DrowsyPangolin

When the Flames Die

Sophia changed relatively quickly into the brilliant red dress she had selected. Eva slid a chair across the room, motioned for the princess to sit, and set to work on her hair. Sophia took a seat, placing her golden circlet on a nearby table. The handmaiden braided the back of the young girl's hair, wrapping it in ribbons of crimson and gold. The front of Sophia's hair was brushed to the right, leaving only the single strand of white hanging gently against her face on the left. When Eva was finished, Sophia looked fit to be royalty. The brilliant crimson and gold ribbons shown against her dark hair, and her long red dress danced about her like a flame. The princess smiled, admiring the lady-in-waiting's handiwork in a nearby mirror. "It's just lovely Eva, thank you so much." The servant bowed with a smile. Sophia looked about the room. "I need to get a few more things together, would you go and make sure Jezin looks presentable?" The princess giggled. Eva grimaced ever so slightly, but nodded and left the room.

The handmaiden knocked three times before entering Jezin's quarters. She was a bit surprised at what she saw inside. There stood Jezin, but his armor had been completely replaced. He wore knee-high black boots made of soft leather, with black trousers tucked neatly into them. At his waist was a simple but elegant black leather belt, bearing only his sword. He also wore a dress shirt made of white silk that looked rather expensive. It was tucked in neatly. Over all of this he wore a knee-length jacket made of bright red fabric, adorned with golden buttons bearing the insignia of Lyok. The jacket's collar was folded down. He actually looked like a proper gentleman. The bodyguard's eyes peered back at Eva blankly. The handmaiden spoke. "The princess told me to make sure you were ready." The soldier's eyes remained locked on her, glowing with a certain harshness. "Yes, I am." Eva felt uncomfortable under the man's gaze. His tone was flat and cold. He'd always treated her as such.

"Jezin, why do you feel the need to look at me that way. You always have contempt in your eyes, but I've never done anything to slight you..." Jezin frowned and retorted. "It's nothing you have done, Eva. I simply do not trust Taurans. Your people have proven to be undeserving of trust." He spoke with a voice as cold and hard as steel. The handmaiden felt heat rush to her face and clenched her fist. "You still hold that grudge? You still think all of us are monsters?" Jezin's face remained unchanged, but he nodded slowly, refusing to break eye contact. Eva's voice cracked as she continued. "Not every Tauran supported the rebellion. There were thousands of us just trying to live our lives in the countryside. We had nothing to do with any of it..." Jezin remained unchanged. "I still do not trust you." Eva slammed her fist against the wall. "Oh yes, we're monsters! But if we are then so are you! Or should I remind you who it was that burned my village to the ground? Well Jezin, do you remember who it was that killed my family? I know you do. Do you think what he did was right? We are just savage animals after all." The handmaiden couldn't help but raise her voice as she remembered all the hardships the people of Taura had faced in the backlash from the rebellion. Jezin's countenance changed. He gritted his teeth and brushed past the lady-in-waiting. "Tell the princess I'm waiting outside."

Eva cursed to herself and returned to the princess' room, trying to hide her anger. "What's wrong Eva, is something the matter?" Sophia's soothing voice floated across the room as soon as she entered. "No, your grace, nothing is the matter. Jezin waits for you outside." Sophia was unconvinced, but didn't want to push the matter further. She walked out of her room, heaving the king's gift up into her arms, and walked out the door. "Have a good night, Eva." The handmaiden nodded.

Sophia met Jezin outside the door of their quarters. She handed him the box containing the gift, and they set out towards the courtyard. She complimented his change of clothing, but he only nodded. "Did something happen between you and Eva?" Jezin frowned. "She mentioned my brother." Sophia looked up. "Oh." Jezin's brother had been the commander of a legion in Taura at the time of the rebellion, but had remained in the country for nearly a year afterwards, looting and burning local villages. He had eventually forced the Empress to send another legion to put him down. He'd been killed in the conflict. "I'm sorry, Jezin. But don't let such things weigh on you tonight. It's a celebration, after all, and you're actually dressed for it for once!" Jezin smirked. "Fine, princess, have it your way." As the pair made it to the courtyard, Sophia noticed Gareth and Thomas sitting on opposite sides of the fountain. "Gareth! Thomas!" The princess rushed towards the fountain, her elegant dress billowing around her as she ran. Jezin followed more slowly, looking more proper than usual.

