Post by Alexandria Eveleigh- Demarais on Jan 11, 2011 22:49:41 GMT -5
ALEXANDRIA:
Sleep was becoming a rarity for Alexandria again. She spent most of her nights staring out windows in hope of seeing the ships return with Aric's cousin. They had been gone longer than she was hoping, or maybe Aric had returned sooner than she was hoping. Either way, she hadn't told him the night of his return. How could she? They were both distraught from the ship wreck, drenched and cold from the rain. How could she bring that sort of news on? Yes, your ship just crashed and while you were gone, your cousin was kidnapped? No, she couldn't. She'd hold her breath and hope Orin and Naevah would return with her in the morning.
But that wasn't what happened. She spent the next morning in denial and panic, thinking that if she didn't leave her room that day, then maybe this was all a dream and there would be nothing else to worry about. How could she let something like this happen? Then again, how could she have stopped it? The army was weak, there was very little protection around the island, and the bandit problem had gotten out of control. The worst thing of all, was she was losing her people. Many had died because of the war, others had left after the war, afraid the island would not pick itself back up again, or the land would fall into another war when Aric came into power. Alexandria didn't know what to do anymore and time was thin on her hands.
The rest of the day, Alexandria kept herself occupied and busy, avoiding Aric and trying her best to stall Orin some more time in finding Cassandra and getting her back. She worried that the storm had affected their travels as well and she was worrying herself sick.
Still, after a few days passed and there was still no sign of the ships, Alexandria knew it was time she needed to speak with Aric.
Most of this day she spent in the library, pretending to read a book but nothing was sinking in, instead, the words she read were replaced by thoughts of what she should say to Aric about the matter. It wasn't until after dinner time that Alexandria summoned a servant to find Aric and ask him to meet her in the library. The room was large enough that she didn't feel the walls would close in on her and she had plenty of space to run should he become infuriated with her.
She was pacing back and forth in the center of the room now as she waited for his arrival. Her heart thumped wildly within her chest. She had no idea how this was going to unfold and she dreaded the look on his face.
ARIC:
For the first few days, Aric didn't think anything of Alexandria's absence. She had seen to it that he was probably taken care of by the healers and that he rested so the wound at his side could heal. Perhaps the queen couldn't stomach the sight of the infirmary, which was completely understandable. Aric was beginning to find it rather uncomfortable himself.
Yet, what really started to get him to wonder about the silence was the absence of his cousin. Sure, Cassandra wasn't always the most warm-hearted woman and appeared to be in Elysium on his brother's behalf as a "spy", but he knew she cared about him. She was always there to keep him company.
So where was she? Certainly she had been told about what happened.
When he was able to move with little to no pain and managed to convince the healers to let him go, he had made his way to the castle. He thought he'd wash up and have something to eat before trying to find the queen. Something felt wrong, something he thought he should probably know and just wanted to make sure everything was alright.
So after a nice bath and getting some food into his stomach, there came a knock upon the door and Alexandria's messenger entered.
"The library?" he questioned lightly to himself.
The young man bowed and nodded, "Yes, m'lord. She wishes to speak with you."
He blinked, fell silent momentarily before he'd finally nod himself. "Thank you." Dismissing him, Aric would soon follow suit and head towards the library where Alexandria awaited him. Maybe it was foolish to say that he had avoided this room for quite a while...perhaps ashamed of that one night he made an idiot of himself and could have easily messed up the civility that he and the queen had over this whole arranged marriage.
So, almost embarrassingly, he entered the large book-filled room rather wary. "Alexandria?" he called out lightly, searching for her as he took a few steps forward.
ALEXANDRIA:
The sound of the door being pushed open made Alexandria pause in her pacing and she felt her heart leap into her throat. For an instant, Alexandria felt herself even hold her breath as her sapphire-colored eyes fell upon Aric when he walked in. Her eyes shut, but only for a long blink then she swallowed hard and forced a smile.
"My Lord." She curtsied to him then brushed the wrinkles out of the front of her dress. "How are you feeling? I heard you were back in the castle from the infirmary. I trust the healers took good care of you?" She was nervous, and perhaps it showed a little too easily. She was fumbling with her own fingers and even still, had no idea what she was going to say to him-- how she would tell him about his cousin. Yes, Alexandria was still stalling.
