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[h2][color=f49ac2]Evienne[/color][/h2]
[sub]Interacting with [color=6f6b84]Höd Ultair[/color] [@Pupperr], Aryll [@Nevix], and Members of royal family [@Ellion][/sub]
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The scene that unfolded before Evienne was not anything like she had imagined, and far beyond anything that could have been predicted. Several groups had already began taking their leave from the main hall, no doubt looking for entertainment elsewhere. While the proposed duel was an unexpected pleasure, the combatants were not highly regarded by other in attendance. This meant very few of her guests cared about the outcome, any who stayed were simply there to enjoy some bloodshed. They would not be disappointed in this regard, however, it’s source was that of yet a secondary event crasher.

Out of the corner of her eye she had seen the man move, having been standing off to the side with Azilon’s sister. It was not a man she recognized, but she had not sensed any malice from him thus had no reason to pay him any mind. His movement was different this time though, as he weaved his way through what remained of the crowd to the opposite side of the room. With very little effort, the man had picked out a target and crushed his skull, allowing his remains to splatter unceremoniously on the floor. She watched as he spent a bit of time teasing the bride his victim had just been handed several minutes before, quickly growing bored and throwing the small creature to the ground. Such treatment was a waste, but who was she to argue what one did with their prizes once they were handed out. Most just had the decency to wait until they had departed to get rough with such delicate flowers.

Turning his sights on the royals, the man approached the area where her father stood, guards as well as Evienne tensing at such a brash move. He didn’t seem to bear any ill-will to the High Prince, simply making a statement as the Rynek fellow had. Gauging from her father’s reaction, the name the man spouted did carry weight, though it was not one she recognized. She made a point to inquire about it at a later time. All that mattered was that the man had finally chosen to make his retreat, leaving the hall without another word leaving Evienne able to focus on the fight before her,,,,

Or rather she would have been able to if there were any fight left to focus on. Instead, the sight she was met with was on of utter chaos. Having somehow gotten her hands on Azilon’s brides, the Dantanath’s eldest daughter had all but thrown the girls away. Had she not made the statement she had, Evienne would have ruled it out of her favor, but she was within her right. The mess was now a family ordeal which meant unless it began causing real trouble, it was outside of her realm to dispute. Heaving a sigh, Evienne watched as the group took off with the girls, clearly satisfied with how things turned out for them.

Azilon, on the other hand, was his usual pleasant self. The man, along with his father and several other groups decided to finally leave, giving plenty of space to already spacious hall. With her brother having been absent for the greater part of the ceremony and her father beginning to retreat back to the personal quarters, Evienne figured the rest of the stragglers could be handled by the guards with little issue. She turned to leave when she remembered the girl whom the man Ultair had abandoned to the mercy of her guards.

Several thoughts ran through her head at that moment, attempting to figure out what best suited her needs. If she so wished it, Evienne could order the girl to be shared amongst whatever men wished to participate… However that would most certainly would have assured her death. A temporary solution that would ultimately end in waste. There was always the possibility of rehoming the poor girl, finding another lord to bribe using the girl as a bargaining chip, but such moves were usually of her father and uncle’s doing. The fact that her father had chosen to walk away without her meant he saw no use for her, and she’d be damned if she allowed Ehkota any undue opportunities to undermine the High Prince’s authority.

"Get the [i]fuck[/i] away from me!" The girl’s eyes whipped around frantically between the men surrounding her. 

"Help me, [i]please[/i]!" 

“[color=f49ac2]Settle down gentlemen, there is no need for such behavior. Husband killed and abandoned by the victor, I am now claiming this girl for myself. Do any of you wish to dispute this claim?[/color]” Evienne spoke as she moved from her position, approaching the group of hungry looking men without my concern. The looks in their eyes were enough to tell her that they considered such an option, as it was within their rights, but decided against it. She might have been born into royalty but she had proven herself on several occasions that she was not a force to be taken lightly.

After a few moments of silent deliberation and looks passed between one another, the men backed off to allow Evienne room to approach her new Gem. She still had little idea of what she was going to do with the girl, but those were thoughts for a later time. Stooping down to where the girl sat shaking on the floor, the princess extended her hand out slowly so as not to spook her any further.

“[color=f49ac2]Your situation is rather unfortunate, young one. Allow me to escort you to somewhere you can regain your composure.[/color]” Evienne could not deny the attractiveness of young girl, her dark hair rather appealing though perhaps a little on the short side for her usual tastes. Hair was easily handled so she opted to brush the thought away for later consideration and instead focused on trying to seem the least imposing as possible.

