Darkspleen

A Gilded Throne- The Shadow Looms (Recruiting)

Says the inactive guy. >.>

A Gilded Throne- The Shadow Looms (Recruiting)

I'm way overdo for something in Acitha myself. =P

A Gilded Throne- The Shadow Looms (Recruiting)

The underlying reason why any RP dies is because someone or someones stop posting regardless of whether the RP relies on collabs or not. So let's all just stay active, yea?

A Gilded Throne- The Shadow Looms (Recruiting)

Lalrial, The Heartlands

13th of Gerna, 1200 AU

“Now announcing Her Highness Princess Lynette Zarand, First Princess of Acitha and second in line to the throne, Marshal of Acitha, and Defender of the realm. And His Highness Prince Aldrick Zarand, Second Prince of Acitha and third in line to the throne, Prime Magistrate and Ambassador to the Heartlands. And Count Lakatos Zarand of Taros.” The three mentioned nobles stepped into the room, Lynette in the lead with Aldrick to her right and Lakatos on her left. For her part Lynette did a somewhat decent job at not looking uncomfortable despite the fact that her brother had insisted that we wore a more dedicate dress than she would have liked.

"Who is that?” She gestured towards the woman who was dressed quite differently than any other present. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at the outfit of the same design as Laliafa was said to have worn.

Aldrick looked at the woman for a moment, a frown spreading across his face, before answering “That is Lady Sophsi of House Valarian. She is-”

“No warrior.” Lynette cut him off.

“No she is most certainly not. I doubt she has ever even held a sword before. Now wait!” He placed a restraining hand on Lynette’s arm before the woman could head over toward Sophsi. “Do try and keep it civil.”

“Can’t you overlook this?” Lakatos inquired, earning a scowl from Lynette.

“I won’t bite her” Lynette said to Aldrick, choosing to ignore Lakatos’ request. She then shook off Aldrick’s grip and started towards Sophsi.

“Oh by Ra-hun-ru why won’t that girl listen?” Lakatos muttered. “What are you going to do?” He turned to Aldrick.

“Why converse with the other guests of course” Aldrick answered.

“Well do try and pay some attention to the male guests as well.”

“Yes, yes.” Aldrick said as he looked about for a person of interest. “We’ll talk later” He said as he spotted one such person and started off in her direction. It was Isa Valarien, the young prodigee magician of the house. She stood slightly off to the corner, having arrived almost unnoticed behind Jakinius’ party, and took easily to standing in the shade of the portico, admiring the flowers of the peristylium at a distance with red wine in hand. A content smile dwelled on her porcelain face, almost hiding from the direct sun whose color matched her formal dress, almost giving her meeker frame the look of a slim flame from a white candle.

“I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of introducing myself before” Aldrick said as he approached her. He swept into a low bow as he said “I am Aldrick Zarand. May I ask who you are?”

“Well it makes sense,” Isa tilted her head in acknowledgement, her content smile changing to one of welcome, “because we never met before. I am Isa Valarien.”

“Lady Isa, it might be presumptuous, but I must say that dress you are wearing certainly brings out your natural beauty. But I must ask, what is a lady such as yourself doing tucked away in a corner such as this?”

Slightly caught off guard by the sudden compliment, Isa stumbled to provide a thank you before suddenly descending into an awkward silence.

“Well,” after a second she was quick to defend herself, “it is a peristylium, it’s all corners.” Her smile returned, content with her answer, as if scoring a point in some invisible sport.

“Ah” Aldrick said, his smile widening further. “So your physical beauty is matched by your quick wits.” He paused for a moment before adding “Then if this is all corners,” He made a vague gesture towards their surroundings, “why pick this specific corner?”

“She was saving my spot, and you’re standing in it,” a defensive grunt snorted from behind Aldrick, the eyes of Gowa digging into the intruders back. A suppressed laugh was caught in Isa’s throat, and her eyes drifted to the leather clad warrior woman behind the man.

