sought after for eons. Only to make a fleeting appearance. Although the way Renus turned and looked both relieved and worried all the more, spurred a splutter of a laugh. “It’s not late. Still early. Were you hoping to sneak in like I didn’t tell the Prince about all the going’s on of last night. I mean I had too when he came knocking on our doors and only I came out.”
Renus shook his head. Pressing fingers to his brow, “I was just worried. Simply worried is all. What sort of host would I be if my guests were running out in the middle of the night and I had no idea what happened at all.” Rhelic knew he was lying. Granted the way his face had shifted when she had detailed the sort of elven man that had whisked Calia away, it had certainly been less of a oh moment. And seemingly more of a oh shit! Making her curious but not enough to go asking for specific details.
“Hmm? Oh yeah. I said I would head out come the morning and I don’t know what sort of state the damn tavern is going to be in when I get back. Better to get back and surprise them rather than make them all believe they have time to spare.” Giggling at the whole idea, “Plus, I didn’t have anything to keep me tied to the city. Not like some white hair little lover boy’s.” Respectfully Rhelic didn’t say too much about it, “You’ll have to regale me about it later. When there aren’t precious royal ears present.”
“I appreciate your consideration, Rhelic.” The man lightly laughed but offered a look to Calia. “Though I may be a bit curious myself only cause well, from what I’ve heard of the said fellow… he sound’s curious.” He lied. Poorly. Spurring a slight tilt of her head and a wave from Renus. “We’ll have to go to the castle soon, Princess Calia. You’ll have enough time to wash quickly and be adorned in new attire of course but there will be an expectation that we be there sooner than later.”
Hands moved to her hips, “Busy like a bee. This is exactly why I am getting out of this place. Before someone tries to put me to work!”
“Okay, alright,” Calia muttered to Rhelic’s practically piratical means of greeting. Listening curiously as she explained that the good prince had coming a knocking to check in on them both and explanations on her behalf needed to be made. Unsure if it was a good thing or not to have such a secret spilled that Calia was no gentle virgin princess, but more of a late night vixen out and about taste-testing the local male population.
Now it was embarrassing. Hoping that means of flush wasn’t rising to the features as she watched Renus have an awkward fuss. Not needing to be astute to understand they must’ve been having quite the indepth conversation about her shenanigans, which… fuck. This was certainly a new thing to have to learn how to navigate.
“No one perished, so that is about as much as either of you need to know,” she mentioned carefully, leaving it simply as that. Calia might’ve given Rhelic the entire rundown of her evening, but there was no way she’d do so for the Prince! He already knew far too much about her!
Leaving Calia to focus on the fact that Rhelic was indeed leaving her. A bittersweet moment to be sure, cause the drow woman was the first friend Calia had made in her entire life… that wasn’t a man she had a crush on, anyway. Still, at least it was a simple goodbye and not a goodbye forever. Prompting her to close the distance and give Rhelic an unexpected, very tight hug.
“Lucky for you, I’ll have to swing back that way again at some point,” she assured her as an unspoken promise. “I’m going to miss your snoring and biting wit.”
Once she pulled back, not quite smiling but not broken up into tears either, she did give the prince an understanding nod. Not about to make a poor impression on his Queen Mother when so much was at stake.
The man’s face turned a bit at the perished comment. Spurring her to giggles, “She was on her best behaviour, though you keep talking like that and the prince is guna start wondering if you need a crew of guards following you around to make sure you behave yourself, Calia.” If his expression was anything to go by, he was certainly looking troubled at the prospect. Likely worrying about what sort of encounter Calia had in which she described it in such a way.
Only that they were stopped for a moment so she could squeeze the mountain goblin back. Wobbling a bit to and fro for added fun. Turning into a bright laugh, “I bet its the snoring you’ll miss the most.” Retracting to pinch the princess’s cheek. “You’ve got enough biting wit for the both of us, so that will hardly be missed. But you better come back through and not just offer me lip service. You’ve grown on my like a fungus after all. Lucky you’re a cute and dorky fungus.”
The prince softened then, “You’ll be in good hands here. And Rhelic is welcome to come back at her leisure.”
“An open invitation,” The drow squeezed the cheek once more before releasing, “That may be the nicest and worst thing anyone has ever done. You may regret that, your highness.” Getting him to laugh as well, “Well, before we start getting into a long goodbye that takes three hours to make it five paces, you best get washed up. Nothing like smelling like sex to introduce yourself to a Queen. Don’t think you want that sort of label on your head.”
Despite having her cheeks pinched like she was some toddling child invoking a whole lot of familial feelings of pure ridiculousness, Calia didn’t pull away or make any swattings. Taking these affections with grace if only because she truly was going to miss the menacing woman and honestly wasn’t sure how she was going to survive without her oddly helpful wisdoms, and her not so helpful nonsense.
Helpful, crass, menacing nonsense!
“For fuck’s sake, just go!” she blurted out, a pantomime of seriousness, because the shadow of a smirk was right there at the corner of her mouth. Waving her hands to shoo the troublemaker off before she ended up scandalizing the poor prince any further with things that weren’t even remotely appropriate. “Go on now! Away with you!”
Calia waited there too, unnecessarily to watch the woman leave. A strange sort of wish wanting to demand she stay, but knowing this was for the best. They had separate journeys right now, and it wouldn’t do for Calia to get so attached that she couldn’t keep her focus.
Curiously the Prince hadn’t yet disappeared either, leaving her to give him another apologetic look once Rhelic was good and gone.
“I promise I did not leave behind broken hearts or broken noses. I’ll be dressed and ready in a few short moments?”
She’d bounce around on her feet a moment before relenting to agree to the means of getting herself moving. The drow grinning at the whole means of being told to go away and off with herself. Looking pleased by the whole interaction even if he could tell the two of them saying farewell was of no easy feat. Likely a kinship that had formed well and would stand true even if the pair were not meant to travel any further together currently. Something that was highly the reason for Rhelic’s need to leave. Less it grow harder to do so with every passing second.
Leaving them to stand there a moment. Watching as the horse and elk with the drow upon its back, started disappearing from sight.
Only for him to find himself giving Calia a considering look. “I trust you in that Princess Calia. I am just hoping that for what Rhelic said about the companion you may have taken, that it’s not someone that I am stressing over.” He gave the young woman a gentle grin, “I mean mages aren’t terribly common but they aren’t so rare either here that I could guess the person with practiced ease.” Attempting to hush his own thoughts on the matter, “But yes, if we can leave sooner than later. The better. I know the Queen has a busy day ahead of her so I think it would be beneficial for us to have as much time as possible with her.”
That begged a lot of questions, the raise of her brow almost giving way to her actually asking it. Did Rhelic give him an entire detailed step by step description of their evening? No wonder the Prince was so antsy! The man was as most royals were, oh so particular about these sorts of salacious things.
Still, curious that he was worried it’d be someone he was familiar with. Not so out of the realm of possibility.
“Take solace, Commander, I almost enchanted and absconded with one of your palace guards. Regardless so, at least I left a good impression.”
A good, wonderful, hopefully long lasting impression as any memorable shooting star should. Giving him a grin that was not so apologetic now, but respectful of his time, for she was scooting off quickly to see about getting herself dressed for a meeting that wasn’t going to be nearly as light hearted.
As promised, she washed herself up quick, braiding her hair up into it’s usual circlet and having to make quick choices with the garments provided for her. It seemed the Prince’s man servant took this job seriously of attempting to find articles that matched her requests. Still not exactly practical, but she was honestly glad they hadn’t laid out some extravagant ballgown for her to wear to the queen’s court and even better that it wasn’t a man’s clothing! Suspecting the lighter softer, colors were meant to make her more approachable and less offensive to the senses.
Not that she dared look into a mirror to double check. As soon as she had her boots on and had forced herself to leave behind all means of a proper weapon, she was out the guest suit to go meet Renus and get this new nightmare under way.
He might have expressed that there would have been less stress on his mind had she actually absconded with a palace guard! At least he would know there was little to be said on their part outside of feeling like they craved a deep notch into their bed post. But if her dalliance had in fact been Starling Everflame, then he wasn’t sure what was going to happen next. Considering the man had been called to give his seasonal report and to take a look at some new reliquary projects of magic devices that had been approved from research processes.
Something about that all made him uneasy and it was likely because Calia and Rhelic in the night had probably went to unwind. Not to find themselves amongst the notorious!
Once she had cleaned up and was presentable in a state that looked certainly better than the sort that went mingling through the nearest bar on the prowl for easy prey; he smiled. Giving a polite nod and a motion for her to come with him to walk. No carriage. No stallion. They would walk amongst the people because well, he preferred it. And it would give them a little time to debate the approach of topics. They would be the second people his mother would see this morning.
Raking back the ginger locks, letting air pass through that of lips with a steadying release. “The palace is not too far. You’ll likely see the red domes before anything else. And well, it would do well for us both to be seen by the populace instead of them getting bare glimpses at the palace. Only to waggle tongues and spin unflattering gossip.” Folding hands behind that of his back as they begun the walk. Himself leading naturally. “And to give us a chance to speak without well… the potential of being caught unaware of any particular things.”