When the Flames Die

The Lyoki trio made it back to their quarters without incident. As she opened the door, Sophia began to speak. "Now Jezin, you can't be wearing your armor to the feast. We brought some proper attire for you, so wear it, please." The bodyguard sighed, following the princess and her servant into the main room of their quarters. "As you wish, milady." He had grown so used to his armor that wearing civilian attire was somewhat awkward, still, he had to respect the princess' wishes. He reached to his neck, removing the golden necklace that Sophia had given him, and handed it to her. She took it and he departed to his room, shutting the door behind him.

Eva followed Sophia into her room. The princess began rummaging through her stock of clothing, trying to find something for the night. As she did so, Eva spoke up. "So how was the tournament, milady?" Sophia replied, still digging through the small mountain of attire. "It was fine. I'm not one for watching men beat each other to death, but at least I had some decent conversation." She smiled. A grin crossed Eva's face. "Oh yes, that boy that you were with. Gareth was it? He seemed quite dashing from what I saw of him. Is he interested in you, do you think?" Eva gave a slight giggle. Sophia's hands stopped moving through her clothes for a moment. She remembered their conversation. "No, Eva. I believe he is infatuated with someone else. He was lovely to talk to, though." Eva frowned. "Well, that is a shame. I'm sure you'll get plenty of attention at the feast tonight, though." Sophia smiled, picking out a dress at last. "Perhaps I will." She held up the garment. It was vaguely similar to the one she was wearing, consisting of the same red fabric, but it's style was different. It's sleeves ended near the elbow, and it had several layers of fabric, each embroidered with gold thread. It was also slightly longer than her current dress, reaching nearly to her ankles. "Beautiful," the handmaiden exclaimed.

When the Flames Die

"Right, then." Sophia said, standing up. "Let's go, we must get prepared!" She hopped the small fence in front of the stands, an odd maneuver for someone of such a lofty position. She noticed Jezin looking at her questioningly, but the small girl just shrugged. "Eva, Jezin, we should head back!" She motioned for the two to follow her and began walking, before quickly turning on her heel. "Oh, yes. Thomas, Gareth, I hope to see both of you tonight! We'll all go in together!" She turned back around, her small entourage following her. As they walked, she spoke. "Eva, do you think you could manage doing something with my hair for tonight? I think I'd like to do something a bit more impressive. We're meeting a king, after all!" The Tauran woman smiled, walking on the side opposite of Jezin. "Of course, Princess. I'll make it absolutely stunning." The princess smiled, she had faith in the woman's words.

Jezin glanced at the princess as she lept over the fence. As rambunctious as ever, he thought. He nodded to Thomas and Gareth before following the princess. He watched Eva worriedly from the corner of his eye. He had to remind himself he had to get along with her for Sophia's sake. "Eva, where are Jorun and Alia?" The woman looked a bit shocked the bodyguard had spoken to her. "Jorun went off to some local pub, and I saw Alia go off somewhere with one of the locals." Eva shook her head. "They're enjoying themselves, I suppose. It's a shame they can't do their jobs though."

When the Flames Die

Sophia smiled. "You're quite welcome, Gareth." Eva nodded with a smile from behind the princess. Sophia noticed Gareth saying a small prayer before eating. She wondered to what higher power he made the prayer, but decided she would ask him later. Thomas began talking about the feast, and the princess felt the excitement well up inside of her. He said the celebration would last several hours, more than enough time to enjoy herself. She'd need to prepare. Her mind raced, thinking of all she'd have to do. She had brought a moderately large wardrobe with her, so she'd have to find something to wear, she'd have to manage her hair... she'd have to convince Jezin not to dress like he was going to slaughter a horde. The last would likely be the most difficult. Still, she was incredibly excited about the feast. Gareth seemed rather excited as well.