“Lady Gowa!” Aldrick legitimately looked and sounded startled. He quickly recovered himself as he stepped to the side as if to return Gowa her reserved spot. “How great it is to see you again. I haven’t had the opportunity to thank you and Duchess Allianna for visiting me when I was recovering. How have the two of you been?” He eyed her armor, quietly thanking Lyriel that he had been able to convince his own sister to come in more proper attire.

“We’ve been just fine, it’s good to see-” Gowi looked Aldrick up and down, almost skeptically, “it’s good to see you’re doing better than last time.”

“He was just telling me about my wit,” Isa said with a smile, inviting Gowa into the previous conversation. Gowa smiled at Isa, and then at Aldrick, “what about me? How is mine?” Her voice was almost teasing, and malicious.

“You know how the saying goes” Aldrick answered, “birds of a feather flock together. That certainly seems to be the case for you two. Not often do I get the opportunity to speak to two ladies as fair as yourselves.” He seemed to contemplate something before adding “I’m sure you two must be quite skilled at fending off unwanted suitors by this point.”

“What do you think this is for?” Gowi tugged on the sword belted to her hip while Isa rolled her eyes.

“Yes well… please don’t use that on me. I’ve already seen more healers this month than I’d like.” He held his hands up in front of himself, although his warm smile and tone indicated that he was speaking in jest. “Joking aside, I must say that it pleases me to see a woman such as yourself. At times I fear that there are not enough strong women in the Empire. Seeing ladies such as yourselves help allay this fear.”

“Are you afraid often?” Isa asked, just as Gowa opened her mouth.

“Ouch” Aldrick said with a wince. “So the rose has thorns. Well I suppose I walked into that one. In a more serious note, yes I do feel fear often for the well being of my homeland.” His voice seemed to lose its jovial tone.

“Oh no!” Isa’s entire demeanor turned to guilt, “don’t worry about your home! It is safe under the phoenix wing.”

“If only that was true” Aldrick said with a shake of his head. Unfortunately the north has been largely left to fend for itself as of late. And I am not confident that all who seek the throne cares about the north.”

“I don’t think you should doubt the heartlands and the Empire so quickly,” Gowa offered a serious consultation. “A lot of our northern bound forces were stunted five years ago, and while it is slow to recover, we are recovering, and do see the need in every corner of the Empire.”

“Perhaps” Aldrick said after a moment. “But while we are safe here men and women, not too different than you and I, are dying to ensure that safety. And I need not remind you who I believe to be the cause for my recent injuries.” He leaned in towards Gowa. “I am not keen on seeing what direction he takes the empire in, all things considered.”

Isa looked horrified and lost in thought as Gowa put on a more stone faced expression, even crossing her arms, “I’m aware of the horrific events of the borders, we are doing what we can and we hope to do more as soon as this summit passes. Please don’t think ill of Imperial intention, the border lands are of the utmost importance to us.”

“I know” Aldrick said after a moment. “And I appreciate it. Still, it is difficult to shake the feeling of abandonment. And I fear that that feeling is starting to seep into every crevice in Acitha. To make matters worse she” He gestured towards his sister, “is here instead of leading our troops back home. Although it shows just how important father thinks this election will be, having her here instead of there is only increasing the number of casualties.”

Gowa went silence behind her stone faced facade, imitating Isa’s silence. After a short exhale from her nostrils, all that was said was, “I’m sorry.”

“If anyone should apologize it is I.” Aldrick said, allowing a bit of a smile to return to his face. “I shouldn’t have brought it up in the first place. Neither of you are at fault for any of this. Though I must admit that I do feel a little better after speaking my mind, so I must thank you for listening to me.”

“Of course,” Gowa nodded stoically, “well, I hope you are enjoying the party and yourself.” A forced smile formed and dissipated on her face.

“Probably not as much as others, but it is a nice distraction nevertheless.” Aldrick responded. There was no sign of the earlier tension on his face or in his tone. “And, if nothing else, speaking to two fair ladies such as yourselves has made this party worthwhile.”

“I’m glad,” Gowa replied, “at the very least, there is some happiness the Valariens can dish out during such trying times.”

