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Post by eskimoRock on May 29, 2013 17:56:02 GMT -5
Lillia's breathing was coming in gasps, and she took a second to calm down before she replied.
"But a witch? In the castle? Nobody thought to warn me? Wand or not, she's still a witch, and she's still dangerous!"
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Post by Nahara46 on May 29, 2013 18:26:17 GMT -5
Aelesia sighed and moved to give Lillia a reassuring hug. "The witch has been under heavy watch during her stay here- do you think father would have allowed Mir-the witch, anywhere near you if he thought you were at risk? Never! Collect yourself Lillia, the witch isn't even going to be here much longer."
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Post by eskimoRock on May 29, 2013 18:29:24 GMT -5
Lillia gave her sister a small smile, and took a deep breath.
"You're right, I'm sorry. I was shocked, that's all. If you say it's safe, I'll believe you." Her hands still shook slightly, and she concentrated on trying to still them.
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Post by G. Novella on May 29, 2013 18:30:38 GMT -5
James finally arrived at the grounds, and the servants all hailed him, bowing low as he walked. He saw his daughters in the corner, but simply gave them a polite nod as he made his way to the front gates to wait. His eyes were on the carriages. Soon he would ride in one with his daughters and grandchildren. He sighed as he looked to the sky, wondering if his wife was blessing them on their journey.
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Post by Nahara46 on May 29, 2013 18:38:28 GMT -5
"It's quite alright, Lillia. I was only told by Father a bit after you left, He didn't want to worry you, and I, along with our brothers, was quite surprised myself. You should have seen the other two, quite ready to barge down and take the witch away themselves!" Aelesia shook her head, half in exasperation and half in amusement of he brothers predictable reactions. Then the princess-nun noticed her father pass by. She returned his nod with a friendly, thought slightly nervous smile. Judging by his lack of explosive attitude, he seemed to have not yet been informed of Aelesia's visit with Mirabelle, nor of Aelesia's resulting injury.
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Post by eskimoRock on May 29, 2013 18:46:14 GMT -5
"I can imagine!" Lillia laughed quietly. She gave her father a little wave as he walked past, and then turned back to her sister. "Have you seen Jacobson yet?"
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Post by Nahara46 on May 29, 2013 18:48:54 GMT -5
Aelesia shook her head, "Not yet, though knowing him, he should be down in just a few moments. I believe he was too lead the men on horseback, so he must be ready to leave soon."
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Post by G. Novella on May 29, 2013 18:51:32 GMT -5
Finally the carriages were ready for departure. Erik began instructing the maids to seat themselves in the passenger carriages as he made his way to the king. Unlike with the princesses, he bowed down on his knee, offering his sword as allegiance. The entire crowd went silent, knowing the time had come. James for his part, was stoically calm as he touched Erik's head, beckoning the man to rise.
"My people," he called out to the grounds, and everyone went still, listening closely to the man's voice, "Today, today begins the new era! Rise with me! Today we shall make our way to the Training Academy. We shall beckon forth the spirited soldiers of the heart! We shall fight for a new future! A future free of devilry and black magic!"
The crowd cheered at the small, short speech the King gave, as he glanced over to Erik with hardened eyes. The soldier stood, nervously scanning the walls and barracks for any potential attack. He nodded to the king, as he informed the soldiers to move towards the carriage. As they began to move, Erik frowned. A man in his guard, carrying a dagger was suddenly moving towards the king. The dagger had a pink tinge, and Erik realized with a sick thought, it was poisoned.
Before anyone could say anything, Erik's sword was wheeling into the man, bringing him backwards with a thud. Everyone turned as the man flipped up onto his feet, grabbing his own sword, the dagger flung towards the King. A soldier ducked in the way, receiving the poison dagger on his shield, and avoiding injury. The man began to search for something as Erik's sword parried with his, and Erik realized in frustration that the sword could block any sort of attack, even if he didn't hit the man. That's when he realized the man was a wizard, and the sword was charmed as a shield! The man had no idea how to use a sword.
Other guards made their way over to help, but Erik was quicker. His sword slipped down to the man's feet, before suddenly slicing up, impaling the man's breast on his blade. The corpse fell over, as Erik wiped the sweat from his forehead. The second soldier who had been nearest and wasn't forming a human shield around the King had managed to get his sword into the man's back. It was hard to tell which blade had killed the wizard.