The Gemmenite creatures could be so fragile and after what this child had been through, well, Evienne knew better than to push her luck too far. She didn’t even press for a name, instead quietly guiding the girl to her feet. Should she wish to provide one in the following moments she would commit it to memory, but no information was strictly necessary for the moment. In due time Evienne would learn what she needed to know and would make her decisions from there.

Retreating back into the halls of the royal estate, Evienne led the girl down a corridor lined with doors on either side. Each door belonged to a room that housed the many girls the royal family had collected over the years. It wasn’t anything overly done, but the rooms were comfortable enough to keep them complacent and ready to work. Selecting one of the rooms she knew to be empty, the princess opened the door and guided the girl inside.

It wasn’t a very large room by Drakkan standards but it looked to be about right for a Gem occupant, everything being built to their dimensions rather than the larger race. The bed was at the center of the design, considering it was the entire purpose of the room, and there was a dresser off to the side that housed generic sleeping attire. As the room was only temporary, there was no need to fill it with the working garments… That would have to wait until Evienne had come to a decision about what the girl’s role would be. Aside from those items, the room did not contain much else. A mirror was present as was a water basin for freshening up, but there was nothing in the way of art or decoration to the place. The only respite from the blank walls were a set of two windows on the wall furthest from the door, glass set on a hinge to open outward if fresh air was required. Some thought this foolish, but Evienne knew most of the girls were too frightened to leave on their own.