“Everything is going to be fine,” Isa wedged her opinion in, optimistically, “we rise, strength in unity!”

“We stand ready” Aldrick answered with his house’s saying. He flashed Isa a smile, thankful for the shift in tone her comment brought to the conversation.

Gowa pursed her lips, “I’m happy that your people do.” Her ears seemed to suddenly perk, and her brow furrowed, “seems I am needed elsewhere!”

The woman suddenly bounded off towards the Duvard party, leaving Isa and Aldrick alone and confused.

Isa shrugged her confused expression away, “she can get a little touchy with some subjects.”

“So can my sister” Aldrick said with a laugh. “If only you could have seen her face when she caught sight of Lady Sophsi. It was… well priceless.” We waved at a passing servant and asked for a glass of wine. “On the subject of sisters,” He said as he took the glass the servant offered, “where in the grand Valarian family tree are you from?”

“From a far off marriage between the Imperial line and a local noble family long extinct now that arose from a Duvard family line even longer past, with a few more houses sprinkled in over the years, and yet a Valarien,” Isa paused, “comes from a lot of Valarien males, in fact… only Valarien males is the reason I am a Valarien. I’m not as contemporary as the other Valarien lines, and it might die with my marriage.”
Isa remembered her long standing glass of wine and took a narrow sip, “as opposed to the many growing branches of the other Valarien lines.”

“Interesting” Aldrick said as he stroked his chin. “No siblings?”

“Several, but one has been missing since before I was born, and the other two died shortly after a twin birth along with my mother,” Isa added cleanly and without emotion, “I wasn’t very old when that happened though and have no recollection of it.”

“I’m sorry. It was thoughtless of me to ask.” He seemed to be genuinely distraught over having broached the subject. He took a long sip of his wine before attempting a change in topic. “Lady Gowa mentioned you were something of a prodigy in regards to magic, no?”

“She said that?!” Isa exclaimed, her mouth opening in shock, “she always tries to bring that to attention for some reason. It’s nothing really.”

Isa furrowed her brow and let her posture break and fall against a column lazily, “I practice divine magic through prayers.”

“Ah. So the chosen one of a god. My aunt used to serve the shield sisters as a Valkyrie, so it’s not as if I am unfamiliar with the concept.” He shifted his stance slightly to favor his right foot. “So can you use healing magic? Or does your talents lay elsewhere?”

“I can give strength where it is needed and close wounds,” Isa remarked, attempting a quiet and humble tone, “a lot of things with the body or mind really, Kammeth willing.”

“Well darn. I’d much rather have had you tend to my wounds than the old man that had” Aldrick commented. “I suspect you have a much better bedside manner than he did. If nothing else you aren’t hard on the eyes” He said with a wink. “Still I wish he had done a better job on my arm. It still hurts quite a bit.”

“You’re probably using it too rigorously,” Isa commented seriously, a slight curl giving hint to an underlying joke, “rest is the best of magics for healing.”

Ah, well I never could rest that well so far from home,” Aldrick scrunched his nose in a dismissive thought, “everything just seems different sometimes, puts one on edge.”

“I can imagine,” Isa frowned slightly in empathy.

“I miss the lakes by my home, you know? Glistening black waters and white swans. They are true sights to behold in the winter when the water freezes.” Aldrick’s eyes had focused on something that wasn’t there as his thoughts turned to home. “It might be hard to comprehend how I could come to love the winters of my homeland, even my siblings don’t seem to understand, but the freezing winds of winter changing to the warm breeze of spring is a thing of true beauty.”

“That does sound beautiful,” Isa’s eyes were like saucers as she stared intensely into the open air, imagining the scene, “it almost reminds me of this little pond I used to go to as a child.”

“Hopefully someday you will get the opportunity to witness it” Aldrick said. After a moment he perked up. “Actually… I do have some of my brother’s paintings back at my house’s estate. I could show you them if you’d like.”

“Oh that sounds lovely!” Isa lit up at the mention of paintings, “I sure would.”

“Excellent!” Aldrick said with a smile. “How does the day after tomorrow sound?”