Walking amongst the people was fine enough for Calia, as even though she tended to be awkward with people on occasion, it was a plenty normal thing for her family to be so casual. Granted her mother and sister would have a guard or two trailing behind them, and they had surely tried to send one off with Calia until she’d proven at a very young age she was lot more wily than any assigned guard. So she fell into an easy step with the prince, clasping her hands behind her back as a cheeky mimic as they walked. Pleasantly getting to observe the look of this capitol city now in the full light of day.
Calia was catching on quick that the prince seemed to be a little more concerned today about all of the little details, which in turn wrecked havoc on her own insecurities and fears while at the same time having this stupid urge to somehow reassure him it was all going to be fine. Fine for whom, really? Not for her, that was for damn sure! With a worst case scenario she was going to get called out for being some demon’s wandering meatsuit and put to death on the spot!
“I am used to unflattering commentary at my expense,” she revealed, shooting him a glance and a frown. “I’ll do my best not to make a fool of you, however. It’s really not my intention to make trouble. Not for your family or kingdom, at any rate. I do intend to be an absolute terror for the one that unleashed demons into my homeland, though.”
Renus chuckled at her attempt to suggest that she would do her best not to be a dunderhead. “I know it is not your intention to make trouble. I’d rather avoid anyone deciding to speak ill of you because they don’t know the severity of the risks you took to come this far. One unkind word can spread like wildfire and damage the means of aid in a snap of fingers. This day is meant to help you, Princess.” The man seen how she was mimicking him them.
Getting a more forward look that seemed to be amused at the show, “You are in a foreign land. It reflects poorly on the royal family here if one my guests is subjected to unflattering commentary. Those who do so may find they do not have a need for their tongue.” It wasn’t exactly an idle threat either. It would do none of them any favour if someone decided Calia needed to be spoken about in any manner that was less than respectable.
She was quite the ways from home. In a predicament that was terrible for one and all! “And the goal is to be sure that you have welcomed aid helping you become that terror to those who had committed such an unspeakable act upon your lands.” Fingers rose and he finally let out a sigh while kneading his brow. “I suppose I should be blunt. I am less worried about yourself and what needs to be said. Of course it will be unpleasant but I worry about the meeting before us.”
He supposed he couldn’t dance around the topic. “I know this may be a bit forward and I will explain of course. But… who were you with last night, Princess?”
Calia felt that protection of her reputation to be a complete waste of time and the quick glance she gave him likely conveyed the same without her needing to say a word. If she were to blurt out her honest thoughts, she was so damn done with reputations. So tired of trying to be the image of some perfect princess, this good and proper human being. Not that she wanted to run across the countryside burning down villages and torturing people, but damn if the weight of everyone’s expectations wasn’t stifling. It was before and now it was even worse, because she’d been stupid enough to take up this mantle of trying to do something.
Now that he was reminded her that any ill things said about her was apt to reflect poorly on the royal family for hosting her, she gave a bit of a grimace. Letting that fact of reality to sink in and to feel properly bad about being so cavalier the night before. She truly did not want to make fools of them, or at least in this moment not of Renus who had taken the chance to hear her out and bring her here in the first place.
If he was this worried about the company she’d spent the night with, then it meant he felt a need to get ahead of any potential problems.
Calia sighed.
“A mage that called himself both Starling and Tarn. He was pleasant and entertaining, as well as respectably accommodating.”
That was her gentle way of saying he did every filthy thing she asked him to and more, but that was not for easily scandalized princely ears to hear!
Any hope that Rhelic had just been pulling his leg –which she seemed fond of- were dashed in mere seconds. For when she sighed. Then the name and nickname was pronounced, he missed a step. Stumbling a few steps forward to quickly right himself.
“I… How… I-I…” needing a strong moment to restart his very mind. Looking skyward as though the very atmosphere were about to starting laughing out loud. Claiming it was some large joke. Yet it was truly not the case.
Closing eyes. Massaging brow a long moment while indicating they could keep walking even if he nearly ate the ground. “Of course Rhelic would not have known. And I had hoped she was just being devious when she explained the man that had been your choice the night prior but to hear you say the name.” Renus shook his head, mostly at himself. “Starling or Tarn for a shortened name is Starling Everflame. A mage at the Bladerift Tower deep to the east of Edleguard. He is the Master of Spell Research at this facility that develops processes and new spells and reliquary items for spellcasting use. He was summoned by Queen Ashara to speak on the new topics that were to expand I believe the building of holy law weapons.” The prince looked at her, “And the man that is before us this morning meeting that of the Queen.”
“I knew he was going to be here and I even considered asking him for some help in whether or not there was some new developments for demon extermination for your particular problem. I just… you really have the most absurd luck. I’m surprised he didn’t say something about you having an aura of magic about yourself, Princess Calia. Seeing as he can see people’s magical essences. It’s one of the reason why he was adopted into the Bladerift’s.” Renus took a slow breath, “I do hope you both parted on amicable terms.”
All it took was the Commander Prince having a good trip and verbal stubble to know that somehow she’d made a mess of things before she’d even started here in the capitol. Hoping at first that maybe she’d just fallen into bed with some scandalous noble with a bawdy reputation, which was sure to be all kinds of fun gossip for a royal court.
As she listened to him explain that this Starling Everflame was actually someone of importance as a Master Mage, it was at least not too terrible. Inconvenient that he was one to speak with about making her a holy weapon, but surely after such a night with her, that would only aid her chances?
It had been a good night, after all!
Yet, any hope she might’ve had died the second Renus told her that the man was an ace at seeing someone’s magical essences, because that was such a can of worms rife with a dozen terrible problems. Calia had told the man she was heartless as a jest, but could he see that she was in fact legitimately heartless?! He could tell that she was meant to be so much more than what she was now? Gods knew, she’d hinted enough that she was familiar with magic even if she never actually said that she was meant to have it!
Worse. So much worse, was that he’d seen the very bare all of her. Including the black markings that didn’t look more than an inky tattoo, but even she knew was some sort of black magic attached to her. Calia did not know if it was a binding to keep her from her magic or if it was to some other demon part of that asshole sorcerer’s evil hoard. Only that it wasn’t good and it did not belong.
” Didn’t I tell you I was cursed, Renus,” she answered finally, quickly to just openly groan at this new problem. “I am so damn fucking eternally cursed!”
“…it was a good night. A really, incredibly, note worthy night.” she muttered weakly. Shit, it better have been a good night on his end as well, for Calia might just kill the man if he dared say otherwise! And where was that going to get her!
He motioned for them to keep walking even if Calia expressed that she was cursed. In a rather expletive way. Although he wouldn’t say she was cursed honestly, it was just the very timing of it all. It did make him wonder if Starling had noticed the aura around Calia wasn’t as it should have been. Truly curious since well having such a talent was rare and all the more reason why they were sought after to join the elite alliance of mages at all.
They were able to tell what sort of magical items were good. Bad. In-between. All sorts of things in which were truly quite a feat at all. And how one could tell whether or not a holy law weapon was crafted correctly. With the right reagents and whether or not they would be able to increase the capability around it at all!
Even with her conviction that the night was good, Renus made a gentle wave to indicate he really didn’t want to get into the logistics of her evening. At least not in that way. Closing the gap between them to look the part of two people simply having a quiet conversation. Rather than anything wild. Leading her down a path to the right that would take them up a short hill and down a longer one to where the palace would be able to be seen. Framed by the rocky peaks of the mountain separating in the distance that of Caeldalmor and Edelguard. “I haven’t ever heard of Starling being involved with someone personally as he had with you. So mayhaps he was intrigued for good reasons, though I can’t say I have any at the ready. But at least now you know what you may run into at the palace. And if it was a good night, then perhaps that will be a boon?”
Flexing her fingers at her sides, what she wouldn’t give to have even the tiniest piece of her own magic. Something to throw her frustrations into that she could fling harmlessly at something else, so this sudden welling panic that she’d already screwed this up simply because she thought she could have a single night. One stupid single night for herself.
That was not going to happen again. Never ever again.
These thoughts of her must’ve been outwardly palpable, as Renus was doing his best to smooth it over with reasoning and logic, despite the fact he himself also had to have an inward thought that this was a calamity waiting to happen. If only he knew this was a first for her – seeing a tryst in the light of day after the fact! Of course these one night stands had never been embarrassing or awkward before, she’d never actually had to see them again afterwards!
“…then I hope he is intrigued for reasons that won’t land me in a prison. You’ll need half your guard to put me in one, even without my weapons.”
Calia ought not to be stating threats like that. This was a quick jump to conclusions before there was even enough information to go by. If the man had his own reputation that lent him to being a solitary figure, didn’t that at least mean she had done something right for once? Hadn’t put someone so off her that they went fleeing in the night just to get away from her.
“…I’m sorry,” she softened with another sigh. Trying her best to shake it off, both figuratively and physically through her hands. “All of this is very new and frustrating. There is too much at stake and I wish it were anyone else in my place. Some vagabond off the street would be better suited.”
The mountain peaks beyond were practically mocking her at this point.