Then, she motioned him towards a chair. "Please. Sit?" She knew she couldn't sit. As soon as Aric's behind was in a chair, she would go back to pacing the floor again. "I...." She paused, her feet carrying her back and forth in front of Aric. "I... I have something I must speak to you about... It's not easy for me... Please forgive me." Alexandria wasn't breathing again.. Her words were breathless and filled with nervousness. She looked as if she would cry.
Maybe she was having second thoughts about the marriage? One might think so, but this, to her, was far worse. How was she going to spill this out to him now?
ARIC:
The wariness didn't subside as he took steps further into the library, watching her with those curious yet concerned eyes. Brows furrowed deeply as her smile seemed to only heighten the idea that something was wrong. It was in the way she moved and spoke...she was more frightened than usual over something. And he didn't like it.
"I'm well. Your healers are very good," he replied lightly as he watched her. Already Aric wished to simply ask what was wrong, but Alexandria had summoned him here, needing to speak with him, so he allowed her to take her time to gather her thoughts.
He took that seat that she offered, leaning back in it comfortably. There was still a bit of discomfort in his side when he moved the wrong way, but it was far better than it had been. He was healing quicker than he expected. But the fact that the queen decided to deny her own seat and pace the floor made it impossible to remain fully at ease.
Aric would lean forward after a moment; elbows resting upon his thighs while dark eyes watched her patiently, allowing her to stammer out her words, fighting back what seemed to be tears forming in her eyes.
This instantly brought him to a stand, the concern deepening over his features while a few steps brought him closer. But not any closer than that. "M'lady..." he started, his mind automatically thinking about the marriage, how she was forced into it, his previous conversation with his brother… "Alexandria, it's alright...if you're having second thoughts..."
ALEXANDRIA:
Alexandria's pacing stopped once Aric stood and moved closer to her. She stared at him with a nervous expression. And he was misreading her nervousness. Her worry over the whole situation hadn't even made her think that she was coming across as having second thoughts about the arrangement. Was Aric having second thoughts? She tried to read his expression as if he were relieved. She waited, letting a blank silence linger between them before she shook her head and closed her eyes, turning away from him. "No... It's not that."
Alexandria was really struggling as she took several steps in another pace before sinking down into one of the chairs, her elbow resting on the arm of the chair and her forehead was planted into the palm of her hand. She needed to just let it out and get it over with. A deep breath was released from her lips and she looked back to him.
"... While you were gone we had a problem... Bandits were finding their way to our island and taking advantage of the poor state it is in. They were stealing supplies and goods from the ships and whatever they could find on the island." She shook her head and massaged her temples. "I got word from your cousin's husband, Henry... Several of the bandits took her for ransom."
She flinched. The words that came out of her mouth felt poisonous. What was going to happen now? But before she'd let the news sink in, she quickly spoke in defense.
"I have already sent out a couple of search ships in different directions to go looking for her. They just have not returned yet, they are still out there looking...I've not heard anything yet... Whether or not they have found her, I instructed them to come back within a period of time, or to send word and report so we would know they were still looking and not trapped or stuck somewhere... Tomorrow will be the day I told them to report back..."
It was hard for Alexandira, too. Her brother was out there and one of their military commanders. It was not the best of situations. She took another deep breath and fell silent, allowing Aric to react now. She only wished she could pause the moment and not allow the worry to sink into him.
ARIC:
The silence felt like it dragged on forever. With each passing second he wanted to ask her what was wrong, to keep asking until she answered...but he refrained, and kept himself quiet to allow her to gather her thoughts and speak. Aric sighed softly, shaking his head in light confusion but did not show any frustration as he seated himself once more as she did. "Then what is it?"
Something was seriously weighing down heavily upon her shoulders. However, what really bothered him was how much she was trying to avoid telling him...whatever it was. He could see it on the pained expression that contorted those lovely features, the tears that stung at her eyes. Something was dreadfully wrong.
Finally, she would speak...and her words instantly brought him onto his feet, staring at her in his shock. For a moment, he didn't know what to think, how to feel about the news. Aric wasn't sure whether to be mad at these bandits who kidnapped his cousin, or the woman sitting before him who had kept such news from him for longer than he liked. It was hard to contain the anger that began to build up inside; fingers clenching tightly into a fist...but he did not move.
Drawing in a deep breath, he turned his attention away from her as his jaw clenched. "Why...are you only telling me this now?" he asked, his voice a low growl as his tone grew to be more angered. "I could have been out there...I could be out there searching for her!"
