DrowsyPangolin

When the Flames Die

Jezin gave a faint smirk at being called 'sir'. "I'm flattered, Sir Thomas, but the knights of Lyok bear no such title. In Veranthium the favor of the Empress is considered far more valuable than honorific terms of endearment." He gave a slight chuckle, an attempt to avoid sounding condescending. "To answer your question though, I believe I would be better suited for the melee. I ride well enough, but I doubt I'd fair well against men trained to be heavy cavalry." The bodyguard paused a moment, following the knight out towards the fairgrounds. "What rules do the men of Keilaudrin have in their tournaments?" Different kingdoms often had different rules about such things, and Jezin wanted to make sure he wouldn't offend his host with his conduct.

Sophia smiled at the young man's immediate attempts to appear more proper. It was clear he was not used to the life of the court. She giggled slightly. "Yes, yes. Palatable." She smirked and ate a single piece of the orange in her hand. "Oh yes, I remember. We didn't get a chance to meet." She smiled widely and turned towards the young man. "I am Sophia Octavia, may I have the pleasure of your acquaintance?" She ate another piece of the orange. It was quite good.

When the Flames Die

Jezin smiled when Thomas mentioned the tournament. "By all means, I'm glad you've reconsidered. I was quite excited at the possibility of dueling you." Jezin thought over his options for a moment. He would likely avoid the joust. Though he had some training on horseback, he was fairly certain he wouldn't be on par with the other knights in the tournament. Jousting wasn't popular in Lyok, and cavalry units themselves were few and far between, being mainly used for combat that required high mobility. He had been an infantry soldier before he joined the Brass Hand. The melee would be his best bet. "Well then, lead the way Sir Thomas."

Sophia looked back and forth between the two knights. Jezin had always been competitive, so she wasn't surprised he was itching to test his might in the tournament. She waved the duo off. "While you two get that in order I suppose I will enjoy the feast." She murmured a quick word to her servants about returning the gift to their room and walked towards a table. The food was bountiful, and looked quite delicious. She took a seat near two men, both of which she vaguely remembered from the day before. They hadn't spoken, but she recognized them. They had been in the throne room. The princess reached out and snagged a bright, ripe orange from the table, which she began peeling. She turned to Gareth with a smile as she peeled the fruit. "Quite the party, isn't it?" Her words were light and fluid, but still loud enough to be heard in the bustling room.

When the Flames Die

Sophia immediately turned her attention from Thomas at the sound of the trumpets. Finally, their host had arrived. The king's speech encouraged the attendees of the feast to forget the problems of the outside world and enjoy the festivities. Sophia looked over the king and his procession. He looked kingly enough, at least to the young princess. His words seemed rehearsed, but who could blame him. Her eyes glanced briefly to the knight who had been named as the king's champion. She hadn't seen him in the palace yet, and assumed by his different colored cloak and his title that he must've been quite important. The princess clapped along with the remainder of the crowd when the king finished his speech. Sophia turned back to Thomas as the applause died down. "Yes, Sir Thomas, the room was wonderful." She looked back towards the king's table before speaking. "Sir Thomas, my mother saw it fit to send a gift. When do you suppose would be a good time to present it to his Highness?"

Jezin listened to the speech, standing quietly behind Sophia. He supposed it was somewhat inspirational, at least the people around them seemed to enjoy it. Thomas snapped to attention as soon as the king entered. It was clear the men of Keilaudrin had a strong sense of duty. Jezin's eyes snapped to Redwyne Cole as soon as he was named as the king's champion. He didn't appear overtly impressive, but Jezin knew better than to judge a warrior on his appearance. The bodyguard was unsure of what the title 'Morningstar' referred to, but he concluded it was likely a prestigious honor. As the king finished his speech, Jezin drew his gaze back to Sophia and Thomas. The bodyguard nodded back to Thomas.

