Post by meleri on Mar 7, 2009 0:03:04 GMT -5
After what he had done at the ball, Orin was hesitant to show his face around. But how could he just stand back and watch this happen? It just did not seem right to him. And he did not support it. He had upset Alexandria with his speech, and he regretting saying the things he had said. It not only embarrassed himself, but also his sister. But he felt he needed to do something to be heard. Something to let everyone know not to accept the future king's words so openly. What if the man was lying? He just did not want to buy it.
So Orin kept himself busy, still, with the rebuilding. He threw himself into many tasks, avoiding everything else around him. And today, just before the sun began to go down, Orin was working on a house in the citizen grounds. The roof had been torn off of it and the family that had lived in it were staying in the citizen manor until it was repaired. Despite the cold air, he only dressed himself in a loose tunic and brown pants. He was up on the roof pounding nails with a hammer, trying to get the boards and shingles in place. It had been a long day, but he was nearly finished.
How did one find a man who was little more than a stranger, and once found, what was one to say to him? Meleri faced that quandary as a few discreet enquiries put her on the track towards the grounds of the Citizens' Manor in search of the Queen's brother, already rueing the offer made out of affection and concern for Alexandria's peace of mind. The man was far more likely to tell her... nothing that bore repeating, even in her mind, rather than stand there while she spoke her piece. Sighing, she picked up her skirts and walked faster. The sooner she found Lord Orin, the sooner they exchanged words... well, the sooner, the better. Before she lost her nerve. Following the sounds of a hammer's stacatto rapping, the small, dark haired Scotswoman discovered her quarry on the roof, racing against the sun to finish it. Courtesy and cowardice won out over courage and resolve; she opted to wait quietly on the ground until he was finished and retreated from his lofty perch.
The last shingle was in place, and the roof was finished. He sighed in relief, the back of his arm coming up to wipe the sweat from his brow. Tools were collected and put away, before he descended from the roof, landing on the ground with a thud. It was then he saw the Scotswoman standing there, as if waiting for something or someone. He reached for the container of water he had and took a long sip of it, his eyes watchful of her as he wondered what she was doing there. Perhaps she was the lady that lived in the home and had come to see how it was turning out? Who knew? He wiped his mouth and began gathering up his things, not even bothering to ask the woman what she wanted. He had looked at her, and he felt that was enough acknowledgement to let her know that if she needed to say something, he was all ears.
Stormy grey eyes rose to meet his gaze calmly and intently, as if measuring him with a look. Gloved hands were folded primly at her waist, over a cloak the same color as her eyes, the dark head left uncovered despite the chill in the air. She recognized him from the single time she'd seen him: at the ball the night after her arrival in Elysium. Tilting her head to the side slightly, Meleri raised her voice enough to be heard, without shouting. "You are Lord Orin, aye? Brother to the Queen?"
He had never seen the woman before in his life, and yet she knew his name and somehow knew she was Alexandria's brother. He stopped collecting his things for a moment and glanced to the woman, eyes studying her as if he'd figure out what she wanted without having to ask her. Nope, it didn't work that way. He sighed and looked away, going back to collecting his tools and clothing that had been shed after the heat of the sun and hard labor. "Yeah, that's me. What do you want?" He didn't look at her. He didn't want to. But somehow he knew this had to do with Alexandria. And he wasn't sure if he was ready to hear the lecture.
Her lips nearly twitched in amusement, but she restrained herself. If she were honest with herself - and she was - she'd expected the surliness from him. "I came to speak with you, my lord, if you will grant me a few minutes of your time." Calling up to him was hardly dignified. Meleri also had no desire to air the complicated business at hand for all to hear. "It is about the Queen...," she watched him as best she could for being on the ground, "and you." With that remarkably vague sentence, she went quiet to wait.
He finally stopped, hands resting on his hips as he turned to look at her now. He smirked slightly and let out a small laugh. "Don't tell me she's had enough and wishes for me to leave, yeah?" He highly doubted that was the case, but these days, one could never be too sure. He had no idea how his sister felt, or what she was thinking, or any of what was going on. They had just fought a war for freedom, only to have their queen trap them once again into an arrangement with another kingdom. Who knew which way things would turn. Or perhaps that damned man, their future king, had decided to cast him out of the island. Who knew? He looked to Meleri. "What is it?"
