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Post by G. Novella on Nov 5, 2012 11:44:04 GMT -5
Erik nodded, and shifted uncomfortably. This was why he'd hesitated in accepting an offer to guard the princess. How was he supposed to protect her while she was not before his eyes? Now she would move to change behind the screen, and he'd have to either stand outside, or on the balcony. Both left one flank unprotected.
"If- if it's alright, milady, then would you mind if I stand by the door or balcony, as you change behind the screen? I swear I shan't turn and glance at your form, my eyes will be trained to the door. In light of the recent abduction, I worry the kidnappers may make a second strike. If you displease of the idea, then may I move the screen and your bath things to a more secure location of the room," said Erik with a polite nod.
Already he was scoping potential locations for her new bath area in case she rejected the initial offer. He wasn't a tactician for nothing, after all.
---------—–---------
James nodded, as he sipped his goblet of wine. Politely, he turned to Aelesia, who seemed calmer than he anticipated, but then, she did resemble Eleanor in her fierce loyalty for family and her suave composition, and asked, "Wine, my dear? Please, Jacob, take some for your wife and self, you too Alex."
Then he sipped again, as he sighed, "That was the other plan- but since Florence's kidnapping I've received nothing but new suggestions. Interrogate her, make an example, study her for potential witch-related disease, all kinds of nonsense and ideas that- well- they make me rather uneasy. She is a citizen of Britain, after all. Nothing makes sense anymore, and I fear that I may make the decision with emotion rather than with logic. Do you believe she should be made an example, then?"
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Post by eskimoRock on Nov 5, 2012 12:37:46 GMT -5
Lillia nodded. "I don't mind you standing in either place. I'll be right here so that you can reassure yourself of my safety, and I know you won't turn around and peek at me, not just because my father would be furious." she glanced towards the screen and bath behind it, checking its position.
"Oh, and thank you." she smiled. "I realise that this must be a huge inconvenience to you, when you could be in the academy."
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Post by Nahara46 on Dec 29, 2012 18:08:34 GMT -5
Aelesia smiled graciously at the offer and said softly, "Yes, I'd like a glass please." After receiveing said glass she sipped it slowly, still listening intently to her father.
Along with his sister, Jacobson gave himself a generous amount of wine, and drank it in bigger gulps then his sister's small sips. He set it down for a moment to respond,
"The idea of interrogation admittedly seems to be the most logical- though I would prefer to see her burned at the stake or hanged straight away. However you are quite right, we must make the decision with logic rather than emotion... Perhaps we should extract what information on wizardry we can from her, and then give her hanging as reward- it will be her choice, she can give us information and have an easier death, or she can remain silent for interrogation and scream at the stake."
Denise found her husbands ease of speaking of such gruesome things a bit disturbing, but she could see the anger in his eyes at how their children could be in danger, so she could understand. Upon the offer of wine, despite the situation, she found herself smiling softly. The child that was within her had yet to be announced to the King and her husband's siblings, and it would be a nice surprise to give in all this chaos. Denise politely declined the wine, looking forward to the announcement.
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 30, 2013 12:52:00 GMT -5
Erik stiffened at the princess's quick observations, but nodded as he replied calmly, "Milady, my first duty is to the crown, not the academy. I have no regret of serving you over the academy. Please, get ready for bed, and relax yourself. I serve you."
----
"That sounds like a good plan, son," said James with a nod, "I dislike speaking of such things before the ladies, but I fear that in our vengeance-filled hearts, we shall make cruel decisions. Miladies, please, share your thoughts. Denise, Aelesia, feel free to share your concerns. No wine, Denise? It is among the finest from England."
James lifted the bottle for the woman, encouraging his daughter-in-law. He'd been very fond of Denise, and had been extremely pleased when Jacobson had chosen her for a wife. Especially so when his grandchildren had been born.
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 30, 2013 12:55:36 GMT -5
"Thank you, sir." Lillia smiled. She changed behind the curtain, and tried to hide a laugh as she came back out from behind the curtain and saw her guard staring resolutely out of the window.
"I'm ready now, thank you."
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Post by Nahara46 on Mar 30, 2013 23:19:57 GMT -5
"I appreciate your concern Father," Aelesia said with a tentative smile, "However I assure you I am alright discussing such matters." She then glanced at her cup, thoughts pooling in her mind. Both trying to figure out the identity of the witch and attempting to develop a plan to handle her. Obviously they would have to be careful, who knew what the witch was capable of.
---
Denise smiled to her father-in-law. "I'm certain it is the finest in the land, however..." She trailed off and glanced at her husband, nodding slightly at him.