When the Flames Die

Sophia had awoke early in the morning to prepare for the feast. She, Jezin, and the trio of servants now strode down the hall, heading for the morning feast. Sophia's golden circlet glimmered in the early morning sun as they walked. She was extremely excited for the feast. Maybe they would finally get their chance to meet this illusive King Bard. Jezin followed close behind her, once again opting for no helmet, spear or shield; and wearing only his sword and armor. The trio of servants was behind Jezin, chit chatting amongst themselves about the feast. One of them was carrying the box containing the king's gift. The group meandered down the halls for a while before finally finding the Great Hall. Sophia strode into the Great Hall, her eyes flickering to life as soon as they passed through the doors. The room was buzzing with excitement and people of all walks of life were quickly filling the building to it's brim. She glanced about, but still failed to find the king. She imagined he'd probably arrive later, and walked towards a table of food. She noticed the knight who had assisted them the day before walking up and down the aisles, casually munching on an apple. "Good morning, Sir Thomas." She said with a smile. Jezin stood behind her, trying to stay close amidst the mass of people.

When the Flames Die

The servants made quick work of the luggage, and retired to their quarters shortly thereafter. Sophia sat out on the balcony, looking out over the moonlit city. It was quite beautiful, the way the moon shimmered against the towers and spires of the palace. In the distance she could see figures of townspeople going into their homes for the night. It seemed everyone was preparing for the next day's events. Enjoying the peace and quite on the balcony, Sophia pulled her flute from the pouch at her side. It was a delicate instrument, and the carved ivory shone bright under the light of the moon. She brought the instrument to her lips and took a deep breath. A lilting melody drifted out over the balcony. It was faint, but beautiful nonetheless. The princess sat on a stool, rocking back and forth in time with the slow floating melody.

Jezin sat inside the room. He could hear the music outside on the balcony. Her usual routine, he thought. Sophia was the youngest of the Octavia sisters, and the only one with no martial training whatsoever. As such, she delved farther into the softer more refined parts of life. As her bodyguard, he had heard her sit out on her balcony playing the flute for hours on end before. For a moment he considered how odd his placement was. Here he was, a battle-hardened killer, entrusted with the life of this personification of innocence. He shook the thought off. Who better to protect her? He had removed his spear from its wrapping and was carefully polishing its blade. If he were to take part in the tournament, he would be sure Lyok was well-represented. His shield and helm lay beside him, already glinting, even in the faint torchlight that lit the room.

When the Flames Die

Sophia quietly followed her escort. Sir Bull wasn't as personable as Sir Thomas had been. He was polite, certainly, but he seemed distant and not too concerned with the foreigners. No matter, the princess thought. She couldn't expect everyone she came in contact with to be a socialite. Regardless of his personality, Sir Bull led them to their room without incident. As he opened the door, a great smile crossed the young girl's face. The room was massive. The furniture and appointments in the room were of the highest quality, and fruit and other pleasantries sat out ready for the taking. It was clear Keilaudrin treated their guests quite well. Sophia quietly rejoiced at the sight of the great balcony across the room. She loved the open air, and spent a great deal of her time at home sitting on her balcony playing her flute and enjoying the weather. Sophia motioned for her entourage to enter the room. The servants nodded and quickly went to work placing the princess' belongings throughout the room. Sophia turned to the knight and bowed slightly. "Thank you Sir Bull."

Jezin entered the room, amazed at it's size. He had expected they would be treated well, but this level of lavishness was a bit surprising. He placed the crimson-clad spear in the corner of the room before checking in each of the bedrooms. The class of the main den spilled over into each of the side rooms. One bedroom was slightly larger than the others, and had a view overlooking the city. Jezin imagined the princess would choose that room for herself. He would take the room immediately beside it. The servants had been given a sum of money to pay for their affairs in Mullen, but it seemed there would be enough rooms for them to stay if they so wished.

When the Flames Die

Sophia had turned, ready to follow sir Thomas, when another knight, bearing similar armor to the Lifeguard, entered the room. The two men had an exchange of words that the princess couldn't quite hear, and it was decided that the newcomer would lead them to their rooms instead. Sophia turned to the knight, an older man, and nodded when he declared he would be their escort. "Certainly, Sir Bull." She, Jezin, and the trio of servants began following the man down the hallway. As she walked, Sophia took a look outside the window. The day had faded quickly, and night was already setting in. It'd be her first night in the capitol. Even so, the next day was certain to be full of activity, and she would require a great deal of energy to make it through the entire day. Perhaps sleep was the best idea.