Brows lifted so fast on his head that it was really quite shocking they hadn’t entirely flown off at the way she made such a brash and threatening comment. Studying her a good long moment to decide if she was trying to point out that he had made a poor choice in offering both his help, his confidence and his kinship to someone that had been unfairly made to suffer under someone’s cruelty. Studying Calia long till he turned his attention away to let them walk in silence.
Thinking over what he may need to do now to rather spare that of his kingdom from it all. Of course he wanted to help but being threatened because he had given her information that he thought important to know, was not exactly giving him warm and fuzzy feelings.
There was nothing about the whole commentary that felt like he could smooth it over. Offer a diplomatic solution. No doubt thinking about the whole means that Calia had already been expressively told that weapons weren’t allowed in the Queen’s court, and now she was uttering such things against Starling while suggesting in turn that the elven empire was potentially too weak or pathetic to even apprehend a threat at all.
As a prince, it was insulting.
As a commander of the holy law that spend days and weeks and months combating that in which was dangerous fiends from the bowels of hell with weapons that he knew were not available in other lands, it was still insulting.
Looking forward as he considered the red roof’s of the grand palace. The ivory walls and pillar’s supporting that of the very place; her apology was heard. And he came to a stop there in the road. Leveling a look upon her that was finally showing that she was liable to cross a line with him. “I understand your frustrations, Princess Calia.” His tone was controlled but expressively disappointed in her continued behaviour that seemed to be really quite dangerous. “I asked my question so I might give you information of what I know. To prepare you for something rather than being caught unaware.” Which was true, he was not attempting to harm her. Rather he wanted to her to be able to think clearly rather than being caught so off guard by the potential and now confirmed situation.
“However, I cannot tolerate continued commentary that is potentially threatening to that of my land. My people. My honour and the innocents either. You may be upset but to resort immediately to such commentary, is unfit for anyone. Royalty. Nobility. Commoner. We all bleed the same in the end and deserve the same level of respect as anyone else.” Renus was looking her up and down. “If it will be too difficult for you to be in a place that will require decorum and patience and control, then it will be best if you were to leave now. Otherwise, please find some measure of control over your ire if you want the help of others. Not everyone is comfortable with the dangerous line of uttering things that you may or may not mean in the moment. There is much at stake as you said and you have an entire kingdom that is likely hoping that you will be the star of their rescue. Sometimes, as a person, we have to do things we dislike. That has nothing to do with status.”
He gave her a once over then stepped forward again. This time it was evident that he would not wait for her. The choice now was given as a final statement. Start controlling her temper and frustration for the betterment of her own self and get the help she is looking for, or leave and find somewhere else to seek aid.
Why was she like this.
Calia hadn’t meant her statement as a threat – just a warning. It was a warning of truth because she knew the very second things took a turn, she’d make sure they couldn’t touch her. Hell, even now, that knee-jerk reaction was rising strong because his words had cut her to the quick. It didn’t matter that he was well within his rights to say such things – they were true words! Maybe she was not demon blood, but she was chaos and violence and all manner of things that was not meant for this civilized world.
Unfit for anyone. How true it was.
As he walked on, Calia took two steps backwards, the need to turn tail and run so powerful that she could practically hear it ringing in her ears. Control her ire? What an impossible ask! She was a tempestuous storm of feelings and emotions all stuffed and crammed into a single body, no longer with the means to set it all free through magical means that was actually constructive. She’d been as free as a flowing river and as unstoppable as the wind. Of course she cared about more than just herself, she cared so much that it was eating her up inside. Festering in that blackened chasm where her heart was meant to be.
Why was she like this. Why couldn’t she just follow the path and rules everyone was laying out right in front of her. Practically with instructions, too, making her feel all the more stupid about it. Just do as she was advised and told to do. Just do it. It was that easy.
Her eyes rose upwards towards the mountains in the distance. Immovable, iced capped monoliths of stone. Calia supposed that’s what she needed to be now. Forget the freedom of the wind and water, now she needed to be as solid as stone and as cold as ice. Letting herself relax and warm had been the biggest mistake since… since following that stupid asshole sorcerer to his lair.
Calia rubbed her hand over her sleeve where the dark markings lay etched into her skin. Picking up her feet to quickly catch up to the oh-so-disappointed prince, with an expression schooled carefully not to let out any more of those needless, unhelpful emotions. Staying a few steps just behind him, as they weren’t actually equals at all were they.
“I will try harder,” she simply said. Genuinely, Calia would try. She would succeed too, for everything she had to hold back and bury she was going to save and fan the flames of fury until she could unleash it as a pure hell on the one who deserved it most.
As the slope downwards began to deepen into the crater of a valley, the reflection of the sky could be seen in the front lake of the grand sprawling building. The inlays of gold sparkling against the bright morning light as a few notable colours of moving bodies could be seen walking along the laid paths. Where he might appreciate the view often upon his return and able to recall plenty of memories of within. The sort of childhood that came from having plenty given, it was her footsteps that caused sharp ears to lift somewhat.
Peridot eyes upon their corners assessing the roguish noble that unfortunately made a conclusion draw into his own thoughts. That if Caeldalmor nobility and royalty was similar to Calia’s brazen and reckless commentary, it may have indicated to why their two near kingdoms had stopped involvement with another.
He truly did understand her frustrations. But he had never interacted with someone before that was so easily openly hostile when she was being given information that even he had no control over. But surely she understood to speak so callously was unjust. Would her own court appreciate someone coming into their halls and just claiming that they were inferior by some measure? Or being disrespectful of their customs such as avoiding bringing weaponry into a place that was meant to be an open hall of peace.
She wasn’t stupid. He knew that. But she was painfully young.
He wondered somewhere how babied she was in her own family that her careless phrases were overlooked. Surely she had interacted with all sorts of people and could tell when one had to be on their best behaviour and when one could speak a little more freely.
However, only could only give so much rope to another that just wanted to keep taking it to make themselves a personal noose, rather than a rope bridge. Renus quietly gauged her but merely nodded. He was smart enough to tell there was likely no use in trying to explain to Calia the purpose of being able to separate herself from personal and business. She had said in her own way that she was stubborn and hardheaded. So she would learn at her own pace regardless of other’s offering their hands. She bit them and something about her mannerism told him, that she was prone to blaming others for speaking up in the same way she did. She could dish out but could not handle receiving the same.
Nor was he her parent. A friend he attempted to be but if she was quick to snap and hiss to friends, then he wasn’t sure that was wise either. So he hummed. Nodding again to show he heard her but he was not about to make conversation again of his own desire. Leaving it open to her to speak as she wanted too. Or not. There was no fault in that.
Bitterness lived in her like a soul-sucking leech. None of it could be blamed on the Prince, however. At least Calia was self aware enough to understand that he had done nothing but help her. He had not gone out of his way to harm her apparently fragile feelings on purpose… which really made it all the worse. Causing that bitterness to turn inwards instead, directed at herself where it belonged because she knew it was her own self that was the problem. Without knowing how to stop the wheels in her head from turning and churning out more of the callous thoughts, she had to figure out how to build some sort of wall between herself and others. Especially if she was going to continue down this path of seeking help instead of being a singular wild soul.
Silence was going to be the best way to do that for now. The more often she opened her mouth, the more likely it was she’d shove her own foot in it.
An awkward silence it was, for she did actually like Renus and it was painful knowing she’d broken something that could’ve been valuable.
It did too make her question if maybe Rhelic was a lunatic to even be able to deal with Calia at all!
The closer they came to the red roofed palace of elves, something started to pull. A twinge at first in her chest that she ignored, assuming it was that of her heart because of how close they were to the mountains and the fact it was out there somewhere beating away without her. Only with every step, it felt a little stronger. Not painful, not unpleasant. A curious tugging as a gentle breeze rustling through her hair. Calia cast Renus a quick look, wondering if this was a normal thing for the elven capitol. Some magic barrier or spell of protection getting triggered because Calia was an obvious danger. But when he made no sign of movement or word, she doubted that was it. Nor did it seem to hinder her or ward her off… if there was one, this feeling wasn’t it.
Fantastic. Some new thing to be rattling around in her head, then!
Motioning to her to follow upon that of heels as one moved to ascend that of a exterior staircase. Bypassing many of the other souls that were flitting past the chosen entrance to go to another. Likely the sort of souls that were either workers for the large estate or those who came for a reason to attempt an meeting with the queen. Crowned princess or that of remaining other royal siblings. Advisors. Whatever else they needed for the time. It wouldn’t be strange to have the place particularly busy, but whatever sort of meetings were to be conducted, it would not be easy to just approach anyone.
Doubly noted when they mounted the stairs to the landing, finding a duo of fully armored and weapon holding guards standing there. Eyes already pointed their way but nullified from action due to his own appearance. Yet there was an open show of cautious curiosity to said guest. No words were exchanged. Mere nod of his head to greet each as one stepped forward to pull the door open to bid them open passage.
