Post by Orin Evans on Mar 26, 2020 15:07:32 GMT -5
[ARIC] The future king was blissfully unaware of what had just gone on as he lingered perhaps a bit too long in Alexandria's room. Entirely her fault, but he wasn't about to tell her brother that. So his steps were quick as he made his way down the corridor in hopes Orin hadn't been waiting for too long. As he rounded the corner, he was just in time to spot him not far down the hallway, awkwardly waving him down.
[ORIN] He was shaking his head, scratching the back of it in confusion as he walked down the hallway. Orin wasn't entirely sure what that was about. Was Cassandra just trying to lighten his mood back up, or was she actually testing him, or playing him? He honestly did not know, but he pushed it out of his mind and let his thoughts drift back to the problem at hand. He glanced up, suddenly seeing Aric down the hall. "Oh fucking great." He murmured under his breath. Surely he'd be questioned on why he was coming from this area, and he wasn't sure what to say. Even so, the future king needed to know that there was still a threat. But wait a minute--he was coming from the direction of Alexandria's room. Had he been with her this whole time? Brow arched in curiosity as the gears turned more and more in his head. He continued down the hall until he reached Aric and he motioned to him with a nod to follow him. "We have a problem..." He sighed, annoyance showing in his expression. "We found another imposter from Saelis..."
[ARIC] It seemed like both men had some questions for the other. Aric was quick to notice which corridor he found himself in, where most of the guests resided, including his cousin. Even still, he wouldn't have the time to wonder about it (whether he wanted to or not) as Orin spoke up. Now, those first words had him halting immediately, for some reason expecting the man to berate him about the whole wedding, or just something akin to that. But before he could say anything, Orin continued, and his blood ran cold. "What?" he growled out. His frustrated concern and anger weren't directed at the man. "Among the Tresterians or elsewhere?"
[ORIN] He suddenly stopped, remembering his first action after getting Cassandra to safety, was to make sure his sister was heavily guarded. And Aric seemingly was coming from that direction. "Among the Tresterians," he answered quickly before changing the subject, briefly. "Alexandria... How many guards are at her door? We need to place more. Outside her windows too..." The man had threatened her, and it made him feel uneasy as if there were more roaming and sneaking around. He decided then, that he'd just come clean and tell him. "The one we caught.. grabbed Cassandra and threatened her. Used her as a shield to try and get out unharmed. Said he didn't want to harm her but had another woman in mind...." He shook his head. "I just brought her back to her room. She is safe.."
[ARIC] Well, so much for his good mood. This immediately darkened it, and he was only going to be overly paranoid and cautious now. "Just the one," he told him. At least currently there had been. Aric nodded in agreement. "Order whomever you trust the most." Orin would know best, and it was now his new job as well. He would trust whatever man he sent to guard the queen. But, it would seem, the news didn't end there. "Cassandra? What was she even doing there to begin with?" Brown eyes flickered to her door down the hall, almost tempted to check on her despite Orin saying she was safe. He believed him, even if it took a lot to simply stand there now. "Was the assailant killed?" Because, if not, he was almost half a mind to kill him himself.
[ORIN] A frown appeared on his face at Aric's answer. Why was there only one guard at his sister's door? Especially now. He sighed and nodded in agreement, instantly trying to think of who he could appoint to watch over the queen. Then came the question he dreaded, and at this point, there was no point in lying. The two needed to learn to trust one another, so he came out and was honest about it. "She offered to help with identifying the Tresterian guards. She's the one who pointed out the imposter." He nearly cringed after speaking and shook his head. "I know, it was dumb of me to allow her. I'm sorry." He sighed, preparing himself for whatever backlash would come his way from Aric. But before he could respond, Orin was answering his last question. "I ordered the others to put him in the dungeon. So we could question him. Whether or not that happened, or if they killed him, I am not sure. I stormed out of there with Cassandra to make sure she was away and to get her back to her room." It had taken a lot for Orin to not kill the man himself, right then and there.
[ARIC] Thinking on it now, he was wondering why there had only been one. Maybe the guards were too thinned out since the attack? Regardless, it couldn't remain so- their queen had to be guarded. Orin was saying a lot then, and Aric didn't know whether to be furious or relieved. Funny thing was, he wasn't necessarily angry at Orin. It was a misjudgment, perhaps, but he knew how much Cassandra was simply trying to help. It was stupid and endearing at the same time right now, and he wasn't sure if he could fault her for this...as much as he wanted to tell her for the hundredth time to be careful. "Good," he said, nodding. Hopefully they heeded Orin's orders and kept the man alive. Massaging his temples with his middle finger and thumb, he was trying not to wrap his mind around everything all at once. "And thank you," he added. "For keeping her safe. She really shouldn't have done that, but she has it in her head that she-" Aric stopped, realizing he was going to talk too much and dismissed himself with a wave of his hand. "Is there anything I can be of assistance with?" He still didn't know why he wanted to speak with him.