"On the contrary." Lowering her voice, she took a small step closer, her hands never moving from her waist as she smiled faintly. "She needs you, my lord, both as her advisor and as her brother. And she misses you very much." Meleri chose her words carefully here, "I came to ask you if you will mend the breach with her, and to try and give Prince Aric a chance to prove himself fit to stand beside Queen Alexandria. I know," she lifted a hand, prepared for some kind of outburst, "I ask a great deal in light of your feelings, and for being an unknown to you, but I serve your sister honestly and faithfully. To see her unhappy and strained pains me, knowing that some of that strain could be resolved in repairing matters with you."
Orin stood there quietly, listening to what the woman had to say. But at mention of Prince Aric, he went to open his mouth in protest, until she continued speaking, making it unable for him to. He clenched his jaw down tight and folded his arms over his chest now, waiting until she was finished. He breathed a heavy huff through his nose, knowing that the woman was half right. But Alexandria hadn't really made much of an attempt to talk to him lately, either. Though now, he supposed it was different--he had given her a reason not to talk to her right now. "I will speak to her, but I will not trust that man with anything..." He let out a frustrated laugh. Who does he think he is?... Coming here... Acting all high and mighty and out to save the day. I mean really... Is it necessary?"
He shook his head, crouching down to pick up his things, gathering them into his arms. He shook his head, an angry expression upon his face. "And my sister, sending someone else to speak for her. Is rather pathetic and sad at the same time..." He eyed Meleri for a moment, silently despising her for being right and him unable to put up much of a fight in any of this.
The stormy grey eyes narrowed at him, though she tamped down the Scots temper rising in defense of the queen. Meleri was rather proud of the cool tone that emerged from her mouth when she replied. "Her Grace did not send me. I offered, in the hope that you might be more inclined to hear what I had to say, being a stranger to you. I do not know anyone save your sister well enough to take a side." Drawing a breath, she tore her gaze from his and let it out slowly. "I cannot answer for the necessity of it. I do not know; I have not been here long enough. Certainly I asked Her Grace, if a marriage was necessary... was it required that she be the bride in question." She felt the need to admit that to him, then lifted her eyes to meet his. "You have no reason to trust me, or accept what I say, but perhaps it is better that you don't trust Prince Aric." Now that she'd cast that little bombshell, she was curious to his reaction.
He acted as if he were not listening to her as she went off in defense of his words. He said nothing nor did he look at her while she went on. Until that last sentence was spoken. His brows furrowed in curiosity and he looked to her. "What do you mean? First you were telling me to give him a chance. And now, do not trust him? Why? What do you know?" He took several steps closer to her, pointing a finger at her as if demanding she tell him the reasons why Aric should not be trusted.
For a moment, she blinked in surprise at the finger waving in front of her nose, then glanced up at him. "Because every monarch needs balance in their advisors, my lord. You know this realm as Prince Aric does not. Your distrust will keep him honest, as the saying goes, especially if he knows you will not hesitate to act in defense of your sister and Elysium. And at the same time, it proves your sister is hardly defenseless, if your blade is sworn to her." Politics were murky and complicated; she hoped she was explaining without making matters worse. "Distrust him as a foreign Prince and as future king, but give Aric the man a chance. I believe you have the intelligence and the fortitude to accomplish both, Lord Orin."
"I am no advisor. I am no lord. Stop addressing me as such, please." He was becoming frustrated in this conversation. Mostly because he had nothing to argue. The woman was correct in everything she said and it only further made him look like a fool. So he would just simply nod. "Right. Whatever you say..." He was stubborn and hated admitting to his wrongs, or trying to find excuses to make himself and his actions and feelings right, when they were not. He sighed, realizing he was being rather rude to her. He stopped and held up one of his hands in a defensive manner. "Look. I'm sorry... I don't mean to take it out on you like this. I just hate what is happening and I feel powerless to stop any of it. No one is good enough for her... She deserves the best and is only getting dealt wrongful things. I do not agree with it. And she pushes me away, as if she's afraid I will stand up to it. Well what does she want me to do? Ignore it?"
Meleri didn't have five brothers - three of them older - for nothing. She'd learned how to argue with the most recalcitrant of males: Ethan. Quiet in the face of his outburst, she waited until he finished to address each comment in turn. "No, I don't think she wants that, my... " Hastily, she amended, "Orin. And though you say you are no advisor, you could be. Should be, if my opinion carries any weight with either of you. You know this land, you know the people. Don't they deserve a voice in the choices their monarch makes? You could serve Elysium as that voice, and as the realm's conscience, if you'd allow yourself." She stopped, trying to re-organize her thoughts and not answer anger with anger.