“[color=f49ac2]You can rest here for tonight. I’ll be sure to send one of the senior girls to care for you and keep you company until I can return for you. It would be wise for you to put your best foot forward tomorrow, little one. Sleep well.[/color]” With a wave of her hand, Evienne shut the door behind he leaving the girl alone with her thoughts. There wasn’t a doubt in her mind that the morning would bring with it plenty of heated conversations and debates within the family. Not something she was particularly excited about but was her duty all the same.

~~~

As the sun rose so did the servants of the royal house, though some had already set to work a few hours prior. Everyone had their purpose, working in harmonious efficiency like obedient little worker bees. It was clear that any order given by a ranking member of the house superseded any previous instructions, depending on the rank naturally, the servants were left to their own devices when it came to the tasks getting done. Thus a hierarchy of sorts had been created on their behalf, leaving one woman in charge of directing the girls and keeping the royal house running smoothly.

The woman was fairly strict, but for good reason. It was she who made sure no task went forgotten and no girl left out in the cold. She was known for doing whatever it took to protect the girls employed to work in the house earning her the respect needed to keep the slaves in line, hence why the royals left her to run things how she saw fit within reason.

First to rise, she had been met with a note left behind by the princess Evienne instructing her to choose a girl to charge with the care of a new arrival until her place could be determined. Her choice was immediate though she did end up having to wait until sunrise to call upon the girl in question, selecting a girl by the name of Margaret for the job. Margaret had been a bride at a Reaping ceremony four years prior, having fallen into the care of the royals after her selected husband fell in combat that very night. His claim had been contested resulting in a duel which claimed the lives of both participants, leaving her alone and without a master. 

She descended into a new section of sleeping quarters which appeared to be mixed in roles from the symbols carved into plaques alongside the occupant’s name. While several girls emerged and began attending to their duties, Margaret was charged with standing outside the door of an unmarked room to await the girl’s awakening. Whether it be moments or hours until she arose, Margaret would wait patiently and show nothing but kindness to the new arrival. After all, she knew just as well as the next girl how unsettling the whole process could be.

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[h1][b]GM Post[/b][/h1]
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The hornless prince slithered his way back into the estate through a side entrance, one of which his own personal guards were in charge of watching. It made coming and going without being disturbed very easy for Ehkota as few of the other members enjoyed taking such an indirect route to their destination. It would seem, however, that his habit would prove to be but a hindrance this time around. As he rounded the corner, Ehkota was met with the sight of his eldest brother who looked none too pleased.

Where he had been the night before, the young prince would not share, but it mattered little for what his brother had to say. It didn’t appear that the man had slept any during the night, having waited up for the brother who disappeared without a word.

“[color=0072bc]What do you think you’re doing, little brother?[/color]” Gaelnesh barked out, his deeper voice nearly startling the smaller man. The only movement the elder brother made was with his eyes, shifting them from a space on the wall over to the hornless runt. 

“[color=f4a460]I’m not sure I know what you’re-[/color]” Ehkota started only to be cut off by a sharp look and a more commanding voice.

“[color=0072bc]Cut the crap Ehkota, you know exactly what I’m talking about. And I don’t just mean your nightly outings either. I want to know what you think it is you’re doing while my back is turned.[/color]”

Ekhota fell silent, something inside him twisting around his gut. The last time he remembered such a hostile feeling behind his brother’s questions was the day he lost his horns. If he wasn’t careful this time around he could end up losing a lot more. Such a thought only served to rile him up, however, hating the feeling of being so inferior to his elder brother. Where did his brother get off treating him in such a manner. Was he not a prince as well, a member of the royal family. The youngest he might have been but that shouldn’t have meant a thing. Now on his guard, Ehkota wiped away his serious look and replaced it with a more relaxed one.

“[color=f4a460]Wasn’t it you who taught me to never turn my back in the first place, [i]brother[/i]?[/color]” The prince smirked but was met with a look of pure unamusement from his elder counterpart.

“[color=0072bc]Do you think this a game? I’ve allowed some of your… antics… to go overlooked out of courtesy to family. However, your recent behavior has called your loyalty into question. Need I be concerned?[/color]” For the first time since Ehkota had entered, Gaelnesh moved from his stationary position against the wall. Arms falling to his sides, the crowned prince faced his brother head on with a menacing glare. Before he could respond in his own defense, however, Gaelnesh cut him off and continued speaking.

“[color=0072bc]I want you to think before you answer as it will weigh heavily either in your defense or against it. Keep in mind that I am fully aware of the fact that you were apparently present at the ceremonial tourney while your niece was attacked in broad daylight. Think yourself too important to raise a hand in her defense?[/color]” Ehkota growled internally, swallowing the sound so as not to show his true irritation at the situation. At the time he had thought the plan brilliant, knowing full well little Evienne would report immediately to her father. Gaelenesh had returned home with haste as expected, but what he had not intended was the arrival of the brides with him. Any chance to get their hands on a bride ahead of schedule was a bonus to the lords they were attempting to bribe… meaning the plan had worked somewhat against the younger prince.

“[color=f4a460]Clearly my help was unnecessary, she is your daughter after all. Skilled enough to take on three men easily twice her size unarmed, what help would she have required of me? You leave many matters to her in your absences, dare I say she handled them all on her own just fine. So I believe me when I say that I have no idea what you’re so upset about.[/color]” This time it was Gaelnesh’s turn to swallow his irritation. He wanted nothing more than to unleash his fury upon his brother, having his own suspicions about what had occured.

Ehkota had never really shown interest in the crowned prince’s children other than being mindful of where they fell in line to succession. No doubt he felt slighted by some of them as it was clear in the case of their father’s death, they would dispute claim to the throne and challenge the younger for the position. There was no concrete proof in the prince’s position, however, to justify a murder so Gaelnesh would have to be content with keeping an eye on the boy for the time being. 