[ORIN] He understood, maybe, what Aric meant about Cassandra before he stopped himself. Alexandria was the same way- such as the way she fought beside them at the banquet, despite Orin yelling at her to get to safety. He nodded. "No need to thank me. It's my job." Well, it was more than just that. He wasn't about to let someone be hurt or killed, regardless of who they were. And Cassandra... mattered to him. Strangely. He sighed, unsure if he had already said what he was about to, even so, he'd say it again. "Thank you for saving my sister's life..." He remembered in the whirlwind of the events, while he was on the floor, and he heard that shriek from Alexandria, Aric was quickly at her side, killing the man before any other hard could happen to her. As he relived that moment in his head, he remembered hearing something. Aric admitted to Alexandria that he loved her. He had forgotten about that until now. So he tucked that into the back of his mind for now. Another nod was given, "I still need to check out in the military building...Come with me?" He first needed to get back to the armory to make sure everything was settled, and to send more guards to be around his sister's room. So he headed that way, even before Aric could answer him. He doubted he'd say no, anyway.
[ARIC] The corner of his mouth curled up into the faintest of grins. It was his job, one that was bigger and more deserving of him now, he hoped. He hadn't meant to pin it on him so suddenly, but after everything, he didn't know who else to trust with Alexandria's life. And protecting her had been Orin's job from the beginning. With his thanks, that grin of his managed to soften a little bit before clapping the man on the shoulder in a form of comradery. "We all did," he assured him. It had been Orin first to protect the queen and mostly everyone else in that room. When he wondered if he would join him, Aric seemed a bit perplexed, blinking those dark eyes as the other man began to walk away without waiting for an answer. Perhaps he needed his assistance? "Uh, sure," he stammered lightly before following him.
[ORIN] He continued down the hall slowly until Aric caught up beside him. He was still trying to think of who to appoint to Alexandria's guard. So he hadn't realized he wasn't saying anything since his mind was so loud. As they reached the armory, Orin opened the door, holding it open for Aric. He stepped in and looked around, first finding a man who towered over almost every one else. He leaned down to hear what Orin said and quickly nodded, leaving the room. Blue green eyes scanned the room once again, finding another man. He called out to him and he was quick to go to Orin. "Gregory, I need you to stand in as one of the queen's guards... who knows if there are any others out there trying to get to her. Please find Samuel and tell him the same. I need you both outside, guarding her windows." The man nodded and quickly took off, bowing to Aric before walking past him. Finally, Orin found one other man and quietly explained the situation to him. He was soon to abide and quickly left. As he headed back towards Aric, he spotted Naeva speaking with one of her men, he stopped and politely interrupted them. "Commander. I need your assistance please."
[NAEVA] Upon Orin's interruption, she placed a hand on the shoulder of the man she had been speaking with as if telling him not to go anywhere. A nod was given to Orin. "Of course, what do you need?" She quickly turned back to the man and instructed him to go search the castle high and low for anything or anyone out of place. She listed off several other names, instructing him to give the same orders to those men. When the man left, she turned back to Orin. "I'm sorry, just trying to get things in order here. I've asked one of the Tresterian guards to double check their ranks for any other imposters. We are doing the same for ours." Her eyes shifted over to Aric and she quickly bowed to him. "Your majesty...I apologize..I did not see you there.."
[ARIC] It seemed the castle was still buzzing after the ordeal he had unfortunately (or blissfully?) missed out on. If he had been there, though, it would have meant Cassandra wouldn't have been...and he was silently cursing himself for lingering too long in the queen's chambers. He would not repeat that to Alexandria. She didn't need to feel guilty for something she wasn't aware of, even if the guilt would still remain with him. The prince clearly didn't seem to mind the silence, simply letting Orin handle whatever else was necessary to ensure the safety of this castle. If he needed Aric's help, he'd gladly oblige, but kept out of the way for the time being. Watching him approach the very large man, those eyes of his couldn't help but widen at the sight. The soldier was tall, and Aric thought he was tall! He nearly chuckled at his inner thoughts before Commander Northam was there, apologizing. He politely dismissed her with a wave of his hand. "Not necessary, commander," he told her. Although not wishing to interrupt, he couldn't help but further question. "What about the staff? Have we looked into them?" Perhaps they shouldn't be leaving any stone unturned now. It may not just be military ranks these men infiltrated.
[ORIN] Despite whatever they were doing in the queen's room, Orin was glad Aric had lingered for as long as he did because if she had gone back alone, or if Cassandra had gone with her, they could have been attacked. At least Alexandria had been safe while the whole ordeal was going on. And Orin wasn't about to let anything happen to Cassandra, though, yes, she should not have been there and he wouldn't make that mistake again. He nodded to Naeva, pleased that she had already taken action in double checking the ranks. He turned to Aric as Naeva was addressing him, and as the future king spoke, he nodded. "I was about to ask her to do that very thing..." He smirked slightly, glad he and Aric were on the same page. "Do you think you'd be able to identify everyone?" He didn't think he'd be able to himself, because he rarely paid attention to anyone when he was in the castle. Up until recently, of course.