"Of course she's afraid. She lost the man she loves, and she finds herself in a difficult position - putting the needs of her people above the demands of her heart. What woman - really, what person - wouldn't be afraid? But at the same time, does she really have a choice? The agreement is signed and sealed - her honor is at stake. You don't have to like the choice of husband. You don't have to like the man. But I am asking - nay, begging - you," she turned those grey eyes on him quietly, "to support her and the decisions she's already made. I can promise you, they were not easily or capriciously made, Orin. I may not have been here long, but I have eyes and ears. And a mind. I see what strain you are both under.
You need each other more than ever... and the longer both of you," Meleri wasn't necessarily going to spare Alex in this, "keep apart, the more you'll suffer. I'm asking you to put aside your pride just this once... and be there for her. Please."
He in no way, shape, or form wanted to be an advisor or any important figure of the kingdom. He had previously, and it only made him feel trapped and miserable. It just was not him. He shook his head the whole time she spoke of it but said nothing since she continued on. He stopped his head shaking and stood there, one hand on his hip, the other still holding those gathered items in his arm. When she finished, he sighed, his free hand coming to comb fingers through his hair. "Alright." He'd nod several times, not knowing what else to say. He was not the very talkative type, especially when he was frustrated. He smirked faintly. "Are you finished with your lecture now, my lady? Or do you have anymore to add?"
The carefully schooled temper had not flared until his last remark, placing her in his sarcasm's line of fire. Silent for a few minutes as she flickered a look from his feet to the top of his head, Meleri opted to retort dryly, "I'm sure I could think of more, if you're enjoying it." Men.
He let out a sarcastic laugh, a look of amusement spread along his face. "Oh, very much!" And just as soon as it had appeared, his expression faded into that serious one. He nodded to her. "Good evening..." And he slowly turned away from her, heading towards the citizen building.
Rolling her eyes, she refrained from replying, allowing him the last word as she pivoted to head in the opposite direction. She'd fulfilled her duty and spoken to the ornery male creature. Muttering quietly to herself, she sighed and started back towards the castle. Lecture, indeed. She'd give him a proper lecture next time, instead of trying to be nice!
So Orin kept himself busy, still, with the rebuilding. He threw himself into many tasks, avoiding everything else around him. And today, just before the sun began to go down, Orin was working on a house in the citizen grounds. The roof had been torn off of it and the family that had lived in it were staying in the citizen manor until it was repaired. Despite the cold air, he only dressed himself in a loose tunic and brown pants. He was up on the roof pounding nails with a hammer, trying to get the boards and shingles in place. It had been a long day, but he was nearly finished.
How did one find a man who was little more than a stranger, and once found, what was one to say to him? Meleri faced that quandary as a few discreet enquiries put her on the track towards the grounds of the Citizens' Manor in search of the Queen's brother, already rueing the offer made out of affection and concern for Alexandria's peace of mind. The man was far more likely to tell her... nothing that bore repeating, even in her mind, rather than stand there while she spoke her piece. Sighing, she picked up her skirts and walked faster. The sooner she found Lord Orin, the sooner they exchanged words... well, the sooner, the better. Before she lost her nerve. Following the sounds of a hammer's stacatto rapping, the small, dark haired Scotswoman discovered her quarry on the roof, racing against the sun to finish it. Courtesy and cowardice won out over courage and resolve; she opted to wait quietly on the ground until he was finished and retreated from his lofty perch.
The last shingle was in place, and the roof was finished. He sighed in relief, the back of his arm coming up to wipe the sweat from his brow. Tools were collected and put away, before he descended from the roof, landing on the ground with a thud. It was then he saw the Scotswoman standing there, as if waiting for something or someone. He reached for the container of water he had and took a long sip of it, his eyes watchful of her as he wondered what she was doing there. Perhaps she was the lady that lived in the home and had come to see how it was turning out? Who knew? He wiped his mouth and began gathering up his things, not even bothering to ask the woman what she wanted. He had looked at her, and he felt that was enough acknowledgement to let her know that if she needed to say something, he was all ears.