Practically glittering with the spread of candles and open natural light. Making the golden walls gleam and shimmer; Renus gave Calia a look. A silent one that motioned for her to stay close and keep near as their destination was not too far away. Waiting till they were successfully indoors with a glance around to confirm there were no nearby nobles or servants. Giving her a motion to follow towards his left. Up a small few steps into a similar hallway aligned with pillars and moody stained windows to offer a dimmer atmosphere. “We will find that of the crown princess firstly. She likely will be waiting for us in that of her office.” He spoke and gestured openly that they were to go there first.
The prince may as well have brought a wild animal into the palace, she was so skittish. Glad at least that she wasn’t one to start, or jump, or begin screeching at every little movement or unexpected thing. The differences to her own kingdom were astounding. Even just ignoring the amount of displayed art and wealth from the construction of the palace building to have the very people dressed… it was the formality and structure that had her off kilter. Realizing with faint concern and a little curiosity that this was probably how Knight Guard were meant to behave. Serious, unmoving, stalwart in their duties and suspicious of all movement. Unsure if the grinning smiles and casual air of those she knew were simply because she was Princess, or if Caeldalmor in general had always just been so loose and casual. Never quite out of the age of family clans even though they had grown into a solid kingdom.
No one was sniffing the air and screeching that she reek of demons, so at least there was that.
Even though everything glittered with gold and extravagant fabrics, it all still felt warm and inviting. Calia’s castle home hadn’t been cold, per say, but the walls and floors had been the original castle stone with none of these fancy embellishments or ordainments. The only bold color would be woven tapestries or pieces of stuffed furniture, maybe a rug in the private rooms and some curtains. The elven people seemed to make everything into a piece of art! Even the rafters in the ceilings were carved into thoughtful design!
This was all so stunning, almost enough to distract her from that strange tugging and the thoughts tumbling around in her head.
As instructed, Calia stayed close to his heels, not about to test any more limits of patience or find out the hard way some piece of etiquette she didn’t know. Unsure of why they were to meet the Crown Princess first, but still determined to keep her mouth shut and ward off any more offensive stupid statements.
They soon came to a door, where an aged nursemaid was stepping out with a basket on one arm. Immediately brightening to see the prince and giving a respectful curtsy.
“Your Highness, welcome back,” she stated warmly, only then noticing his guest and eyes going round with curious surprise. “They are excited to see you. I was just going to fetch some things for the little one,” She shifted quickly, pushing open the door for them to enter. Quick to give another curtsy before bustling off on her task.
The office of the crowned princess was huge – enough that neither of the women inside noticed at first that their own brother had arrived. Both seemingly to be deeply involved in conversation.
Crowned Princess Liriel sat at her desk, hair as red as her brother’s and falling loose around her shoulders. There was a clear sign of exhaustion in her features, darkness under her eyes hinting a lack of proper sleep. She had high cheek bones and a sharp jawline, with a matronly sort of elegance that was only softened by the girlish gown or blush pink she wore.
Pacing around the room with a bundle in her arms was the Princess Nysia, who very much embodied everything a fairytale princess would be. A soft light brown braid long over one shoulder riddled with flowers, leafy green gown trailing the floor behind her with every step. She was crooning at the little bundle sweetly.
Calia did note that they shared the Prince’s particular green eyes.
“Such a sweet little boy! Oh, I can’t wait to have one!” crooned Nysia. “I think I’ll have three… or seven!”
“You would need to make up your mind and actually marry,” rejoined her sister with a heavy sigh. This was apparently a conversation they’d had multiple times and the Crowned Princess was tired of hearing it. However, she made a sudden pause, glancing up from the papers on her desk to smoothly rise to her feet. Giving her brother a carefully muted smile, one that was definitely practiced and meant for mixed company. A skilled learned by every proper Heir Apparent.
Her sister had no such qualms about squealing and excited Renny!! and then opening her mouth like a shocked fish out of water to find not only was he with a guest, but one with such round ears! An actual round ear!
He wasn’t at the palace as often as one might think he should be. Being that of a commander in their holy brigand that sought and destroyed demons; it meant he was rarely present. And it was moments like this, looking upon the two elder sisters that made him truly worry that he ought to make more of a habit of doing so. Although he didn’t worry so heavily about Nysia –outside of the fact that she was certainly more free spirited and appeared to have the decision making of a toddler for some items- she was not one he freed the venue of worry over commonly.
Liriel was a different story. The impression of fatigue she wore only embodied that. Knowing that her mantle had grown exponentially after Carlisle had met his far too soon and ultimate demise. None of them had expected the original crown prince to perish after all. So when it happened. Liriel was deemed the next to fill that role and it was expansive. Perhaps the only saving narrow grace was mother still held her crown. Didn’t mean that the eldest sister wasn’t overworked.
It would be far too easy to fall prey to his own thoughts of course. Right now he had to reserve such things. Offering a equally practiced smile to that of the elder sibling when they were acknowledge and breaking face easily at the whole Renny squeal. Probably due to the fact that Nysia quickly realized he was not alone and it was probably not the best moment for her to be showcasing that she still treated him as a wee bab at her heels.
Sidestepping even though he offered a proper bow, “Hail to the little sun of the kingdom.” Greeting Liriel formally before tucking arm behind back. Gesturing with the other to indicate motion to well, said guest. “I know the Queen is still in attendance and there was a request for you to meet the guest firstly.” As to assure that Calia was still going to see that of the Queen, she did have to get approval from Liriel. As customary practice rather than actual approval. “May I introduce Princess Calia, from Caeldalmor.” Trying to opt for a semi casual encounter with a lack of addressing surnames.
For him to turn to look at Calia, “This is Crown Princess Liriel and the second Princess Nysia.” He looked at the mountain princess, almost ready to plea if necessary for some decorum.
Calia was not one to curtsy or bow, but she mimicked the way Prince Renus did so for his sake, especially because he had this look on his face that expected her to erupt into… well she didn’t know. All it had taken was one panicked blurted statement to shake his confidence in her. The contradictory mix of feelings were shoved aside in the wake of there being a tiny wee child in the room. Calia didn’t mind children, found them entertaining even, but babies were fragile little bundles of glass! Apt to start wailing at even the smallest hint of tension or scariness!
Crowned Princess Liriel came around the desk to greet them, seeming to be a head shorter than Calia, but not at all built like some flimsy reed liable to break in the wind. She also had a stare that was almost intense. Glancing Calia up and down, from the top of ebony crown to the toes of her boots in such an examining way that it made the mountain princess straighten up her posture.
“…It is a pleasure to meet you, even though the circumstances are not,” stated Calia simply. Fully expecting the woman to launch into some grand welcoming speech, lecture… any sort of flowery words that she’d usually see out of her parents when greeting visiting nobles. But she seemed to get was a continued green-eyed stare, cool and unreadable. Even when the other Princess glided over with her bundle to gently bump her shoulder against her brother’s arm in a grinning greeting and showing him the wink-wonking child wrapped in a cozy blanket.
“Hmn,” hummed Princess Liriel, finally breaking that long, agonizing eye contact to turn away. Shifting attentions to Prince Renus with a soft touch of her hand to his cheek, before confiscating her newborn babe from Nysia. Softening in an instant to the little one’s smile even as she murmured Nysia’s name gave a tilt of her head in Calia’s direction. Floating away then with full attentions seeming on her child as Nysia quickly heeded whatever strange unspoken instruction she’d been given.
“The Caeldalmor Valley has surely come along way from it’s time of mountain wildmen, I can see!” chimed Nysia. “We were expecting a grizzly thing covered in furs and being more than a little rough around the edges.”
“I am attempting to be of my best behavior,” answered Calia with all seriousness. Usually that would’ve been a cheeky joke, but in the case she was all blank faced, furrowed brow respectability. She’d told Renus she was going to try harder, and gods be damned, she was going to try.
Nysia almost erupted into musical laughter, scoffing the tiniest of laughs before wising up to her before after a swift glance from her sister. Quickly to smooth her hands over her dress before taking a few pacing steps as she spoke.
“We’ve not had many comes through the mountain side in such a long time, they are so dangerous travel through nowadays that very few dare. Although… it is even stranger than you came through all by yourself. A princess alone? You do understand it is strange? Unusual? Particularly more likely that you are an imposter, here to sew chaos or dare I even say it, assassinate one of the royal family.”
This was stated with such casual ease that it completely knocked Calia out of her stoic expression to blink and double take at the girl. Quick to take a look at the reigning Crowned Princess, whose own expression didn’t change a bit, merely taking a quick glancing look between her sister, Calia, and to Renus as well gauging his own reactions.
What the hell kind of meeting was this.
“If you were actually worried about me being a potential danger, I do not think you would allow me in the room with a baby?” Calia answered, at least latching onto that bit of logic.
“Oh, Renus would kill you in a heartbeat if you even flickered a hint of danger,” shot back Nysia without missing a beat.
That was where Calia’s claim to be trying came into play, as her first instinct was to immediately blurt out that she’d have Renus on the floor before he could even touch her. Taking in a deep breath and counting numbers in her head to choose her words carefully.
“I came into the mountains with a group of refugees, then went on ahead of them. But I am… not accustomed to being any sort of leader. You could say I am sort of bumbling through this with all of the grace of a bull in a pottery shop.”