Jezin gave a slight bow when Gareth spoke. "The pleasure is mine." Again the policy of politeness drilled into him by life in the court kicked in. Thomas seemed convinced the feast would be something to remember. Jezin certainly hoped it'd be as pleasant as he described. The sun had nearly disappeared from the sky by this point, night would soon be upon them. "I suppose we should make our way back towards the palace, then?" They still had plenty of time, and he himself was in no hurry to be berated into wearing 'formal attire'.

When the Flames Die

Sophia smiled brilliantly and broke the loaf of bread in half, handing Gareth a sizable portion. She took a bite of the other half. She hadn't eaten since that morning, so it felt good to have something to eat, and the bread was far better than she'd expected it to be. The princess gave a appreciative nod to the lady-in-waiting. "Thank you Eva, neither of us had eaten anything since this morning." The woman smiled, her short grey hair blowing in the breeze. "Of course, milady." Despite her grey hair, the woman looked to be in her early twenties. Sophia turned as she noticed the shadows approaching them from across the field. "Jezin! Thomas!" She exclaimed with a smile and a wave.

Jezin gave a slight smile when he reached the trio sitting in the stands. "Hello Princess, Eva,.... erm." He paused, realizing he didn't know the other young man's name. "Gareth, his name is Gareth." Sophia's voice sang out over the stands. "Well then, pleased to meet you, Gareth." Jezin nodded to the young man. "It seems the remainder of the tournament has been postponed until tomorrow. The midnight feast, however, is still on. Thomas and I thought we'd come inform you all if you didn't know yet."

When the Flames Die

"Sounds good."Jezin began walking towards the stands, raising a hand to wave towards Sophia. The sooner they could prepare for the feast the better. He cut his eyes briefly to Eva, who returned the gesture with a similar amount of distaste. He didn't like that the woman was with them, but he'd have to endure her company for the time being it seemed.He looked back to see if Thomas was following. The sun setting behind the man silhouetted him, making him appear as a tall shadow walking against the horizon. Jezin reached the stands, motioning to Sophia and Gareth in the quickly dimming light.

When the Flames Die

Jezin smiled. "Sounds like that will be when the real celebration begins, then." Still, he had faint worries. That many nobles gathered in one spot would be dangerous. Just paranoia, he thought. He glanced over towards Sophia again. He was sure she'd enjoy herself at the feast. He looked up at the sun falling in the sky. Night would be upon them shortly, and he was sure the princess would want to have time to get prepared for the feast, but he imagined they still had a bit of time. "I look forward to it." He turned towards Thomas. "It's a shame we never got to have our duel though. Perhaps tomorrow."

When the Flames Die

Jezin's eyebrows raised as Thomas talked about his vows. It seemed the Order had a much more strict policy than the Brass Hand. Though leaving one's post for any reason would likely result in being burned alive, when a knight of the Hand was off duty there was very little they were barred from. "Sounds like you all run a very tight ship indeed." Jezin looked around at the spectators milling about, heading out of the fairgrounds. He kept an eye on Sophia amongst the shifting tides of people. "Yes, I imagine dancing will be just fine. Who all do you expect to attend the feast?"

When the Flames Die

Jezin smirked as Thomas returned, noticing the thick steel armor had been replaced by a more casual doublet. He glanced down at his armor. He hadn't even considered what he'd be wearing to the feast. Now that he thought about it, wearing armor into such an event would likely be a sign of poor taste, still, he would feel better with it. It was a sacrifice he'd have to make. Sophia surely would harass him until he changed into something more 'courtly' anyway. He glanced at Thomas with a smirk when he mentioned the ladies at the feast. "Oh, I'm sure I can find something that will do the trick." A thought crossed his mind. "So, does the Order of the Thistle allow it's members to participate in... outside activities?" His face still bore the same smirk.

When the Flames Die

Jezin smirked. "Thanks." He remained standing in the same place. His eyes glanced from Sophia to the king's location. The monarch looked concerned. Maybe he knew something they didn't. Oh well. That was not something for a bodyguard to be concerned with. Thomas left to change out of his armor. "Alright, I'll still be here, probably." The knight seemed relieved to get out of the heavy suit, confirming his suspicions that Thomas had been uncomfortable wearing such heavy gear. His own armor was getting a bit hot in the sun, but it wasn't becoming too uncomfortable, not yet anyway. He picked up his spear, leaning the weapon against his shoulder.