Stormy grey eyes rose to meet his gaze calmly and intently, as if measuring him with a look. Gloved hands were folded primly at her waist, over a cloak the same color as her eyes, the dark head left uncovered despite the chill in the air. She recognized him from the single time she'd seen him: at the ball the night after her arrival in Elysium. Tilting her head to the side slightly, Meleri raised her voice enough to be heard, without shouting. "You are Lord Orin, aye? Brother to the Queen?"
He had never seen the woman before in his life, and yet she knew his name and somehow knew she was Alexandria's brother. He stopped collecting his things for a moment and glanced to the woman, eyes studying her as if he'd figure out what she wanted without having to ask her. Nope, it didn't work that way. He sighed and looked away, going back to collecting his tools and clothing that had been shed after the heat of the sun and hard labor. "Yeah, that's me. What do you want?" He didn't look at her. He didn't want to. But somehow he knew this had to do with Alexandria. And he wasn't sure if he was ready to hear the lecture.
Her lips nearly twitched in amusement, but she restrained herself. If she were honest with herself - and she was - she'd expected the surliness from him. "I came to speak with you, my lord, if you will grant me a few minutes of your time." Calling up to him was hardly dignified. Meleri also had no desire to air the complicated business at hand for all to hear. "It is about the Queen...," she watched him as best she could for being on the ground, "and you." With that remarkably vague sentence, she went quiet to wait.
He finally stopped, hands resting on his hips as he turned to look at her now. He smirked slightly and let out a small laugh. "Don't tell me she's had enough and wishes for me to leave, yeah?" He highly doubted that was the case, but these days, one could never be too sure. He had no idea how his sister felt, or what she was thinking, or any of what was going on. They had just fought a war for freedom, only to have their queen trap them once again into an arrangement with another kingdom. Who knew which way things would turn. Or perhaps that damned man, their future king, had decided to cast him out of the island. Who knew? He looked to Meleri. "What is it?"
"On the contrary." Lowering her voice, she took a small step closer, her hands never moving from her waist as she smiled faintly. "She needs you, my lord, both as her advisor and as her brother. And she misses you very much." Meleri chose her words carefully here, "I came to ask you if you will mend the breach with her, and to try and give Prince Aric a chance to prove himself fit to stand beside Queen Alexandria. I know," she lifted a hand, prepared for some kind of outburst, "I ask a great deal in light of your feelings, and for being an unknown to you, but I serve your sister honestly and faithfully. To see her unhappy and strained pains me, knowing that some of that strain could be resolved in repairing matters with you."
Orin stood there quietly, listening to what the woman had to say. But at mention of Prince Aric, he went to open his mouth in protest, until she continued speaking, making it unable for him to. He clenched his jaw down tight and folded his arms over his chest now, waiting until she was finished. He breathed a heavy huff through his nose, knowing that the woman was half right. But Alexandria hadn't really made much of an attempt to talk to him lately, either. Though now, he supposed it was different--he had given her a reason not to talk to her right now. "I will speak to her, but I will not trust that man with anything..." He let out a frustrated laugh. Who does he think he is?... Coming here... Acting all high and mighty and out to save the day. I mean really... Is it necessary?"
He shook his head, crouching down to pick up his things, gathering them into his arms. He shook his head, an angry expression upon his face. "And my sister, sending someone else to speak for her. Is rather pathetic and sad at the same time..." He eyed Meleri for a moment, silently despising her for being right and him unable to put up much of a fight in any of this.
The stormy grey eyes narrowed at him, though she tamped down the Scots temper rising in defense of the queen. Meleri was rather proud of the cool tone that emerged from her mouth when she replied. "Her Grace did not send me. I offered, in the hope that you might be more inclined to hear what I had to say, being a stranger to you. I do not know anyone save your sister well enough to take a side." Drawing a breath, she tore her gaze from his and let it out slowly. "I cannot answer for the necessity of it. I do not know; I have not been here long enough. Certainly I asked Her Grace, if a marriage was necessary... was it required that she be the bride in question." She felt the need to admit that to him, then lifted her eyes to meet his. "You have no reason to trust me, or accept what I say, but perhaps it is better that you don't trust Prince Aric." Now that she'd cast that little bombshell, she was curious to his reaction.