ALEXANDRIA:
Alexandria flinched when she saw the look on Aric's face. Why did she wait so long to tell him? What was she thinking? Even if they had returned back with Cassandra, surely she would have told Aric and he would have wondered why she hadn't told him about it.
She slowly stood but did not move closer to him. "Aric... you had just gotten back from the sea and you were injured. You needed to heal, I could not let you just run off searching for her when I have already sent people out..." This would be a helpless battle. Alexandria knew he would insist on going now, but she did not feel it was the best idea. If anything were to happen to him, how would the king of Tresteria respond?
Her emotions were held back as she spoke again, more sternly and confidently. "I have sent two ships with some of my best military figures I have in search of her. They will come back. If you are to be king of Elysium, you must trust in our people and in me. I have not let this situation gone without action." The words were released through her lips almost in one breath, and once finished, she drew in air through her nose and let out a sigh. Her sapphire colored eyes searched him again, hoping he would listen to her. And hoping that one of those ships would come back with Cassandra before Aric decided to go off.
ARIC:
He had every right to be angry...to be furious. Despite her reasoning, which in some cases made sense, he could not fathom why it took her this long to tell him. It was his own family out there, taken by these heartless men, and God knows what happened to her, what they had done to her. He felt the knots in his stomach twist tighter.
Those blazing, ocher eyes turned to her when she started to speak again, suddenly standing there so defiantly, daring not to crumble beneath the weight of his anger. But he was so very angry...and frightened. Cassandra was capable of persuading with words, helping to carry on gossip, even at times do good with such wiles...but not in this type of situation. She was ripe for the plucking, and she wouldn't last if not found quickly. She was, indeed, fragile, despite how strongly she held herself. It was one of the many masks she often hid behind.
Aric approached Alexandria quickly; hands grasping her shoulders sternly but gently, nothing threatening. Leaning forward, he looked straight into her eyes before he spoke, forcing himself to remain as calm as he possibly could. "I understand this, and I thank you...but you still did not tell me. She is my family...and perhaps the only family I can trust now." Lowering his head in thought, he'd sigh before letting her go to turn away. "I can't stand here and wait...I must go." And with that, he began to leave the library.
[ continued in Hope on the Horizon ]
Sleep was becoming a rarity for Alexandria again. She spent most of her nights staring out windows in hope of seeing the ships return with Aric's cousin. They had been gone longer than she was hoping, or maybe Aric had returned sooner than she was hoping. Either way, she hadn't told him the night of his return. How could she? They were both distraught from the ship wreck, drenched and cold from the rain. How could she bring that sort of news on? Yes, your ship just crashed and while you were gone, your cousin was kidnapped? No, she couldn't. She'd hold her breath and hope Orin and Naevah would return with her in the morning.
But that wasn't what happened. She spent the next morning in denial and panic, thinking that if she didn't leave her room that day, then maybe this was all a dream and there would be nothing else to worry about. How could she let something like this happen? Then again, how could she have stopped it? The army was weak, there was very little protection around the island, and the bandit problem had gotten out of control. The worst thing of all, was she was losing her people. Many had died because of the war, others had left after the war, afraid the island would not pick itself back up again, or the land would fall into another war when Aric came into power. Alexandria didn't know what to do anymore and time was thin on her hands.
The rest of the day, Alexandria kept herself occupied and busy, avoiding Aric and trying her best to stall Orin some more time in finding Cassandra and getting her back. She worried that the storm had affected their travels as well and she was worrying herself sick.
Still, after a few days passed and there was still no sign of the ships, Alexandria knew it was time she needed to speak with Aric.
Most of this day she spent in the library, pretending to read a book but nothing was sinking in, instead, the words she read were replaced by thoughts of what she should say to Aric about the matter. It wasn't until after dinner time that Alexandria summoned a servant to find Aric and ask him to meet her in the library. The room was large enough that she didn't feel the walls would close in on her and she had plenty of space to run should he become infuriated with her.
She was pacing back and forth in the center of the room now as she waited for his arrival. Her heart thumped wildly within her chest. She had no idea how this was going to unfold and she dreaded the look on his face.
ARIC:
For the first few days, Aric didn't think anything of Alexandria's absence. She had seen to it that he was probably taken care of by the healers and that he rested so the wound at his side could heal. Perhaps the queen couldn't stomach the sight of the infirmary, which was completely understandable. Aric was beginning to find it rather uncomfortable himself.