“Yeah!” Isa smiled wide, clearly excited, “I bet Gowa could come too!”

“Oh? I didn’t realize she was interested in paintings.” Aldrick said after a moment.

“She isn’t,” Isa laughed, “but come on, it sounds fun!”

“If you’d like you could invite Duchess Allianna to come as well.” Aldrick said. “I’m sure that, if nothing else, my sister would love to have the opportunity to speak to you three in a more private setting.”

“Yes,” Isa agreed immediately, “this is gonna be great.”

A Gilded Throne- The Shadow Looms (Recruiting)

It looks good.

A Gilded Throne- The Shadow Looms (Recruiting)

<Snipped quote by gorgenmast>

But for how long?!

@Gowi

Shots fired!

A Gilded Throne- The Shadow Looms (Recruiting)

http://gildedthrone.wikidot.com/the-kingdom-of-acitha
http://gildedthrone.wikidot.com/house-zarand

A Gilded Throne - A Shadow Looms (Closed)

Icecream! Yay!

A Gilded Throne - A Shadow Looms (Closed)

Zarand Estate, Lalrial, Imperial Heartlands

Lilria, the 10th of Gerna 1200 AU - 09.03.1200

Following Vorion Tallurian’s visit Aldrick had decided that he had had his fill of debauchery for the day. He still lounged on his couch, with a pair of local beauties waiting on him, but his attention had turned away from them in favor of some of the work he had allowed to pile up over the past few days. Reports, missives, letters to minor nobles, and thgfs typehe like were spread out on a nearby table. He was reading one such report while sipping on a glass of wine when one of his guards stationed outside of the room informed him he had yet more guests.

“Umm… Allow them in” He said with a raised eyebrow. He hadn’t recalled requesting the company of more women, though he certainly wouldn’t refuse.

The usual silver hair of a Valarien first popped through the door before the rest of its owner walked in expectantly. Allianna Valarien soon stood in front of the open door, the darker Gowa standing behind her. A slight look of concerned was on Allianna’s face as she took her first steps inside the room, “I had heard about everything!”

“Your Grace!” Aldrick set the report he was reading down and straightened in his seat. “I can not express how much joy it brings me to have you visit me in my home. Could I offer you some wine?” His two servants were already pouring a glass of Aldrick’s finest wine for Allianna and her companion. “Please have a seat. And please introduce me to your fair companion.”

“I am Gowa Valarien,” the woman announced. Next to the regally dressed Allianna she stood in contrast,with a white gambit and dark boots clinging to her athletic figure. Allianna quickly accepted the wine while Gowa introduced herself in her very abrupt manner.

“Yes, well,” Allianna continued, “how are your injuries? I was very worried when the news came to me.”

“I have mostly recovered thanks to Lady Marra’s efforts.” Aldrick said. All things considered he still looked like he had been roughed up fairly badly. “Thankfully my arm has healed nicely” He moved his left arm and despite wincing in pain was able to move it as if it had never been broken. “Still it's not an experience I wish to repeat.”

“Has the local shield sister chapter spoken to you yet in regards to this incident?” Aldrick asked.

“Oh no,” Allianna answered, “I haven’t heard a thing. Gowa had taken it upon herself to be my escort from now on though.”

“Not as much taken as offered hastily,” Gowa smiled at Allianna, invoking a subtle frown from the other woman.

“But I am glad to hear you are doing better,” Allianna quickly changed the subject.

“I had asked them to offer you their protection” Aldrick said with a frown. “My friends in the order have informed me that those who were captured during my assault gave up Lord Ralltene’s name during interrogation. Couple that with the fact that Lord James was also a supporter of your’s….” He let his sentence trail off.

“The- Ralltene?!” Allianna exclaimed incredulously, “that’s impossible!”

Gowa put a gentle hand on the now red faced Allianna, “it does seem off, but-”

“He wouldn’t,” Allianna looked to Aldrick, as if expecting this to be a ruse.