Erik turned to the King, and then the crowd as mad cheering and whispers broke out. He solemnly pulled his blade, as he witnessed a woman rush to throw up. His eyes darted to the princesses, as James's voice rang out, "Clear away the body at once! Continue on! I want no delays! Have this investigated after we have left!"
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Post by Nahara46 on May 29, 2013 18:57:31 GMT -5
The moment the commotion began, Aelesia turned and grabbed her sister, roughly tryng to push Lilia behind her. Aelesia yelped as the dagger was sent toward her father, and took a step forward instinctively. Then two soldiers were there, guarding the princesses. Everything was confusing as Aelesia realized with terror that the attacker was a wizard.
When the man fell, she breathed a sigh of relief and quickly checked Lillia before hurrying to her father. "Father!" She said in a worried tone, "Are you alright?" The princess' hands were shaking with what had just happened- all so quickly.
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Post by eskimoRock on May 29, 2013 19:02:59 GMT -5
Lillia's heart was pounding in her throat as she watched the commotion going on right in front of her eyes. She held tight onto her sister's arm, and when the man finally fell she followed her sister towards her father, slipping through the middle of the two soldiers and only stumbling once in her haste.
"Is everybody okay?"
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Post by G. Novella on May 29, 2013 19:20:02 GMT -5
"We're fine, m'dears," said James, clasping his daughter's hands. His cheeks had their color returning to them, as he watched the corpse being dragged off. "Everyone is alright but the murderer. Please, calm your hearts. Where is Jacobson and his family? Have you seen them?"
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Post by eskimoRock on May 29, 2013 19:39:26 GMT -5
"Not this morning, no." Lillia said, shaking her head. "They should be down soon. I'm just glad the children weren't here..." She could feel the tears approaching and she took a deep breath. Today had been terrible already and they hadn't even left yet.
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Post by Nahara46 on May 29, 2013 19:43:19 GMT -5
Aelesia's eyes widened with the thought that her niece and nephews could have been here if that man had come only moments later...
As if to confirm her fears, Jacobson and Denise came around just at that moments. The children were holding the hem of their mothers' dress as the parents conversed, small smiles on their faces.
The smiles slid off as Jacobson took in the sight before him- the panic and worry on his sisters' faces. Quickly he hurried forward, passing of the child he had been holding to his wife.
"What happened here?" He inquired urgently.
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Post by G. Novella on May 29, 2013 19:50:07 GMT -5
James turned to his son, and gave a sigh. He glanced backwards to Denise, before summoning Erik forward. The man's shield was still bloody, and his sword glistened with the red blood of the dead man. James scowled, and at once, Erik passed the sword to another soldier, before taking a second from another man.
"Please escort Lady Denise and the other Princesses to the caravans," said the King firmly, "See to it that they are secured with trusted soldiers only!"
"Yes sir," said Erik with a humble bow, not having the time to greet Jacobson appropriately. He turned to the Princesses, and offered them his hands, "Please, allow me to lead you to the Caravans, miladies."
"There was an attack moments ago, an assassination attempt on my life," said James in a whisper as he lead Jacobson away from the women.
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Post by eskimoRock on May 29, 2013 19:54:36 GMT -5
Lillia squeezed her fathers hand, smiled at her brother and then allowed herself to be led away towards the carriages with Erik.
"Are you okay?" She asked him quietly. "That was terrible."
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Post by Nahara46 on May 29, 2013 19:58:44 GMT -5
Aelesia nodded reluctantly at her fathers' command and turned to go to the caravans. She curtsied slightly toward Erik, respectfully declining his hand as she opt to instead turn to Denise, who had now approached with her three children. Forcing a smile on her lips she held out her own hand to young Elise,
"Come on then, let's go with your Mummy to the caravans." Denise smiled gratefully to Aelesia for taking one of the children. Bailie rested in her mothers arms, and Isaiah held Denise's free hand. The women and three children left to their ride.
--
Jacobson briefly watched his wife and sisters go before turning to his father, only to widen his eyes in surprise, and fury. "An assassination?!?!" He repeated a bit louder than strictly necessary. Glancing around he took a took a deep breath before continuing, "By whom? Has it been dealt with? Has anyone been harmed? Are Aelesia and Lillia okay? Are you okay?" As Jacobson let loose his barrage of questions, he glanced around to survey for any injuries.
