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Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 21:20:20 GMT -5
Erik nodded, before turning away as she packed her clothes. While he may have suggested that she pack her clothes, he had no idea of how to do it. Nodding he said, "It's not a problem, Highness. Is there anything I can help with?"
Mirabelle watched the two men curiously, particularly the younger one. He seemed so angry. Had she done something wrong? Maybe they were friends with that guard-man who'd tried to touch her in a place men weren't supposed to unless you were married. She'd snapped and used a stinging hex on his hand, purely on accident. She glanced at the glaring man, and finally asked, "Did I do something wrong?"
The King stared at the girl, and felt a tug of something at his heart. She was just a child still. Perhaps if her magic could be erased, they could save the young ones like her. "I'm afraid not, we just have some questions, basic really. Can you tell us your name, and age?"
"Mirabelle Gaunt, sir," said the girl in a melodic sort of voice, "And I'm twenty sir. I think. Father said I haven't matured much."
"Does that mean you're expected to grow more?" asked the King, surprised. He didn't know witches had more maturing to do.
"I think so," said Mirabelle with a tiny frown, "I mean, Father said I was of age to marry, but to dumb to choose my own suitor. Does that mean I'm immature?"
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 31, 2013 21:25:42 GMT -5
Lillia forced the last garment into her bag, and managed to zip it up with a triumphant smile.
"There! Done. I think I'm ready" She paused for a second, and then took a deep breath. "I don't suppose you could tell me about the acadamy? After all, we'll be going there and I've never been before. It is best to be prepared, I find."
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Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 21:27:49 GMT -5
This girl was surprising Jacobson more and more, he didn't even reply to her first question, unsure of how to answer. Had she done anything wrong? Well... no, she'd only hurt the guard, and he'd deserved it.... but, it was what she will do, what she could do. She was wrong, magic was wrong.
As the girl spoke, Jacobson found himself wonder, what was she talking about? She was either very stupid, or really young and naive. He wasn't quite sure how to respond, after all, this was hardly the point of the visit. However, he saw an opening- perhaps they could get information on the girls father, maybe he was a wizard as well.
"We can't be sure," he replied slowly, "I'm sure he didn't mean it quite that way, would you mind telling us a bit about your father? Maybe we could help you understand than."
If Denise had been there, she probably would have hit him on the head for being so dense and not very subtle.
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 21:45:40 GMT -5
Erik simply nodded as he stood, and watched the young woman. Carefully he considered the question, "The academy doesn't open tomorrow, it opens at the end of the week, but trainees will be coming in and beginning the registration process. Lord Byron set up his own lands for the place, and he put it up in a secure location, called Fort Trenton by the border of Hampshire. It's a very pleasant site, with large grounds for hunting and training, and mostly abandoned. What else would you like to know?"
Anyone else would have seen through Jacobson's flimsy interrogation, and indeed, James was throwing his son an exasperated look, but Mirabelle was nodding along, completely convinced by his words. She thought about her father as she began to reply, while seated on the floor, "Well, Father is very strict. He says that women have their place and men have theirs. All women should marry. He married my sister to a fine pureblood when I was a little girl, but when it came to me, Mother said we should wait. And so we did. But then father said I'm almost too old to bear a good child, so he wanted me to marry. Mother said I'm still a child, but Father said my body disagreed."
Mirabelle paused, as James noted the word pureblood wizard, wondering what that could be as she continued, "Father likes me, I think. But he says I don't think much. Does your father say that? Father says it's because I'm coddled and babied too much."
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Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 21:50:34 GMT -5
Jacobson ignored is fathers exasperated look- as flimsy as his interrogation technique was, it had worked. Obviously, this girl wasn't too bright. As she spoke, Jacob had a similar though process to his father, wondering what a pureblood was.
"My dad does say I can be a bit thick sometimes," He gave a false smile to the girl, hoping to endear himself to her. "However, you know how dads are. Always think they're right, don't they?" He threw his dad an overly exasperated look of his own.
"Forgive me for my ignorance, but what exactly is a pureblood?"
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 22:27:58 GMT -5
Mirabelle looked up in surprise, staring at Jacobson in shock that he didn't know about blood importance. She glanced sympathetically at the man, before saying, "Oh! That's not a surprise! Father says muffles are ignorant anyways. Pure looss are wizards like myself, you know, born to wizard families."
James quickly asked, "And we're muggles, aren't we?"
"Oh so you know what muggles are? Then yes, you're muggles, not-wizards," said Mirabelle sweetly.
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Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 22:34:07 GMT -5
Jacobson filed away the information- so this girls parents were both magical as well. That would be useful in deciding how to deal with her later.