“Perhaps I am mistaken about my assaulters” Aldrick allowed. “But I fear that their claims also supports my fears regarding Lord James. We had…” He shifted in his seat, wincing slightly, “an arrangement. He was going to build a major road to Acitha in exchange for exclusive trade rights. I have no idea how Lord Ralltene might have found out about the arrangement,” Aldrick let a deep frown spread over his face, “and I never imagined he might react in such a way. Of course I have no evidence to back up these conjectures of mine” He gestured with his right hand as if to wipe away his previous statements. “Hence why I have not spoken about them to anyone save one very close friend. Still, I thought it only prudent to warn you in the event my fears turned out to be founded in reality.”

Allianna eyeballed a chair, her knees secretly weak with anxiety, “mind if I sit?” She asked gently, her hand rubbing her chin in thought.

“Of course” Aldrick said. “Please make yourself at home. Both of you.”

Allianna quickly got comfy in the seat, one hand cupping her wine. She sat in silence for a moment or two before opening her mouth, “do you know anything more about this? How much evidence is stacked against my brother?”

“Not enough for Grand Commander Serapina to make a move” Aldrick stated. “Oh… she’s the commander of the shield sisters here in the heartlands.” He assumed Allianna had never met that particular shield sister. “She is probably the one you should speak to about this matter. You might also want to discuss the matter with Lady Marra.” He thought for a moment before adding “The two shield sisters standing guard outside my room… they were present when I found Lord James’ body and when I was attacked. I believe they were also present during the interrogation of the criminals who attacked me. Perhaps they can answer a few questions for you.”

“Most definitely!” Allianna agreed, “I have a lot of questions. I was worried from the start something like this would even be hinted at, and now that it has happened.” She paused, her lips pursing, “well, you get the idea.”

“It wouldn’t be the first time someone was killed over a crown” Aldrick commented. “And I doubt it’ll be the last time someone is killed over this specific one. Please be careful your Grace. I couldn’t live with myself if something were to happen to you as well.”

Allianna nodded, “you as well lord Aldrick, I’d be-” She cut herself off and nodded slightly, “- just be careful, please.”

“You have more important things to worry about than my health” Aldrick said. “Like how you intend to garner more support than Lord Jakinius and Lord Ralltene. Besides” He held up his left hand and used his thumb to toy with the ring on his pointer finger “I have this with me.”

“If I’m not mistaken you are holding one of the gifts from my ancestor,” Allianna questioned.

“I’ll go… talk to the guards,” Gowa suddenly said, straightening the sword on her hip. Before Allianna could answer, the woman was out the door.

Allianna shrugged and turned back to Aldrick, “correct?”

“You are well informed” Aldrick didn’t bother trying to hide his surprise. “The Serpantine Band… It’s been a most valuable asset to my family.” He looked up at his servants and gestured for them to leave. The two women bowed to Aldrick and Allianna before making their exit.

“It is a most wondrous object” He slipped the ring off and held it out towards her. “I wouldn’t mind loaning it to you. For a time.”

Allianna plucked it from Aldrick, “it looks just like how it was illustrated in the old books they made us Valarien’s read as kids. I might take you up on your offer.” A thankful smile broke across her face as she rolled it over in her palm.

“The stories are true” Aldrick watched as she rolled the ring over her palm. “It is both alive and intelligent. More so than many men I suspect, though it cannot speak.” He let a smile spread across his face as he said “Even so, it makes for a fine companion. Call out to it.”

“How?” Allianna looked embarrassed asking.

“Its simple” Aldrick said with a laugh. “Lindwurm come on out.” The ring seemed to shake in Allianna’s hand, the serpentine design letting go of its own tail as it grew in shape. It didn’t grow very large, halting at just about the same size as the palm that held it. The lindwurm gave out what should have been a fierce growl, but was more adorable than scary given the lindwurm’s size, as it scaled up Allianna’s arm and came to a rest on her shoulder. “It will also come out on its own should it sense that its owner is in danger” Aldrick commented as the lindwurm made itself at home on Allianna’s shoulder. The creature let out a huff as it curled up as if to take a nap.

“It’s,” Allianna stood completely still, in utter shock, “it’s extremely cute.” She said at last, almost surprised.