Jezin followed the princess and her servants quietly, his cloth-wrapped spear still leaning against his shoulder. He was curious how the next few days would go. The tournament was sure to be exciting, and though politics were not his forte, he imagined meeting the king would be interesting at least. He tightened his grip on the box under his arm. They hadn't got a chance to deliver the Empress' gift. No matter, it could certainly be done during the celebration. He noticed all the sunlight had faded from the outside. Night set in quickly in Keilaudrin.

When the Flames Die

Jezin's smile widened ever so slightly as Thomas explained he'd be able to join the tournament the following day. "Excellent, maybe I'll see you on the field, Sir Thomas." There was a bit of excitement in his voice. Sophia smiled when Thomas mentioned her room. "Yes, please. If you'd be so kind." Thomas was right about the journey. They had sailed for several days before landing in a Southern port and traveling by carriage to the capitol. The voyage could've been cut in half, had they not opted to sail around the southern tip of Estovet, but the countries surrounding Keilaudrin were notorious for going to pieces at the drop of a hat, and weren't exactly safe havens for foreign royalty. Sophia gave a slight bow. "Lead on, Sir Thomas." The princess planned on getting settled in her new lodging before going out for the night. She imagined there was still a great deal to see in the capitol.

As soon as Sophia had finished speaking a trio of people strode into the throne room. The group consisted of three people: a tall, plump man with a thick beard and dark skin, a slender woman with long black hair, and a slightly shorter woman with grey hair and dark orange eyes. The large man called out to the princess as they made their way through the room. "M'lady, we've finished unloading your things." The group had several large bags distributed between them. The princess had left most of her belongings on the carriage for her servants to unload. The large man approached Jezin, handing him a very long object wrapped in red cloth as well as his shield and helmet. The bodyguard slung the shield onto his back and donned the helmet before resting the long object against his shoulder. He was glad the servants had had the foresight to wrap the weapon, as he imagined walking about a throne room with a spear would be frowned upon. Sophia turned to the group with a smile. "Thank you, we've just been given our lodging arrangements, if you'd please follow us.

When the Flames Die

Sophia clasped her hands together and smiled at the mention of the feast. She had always loved such festivities, and had attended Veranthium's various feats and festivals from a young age. "Certainly!" the young girl said with a tinge of excitement. She wondered what such a feast would entail. She had learned that different cultures often had different methods of celebration. Nonetheless, she was certain she'd enjoy herself.

Jezin nodded in accordance with Thomas' acknowledgement of the Brass Hand. "It's quite the honor to be here." Thomas' mention of a tournament caught his ear. He'd expected a feast and other festivities, but had not been informed of the tournament. His eyes flickered with a certain fire. Tournaments were a sort of favorite pastime for him. He had won a number of tournaments in Veranthium, though amongst the Brass Hand there was stiff competition. "A tournament you say? How would one go about joining such an event?" A slight smile shown on the man's face. He once again looked over Thomas. Such a man would make a fine opponent, if his appearance was any indication.

When the Flames Die

Sophia smiled when the man returned. "Many thanks, sir," she said with a smile. She turned to look back at Jezin when the man, who had just introduced himself as Thomas, acknowledged him. Jezin turned his gaze back towards the guard, looking down at the extended hand for a moment. He extended his free hand and tightly gripped the Lifeguard's. He nodded and replied, looking Thomas in the eyes as he spoke. "I am Jezin Tremora, of the Brass Hand." Jezin's voice was calm and collected. "I've heard of your Order, Sir Thomas. You all have quite the list of accomplishments." Jezin had read many works about the Order of the Thistle. Though not as old as the Brass Hand, they had collected quite a few accolades over the years. Sophia looked between the two men, unsure of what to say for a moment. She knew very little about the military side of things. After some time she replied. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir Thomas." She spoke as warmly as ever. The princess glanced towards the back of the throne room, noting the other people talking behind them.