----
Jacobson looked at his wife, grinned and turned to his father. Happily he said in a overly mysterious tone. "My wife is feeling a bit delicate at the moment, Wine would not be best for her to have for a few months."
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 30, 2013 23:56:38 GMT -5
Erik turned to the Princess and nodded. He'd been very stern in staring out the window, though his ears had been alert, listening for any suspicious signs. He bowed low to the Princess again, as per proper decorum. Standing tall again, he glanced around the room, at a loss on how to help the young lady pack.
"Where is your bags, milady? I can retrieve them and we can begin the packing process," said Erik kindly.
------
James nodded to Aelesia. She'd always been very good at dealing with the gory things. While he worried she'd take it to heart as a young child, she'd grown to be such a strong woman. Secretly he'd been quite glad when she requested not to marry, but rather go to the convent. No man would be able to handle a woman like that. It took a special man to do so.
He turned to his son and daughter-in-law, and suddenly a smile broke over his face, deaging him by several years as the tension wiped away.
"Well, I think I shall have to drink to that! When shall this 'mysterious' illness end?"
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Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 0:01:09 GMT -5
Denise's smile was positively mischievous as she replied matter o-factly. "My nurse seems to think it took hold about three months ago. Should run it's course in another six months time." Jacobson rolled his eyes and glanced toward his sister, who was now quite beaming.
---
"How wonderful!" Aelesia exclaimed, her eyes flitting toward Denise's stomach, cheerful to hear that amidst all the grief, she'd be obtaining a new niece or nephew.
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 31, 2013 4:48:42 GMT -5
"Hmm...I'm not quite sure." Lillia frowned, looking at the cupboards around the room and opening them at random. "No, no, definitely not, who knew I needed so much crockery? Ahh, here we go!" She nodded triumphantly and started trying to pull a trunk out of the cupboard.
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 15:53:34 GMT -5
Erik nodded, and he moved to assist the young princess. He moved, taking the bag in his strong hands and easily lifting it from the cupboard to the floor. He grabbed a chair, and set the bag on it, opening it silently before turning to the princess.
"Shall we get to work then? Perhaps sort through the crockery?" he said, a dry smile on his face.
------
James laughed, a happiness settling over him before a bitter pang followed. If Florence was here... He shook the thought aside, and turned to Jacobson, "Congratulations! I hope my future grandson or granddaughter will be born in a more peaceful time. Shall we retire for the night than? Let the ladies head to bed with this good news, whilst you and I take a stroll?"
It was not a request, but a command.
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 31, 2013 15:58:26 GMT -5
Lillia laughed. "Absolutely! You never know when you could need a china teapot on your travels." She opened a drawer and started sorting out the clothing, taking out all the things she thought she might need.
"The hardest thing is which books to choose!" she smiled, pointing at a huge bookshelf. "I don't know what I should bring."
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Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 16:04:12 GMT -5
"Of course," Denise smiled, "I have full faith that your and my dear husband will do your best to ensure my child will be granted a safe place in which to be born." With that, Jacobson stood up to offer her his hand. She took it and turned to Aelesia.
"Shall we head to bed then?"
---
Aelesia nodded and cheerfully went to her sister in law, linking arms in a less then conventional fashion, but all in good fun for the two girls. She didn't particularly want to go, but she knew better then to argue her fathers word. Together the women left the room, beginning to chatter about the future child, arguing over it's gender.
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 16:12:41 GMT -5
Erik glanced at the large bookshelf, shifting uncomfortably. While he was adept at reading and writing, he was not a fan of leisure reading. Even to this date, he had to read things out loud, not being able to read in his head like others.
"The academy will be filled with young men, most training in the arts of war and witchery," began Erik cautiously, approaching the bookshelf, "I suggest books of that nature if you'd like to be prepared, however, conversely if you need a break from all of that, books you enjoy."
-------
As the women left, James took another swig of the wine, letting a silence fall over him and his son. He topped their glasses off again, and sighed heavily. He turned to his son, and eyed him for a long while.
"Shall we? I think a walk is what we need," said James, standing up and moving to the door, opening it and indicating to Jacobson to follow. He walked slowly, not checking if his son was following, his boots clicking on the stone floor. As they walked, James began to talk.
"It's been a long time since we've had a conversation like this. Tell me, how are my grandchildren? Are they coming with us to the Academy?"
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Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 16:21:18 GMT -5
Jacobson was quickly to follow and reached the door just as his father did and a servant opened it.
"They are all quite well, Elise is ecstatic with the potential of gaining a new little brother or sister- though she's insisting it's a baby boy and we must name him Patrick." He laughed, "Though Denise has confessed to not particularly being endeared to such a name." Then Jacobson sighed.