"So you're whole is magical then? That must be quite a bit to live up to- are they good?"
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 22:37:56 GMT -5
Mirabelle nodded enthusiastically as she said, "Of course we're good! That's why we're part of the most Noble house of Gaunt. Because we have the best pedigree and the best magic. Speaking of which, can I have my wand?"
James raised an eyebrow, backtracking from that thought as he said, "I'm afraid we left your wand in the glen you were caught in. I'm sorry."
Mirabelle gasped, looking horrified as she said, "Are you sure? But I've had that wand since I was eleven! Are you positive?!"
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Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 22:42:58 GMT -5
"The Noble House of Gaunt?" Jacobson replied, pretending as if that was a very familiar name. He looked at his father and said, "Yes, How could we not recognize such a prodigious family, Father?" He looked at the girl, who seemed horrified that her wand was gone.
"Perhaps you can let us know how to contact your family, we could notify them that you've lost you wand- maybe they could get a new one made for you." He smiled as if this was a lovely thought.
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 22:55:04 GMT -5
Mirabelle frowned suddenly, and shook her head no, the first sign of defiance. James stared in surprise, curious as to why the girl was backing off so suddenly.
"The wand chose me," she said mournfully, "I can't just have another one made for me. It was special, made from oak and dragon heart string. I can't get another."
The girl began to leak tears as James's eye went wide. Dragon heart string?! The girl kept talking however, not realizing what she was doing as she said, "But I can't go home either. Daddy sent me away. My brother Marvolo was supposed to escort me to meet Lord Black. I don't know why. I was supposed to stay there now. I'm not supposed to go home, and Daddy changed the password. I don't know how to find the house anymore."
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Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 22:59:01 GMT -5
Jacobson frowned unhappily. Obviously, this girl knew names. However, she couldn't tell them where anyone was. He glanced at his father when the girl mentioned dragons, he was equally astonished by such a fact.
It took a few moments for Jacobson to figure out what to say next. "Where is your brother now? Do you suppose he went back to your father?
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 23:05:03 GMT -5
"He died," said Mirabelle simply, "The man hit him with your sticks and he fell off his horse. What are they called?"
"Swords dear," said James, standing up, his mind boggled by the girl. Then he added, "We should go now, is there anything you'd like?"
"Ah- no sir," said Mirabelle quietly, "Just some water please."
"Of course," said James, leading Jacobson out, "I'll have a maid bring it by immediately."
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Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 23:10:12 GMT -5
Jacobson was a bit surprised by the abrupt exit by his father, but he made no move to prevent it. He spared a last glance toward the girl, feeling a twinge of sadness for the girl who had lost her brother, but then it was gone and he'd followed his father out.
---
Aelesia had led Denise to her rooms as the two chatted. Now the other woman was with her children, and Aelesia was far from ready to bed. Instead, she was extremely curious about the imprisoned witch. She didn't imagine her father would let her see the witch until execution time, and she considered that a pity. Aelesia was sure she could figure something out if only she could speak to the witch.
That, and her curiosity, was what compelled her to decide to go to the dungeons. Slowly the princess made her way through the familiar passage ways, taking a more hidden route to the dungeons, careful not to run into her father and brother, who she knew would probably have visited the prisoner themselves.
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Post by eskimoRock on Apr 1, 2013 4:28:12 GMT -5
"It sounds fascinating." Lillia smiled. "What do you do there?"
She wanted to find out as much as possible before she went, so it would be easier when she visited. Plus, it seemed fascinating!
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Post by G. Novella on Apr 1, 2013 16:25:57 GMT -5
James parted ways with his son as they exited the dungeons. He made his way to the graveyard to see his dearly departed wife. He owed her an explanation on how he had failed to protect his daughter. He gave his son no explanation for why he chose to head to the grounds, but he was sure his children would be smart enough to figure the reason out.
Meanwhile, in the dungeons, Mirabelle was now awake and sniffling to herself. She'd lost her wand! Father would be most displeased with her, and worse still, she hadn't even been able to help her brother. Nor had she done Lord Black's favor and delivered the letter still tucked in her breast pocket. Oh how awful a day!
Erik glanced at the excited Princess, and considered the reply. He wasn't sure how much to say, but he offered her a chair as he spoke, "My duties are vast. I'll be training the hunters in fencing and tracking, as well as how to catch a witch. However, my first duty is to the crown and thus, I suppose I won't be training them too long. It will be simply to start things up. Perhaps if the situation calls for it, I can invite you to the grounds to watch the training."