He acted as if he were not listening to her as she went off in defense of his words. He said nothing nor did he look at her while she went on. Until that last sentence was spoken. His brows furrowed in curiosity and he looked to her. "What do you mean? First you were telling me to give him a chance. And now, do not trust him? Why? What do you know?" He took several steps closer to her, pointing a finger at her as if demanding she tell him the reasons why Aric should not be trusted.
For a moment, she blinked in surprise at the finger waving in front of her nose, then glanced up at him. "Because every monarch needs balance in their advisors, my lord. You know this realm as Prince Aric does not. Your distrust will keep him honest, as the saying goes, especially if he knows you will not hesitate to act in defense of your sister and Elysium. And at the same time, it proves your sister is hardly defenseless, if your blade is sworn to her." Politics were murky and complicated; she hoped she was explaining without making matters worse. "Distrust him as a foreign Prince and as future king, but give Aric the man a chance. I believe you have the intelligence and the fortitude to accomplish both, Lord Orin."
"I am no advisor. I am no lord. Stop addressing me as such, please." He was becoming frustrated in this conversation. Mostly because he had nothing to argue. The woman was correct in everything she said and it only further made him look like a fool. So he would just simply nod. "Right. Whatever you say..." He was stubborn and hated admitting to his wrongs, or trying to find excuses to make himself and his actions and feelings right, when they were not. He sighed, realizing he was being rather rude to her. He stopped and held up one of his hands in a defensive manner. "Look. I'm sorry... I don't mean to take it out on you like this. I just hate what is happening and I feel powerless to stop any of it. No one is good enough for her... She deserves the best and is only getting dealt wrongful things. I do not agree with it. And she pushes me away, as if she's afraid I will stand up to it. Well what does she want me to do? Ignore it?"
Meleri didn't have five brothers - three of them older - for nothing. She'd learned how to argue with the most recalcitrant of males: Ethan. Quiet in the face of his outburst, she waited until he finished to address each comment in turn. "No, I don't think she wants that, my... " Hastily, she amended, "Orin. And though you say you are no advisor, you could be. Should be, if my opinion carries any weight with either of you. You know this land, you know the people. Don't they deserve a voice in the choices their monarch makes? You could serve Elysium as that voice, and as the realm's conscience, if you'd allow yourself." She stopped, trying to re-organize her thoughts and not answer anger with anger.
"Of course she's afraid. She lost the man she loves, and she finds herself in a difficult position - putting the needs of her people above the demands of her heart. What woman - really, what person - wouldn't be afraid? But at the same time, does she really have a choice? The agreement is signed and sealed - her honor is at stake. You don't have to like the choice of husband. You don't have to like the man. But I am asking - nay, begging - you," she turned those grey eyes on him quietly, "to support her and the decisions she's already made. I can promise you, they were not easily or capriciously made, Orin. I may not have been here long, but I have eyes and ears. And a mind. I see what strain you are both under.
You need each other more than ever... and the longer both of you," Meleri wasn't necessarily going to spare Alex in this, "keep apart, the more you'll suffer. I'm asking you to put aside your pride just this once... and be there for her. Please."
He in no way, shape, or form wanted to be an advisor or any important figure of the kingdom. He had previously, and it only made him feel trapped and miserable. It just was not him. He shook his head the whole time she spoke of it but said nothing since she continued on. He stopped his head shaking and stood there, one hand on his hip, the other still holding those gathered items in his arm. When she finished, he sighed, his free hand coming to comb fingers through his hair. "Alright." He'd nod several times, not knowing what else to say. He was not the very talkative type, especially when he was frustrated. He smirked faintly. "Are you finished with your lecture now, my lady? Or do you have anymore to add?"
The carefully schooled temper had not flared until his last remark, placing her in his sarcasm's line of fire. Silent for a few minutes as she flickered a look from his feet to the top of his head, Meleri opted to retort dryly, "I'm sure I could think of more, if you're enjoying it." Men.
He let out a sarcastic laugh, a look of amusement spread along his face. "Oh, very much!" And just as soon as it had appeared, his expression faded into that serious one. He nodded to her. "Good evening..." And he slowly turned away from her, heading towards the citizen building.
Rolling her eyes, she refrained from replying, allowing him the last word as she pivoted to head in the opposite direction. She'd fulfilled her duty and spoken to the ornery male creature. Muttering quietly to herself, she sighed and started back towards the castle. Lecture, indeed. She'd give him a proper lecture next time, instead of trying to be nice!