Yet, what really started to get him to wonder about the silence was the absence of his cousin. Sure, Cassandra wasn't always the most warm-hearted woman and appeared to be in Elysium on his brother's behalf as a "spy", but he knew she cared about him. She was always there to keep him company.
So where was she? Certainly she had been told about what happened.
When he was able to move with little to no pain and managed to convince the healers to let him go, he had made his way to the castle. He thought he'd wash up and have something to eat before trying to find the queen. Something felt wrong, something he thought he should probably know and just wanted to make sure everything was alright.
So after a nice bath and getting some food into his stomach, there came a knock upon the door and Alexandria's messenger entered.
"The library?" he questioned lightly to himself.
The young man bowed and nodded, "Yes, m'lord. She wishes to speak with you."
He blinked, fell silent momentarily before he'd finally nod himself. "Thank you." Dismissing him, Aric would soon follow suit and head towards the library where Alexandria awaited him. Maybe it was foolish to say that he had avoided this room for quite a while...perhaps ashamed of that one night he made an idiot of himself and could have easily messed up the civility that he and the queen had over this whole arranged marriage.
So, almost embarrassingly, he entered the large book-filled room rather wary. "Alexandria?" he called out lightly, searching for her as he took a few steps forward.
ALEXANDRIA:
The sound of the door being pushed open made Alexandria pause in her pacing and she felt her heart leap into her throat. For an instant, Alexandria felt herself even hold her breath as her sapphire-colored eyes fell upon Aric when he walked in. Her eyes shut, but only for a long blink then she swallowed hard and forced a smile.
"My Lord." She curtsied to him then brushed the wrinkles out of the front of her dress. "How are you feeling? I heard you were back in the castle from the infirmary. I trust the healers took good care of you?" She was nervous, and perhaps it showed a little too easily. She was fumbling with her own fingers and even still, had no idea what she was going to say to him-- how she would tell him about his cousin. Yes, Alexandria was still stalling.
Then, she motioned him towards a chair. "Please. Sit?" She knew she couldn't sit. As soon as Aric's behind was in a chair, she would go back to pacing the floor again. "I...." She paused, her feet carrying her back and forth in front of Aric. "I... I have something I must speak to you about... It's not easy for me... Please forgive me." Alexandria wasn't breathing again.. Her words were breathless and filled with nervousness. She looked as if she would cry.
Maybe she was having second thoughts about the marriage? One might think so, but this, to her, was far worse. How was she going to spill this out to him now?
ARIC:
The wariness didn't subside as he took steps further into the library, watching her with those curious yet concerned eyes. Brows furrowed deeply as her smile seemed to only heighten the idea that something was wrong. It was in the way she moved and spoke...she was more frightened than usual over something. And he didn't like it.
"I'm well. Your healers are very good," he replied lightly as he watched her. Already Aric wished to simply ask what was wrong, but Alexandria had summoned him here, needing to speak with him, so he allowed her to take her time to gather her thoughts.
He took that seat that she offered, leaning back in it comfortably. There was still a bit of discomfort in his side when he moved the wrong way, but it was far better than it had been. He was healing quicker than he expected. But the fact that the queen decided to deny her own seat and pace the floor made it impossible to remain fully at ease.
Aric would lean forward after a moment; elbows resting upon his thighs while dark eyes watched her patiently, allowing her to stammer out her words, fighting back what seemed to be tears forming in her eyes.
This instantly brought him to a stand, the concern deepening over his features while a few steps brought him closer. But not any closer than that. "M'lady..." he started, his mind automatically thinking about the marriage, how she was forced into it, his previous conversation with his brother… "Alexandria, it's alright...if you're having second thoughts..."
ALEXANDRIA:
Alexandria's pacing stopped once Aric stood and moved closer to her. She stared at him with a nervous expression. And he was misreading her nervousness. Her worry over the whole situation hadn't even made her think that she was coming across as having second thoughts about the arrangement. Was Aric having second thoughts? She tried to read his expression as if he were relieved. She waited, letting a blank silence linger between them before she shook her head and closed her eyes, turning away from him. "No... It's not that."
Alexandria was really struggling as she took several steps in another pace before sinking down into one of the chairs, her elbow resting on the arm of the chair and her forehead was planted into the palm of her hand. She needed to just let it out and get it over with. A deep breath was released from her lips and she looked back to him.