"I'm not sure if I'll bring them, however, Denise wishes to attend. I don't think if either she, or me for that matter, can stand being so far from them in the current state of things. I'd be much more at peace if I kept them near."
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 31, 2013 16:22:09 GMT -5
Yes, you're right." Lillia nodded, walking up to the book shelf and pulling out a few heavy tomes. "If I bring only the clothes I will need, I'll have room for more of these. I can bring a few of my favourites as well, in case my father decides yet again that I should be sent out of the room every time they have an important conversation."
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 16:32:29 GMT -5
James nodded absently, smiling at the thought of his grandchildren. He adored his family, and it was that much more of a harsh blow to have his daughter whisked away from his grasp.
"Best to bring them along," said James as they turned a sharp corner. He sighed as he thought about it, "Perhaps leaving the castle empty is better than leaving it a potential target to attack. Have you packed then?"
As they moved, they got closer and closer to the armory and the dungeons.
-----
Erik watched the princess in amusement as she tugged the books down. Gently, he took them from her arms and held them up, waiting for her to keep piling them on. He could see her annoyance, and shrugged.
"Forgive me for being so forward Your Highness, but the academy will have many young men, men who are determined to use their brains for nothing but crude remarks and unseemly things. There will be peasants of the worst kind, who can only utter things that a woman should never have to here. And some things are not crude, but rather, frank and unseemly. Things about witchery and the horrors of the world will be discussed, and I for one, would not want any woman, let alone one of your caliber to hear such things," said Erik firmly.
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 31, 2013 16:43:45 GMT -5
Lillia crouched down to search for a book, frowning.
"That may be so, but the fact is that maybe if Florence had been included in more of those conversations, she'd be here right now. Besides, my sister was left in that room, along with my sister in law."
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Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 16:44:56 GMT -5
"Well, our servants have been taking care of our children for the day, so I'm certain that most of our belongings are still packed, except for some clothing that they have put up in our wardrobes. We should be ready to leave in fifteen minutes time of notice." Jacobson glanced in the direction of their quarters as he spoke.
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 16:56:59 GMT -5
Erik didn't say anything in response, it was not his place. Instead he simply clammed back up and nodded tightly. However, he added, "Some things aren't meant for a young woman either."
------
James glanced at Jacobson, finally reaching the entrance to the dungeon. He stared at his son, wondering if he'd put it together yet. However, he said nothing and instead simply opened the door.
"After you," said James quietly, glancing at Jacobson for a few minutes.
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 31, 2013 17:01:39 GMT -5
Lillia simply nodded tightly, and passed Erik the book she had been looking for.
"I think that's everything I'll need. Are eight books enough? I'm not exactly sure how long we'll be gone."
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Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 19:16:14 GMT -5
Jacobson raised an eyebrow as he realized where his father was taking them. His eyes hardened as he nodded toward his father and entered,
"Is she down here?" He asked simply, glaring down toward the cells, angry that such a creature was putting his children at risk.
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 19:38:20 GMT -5
Erik stifled the chuckle as the girl gathered his books. His face was smooth as he simply nodded and said, "They will have a library, madam. I'm sure if the eight books do not suffice, the teachers will have plenty more to provide you with. Shall we pack these and then try and gather your clothes, or are they unnecessary?"
-----
James nodded tightly, as he lead his son down the winding steps to the dungeon. The place was cool and damp, with no light anywhere. Past the cells with the political prisoners, gaunt and lean, dying slowly from illness or starvation, he came to the last cell in the row. It was heavily barred, and there were all sorts of knick-knacks hanging from the bars. Talismans to ward of evil that the guards had put up.
Inside the cell was a pale-skinned maiden, fast asleep. Her hands were chained together, behind her back. She wore a dark black dress that fit her well. It looked to be of expensive fabric, and James suspected her family was well-off. The girl was the same age as Aelesia was, maybe a bit younger since she looked so innocent while asleep. This was the first time James had taken a good look at the girl.
"She's going to be taken to the Training Academy, used as an example," said James softly, "Her wand was taken away and snapped by a man. She's powerless without it. Or at least, harmless for the most part. One guard tried to, well, be improper to her, and he got stung badly. Apparently when pushed, she reacts with magic. But not otherwise."
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 31, 2013 19:45:59 GMT -5
"Of course, they will, won't they?" Lillia said brightly. "Well, this should be sufficient then." She took a couple of the books and placed them gently into her bag.
"I shouldn't need too much clothing, I'm thinking. It will probably all fit in here... I might have to leave the dictionary."