Something must’ve flickered across her face in those few brief moments because Nysia was now preening in a way that had her shoulders scrunched up as she sidled up to her brother and linked her arms with his. While Princess Liriel’s full attention finally turned to the lot of them, still as refined and properly professional, just with a softening in her posture.
“As to be expected,” declared Princess Liriel. “One cannot experience what you have gone through with any amount of grace, and anyone expecting you to suddenly know what is right and proper, or to even behave like a fully functioning person through the wake of so much grief is foolish indeed. Though I will caution you to work on your body language, Princess Calia, as you are easily read by anyone with clever eyes and such a thing will be easily manipulated.”
Liriel then glanced to Renus, blooming into a far warmer smile. “She lacks refinement, but I believe Mother will be quite interested in her.”
He was almost surprised that Nysia had not stolen the bab and run right out of the room with Liriel yelling after her. Claiming thief even if Nysia was hardly that. Just puckish and leaning definitely into her fae roots all the more. It was endearing. And exhausting. However, he was hardly about to ignore the precious bundle, smoothing hand over the crown while leaving the whole gauging of interest to that of the two. Yet as Liriel approached and he hummed both with sibling affection and wonderment, she took that of her child. Silently giving Nysia the go ahead to be well…
Oh boy.
Had he known that the floor was going to be given to his second eldest sister, he might have been more inclined to give Calia more than a few fair warnings. For well, she was hardly one to entirely go by the book. Although he appreciated her flavour of forwardness, it could be chaotic. Making him nervous that she would do or say something to spur the mountain princess to show just how much she was equally willing to say things that were unpleasant. Not sparing a look to Liriel whilst she glided with baby in arm.
He stood. Watching. Prepared to intervene, which was promptly quick. “Nysia.” Tone shifted to shame sister for even indicating that he would harm Calia in such a place. She wasn’t wrong of course but she could have certainly worded it far better than being a elven brute!
Practically able to see how Calia thought of that. And he had to resist the shake of his head. The girl was untempered as the mountains she came from and haughty. He knew he could be beaten and that would help him train but if she thought she was the best of everyone in the world, she really needed to be taken down a few pegs.
Thankfully, Calia seemed not to jump entirely into Nysia obvious goading. It came as a relief that Calia didn’t rise to it. Rather admitting more of her truth in which he offered her an approving genuine nod. It was better to be as honest as she could rather than fill her commentary with stuffing.
Waiting. Waiting! Till crown princess had drifted closer and expressed in her ageless wisdom both the means of understanding and noted correction that could help the other princess. “I mean I do not know if that is fair to say when she has gone through quite the harrowing ordeal. I’d say she has more refinement than expected and is earnest where it counts, dear sister.” He physically softened and nodded. “I am sure she will be very curious. Which is better than potential hostility.” Now he settled eyes upon Nysia, “I dare say you and Princess Calia have much in common for the efforts of bluntness, Ny.”
“Hmn, enough refinement to hold her tongue when a child is in the room but not elsewhere, I would surmise,” countered Princess Liriel with quite the pointed look direct at Calia, who immediately stiffened like a deer in the woods with this new revelation that apparently she was broadcasting all of her thoughts to the entire damn world.
She’d become unraveled at the seams. Lost her magic and her poise. Apparently the only thing she was still skilled at was seducing men in taverns, and that was still about to bite her in the ass.
“Oh Renny, you are such a prudish, pretentious thing sometimes,” chimed Nysia, reaching to pinch his cheek with the most glorious of smiles. “You really don’t understand a thing about powerful women, do you!”
“He might begin to learn if he’d spend more time with us at court,” added Liriel who had convenient returned to smiling sweetly down at the bundle in her arms to hide any means of elder sister meddling that might’ve been hinted in her features. Knowing full well that Nysia was going to pick up on it in a heartbeat and was rewarded in the instant the younger princess let go of the prince to rest her hands on her hips.
“That’s right, you’ve been dodging every event for the past two years off chasing your demons! Well you can’t dodge this one, Renny, it’ll be an insult to Liriel and to Mother if you don’t come. There’s no excuses for it now, especially with a royal guest.”
They were now talking about Calia as if she weren’t standing right there, which was honestly a relief compared to the examining stares and verbal prodding to see if she was even worth the effort of meeting the queen. A small part of her too was curious to witness this exchange of sibling dynamics from a family whose entire culture was such a stark difference from her own. Apparently siblings were the same anywhere. The teasing, the fussing, the familiarity.
Calia was never going to have this again. Hers were gone forever and she didn’t have much confidence that she could build something worthwhile on her own. Unfit, unrefined, unruly. Even trying to find someone to take her place still required somehow connecting to someone worthwhile of the trust!
She hadn’t realized that Princess Liriel had inched up next to her until there was the sound of raspberry spitting and she stiffened again to look sideways the newborn elf toothlessly smiling away without a care in the world. Eyes shifting up to find Liriel giving her that intimidating stare again – it made her feel like the woman could actually see right through her, missing heart, brain and all and know all of her secrets. It was almost actually creepy!
“Lessons,” she stated coolly, direct to Calia and then turned that gaze to Renus. “Princess Calia will stay here at the castle for the remainder of her stay. Regardless on whether or not Mother can help her with her bigger problem, the least we can do is teach her what we can about proper leadership during a time of crisis and refine those edges. Honesty is only a virtue when it’s applied with wisdom, not with a hammer.”
He would have interjected but the way Liriel put it, she had nailed it on the head. Thus far, Calia was good at behaving with that of a nephew of his own present, but elsewhere. Not so much. His time with her had been comprised of a few days and he might agree wholly it was a good assessment. Allowing the effort of saying something to grow silent.
For half a moment. Because in the fashion he had spoken of, sisters were shortly ganging up on him for the obvious lack of appearances in the fancy court. Strifing attention from elder to younger while one gave her comment in a sort of robust elegant and chiding way. The other was just mocking him as per usual. “Mhmm powerful women,” He smiled sweetly, “I see one. Whom holds a lot on her shoulders and another who tends to be still very unorganized.” Rubbing a finger along his brow as though he wasn’t saying that Liriel did too much and Nysia not enough, arms fell aside. “Whom else would you like to go chasing the monsters. If I wasn’t present along the rest, we would not have what we do have. Please be kind and remember I do my work for a purpose. Not to escape. It is a terrible attempt at escaping if that were the case.”
Eyes fell to the babe in sister’s arm. “I will attend of course for now, but I will need to return outwards in a few days. Princess Calia came here for aid, not for me to be badgered.” Of course he wasn’t entirely cordial, shooting Nysia a look. “And how is it going with your marriage prospects?” Stroking thumb and finger down chin. The grin turned from gentle to purely mischievous, “Chase any more away with your fairytale dreams and outlandish desires?”
He would have said more only Liriel had migrated to Calia so close that when she spoke about having the princess stay at the castle, he paused. Looked to said invited if not hostage princess that was apparently about to take on more than she probably wanted, he straightened. “Liriel, she’s a guest. She can decide where she would like to be. I’ve offered my homestead away from the noise and constant uh,” Eyes flickered to Nysia in a not so subtle way, “You know what I mean. Plus with Aien and family present, it’s hardly a chance to even breath. At least offer but don’t enforce. Princess Calia does have a voice and can decide for herself. She is not a prisoner.”
“I have nine whole suitors, Renny, I dare say I can’t chase enough of them away,” Nysia huffed back. Seemingly ready to back that up with names and a perfect counter, but Liriel’s suggestion of hosting the mountain princess had immediately perked her own excited attention, even if Renus didn’t seem so enthused by the idea. “I’ve never seen you defend a woman so, Renny, Isn’t she a little young for you?”
Calia opened her mouth ready to interject said opinion, but there was a subtle shift in the elder elf’s posture that had Calia twisting her mouth to the side and promptly waiting her turn. Not about to put herself in the middle of a sibling squabble, especially with Liriel with her intense stares and matronly command that somehow just seemed even more powerful while she had a baby in the crook of her arm. Dangerous Mother Energy, she decided to call it.
“A guest thrust into a role she is ill-prepared for, Renus,” stated the woman clearly, as if anyone of them understood what that felt like, it was Liriel! Who was never meant to be Crowned Princess, but now carried the weight of their kingdom’s future. “If what’s been hinted at is true, this inexperienced child of the valley is going to have to learn a lifetime of hard lessons in a very short amount of time. Things better learned here at court where she might actually make bridges for the future.”
Liriel then tilted her head towards Nysia who was busy smiling away like a puckish fox. “You are worried about me being over taxed, do not fear. Nysia has the time to spare.”
“I do?” that smirking had faded fast to wide eyed astonishment!
“In fact, I feel having a outside perspective will be useful for you, Nysia, in actually making a decision about these suitors. You’ve tarried along with them for far too long. Our neighbor from the mountains could give you insight. …Is this acceptable to you, Princess Calia?”