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Post by eskimoRock on Apr 1, 2013 16:34:27 GMT -5
Lillia smiled and moved to sit down in the seat. Glancing at the window, she saw her father making his way across the grounds, and she sighed, a sad expression crossing her face before she turned away and settled herself down.
"Tracking sounds interesting. I've read a bit about it, although I imagine its a lot less exciting than they made it sound. But it all sounds so fascinating! I've heard the men at the academy are the best of the best."
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Post by G. Novella on Apr 1, 2013 17:03:49 GMT -5
"Will be the best," amended Erik, "We have no clue what we'll drudge up. But the populace of wizards and witches is unknown to us, and thus, we must recruit peasants. How well they will fare, Lord only knows. I suppose, however, with the right training, they will be an army worth raising."
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Post by eskimoRock on Apr 1, 2013 17:38:10 GMT -5
"I'm sure they will be." Lillia smiled. "And I suppose it will be rewarding!"
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Post by Nahara46 on Apr 1, 2013 18:34:20 GMT -5
As his father left, Jacobson understood what he was doing. He has seen his father and his siblings take the same path many times in past years- he himself had done so on occasion. Now, Jacobson turned to return to Denise, assure himself that she and the children were alright.
---
Aelesia stood in an alcove and shrunk back silently as her father and brother passed, not seeing her. When they'd turned a corner, she waited a moment, and then walked into the dungeons, head held high. She nodded to the guards, who would simply assume had all the right to be here.
Slowly she made her way down the cells, surveying each one and meeting a few occupants eyes. Which one was the witch? Many were male, so it did cut down the possibilities considerably.
Than Aelesia's eyes fell on a obviously upset girl. She seemed young, not much older then Aelesia herself. There was something about her- she seemed so innocent and weak, how could she have earned a spot in these dungeons?
It seemed obvious who the witch was. Why else would such a girl be placed here?
"Excuse me," Aelesia said, calling the girls' attention. "What is the matter?" Before she said anything more, she needed assurance that this was the witch.
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Post by G. Novella on Apr 1, 2013 18:39:14 GMT -5
Mirabelle's attention was immediately caught by the beautiful woman before her, dressed in clothes of an expense much more than her own, and yet, not of the same style. Mirabelle, however, was relieved to see the woman, glad she wasn't alone by herself as she began to weep more earnestly.
"I lost my wand!" she said tearfully, "And Father will be most displeased by this! And my brother is dead because of the stick-swords! And Lord Black shan't receive the letter! All because I failed!"
Erik nodded simply as he saw the King on the Grounds. Immediately he tensed and glanced at the window, worried for the man. This was a dangerous time, after all!
"Princess, perhaps we should hasten to ready you for bed? Tomorrow will be a long day, after all," said Erik, "And I'd like to run a security check on the room before you sleep."
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Post by eskimoRock on Apr 1, 2013 18:47:39 GMT -5
Lillia followed Erik's eyes, to see that he had spotted her father. He seemed worried, and she sighed.
"He'll be fine, he does that quite a lot. Whenever anything bad happens, he goes to see my mother." she gave a small smile and shook her head. "But you are quite right, it is getting late. I should probably sleep."
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Post by Nahara46 on Apr 1, 2013 19:07:57 GMT -5
Aelesia didn't answer at first, she eyed the girl carefully. She definitely did not seem like a threat, and honestly Aelesia though she was kind of sweet, caring so much about having failed her duties rather then the fact that her life was in peril at the moment.
"I'm sorry to here about your brother," She began carefully, "As well as the loss of your wand. However, I'm here for a reason. You're aware of why you are here, aren't you?"
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Post by G. Novella on Apr 1, 2013 19:14:49 GMT -5
Erik nodded as he glanced to Lillia, "I shall check the corridors and the room for any invaders lurking, before positioning myself at the door and two guards outside. Please, prepare for bed whilst I do my duties, Highness."
With that Erik moved to the doors and began to check them. He sent a soldier to summon two guards, and he began to inspect the corridor. He'd left the door open in case Lillia was in danger.
Inside the dungeon, Mirabelle stopped crying as she stared at Aelesia in confusion. She'd been so worried about her failed duties and her brother, that she'd not really questioned why she was here.
"No, I don't," said Mirabelle with a frown, before she turned to Aelesia, "Why are you here? Is it to tell me why I'm here?"
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Post by Nahara46 on Apr 1, 2013 19:18:34 GMT -5
What? Aelesia was startled- what had her father and Jacobson been doing down here? Surely they had told the girl of her situation?
Aelesia pursed her lips, unsure if she should tell the girl why she was here. What if her father had a plan? Was she ruining it?