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Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 19:47:07 GMT -5
As they entered, Jacobson eyes the various prisoners that littered the cells. All of them sitting there pitifully, some praying, some eying himself and the King with disdain. Jacob sent them a calculated glare, and many recoiled and looks at the floor. A few had the audacity and attempt to plead with himself and his father, Jacobson regarded them coldly. No matter how pitiful they may seem, he knew they were in here for good reason- they deserved no better.
The girl in the cell surprised him. She seemed so harmless and innocent- out of place in this dingy place. However, as his father spoke, Jacobson was reminded that she was a witch- dangerous. She could harm his children, and he would not allow her to have any chance to do so.
Upon hearing his fathers' words, Jacobson clucked his tongue unhappily. Both because of the witch's lingering power, which he believed should be fully stripped from her, and because of the guard. No matter how evil, the woman should not be stripped of her maidenly virtue.
"We will have to be careful how we deal with her then...." He eyed her, wondering how they could restrain her from further sorcery. "Has the guard been dealt with? No matter her crime, no guard has the right to take advantage of a prisoner."
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 19:58:10 GMT -5
"Why would you need a dictionary, Highness?" asked Erik, unsure of what to say to that, "Isn't that a reference book for words?"
He grimaced a bit as the peasant ignorance shone through, and he gripped his sword, calming himself as he reminded himself that he was a soldier now, not an ignorant boy.
James glanced over at Jacobson, watching his son's reaction. He could read the surprise in his face, and understood why. The girl didn't look evil at all. Nothing like the haggard and terrifying witch he imagined she'd be. Instead, she looked out of place in the dungeon amongst the real prisoners.
"The guard was dismissed from his duty," said James easily, "As for this one, yes, she will need to be dealt with carefully. She's young, so we may be able to get her to talk."
The girl shifted in her sleep, curling up. The girl muttered something that nobody catch. James stiffened and turned to his son, "Do you wish to wake her, or shall we leave?"
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 31, 2013 20:01:11 GMT -5
"Yes, it is." Lillia nodded. "And it may sound daft, but I always need it when it's not there. It comes in handy a lot." She blushed and looked down.
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Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 20:16:21 GMT -5
Jacobson nodded, satisfied that the guard had been dismissed- they did not need such men in their ranks in this time of trouble. As his father questioned him, Jacob considered the possibilties aloud.
"If we wake her now, she may be more frightened and more likely to answer- though she could lash out with her magic. In the morning she could be more resilient and prepared to stay silent.... Perhaps now would be better, though we must be careful in waking her."
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 20:26:13 GMT -5
The soldier raised an eyebrow, but said nothing as the woman put the dictionary away, and he simply said, "I see. I've never used one before."
"There's a bell for that sort of thing," said James, moving to get the silver bell. He jangled it slowly, creating a loud thumping sound in the bell. The girl jumped, as did other prisoners, who when they realized it wasn't directed to them, stopped.
The young girl's eyes went open, and they were a shocking green, bright and sparkly as she stared at the two men in confusion. She sat up, and began to dust herself off, all while staring at the men in a daze.
"Are you the King of the Guards than?" she asked, making James stare, surprised she hadn't connoted the crown on his head to the King of Britain.
"No, my name is James, King of Britain, and this is my son," said James politely, "May we have an audience with you?"
The girl stared at him in confusion, replying, "But I'm only one person."
"Can we join you in your cell for a conversation?" clarified James gently, assuming she was disoriented.
"Oh, yes sir," said the girl, and James grabbed the keys, nodding to Jacobson to keep an eye on his sword.
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 31, 2013 20:29:45 GMT -5
Lillia placed the dictionary in the bag carefully. "I'm sorry, I'm talking a lot again. There's no need to worry about the space anyway, there's enough in here. Lucky I don't need many clothes, I suppose. Florence has always been the one who knows most about things like that."
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Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 20:40:40 GMT -5
"Of course!" Jacobson replied as his father moved to ring the bell, he'd forgotten about such a thing. The stir it caused made him glance around warily at the other prisoners before his eyes then focus on the girl. He had to be careful, ready to defend at a moments notice. As the girl sat up and seemed to take them in, his eyes were carefully guarded, his stance defensive and threatening.
He let his father do the talking, knowing he'd be more adept at it. His father's motion to watch his sword, however, was unnecessary. His hand was already hovering on the hilt of his sword, ready to be pulled out in a moments notice- though he had a hard time imagining stabbing such a defenseless and harmless looking girl. He had to remind himself that she was more then she appeared.
As they prepared to enter, he met the girls eyes, a clear warning in his own- if she did anything... magic-y, he would not hesitate. he had a family to protect.
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