“[color=f4a460]I see. So glad you’ve finally come to recognize the authority of my children. It would seem your new bride has taught you a thing or two. I needn’t remind you of how fragile such beings can be though, I would take great care with her if I were you.[/color]” Ehkota’s face twisted, eyes ablaze as he stepped forward challengingly. For years Ehkota had been acquiring brides for himself only to find them dead after they had conceived his children. When the fist two had died he had thought it coincidence but he would eventually learn otherwise. SInce then he had been working hard to ensure the survival of bride after bride only to find them dead, over and over again. For his brother to throw something so dirty in his face was a low blow indeed.

The young prince was cut short yet again, though this time it was by the entrance of another Drakkan. Evienne’s rosey locks bounced into the room, the youthful woman looking between the two brothers curiously.

“[color=f49ac2]Am I interrupting something? Thought I would let you know that food was waiting for us, though if you would prefer to have our meeting here in the hallway…[/color]” Gaelnesh turned with a beaming smile, shaking his head to her question.

“[color=0072bc]No need my dear, lead the way. Your uncle will be joining us this morning as well.[/color]” Evienne paused a moment, shooting an unconvinced glance back in his direction before turning to lead the way to the dining hall. It was a spacious room that was used for all of their meals, though due to the possibility of guests, the table was designed to fit a great deal of numbers.

This morning only a few seats had been prepared, one for each member of the family currently staying in the estate. Even then, however, not all of those seats would be filled. The head of the table had been arranged in a way should the king make his appearance at the meal, though family members knew this to be more than unlikely. Respecting this, Galenesh took a seat to one side of the head while Ehkota took the other across from him. Evienne chose to sit by her father for the meal, though her position granted her a seat wherever she liked below her father’s rank.

Silence filled the air until food had been put out before them, a necessary respite from the hostile cold felt between the present members. Evienne finally sighed, resigning herself to the role of briefing the princes of the current situations.

“[color=f49ac2]There still appears to be some unrest following the ceremony, although it is no more than usual. I’d say we would be safe just waiting it out as it seems contained between the families, but we should be mindful that it could escalate further.[/color]” Evienne began, taking a moment for any responses before she continued on. Such information was usual as of late so she wasn’t all that surprised by the lack of interest in the topic, swallowing the bite of food she had taken before speaking again.

“[color=f49ac2]There was something, however, that I heard this morning on my way to retrieve you… I think both of you might take some interest in this. A rumor is current circulating amongst the guards of some suspicious activity on the outskirts on the city. Moving shadows, mysterious disappearances and the like.[/color]” Gaelnesh nodded, having heard something similar on his travels out to the Keep. Such rumors had begun cropping up all over the place, but so far they presented as nothing more than campfire stories told by the guards for entertainment.

“[color=0072bc]Doesn’t sound like much other than some thieves, titleless Drakkan trying to stir up trouble wherever they can. They pop up every year around this time perhaps some of them finally disputed bride claims and won. I’m honestly not all that concerned about it at the moment, they’ll likely disperse on their own. Just in case, I’ll have Ehkota look into the matter.[/color]” Ehkota’s goblet slammed down onto the table in protest.

“[color=f4a460]You just got finished saying that it was nothing to be concerned about, why are you sending anyone to investigate it at all?[/color]” He growled, tension still high from the words exchanged earlier. Gaelnesh paid his brother little attention as he continued to eat his meal calmly.

“[color=0072bc]It would seem I’ve left you with far too much free time, after all you were just complaining of not having enough work to do with my daughter stepping up in her responsibilities. Not to mention it will be good experience for you. Report back to Evienne with your findings so she may delegate appropriately. Anything else?[/color]” Evienne expertly hid a smirk behind her goblet, drinking from it slowly while her uncle squirmed uncomfortably. Finally the prince gave in, excusing himself from the hall to attend to whatever it was that he did on his own time.

Shaking her head, Evienne set to completing her meal before it had a chance to grow cold.

“[color=f49ac2]Do you really think uncle Ehkota capable of inciting a rebellion against you father? Any warrior worth his salt would be able to sense his flighty nature, he commands no respect from his men.[/color]” She noted, glancing beside her with an inquisitive look. For the first time that morning, Gaelnesh’s features softened to take on a more amused expression than anything.

“[color=0072bc]It’s difficult to imagine as you’ve never known a split Drakka, but to be perfectly honest… Drakka has never really know unity to begin with. While my brother might not be as feared or respected as your grandfather, there are still plenty of individuals out there who would see Drakka return to its former ways. Should he appeal to that sentiment in enough people, it could prove to be more than a little troublesome.[/color]” Sitting back in his chair, the High Prince sipped slowly from his goblet taking in the moment to relax.

“[color=0072bc]You need not worry yourself with such matters though, my dear Evienne. That is something for me to deal with.[/color]” Finishing with her food, Evienne nodded her head in understanding. Rising to her feet, the young woman leaned over to kiss her father on the cheek.

“[color=f49ac2]I can’t promise I won’t tease him, but I will leave matters to you father. For the moment I have other matters to attend to with my pet projects so I will catch up with you later. Give grandfather my love when you see him.[/color]” She said before exiting the room, leaving her father to enjoy the rest of his meal in peace.

While she had left instructions for someone to be sent to her newest acquisition, Evienne wanted to follow up as soon as possible. She wondered if the girl had awoken yet, or if she had barred herself in the room. A shudder of excitement ran through her as she thought of all the fun she could have testing, not to mention training the new arrival.

[hider=Summary]
Evienne has picked up a new Gem, lovely little Aryll. Leaves her in the care of another Gem until she can arrive. Pretty much given free reign to wander (at your own risk mwhahahahaha).

[hider=Gem Maid]
[img]https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/839472742701264896/enOIpp6J_400x400.jpg[/img]
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Royals have a small little… breakfast. Very family like, totally family. Mhmm. 

Whatever is Ehkota up to?
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