Well, it seemed Crowned Princess was indeed going to let her choose for herself, leaving Calia standing there looking just as stunned and confused as the others. Now, far too self aware that the dubiousness of this plan was written all over her face. Along with that squint of her eyes as she witled it down as quickly as she could into whether or not it would even be a good idea.
It was a terrible idea, wasn’t it? To stay in the castle? She’d not even met the Queen yet, where the mage was sure to reveal she was a heartless, demon touched whore that picked up random men in taverns. Calia was bound to say something offensive to someone, put her foot in her mouth, accidentally start a war or something.
Still… the woman was not wrong. Calia was woefully unprepared for this new role as potential Queen. Everything she knew was surface level at best. And she couldn’t exactly learn to mind her temper and her speech, if she hid behind Renus.
She supposed she could always jump out a window too, if it became too much.
“…maybe we wait and see what Queen Ashera thinks of me first,” she wisely decided. No sense in agreeing to such an arrangement if the Queen was unwilling to help her and didn’t stand sight of her. Gods knew that would be far too awkward for Calia to remain, even with things she could learn!
“A whole nine,” he eyed her in a fashion that was loudly speaking better than before that he was in fact, the youngest of them all. “So who bribed them then?” Little brother widened his grin implying loudly that she surely couldn’t have any suitors that willingly wanted to be strung along for the next few centuries without a suitable bribery. Just of course, he could dole it out, so could she. Exactly after he raised the whole flair that it might not be right to force Calia into the castle when she very well may not want to!
Leveling a look at the mousy brown haired one, “I’ve seen the one’s you attempt to court. I don’t think you can talk to me about little too young, madam cradle robber. And you’re assuming too. She’s in a foreign land with strange people. I’m defending because it’s not right to just shove someone into a castle when they might not be comfortable with it.” Which was true and he was not about to give his sister the satisfaction of getting him embarrassed.
He also knew thus far that Calia was both pleasant and volatile. And of course there was a part of him that worried she might just get herself into big trouble in the castle if she was suddenly deciding to blurt out the worst of her thoughts.
However, looking at the crown princess when she pointed out that the guest was ill prepared, he didn’t disagree. Yet he felt bad that Calia was about to be thrust with knowledge of all sorts. While of course measuring that worry for Liriel. If there was anything that needed to be pointed out, she was a new mother. Said babe in arm.
Still while the other was looking pleased with herself, it was swiftly wiped away. About to be given a task because well, she needed it. Just it was hardly the sort of task he would have expected either!
Wondering what he could say that would have been of help. Save that Calia was at least smart enough to prolong the answer till one met with that of their mother. “I think that is a good idea.” Of course he looked between that of his sisters, “Which I assume is fairly soon. Is there anything we ought to know before we see her?”
Nysia seemed to be stuck in a loop of giving Renus dirty stares, Liriel questioning suspicious looks, and Calia curious glances. It seemed her honor was at stake her in multiple fronts, to prove to her little brother that she was indeed a coveted desire amongst the court without the need for bribes and tricks, with a little splash of proving to their big sister that she was capable of a lot more than just gossiping and flirting. Just because she was the late bloomer of the family didn’t mean that she was without her talents and contributions!
Calia was still trying to figure out how this all was going to play out. Filing away every observation that she could about these siblings, picking up information when it was flung her and there. Wishing she was better at the bigger picture of things, instead of the way she’d spent her life just rolling with whatever happened. Trying to remind herself over and over that she couldn’t let herself remain terrified about screwing up all the time, else she’d not have the courage to keep trying every time she fucked up!
At least she seemed to be earning back the prince’s trust, it the tiniest of amounts seeing as she hadn’t said something obscene in front of his sisters.
“She is pensive, as is to be expected,” revealed Liriel. “The mage also seems to be in a curious mood today.”
Calia took great interest in the ceiling rafters all of a sudden. Blank face. No reaction. No reaction. Keep it calm.
The Crowned Princess gave her another perusal of gaze again, bit made no commentary about it. Shifting little in her arms and gesturing her hands that all should start moving.
“Their meeting should be finished by now. You should join us Nysia, it will do you well.”
“As to be expected.” He agreed lightly reaching out to pat hand on Nysia’s head. Just cause he was the littlest sibling didn’t mean he wasn’t taller than her. And well, she started this and he was about to start proving he could be just annoying enough that she may want to shoo him out of her hair. Rather than fuss about how his work kept him far out of home’s reach.
Yet it all stopped when she mentioned how the mage appeared to be in a curious mood. Something that caused him quietly hum. Nodding and searching for something sagely to say that wouldn’t give away that the whole mood may or may not have been inspired by well, Calia.
“Alright. That sounds like a good idea.” Resisting the urge to nudge that of sister but looked to Calia as if to give her a chance to take a breath. Only offering an elbow to said Nysia so she might walk with him instead of potentially deciding to latch herself onto Calia’s arm. To say more things that might accidentally provoke the poor woman into hissing and spitting with claws threatening to strike. Plus it might do her a moment of good to walk with Liriel so the eldest sister could dole out quiet wisdom of being the lead heir to a throne that shared the means of never having wanted the role at all.
Granted they wouldn’t have far to really walk seeing as the whole setup of Liriel’s office was attached to the Queens Court. To expedite any swift entry that had to be done. Their mother’s own office was on the adjacent side of the court. With only the third being at the head of the circular belonging to the long passed on king and would once more be in use once Liriel’s other half took the role. Otherwise the large dome like chamber was only gifted with one large entry and exit upon the south point.
He took them behind Liriel’s desk to the neatly tucked away side door and peeked through it a moment. Checking to be sure that in fact, the place was devoid of additional people. Smelling the sweet scent of the fae tree abundantly healthy within the grand structure. It’s leaves twisted skyward to the mosaic glass that spread the light from the day into its walls and took a slow breath. Stepping back to open the door for that of siblings to lead proper and he to take up the rear when suitable.
The grand hall doors were closed. A closed audience that currently only consisted of a willowy woman seated upon a throne made of woven saplings and living flowers. Her attire modest as she was not intending to a large gathering but the other man in the room was dressed in the flowing silver robes that anointed his position as a high classed mage. His silver hair coifed and his bright eyes seemed to already have found them entering. Or rather, found Calia.
It was the first time he had ever seen Starling look so bewildered. Although he stole a look to the red haired queen as she gave a slow wave to bid them allowance to continue further. “Greetings to the Matriarchal sun.” He spoke with a bow.
Her lips turned softly upwards, “Come inside my little saplings. Master Everflame, it would be wise for you to stay. There are many things I think you will need to hear as we have a guest from the mountain father’s hold. You do not mind, do you?”
Starling managed to get his expression under control. “Of course, your majesty.” He bowed deeply. A flourish in marvellous array, “I would love to be that of ears and eyes.” His said eyes flashed at Calia, “Especially for such a important falling star.”
Nysia took the head patting with all the grace an older sister could, which likely bode all sorts of ill omens later if she was being well behaved now. Truly she was more interested in their new guest and all of this grave, serious speaking that she did not much care about squabbling even for the fun of it. In fact, was absolutely going to begin her teachings to this round ear princess and latch onto her had Renus not swooped in and stole her away. He received a stuck out tongue out of sight from the others, but an affectionate squeeze to his arm regardless.
Leaving the mother Liriel and her child with Calia, who honestly would’ve rathered one of the other two, than this formidable woman that seemed to be full of all kinds of knowing in ways Calia had not encountered before. Oh, she’d met witches and sorceresses and wise elders. All averagely aged humans with perfect average human knowledge even for magic users. These elves with their longer lifespans were lending to a very odd sort of feeling that had Calia feeling like some bumbling child again, even for things that she knew she was above and beyond with.
She followed though, only half a beat behind the woman, having grown used to that tugging pull in her chest now that it’d been forgotten… up until Renus had opened the ornate door and her senses were flooded with such an inciting, warm, beautiful scent that for a split second she’d thought she blacked out. Only to feel the Crowned Princess’ gentle hand at her back guiding her into this grand room of a circular chamber where her immediately attention was up, up, up.
Branches spread far and wide towards the mosaic glass that sheltered the court from weather, spring buds sprinkled amongst the green leaves but having not yet opened. And it pulled. It pulled, and whispered, and purred.
It took far too long for her eyes to come downwards towards this elven queen, and if she thought Liriel was a formidable woman, well now she knew where it came from. Queen Ashera may have still appeared to be young, but there was a sense of long lived agedness there. With the mage, Starling Tarn standing right next to her. Calia had missed his moment of recognition, but was catching his clever greeting with a bewildered blink.
Not at him though. Her eyes were going right back up to the tree. Did no one else hear it? Not a single one of them seemed to notice at all!
Despite Calia’s frantic thoughts, Princess Liriel was noticing something, just not what the mountain princess was having a fresh panic about. Taking her child along with her to stand at the queen’s side where she belonged, with a curious examining of the mage, and then shooting a glance at Renus to see if he knew what that was about. Especially since their tall guest appeared to be mute in the moment.
“This is where you’re supposed to give your full title and state your intentions,” chimed in Nysia, oh so helpfully. Clearly planning on taking her means of being a mentor seriously, starting now. Complete with a smile at elder sister, looking for both the good and the exasperated sort of affirmations.