"... While you were gone we had a problem... Bandits were finding their way to our island and taking advantage of the poor state it is in. They were stealing supplies and goods from the ships and whatever they could find on the island." She shook her head and massaged her temples. "I got word from your cousin's husband, Henry... Several of the bandits took her for ransom."
She flinched. The words that came out of her mouth felt poisonous. What was going to happen now? But before she'd let the news sink in, she quickly spoke in defense.
"I have already sent out a couple of search ships in different directions to go looking for her. They just have not returned yet, they are still out there looking...I've not heard anything yet... Whether or not they have found her, I instructed them to come back within a period of time, or to send word and report so we would know they were still looking and not trapped or stuck somewhere... Tomorrow will be the day I told them to report back..."
It was hard for Alexandira, too. Her brother was out there and one of their military commanders. It was not the best of situations. She took another deep breath and fell silent, allowing Aric to react now. She only wished she could pause the moment and not allow the worry to sink into him.
ARIC:
The silence felt like it dragged on forever. With each passing second he wanted to ask her what was wrong, to keep asking until she answered...but he refrained, and kept himself quiet to allow her to gather her thoughts and speak. Aric sighed softly, shaking his head in light confusion but did not show any frustration as he seated himself once more as she did. "Then what is it?"
Something was seriously weighing down heavily upon her shoulders. However, what really bothered him was how much she was trying to avoid telling him...whatever it was. He could see it on the pained expression that contorted those lovely features, the tears that stung at her eyes. Something was dreadfully wrong.
Finally, she would speak...and her words instantly brought him onto his feet, staring at her in his shock. For a moment, he didn't know what to think, how to feel about the news. Aric wasn't sure whether to be mad at these bandits who kidnapped his cousin, or the woman sitting before him who had kept such news from him for longer than he liked. It was hard to contain the anger that began to build up inside; fingers clenching tightly into a fist...but he did not move.
Drawing in a deep breath, he turned his attention away from her as his jaw clenched. "Why...are you only telling me this now?" he asked, his voice a low growl as his tone grew to be more angered. "I could have been out there...I could be out there searching for her!"
ALEXANDRIA:
Alexandria flinched when she saw the look on Aric's face. Why did she wait so long to tell him? What was she thinking? Even if they had returned back with Cassandra, surely she would have told Aric and he would have wondered why she hadn't told him about it.
She slowly stood but did not move closer to him. "Aric... you had just gotten back from the sea and you were injured. You needed to heal, I could not let you just run off searching for her when I have already sent people out..." This would be a helpless battle. Alexandria knew he would insist on going now, but she did not feel it was the best idea. If anything were to happen to him, how would the king of Tresteria respond?
Her emotions were held back as she spoke again, more sternly and confidently. "I have sent two ships with some of my best military figures I have in search of her. They will come back. If you are to be king of Elysium, you must trust in our people and in me. I have not let this situation gone without action." The words were released through her lips almost in one breath, and once finished, she drew in air through her nose and let out a sigh. Her sapphire colored eyes searched him again, hoping he would listen to her. And hoping that one of those ships would come back with Cassandra before Aric decided to go off.
ARIC:
He had every right to be angry...to be furious. Despite her reasoning, which in some cases made sense, he could not fathom why it took her this long to tell him. It was his own family out there, taken by these heartless men, and God knows what happened to her, what they had done to her. He felt the knots in his stomach twist tighter.
Those blazing, ocher eyes turned to her when she started to speak again, suddenly standing there so defiantly, daring not to crumble beneath the weight of his anger. But he was so very angry...and frightened. Cassandra was capable of persuading with words, helping to carry on gossip, even at times do good with such wiles...but not in this type of situation. She was ripe for the plucking, and she wouldn't last if not found quickly. She was, indeed, fragile, despite how strongly she held herself. It was one of the many masks she often hid behind.
Aric approached Alexandria quickly; hands grasping her shoulders sternly but gently, nothing threatening. Leaning forward, he looked straight into her eyes before he spoke, forcing himself to remain as calm as he possibly could. "I understand this, and I thank you...but you still did not tell me. She is my family...and perhaps the only family I can trust now." Lowering his head in thought, he'd sigh before letting her go to turn away. "I can't stand here and wait...I must go." And with that, he began to leave the library.
[ continued in Hope on the Horizon ]