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Post by G. Novella on May 29, 2013 20:02:58 GMT -5
"I'm gine," said Erik shortly, before sighing and ruffling his hair. He hadn't meant to sound angry, but this was his first real duty for the King handling such an important mission. And he was sleep deprived and nearly got the King killed. Damn him. He turned to the Crown Princess and Princess Aelesia. He was glad nobody offered a child to him, they terrified him. Instead, he nodded to both women as they walked and politely said, "Please, allow me to get you some refreshments. Is there anything I can do to help you?"
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James frowned at his son's loud voice, before turning to look at the caravans. He sighed as he replied, "We're fine, my son. It's been a long day, and we aren't even out yet. The man is dead, so I'm afraid we don't know any answers as of yet. But an investigation is running. I fear this is only the beginning. Nobody was harmed, and we are all fine. What took you so long this morning? Though I must admit, I am glad you were late. The children needn't bear witness to the gruesome sight of death."
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Post by Nahara46 on May 29, 2013 20:33:43 GMT -5
"No thank you," Aelesia declined politely just as they were nearing the caravan. "Unless our little princess is in wanting of something?" This she targeted toward the little girl next to her. Elise brightened up immediately and scrunched her nose up in thought before pulling Aelesia down and whispering in her ear whilst giggling. Aelesia laughed at Elise's request. Smiling devilishly she turned to the man,
"Well, it seems that our little princess wishes for a ride to her caravan." Aelesia was greatly amused by her nieces antics, and more than happy to indulge her- if only to distract both her, and the others, from the near tragedy that could have occurred only moments before.
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Post by Nahara46 on May 29, 2013 20:37:50 GMT -5
Jacobson ran a hand threw his hair, relieved that no one was harmed and that his children hadn't been present. "Me and Denise were distracted, discussing possible names for the child." Despite the situation, he smiled at their decision. "We have come to an agreement of the name, if it is to be a girl."
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Post by G. Novella on Jun 2, 2013 13:22:43 GMT -5
"That's good to hear," said James with a smile, glad to distract himself with something else to think about rather than the attempt on his life. He shut his eyes as he thought of his wife, and stared to the sky, wondering if she'd saved him from seeing her so soon. He turned to Jacobson, and asked, "May I know the name?"
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Erik raised his eyebrows in surprise, glancing between the caravan and them. It was a short distance, only about a few metres at most. A horse or pony would only require a few minutes to reach. It seemed like a great waste to saddle one up for the young princess, however, after the recent attack, it would help slow the adrenaline rushing to his heart. He nodded, glancing around the arena from the corner of his eye.
"I shall have a pony summoned at once," said Erik solemnly, not even pausing to consider that he had misinterpreted the request.
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Post by Nahara46 on Jun 2, 2013 13:28:42 GMT -5
Jacobson did not reply right away. The prince carefully studied his father's face first, and then he looked back at the castle as he wondered how to go about this. Finally he began tentatively, "Well, it was Denise's idea really; she was always so sweet and thoughtful... She, well we, thought that we'd quite like to name the little girl Eleanor."
He once again found himself studying his father's face; his eyes; as he mentioned his late mother's name.
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Post by eskimoRock on Jun 2, 2013 14:07:00 GMT -5
"I don't think she means on a pony!" Lillia smiled a little despite herself. She could feel herself calming, and the conversation was a good distraction.
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Post by Nahara46 on Jun 2, 2013 14:13:52 GMT -5
"No silly!" Elise suddenly cried, giggling. "Not a pony!" the little girly turned to her Aunt Lili and giggled again, "Aunt Lili, isn't he silly?"
Aelesia and Denise were both shaking from silent laughter at the expense of the soldier from the little girls antics.
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Post by G. Novella on Jun 2, 2013 14:22:51 GMT -5
Erik frowned at the suggestion, quite confused. He'd never spent much time around children, so he had no clue what the ladies were getting at. He could, however, tell he was being made fun of. Cautiously this time, he asked tentatively to the girl in question, "Well then young Princess, how would you like your ride to the caravan?"
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James suddenly froze, hearing the name Denise and Jacob had chosen. His eyes softened, and he stared closely at his son. For many reasons, the name Eleanor had not been given to Elise. He hadn't stressed the choice, he knew his son and daughter-in-law should make the decision on their own. However, to hear the decision from his son, he couldn't help but feel a pang of happiness and sadness all at once. A tear came to his eye, but he turned away as he thought of his late wife.