“It-” Shit! “I am Princess Calia Aryn Dalgaard of Caeldalmor, youngest child. Now the last known living heir after a hoard of demons were unleashed into my kingdom.” That was… not eloquent. She’d done a better introduction with Rhelic, less stiff and more natural.
Help them.
What.
Help them. Help them. Help them. Protect them.
Fantastic, she’d lost her mind altogether. Well, how could she have expected to have a one night stand present and a tree whispering at her. Surely they heard that, prompting Calia to tilt her head and give an urging stare to Renus. Hoping he’d have some sort of explanation, but not realizing it may have appeared that she was seeking his guidance for navigation a tricky situation.
Fingers moved to roost upon the arms of the throne. Floating upwards from the seat as eldest sapling approached with the newest addition to their ever expanding family. Without a beat to be found or missed, the queen motioned to take the bundle from that their own mother. Not without smoothing fingers over the burning copper locks of Liriel with a soft palpable fondness. Pressing rogue lock behind ear, passing fingers to cup and praise silently that of child. Adoring with no bother to seem like she was some sort of impassive cold structure.
Queen she was, mother she came to be firstly. Eventually taking crooked child to rest upon that of arms, while letting the eyes of ageless hold move in fluid succession over each present body.
Although there was this timeless essence to the reigning queen, it was the whole stunned turned to intentionally bemused expression that Starling took and spoke with that called attention. Feeling the crowned princess’s attention and one he gave back in hopes that spoke he would explain later. Not presently.
If anything was spoken of, it was by Starling or Calia’s choice. Not by his.
By Nysia’s ever so helpful chiming, Calia stumbled her way into greeting. And getting a pulling frown that caused matron’s eyes to flicker with an clear loathing for the singular word.
Demon. “You assume child.” Ashera offered effortlessly. “I’ve known the people of Caeldalmor for many moons and suns. You’re people are not readily slaughtered souls. Fighters. Brawlers. Steadfast and stalward as the very mountains your once upon a time clan’s thrived within. Demons are formidable but humans, particularly the mountain dwellers, have never been ones so easily fraught.” She spoke with such a controlled conviction that one had to wonder if she had some otherworldly insight. Or if she was simply trying to boon the girl’s hopes. “You’ve made it this far, Princess. Proof to that very nature that runs your blood. I would suspect you were not the only one of family to bare such a hearty persistence.”
She glanced at Liriel, then Nysia. Finally him. “You’re amongst comrades, child. Though but the intensity of your rigid posture, that seems to be difficult to believe. As one would understand.” Her chin inclined. Feet floating with even strides to step to the edge of shade cast by the thriving fae tree. Brushing thumbs along child’s fattened cheeks, “Master Everflame has come precisely at the best time. For fortunate had seen fit to be sure the meeting of two very different souls.” She turned a bit to look upon said Master. “You’ve come to help us create new weapons of the holy order. And now we have a daughter of the mountain lands seeking aid. Surely this is advantageous for you, yes?”
“Absolutely, your majesty.” Starling straightened with hands knitting behind his back. Standing in a ray of light as if he had chosen the spot himself to get the best show of his features. “Although the reagents that have recently been delivered will need to be inspected.” His eyes flicked again to Calia, “And I believe it would be beneficial for Princess Calia to see the means of it all as well. If, the highness is interested. After all, she strikes me as the sort that is very passionate about whatever she chooses to do. Coming this far is a testament to that.”
It was him that nearly sighed at the obvious hints. “Starling,”
“Prince Renus?” He asked and smirked a bit.
“Let’s not put the cart before the horse. The Queen likely still has things to ask and learn with Princess Calia. We wouldn’t want to rush things and well, it would be best for the princess to feel welcomed before she is thrust into the bowels of the alchemy halls.”
Mother was looking at them intently. Something in her features was studious. Before she hummed, “Yes, it would be good for us to be familiar with the situation after all.”
“I could assist. I would be happy to assist. I might even be able to help Princess Calia in some way.” His eyes flickered away to the tree and back. As if he was silently saying something.
Calia could not contest the Queen’s assurance that she might not be the last surviving heir. She’d been there. Seen the death and destruction of the capitol, and while perhaps most of it was a hazy blur that she couldn’t quite remember tearing her way through, there had just been so much death. Brawling fighters as they were, stubborn and feisty and fierce… Calia now knew what it felt like to fight without her magic as vulnerable as anyone else, and they’d near damn well crushed her. It was hard to hope on that front.
And too it was hard to believe she was amongst comrades and equals. She didn’t know who started the rumor that Queen Ashera was a gentle, kind and sweet Queen, as from Calia’s perspective she was thrice as intimidating as her eldest daughter. Strong. Unmoving. Honestly, impressive in a way Calia was quite envious of. Only able to guess that she was this way due to her long lived experience and that she had essentially been here, done that. Finding herself following the Queen’s eyes to that of Starling, standing in the light like some sort of ridiculous angel in a knight’s shining armor.
Something she would have whole heartedly cackled about were this all not about her future and her fate! He was also having a play at her, which gratefully had her easing her shoulders just a smidgen.
Easing her posture more when Renus made a fuss the silver haired mage made a puckish response.
This might just be alright. Family fussing, mischief and playful nonsense. These were things she was familiar and comfortable with. The Queen and Liriel still intimidated the hell out of her, but that was still something she could find her way around so long as she didn’t say or do anything stupid.
You must help them. Help them. Help them.
If this tree would stop yelling at her.
“Princess Liriel has suggested I stay here at the castle to learn from Princess Nysia on how to… refine my knowledge,” she stated oh so carefully, instead of the blunt truth that she’d to be taught how to act like a civilized person instead of a wildling mountain cougar. “There are many things I need to learn, and if it will suit your majesty I would indeed like to stay. If Master Everflame has additional things to teach me, I am not one to turn down such an enthusiastic offer.”
That was likely the first time since arriving that she’d made a statement without letting anything slip in facial expressions or body language. Apparently when it was to tease and vex a paramour, Calia was not so dense! Perhaps it was because she didn’t twist up inside thinking about it, she just did it.
Nysia was completely missing all of the unspoken words and cues here, bouncing on her feet already with excitement, despite the fact she’d been volunteered to the teacher of this feral mountain princess. “Wonderful! She may stay in my wing of the castle, where we won’t have to worry about the children. I will introduce her to everyone. We’ve not had anyone visit from the mountain clans in such a long time!”
Attention shifted as queen slowly rocked from side to side. A considering motion that was like habitual after so many years of children and grandchildren. Focus resting on the crowned daughter that held the reins of a kingdom that suffered under the malicious acts of the very same monsters that were freshly out of hell once more. Only that to hear the girl of stone and snowy peaks stated that Nysia had been volunteered to play instruction, the queen’s lips quirked.
Pulling into an authentic smile, offering the chance for Calia to speak to her heart’s content but gave that of her youngest daughter a long considering look. Every so often checking on the elder one to see if there was something unspoken amongst this choice at all.
“Nysia, my little sprout.” Voice came strong from the depths of chest with a measure of adoring and a note of suggestion. “She is our guest. And in turn, one would be wise to learn from their guests as much as they learn from us.” Once more Ashera was looking at Liriel. “Dearest, I surmise you have seen fine reason to conclude these two partner together. As with your wit and observational skills, you must know there is things Nysia must learn from Princess Calia, hmm? I do agree with that. Nysia, you are to take heed and learn from Princess Calia as well. Your sister is beyond her years in wisdom, it would be best to pay attention. And do not overwhelm the young lady.”
Once more the queen glanced down and up of Calia, “Perhaps you would like to aid Nysia in selecting a suitable suitor for us. We as family cannot give her the well meanings of our years of experience and by the way you and Master Everflame are playing this game of words, I surmise you know your way around a good suitor and a poor one.” Renus sucked in his breath loudly before looking away. “Master Everflame, you’ll behave in my castle and stop preening after my guest as well.”
He looked somewhat embarrassed but not enough either. “I would be honoured to teach the princess whatever she would like. I am curious to learn more about her own missing magical prowess and I’ve not seen a person in the flesh that has been touched by the Enchanted Heart spell.” Stating it so casually, Ashera arched a brow. Spurring the man, “It would seem the dark arts have been used upon that of the Princess. Unfortunately I cannot bring myself to lie to you, your majesty. But I can confirm that she is not possessed by any demon.”
A nod was given and Ashera cooed softly to that of babe, “Nysia, escort Princess Calia to a suitable room. Master Everflame, Renus and Liriel, stay with me. We have things to discuss to assure things are orderly for the aid we will offer the young lady.”
“May I bring Princess Calia to the Alchemy Labs later, your majesty? I do want to see if we have anything in the new processes that might be of aid to her and I think it is good she sees what we do. As an offering of hospitality. No secrets from us to her.”
“If she obliges, then yes.” Ashera looked upon the girl, “Is this acceptable, little bird?”
