Damien watched the insignificant court that congregated before him, fist resting against cheek as he continued to swivel his cup and ponder his plan, his grand design of executing his colossal ambitions that only he knew truly of. Evelyn herself was curious about the manners of the King.
[B]"Your Majesty, I pray I'm not too bold when I say your kingdom flourishes; the people love their King. The Guild operates in the shadows, money abounds, and the nobles freely indulge in their ignorance. I find it hard to blame luck for all this good fortune.” [/B]She began, and Damien chuckled before letting her go on.[B] “What, I wonder, is the great King DuRant's secret?" [/B]Damien glanced at her with a smirk, liking the feeling of being referred to as great, regardless of whether or not Evelyn was sincere or sarcastic. It mattered not, because Damien knew in his mind that he was great. 
 
He then glanced back over the court as he lowered his hand to the arm of his throne.
[B]“Patience, my dear. Patience.” [/B]Damien replied simply. [B]“Ambition is a curse if you are not able to take the time, to bide time, and wait for plans to unfold and set themselves in motion.” [/B]Damien explained with a smile. [B]“I had to be patient whilst this stage of the plan was being set up and prepared for the climax of the act. And I must be ever more patient still, for I promise you that this plan—This grand design of mine is yet to be even halfway fulfilled.” [/B]Damien elaborated for Evelyn. 
 
He chuckled. 
[B]“It will not hurt to tell you that you and Lucius will both see the glorious result of all this work we do now.” [/B]Damien hinted, before taking a drink from his cup.[B] “Both of you will remain my loyal hands and aides in the grand design I intend to bring to fruition, and I daresay history will remember us across the eras to come.” [/B]He explained to her. He then looked at her with the same slight smile he had before. [B]“Have patience, and so too will history have patience with our ruling legacy.” [/B]Damien surmised. 
 
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The fair maiden tilted her head slightly as she bestowed her hand upon Lucius' own out of courtesy.
[B]"A pleasure to meet you, mi'lord. I am Mirabelle Valois, songstress and newest addition to his Majesty's court. Charmed."[/B] She introduced herself in return, sounding humble and modest in her words and countenance. Lucius kept note of it.
[B]“Likewise.” [/B]Lucius replied.
[B]"If you don't mind me being so bold, mi'lord, may I ask why his lordship pursues me in spite of any of the other fair courtiers?"[/B] Mirabelle asked with a tone of wonder.
 
Lucius chuckled as he stood to his feet.
[B]“You intrigue me, mi’lady. Your voice was haunting in melody, and-- forgive me for being bold, but I also could not help but notice you did not wish to mingle with the others in court.” [/B]Lucius noted. His brow then furrowed in curiosity. [B]“I wondered why that is. Becoming notable in court is so necessary that song alone will not do justice to your favour.” [/B]Lucius added.
 
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When Tikki held it up, the blade groaned happily, like someone who hadn't stretched in a very long time.
"[I]Yes![/I]" the blade shouted, "[I]Free again! Glorious freedom![/I]" it paused for a moment, and Tikki smiled nervously. "[I]Swing me![/I]" the sword then demanded, "[I]Swing me, and I'll show you what I can do for you![/I]" the weapon did its best to sound inspiring as it demanded to be swung.
 
Tikki was about to object, but then the sword went on quickly.
"[I]Let's go slaughter your enemies![/I]" it added enthusiastically, "[I]I'll cut bloody swathes through any that oppose you! I'll carve a channel of gore and destruction through any obstacle! Ye who wields the [/I]Black Wrath[I], rules the world![/I]" It announced whole-heartedly. Tikki lowered the sword and dug the point firmly into the ground with a frown.
“Pipe down, you! You’re too excited for your own good…!” Tikki scolded the blade. She then sighed. Gods… Tikki, what did you get yourself into? She asked herself.