Well, it was a bit late to be considering that now. "Well... Er... Sorry, What was your name....?"
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Post by eskimoRock on Apr 1, 2013 19:19:59 GMT -5
'Thank you, sir." Lillia said, smiling. She watched as Erik left the room, before quickly moving to the window and staring down at the retreating figure of her father. After a minute or so, she turned, drew the curtains around the window tight and climbed up into bed, staring at the ceiling.
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Post by G. Novella on Apr 1, 2013 19:43:48 GMT -5
Immediately the flighty little girl changed tracks, and she stood up and gave a curtsy, mentally cursing herself for forgetting her manners before the other two important looking men. One had said he was a King! Father would be most displeased.
"Mirabelle Gaunt," said the girl, "And who are you?"
Erik returned to the room and began sorting through the cabinets and the corners, giving quick flicks and glances. He was meticulous, and by the time he was done, he could make out Lillia lying in her bed. The bed was such that curtains were drawn around it to protect the Princess's sleeping form from unwanted eyes. He moved to the door, and stood at attention. He'd guard it all night, awake. At least tomorrow he'd be able to sleep on the way to the Academy.
"Good night, Highness," said Erik quietly to her, just in case she was awake and heard him. That way he'd have acknowledged his return.
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Post by Nahara46 on Apr 1, 2013 19:50:55 GMT -5
"My name is Lady Aelesia Saxony," She replied formally, returning a small curtsy.
"Now, Mirabelle. I must implore you- You seem like a nice girl, not at all one to cause trouble to hurt others. So why have you lowered yourself to practicing such an evil and harmful art as Magic? It is not acceptable in this land- we must protect our people, and to do so we will not tolerate such Magic."
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Post by G. Novella on Apr 1, 2013 20:04:59 GMT -5
Mirabelle nodded, thinking the name of the other woman was pretty. However, the sudden torrent of words that rushed from Aelesia's mouth caused Mirabelle to gape at her through the bars, shocked at the idea. Magic was evil? Since when? She stared at Aelesia, and then began to giggle, thinking the girl was joking. She sounded just like Mirabelle's sister, Jezebel, when she was mocking Father.
"Lady Aelesia," said Mirabelle once she calmed down, "You sound just like my sister Jezebel! Magic isn't evil, well, dark magic is, but Father says there's no such thing as dark magic! Jezebel agreed with him, so it has to be true. Besides, I didn't choose to practice magic! I was born a witch! I have to know the magic, otherwise Father says I'd have lost control and hurt someone. It's why I had to learn the difficult spells of Transfiguration, but why I never had to bother trying Potions. Potions is too hard for me."
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Post by Nahara46 on Apr 1, 2013 20:11:39 GMT -5
Aelesia watched in utter astonishment as Mirabelle began to laugh. Was the girl mocking the Saxony Kingdom? Somehow, Aelesia knew that Mirabelle wasn't, and through her surprise and confusion, the princess duly noted that Mirabelle's laugh was nice to hear, and that she'd like to hear it again.
"How could Magic be anything but evil? So often it is used to harm others- the power it gives the user can cause them to do horrific things! You do not seem to be... evil, so to speak, however that still does not change how Magic had hurt this land, terrified it's inhabitants. You speak of Transfiguration and Potions so blatantly, when to us it is associated with pain and suffering." Then she paused before adding, "And how on earth can you laugh in your situation?" And how can I make you laugh again?
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Post by G. Novella on Apr 1, 2013 20:17:49 GMT -5
This time Mirabelle didn't laugh, and rather, she stared at Aelesia in confusion. The girl had been positive that she was right and that there was no argument. Uneasily, she stared at the other woman, a little lost. Father had told her magic was her birth right, and that it made her superior. It was her lack of any substance in her head that made her a useless little witch. How had magic hurt anyone? It had always helped her? Maybe Aelesia had a misconception. Maybe she'd read the tomes on dark magic that had scared Mirabelle so as a child.
"You must me mistaken," said Mirabelle gently, trying to pacify the woman, "Magic is helpful! Without Transfiguration we wouldn't be able to turn the dying animals to life-long aids. Without Transfiguration we wouldn't be able to make things that aren't there. We wouldn't be able to save our fortunes! And Potions help us heal! We need potions so that we don't get sick! Magic isn't evil! When I had dragonpox as a little girl, I had to make sure I had my potions on a daily basis, otherwise I wouldn't get better. You must have read a dark magic book. They're scary, but not all of those spells are real. Jezebel swore they weren't, and the ones that were, they aren't used often at all!"
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