“Of course, mama.” When addressed by her mother, Nysia smiled immediately, giving a fervent nod that was not disobedient or discrediting her mother’s words… just having a small hint of rebellious I already know all there is to know, but this will be fun behind that smile. Mostly because Liriel had suggested it in the first place, so it was more a bit of pestering at her dear elder sister than any sort of sass towards her mother.
Only to freeze in complete shock at the words next spoken to the mountain princess and the very handsome visiting Starling Everflame, finally catching up to the rest of them that something deeper was going on her. Now practically vibrating with interest, curiosity and a need to gossip and pry because everyone knew Nysia was far more invested in flirting and romantic shenanigans than she was in doing her royal duties. Giggling all the more when her sweet little brother appeared to be oh so scandalized.
While Calia got her first experience of being called out for her late night rendezvous. Finding the entire thing bordering on mortifying, but like the silver haired elf, she didn’t quite feel bad enough about it to have any regrets. Settling in a faintly pink, sheepish flush just because it was so awkward to have everyone knowing and talking about it.
And then? The goddamned man blurted out about her missing magic and missing heart like this was a casual conversation during a weekend lunch! All color draining from her face and if her heart had still been in her chest, it wouldn’t thumpthumpthumped it’s way right out and onto the floor. So he’d known? He’d had the entire night to feel her up and figure it out, after all. Deciding in his infinite wisdom not to mention it last night, but to save for right now, of all the gods be damned things. Hearing the anger rushing through her ears loud enough it was even drowning out the whispers of the tree and this short conversation about what they’d do with her next.
“You knew-“
“Whoops, oh,” chirped Nysia skuttling over to loop her arms with Calia, apparently going to take her job as mentor seriously, starting with right now! “You shouldn’t maul a man in the castle proper, it’s better to challenge him to a duel outside.”
That- What? It was such a nonsensical statement it actually made her pause for a moment, blinking first at Nysia with a frown. She wasn’t going to maul the man. Or attack him! …here, anyway. Not when there was the fragile little one and fretting tree that was so concerned about them.
Calia got the point, though. Her temper was visibly flaring and this was not the place or time.
“…it is acceptable.” she agreed, though not without a challenging squint at the mage, because ooooh, they had some things to talk about didn’t they.
Princess Liriel beamed a proud smile, no longer so appropriately and professionally muted as she shifted to her mother’s wandering side to reclaim her bundled child. Giving the queen an unspoken expression and a shrug of shoulder, as if this had all perfectly displayed her own decisions.
While Nysia didn’t want to leave when everything was getting so exciting, she wasn’t one to disobey her mother’s instructions. Giggling more still with tugging gently on Calia’s arm to escort her out of the beautiful courtyard. Waiting until they were safely out the large doors to speak, as she intended to take them through a tour of the palace.
“You are going to turn the whole court upside down more than when Duchess Elthiel published a filthy weekly gossip zine about all the court nobles.” Nysia declared with enthusiasm.
Starling gave her a controlled matter of fact look when the princess seemed to start broiling in her own body at the reveal he gave. As if the stare was to point out that she hadn’t exactly stopped to ask him what sort of magic he could do or even sense. That she had been much like him, far too involved with their flirtations to be interested in anything more. And she had been the one to say that she was not going to be sticking around, so why would he have gone into details about what he could or could not do?
Thankfully the other princess came to life to curb that of any potential combat that might occur here and now. Although he knew he was under the inspective gazes of the royal family, he did not shirk or shrink. Simply bowing graciously at the Queen’s instructions and Calia’s agreement to things being acceptable. Not without some squinting in his direction.
As Nysia took the means of her task seriously to escort the not so shooting star Lia or rather Calia; away, he felt that of Renus’s gaze in particular on him. Warranting a side look and a show of the prince’s head shaking. “To be perfectly fair, your highness. I didn’t know. It was not as though we spent hours playing twenty questions to determine if the intermingling of selves would be problematic.” Having no problem saying exactly what likely others were already surmising. “It was last night. Had I known whom she was and her, I? Well. It is doubtful things would be as they were.”
Ashera gravitated closer. Arms crossed then whilst gaze had followed the departure of daughter and absconded guest. “And is there other things then you’ve surmised of the daughter of the mountains, Master Everflame.” Gaze rested deeply. If he wanted to spare any further knowledge, it would not be allowed. Well, not wholly. With a shake of his head for now, Ashera seemed to accept it. “Well if that is that, let us focus on the means of creating the shields and new weapons for the holy law. With the Hierra being well on the move, it would be advantageous of us to hasten our own efforts. You’ve brought new materials.”
Starling smiled then. A sort of puckish twist that invited Renus to speak, “What sort of materials?”
“Why don’t you join me and Princess Calia later, Prince Renus to see. I know you’ve been curious about the creation of the very items since the discovery of the old runic tables. If this is permissionable, your majesty?”
Ashera nodded easily, instead looking to Liriel, “You’re assessment of the princess would be good to know as well, sapling.”
Princess Liriel rocked that sweet little bundle in her arms, unphased by the entire scene despite those exhausted hints in her features. The web of courtly duties was honestly nothing compared to having a newborn babe, who this moment was being as quiet and well behaved as a fresh lily, but was truly the most difficult thing in the world to manage when he was screaming at the top of his lungs.
Motherhood suited her, though, and while her youngest sibling was being his usual overly proper, disapproving self towards that of the mage – surprisingly she too shared the opinion the man could have used a little more delicacy considering the full scope of the current situation.
“Hmn,” she hummed, when Mother finally turned to her to seek what she’d surmised so far. Not one to answer immediately, but always giving careful thought to her words before doing so.
“She is overwhelmed. Insecure and drowning under the weight of her grief and new responsibility,” she started with the obvious, as anyone with eyes could see that mountain child was a powdered keg ready to ignite with the single smallest excuse. It was this new piece of information, about the girl missing magic along with the Enchanted Heart curse… well, that changed quite a few things.
“We do not yet know what she is capable of, nor the full reality of what was stolen from her. Only that her grief makes her vulnerable. Should the wrong people bend her ear, there is a high possibility she could become a dangerous foe. It would take nothing to manipulate and break her now, for there is nothing left for her to lose.”
Liriel tilted her head, goin quiet again as she turned that fathomless stare up towards the beautiful tree standing guard over the courtyard.
“And yet, it took a great strength of will to come here. To not fall into despair, to push past that fear to seek aid when she is clearly so out of her depth that she may as well be a kitten fighting against a river current. Gaia has guided that girl to us when she so desperately needs help, auspiciously when we are dealing with encroaching threats from the Imperial Queen. That seems like a sign not to be ignored.”
There was a show of agreement from Renus in the way that Liriel stated that Calia was obviously overwhelmed and way out of her depth. Even the very girl had expressed such things in her own candid way. And he had seen her a few times already showing just how easy it was to provoke her. Something that made him nervous because well, one person with nothing left to lose really could be quite the vicious danger.
He’d fight pretty quickly to protect those around him. His people. His culture. His kingdom. Even from one that was so critically out of her depth. But Liriel was right about a lot. They didn’t know everything and he didn’t suspect that Calia was going to be forthcoming.
She was very much afraid of opening up as if she did, everything would end. She’d be the culprit of it all when that wasn’t how anything worked. The girl was trying to take everyone on herself as some sort of act of righteousness and vengeance on herself. Self destructive. Which was not going to help anything. One could hope that Nysia would be able to get through that barrier. Rhelic had and Rhelic seemed like she had enough similarities to Calia. Just didn’t let it crush her and owned who she was while having a sense of understanding. Age did that though.
“It is something that should not be ignored.” Ashera agreed, gesturing with a pointed finger, “It will be up to use to help her in a variety of ways.” Eyes similarly moved to consider the fae tree, “The girl is certainly out of her element and absolutely inside her element as well.” Mother looked at them all but settled on Starling. “She is not simply gifted, is she?”
There was a pause but a shake of head then. “I can’t deduce yet if she is fae touched simply but,” Renus found this interesting. “It would need time to be checked. Have her spend time here when the court is not in session. It will tell if the girl is fae touched or fae herself. There’s quirks I noticed certainly but even my vision of the ethereal arts has limitation. I know she has been demon touched as well but not possessed. It would be wise to purify her too.”
That got mother’s face to twist into a scowl most furious. “Renus, I will leave that to you to gather the material’s to cleanse the girl from the wicked embrace.” Easily he nodded, “Now, Liriel you should rest. Take the little sprout with and take a few hours to truly relax as much as possible. I’ll leave the instruction of Nysia and Princess Calia to you at your leisure. Renus, you’ll continue to act as the liaison to Princess Calia, especially when Nysia is too much. And Master Everflame, you’ll work with the two of them to show them how we create the holy law weapons. If possible, once the princess is purified, perhaps she will have a talent for creating a few of the materials needed. It would be good to test.”
“As you request your majesty.”
“Yes mother.” Renus agreed in unison to Starling’s. Only that the Master nudged him a moment.
“We’ll meet in about forty minutes then. It will give me enough time to have brought in the pieces we’ve brought along and prep the stations for you and the Princess as well.” Again he nodded watching as mother approached Liriel to wrap arms around her shoulders. Likely really implying the need to rest as a new parent.