"I fear I now wish to have a granddaughter," confessed James, smiling at the sky still, "Your mother would be quite pleased with the choice of the name, I am sure."
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Post by eskimoRock on Jun 2, 2013 14:38:10 GMT -5
"Elise is a particular fan of piggyback rides, aren't you, honey?" Lillia smiled gently, taking pity on Erik. "I think that's what she meant."
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Post by Nahara46 on Jun 2, 2013 14:40:19 GMT -5
Jacobson's face broke out into a grin, he had been worried his father would react negatively. He and Denise had considered the possibility for Elise, however had decided that it would not be wise for their first child to bear the name of his mother- new beginnings must be had. This time around, both parents were adamant with the idea of respecting the queen with their naming.
"I'm glad you approve," He replied. "Of course, me and Denise have yet to agree on any sort of middle names, or boy names. I quite like the name Maverick, however Denise seems to think such a name to be too harsh for a child."
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"Yes!" Elise agreed, clapping her hands together before approaching the soldier and put her arms up. "Up!" She demanded before looking back at her mother and adding reluctantly, "Please?"
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Post by G. Novella on Jun 2, 2013 16:43:13 GMT -5
James laughed softly at Jacobson's dilemma, still looking at the sky. He could remember each argument he and Eleanor had, when choosing names for their children. He smiled softly, before looking at his son with a nod.
"I see no issue with the name Maverick," said James with a nod, "As a boy he can have nicknames after all. I quite remember your mother arguing over it when naming you and Aelesia. She refused my suggestions until she could find a suitable pet name for each of you. Of course, at Lillia and Florence's turn, she had the pet name, and I had to find the name."
He paused in his recitation of the story, and looked away, thinking of Florence with a pang. It seemed too much trauma had occurred too soon. Lord knows he needed to sit down. Turning to the crowd, he wondered when they would be on their way.
Erik stared at the ladies, and then the child. He felt a little uneasy, considering he had just sweat, and been in battle moments ago. However, seeing no refusal to carrying the young Princess, he nodded and lifted the child up, who was almost as light as his sword, and swung her around so that she was on his back. Nervously, he glanced at the elder Princess and Lady Denise for their approval.
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Post by Nahara46 on Jun 2, 2013 16:52:28 GMT -5
Jacobson laughed at the memory of his mothers' pet names. Thankfully his had been rather tame- only Jacob, with the occasional Jay thrown in. Aelesia on the other hand had been subject to a barrage of many nicknames. "I remember well Aelesia's refusal to allow mother to call her Lizi, or, heaven forbid, Linda... But she always did let mother call her Allie, even if she never let anyone else call her such- to everyone else, she is simply Aelesia."
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As she was tossed onto the soldiers back almost effortlessly, Lillia let out a scream of joy and giggled all the time, her little hands automatically moving to clutch something- her left took a handful of Erik's shirt while her right gripped the man's hair.
Denise smiled as she watched her daughter's enjoyment, giving the poor man a nod as he looked toward the women. When Elise took Erik's hair in hand, the two women laughed aloud and Denise quickly said, "Elise, dear, let go of the poor man's hair." The girl giggled again and obliged.
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Post by eskimoRock on Jun 4, 2013 15:34:00 GMT -5
Lillia grinned at her niece. "Don't make her too happy!" She mock whispered to Erik. "The others will think they're missing out and they'll want a go too."
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Post by G. Novella on Jun 15, 2013 14:38:45 GMT -5
The King smiled as his son laughed, remembering fondly the memories. However, before either of them could say anything, a peon approached, and bowed low before the King and his heir. The man looked nervous, and rightfully so. Not just anyone was allowed to approach the King and Heir.
"Sire, the carriages are ready! It is time to board," said the man quietly.
James nodded and dismissed the man with a hand. He looked glad to run, as James turned to his son and said, "Let us get a seat then. I shall be riding with the women and children? Are your riding with us or on horse?"
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Erik winced as the child gripped his hair, short as it was, and was relieved when she let go. The lady had quite a grip. He sighed as he shifted her a bit to make her more comfortable, and relaxed when Lady Denise nodded. He cocked an eyebrow at Lillia, and simply said, "It is my duty to serve the Royal family. Should the other children request so, I will gladly give them a ride."
He turned to the child, still stoically stiff and formal as he politely asked, "Are you comfortable, young highness? Shall I take you to your carriage now?"
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