“Yea… well it stops being cute once it’s about the size of a dog.” He held his hand out towards the lindwurm which immediately leaped onto it and slithered up his arm. “You” he continued, “on the other hand are cute regardless of size.”

Allianna perked a silver brow and brought her hands to grip her sides, “are you suggesting I’m fat?”

“”Your Grace” Aldrick said after giving a bark of a laugh “you are lacking in unattractive traits.” He stroked the lindwurms chin with a finger, a wide smile spread across his face. “You most certainly need not worry about your weight.”

Allianna stared hard for a moment before letting a smile soften her glare. She let her hands slip off her sides and nodded appreciatively, “why thank you, Lord Aldrick.”

“You thank me as if I gave you a compliment” Aldrick commented. “All I did was state a fact.” He held his hand out, beckoning for the lindwurm to to walk onto his open palm. As it did it shrank in size, returning into an inert ring in his palm. He toyed with the ring in his hand as he looked at Allianna.

“Are you flirting with me?” Allianna asked behind a smile as she watched the snake slither away.

“We could discuss more serious matters if you prefer” Aldrick returned her smile with one of his own.

“I suppose I could stand a few more compli- facts,” Allianna sat upright in her chair.

“Your Grace” Aldrick began. “Which do you think is worth more? Silver or gems? I can’t decide which is more precious: those silver eyes of yours or that gem of a mind.”

A laugh slipped from Allianna, “fair enough, Lord Aldrick. I can see the steel of the bandits didn’t reach your unique wit.”

“Not quite” Aldrick agreed with a chuckle of his own. After a moment he allowed a more serious expression to replace his smile. “I do think we need to discuss the upcoming election. Lord Jakinius and my sister will be arriving any day now and I fear that he and Lord Ralltene both have significantly more support amongst the electorate than you.”

“I know,” Allianna’s smile faded, “who do your friends support?”

“My friends?”

“Electors and Prime Magistrates that you speak with?”

“Well Lord James was quite an outspoken supporter of yours” Aldrick commented after a moment of contemplation. “But with his passing I have no idea how the Cragmores will vote. I do feel confident that the Tallurians will vote for you.” He paused before adding “And while they do not have a vote I strongly support the shield sisters favor Jakinius. Which brings us to my own sister…” Aldrick let out a long sigh. “I know she favors Jakinius. She’s basically a female version of him.” He rolled his eyes. “And she will not vote for you if it risks Lord Ralltene taking the throne. And even if Ralltene had far fewer supporters than I suspect he does, she would want certain… guarantees from you.”

“With your testimony against my brother, I’m sure any risk there is of Ralltene winning will be drained pretty quickly, “ Allianna commented, “I’m sure she would understand this if you told her, no?”

“Perhaps” Aldrick allowed. “But I’m sure it would help her make the right choice if she knew who you intended to instate into your High Council. She is especially worried about who the next Lord Marshall will be, as am I, and for obvious reasons as that office most directly contributes to the safety of our homeland.”

Allianna gave Aldrick a concerned yet understanding look, “perhaps you two should help me choose the first sword should I be elected then. Would the opportunity to handpick the marshal quell your concerns?”

“It most certainly would.” Aldrick allowed the very corners of his mouth to turn upwards. “Your understanding and compassion are the hallmarks of an excellent empress.” He paused for a moment before asking “Have you put any thought into the other offices of the High Council?”

“I'll have to wait and see who shows their true colors before I put anything in stone, you understand,” Allianna smiled back.

“Of course” Aldrick returned her smile. “Once my sister arrives I shall expend all of my energy ensuring that she makes the correct vote. And I’ll leave you to ensure the other electors do the same.”

Things to know

Allianna eyeballed a chair, her knees secretly weak with anxiety, “mind if I sit?” She asked gently, her hand rubbing her chin in thought.

“Of course” Aldrick said. “Please make yourself at home. Both of you.”

Gowa let out a massive fart, it slowly rippled from her ass as a content smile spread across her face. The end

A Gilded Throne - A Shadow Looms (Closed)

Nuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!