[NAEVA] While they had all initially distrusted the future king, Aric had started to prove himself as worthy of their trust. He was present and assisted with whatever he could. And now, as he and Orin shared the same thought, it made her smirk ever so slightly. He was becoming an Aralorian whether he was trying to or not. Somehow they were all able to get into one another's minds and work together. A firm nod was given to both of them. "I think I can manage" She waited for the briefest of moments on case there were any other orders, and she nodded again, quickly taking her leave to make sure the task was done.
[ARIC] As much as having imposters within the guard, it was more unnerving to think that there might be others within the castle staff. They were the ones who were closer to the queen, in the kitchens, the rooms... everywhere. He suddenly wanted to check every face for himself but refrained. Aric wouldn't know them and he had to trust that Orin and the commander knew what they were doing. None of this would work if there wasn't any trust. Holding back a sigh, he nodded at Naeva and offered a polite smile. "Thank you, commander."
[ORIN] He was relieved that Naeva was able to abide. Though, he too wanted to check every person himself, but he trusted in Aralore's army and knew they would pick the castle apart to find anything out of sorts. He looked to Aric after Naeva was gone and he noticed the look of worry on his face. "Yeah... I hate that this is happening..."
Orin hadn't planned on dealing with this tonight, hoping that they had killed all of them the night of the banquet. He had intended, maybe expected that he'd just be going through the motions and ensure they were all safe. Perhaps wrong for hoping that and being caught off guard. He wanted to have a drink with his soon to be brother-in-law, maybe put a little fear into him... and enjoy the rest of the night. But now he had this burdened worry on his shoulders. With a sigh he motioned to the door. "We need to get to the military building..."
[ARIC] At least Naeva appeared as though she would be able to do this task...because, the two men standing there with her wouldn't recognize a single face, most likely. Sadly, Alexandria or even Cassandra would be better suited to point out any unknowns, and that wasn't going to be an option right now. His cousin lost her helping privileges. On one hand, Aric was happy to see her investing into other things besides clothes, jewels, and gossip...but maybe she had gone a little extreme. Why couldn't she just help out and plan events with the queen? At Orin's words, he regarded him once the commander left. "I do, too...but it is good that we are getting ahead of it as much as we can now." Were they, though? He silently hoped so, and that it wasn't too late. How many men could Saelis have gotten into the castle so quickly? And were there more of them on the outskirts? Shaking his head free of these thoughts, this had to be dealt with one step at a time so they didn't slip up. "Right," he acknowledged, heading for the door. It was his turn to open and hold it out of courtesy. "Lead the way, captain." Or would it be commander?
[ORIN] He sighed and nodded to Aric, "Not even sure we should tell Alexandria about this...She has enough to worry about and I don't want her helping with any of this." He headed out the door and walked down the halls of the castle before coming to an exit, pushing the heavy door open and stepping out into the brisk air. The autumn was nearly over, winter peaking it's way in ever so slowly. He waited until they were outside and walking side by side before he spoke again. "So is it true?" He said, suddenly. And there was a long pause as if Orin expected Aric to know exactly what he was asking. When he didn't get an answer, Orin realized he probably wasn't able to read his mind. "After the attack... you were holding her in your arms... you said something to her..."
[ARIC] "I'm in inclined to agree," he said, following him out into the cold night air. However, he didn't know if it would be worse to lie and then have her somehow find out. "But, we may have to lock Cassandra's lips shut...she's bound to mention it to her at some point." Gossip, gossip, gossip. If she was asked to keep quiet, Aric believed that she would...but even still. He'd owe her one. She was a bit more conniving and lively these days, and he was suspicious of it. The silence lingered for a few moments longer before Orin was speaking again, insinuating a question without flat out asking it. Suddenly, things got very awkward, and Aric wasn't sure how to even reply at first. He had to think back, to remember what he had said because he knew he had said a lot of things...things he hadn't intended for anyone else to hear. Not even Alexandria had remembered it at the time. Occupying himself, he ran a hand through his hair, realizing it was beginning to get a little too long. He'd have to cut it. "I, uh...I said a lot of things." So, he decided to play dumb for a moment.
[ORIN] Aric had a point. They couldn't lie to Alexandria about it, but it wasn't necessarily a lie if they just didn't tell her. Perhaps Cassandra's lips should be locked shut. It would get back to him on why he didn't tell her.
He noticed Aric's hesitation at his question and he watched him for a moment before he'd speak again. "You love her?" Yes. Orin had heard it. When you lost your vision, you turned to your other senses and so the sounds around him had heightened. He remembered the panic in Aric's voice and the desperation for her to hear how he felt about her. He could see it in the man's eyes when he looked at her, but he wanted to hear it.
[ARIC] Yes, very awkward. The way Orin just blurted it out, knowing he expected Aric to either confirm or deny it, had him pausing in his steps involuntarily. He didn't know why his brain was suddenly trying to find an excuse, any sort of one, because there was no point to that. He did love her, and he hated that it took her to fall near death to say it. Or, perhaps, in some horrible and strange way, he hadn't truly realized it until then. That silence continued between them once more before he looked the other man in the eye, giving a single shrug of his shoulder as he realized there was no hiding any of it anymore. "I do." Aric paused for only a second to fold his arms nonchalantly, letting his gaze flicker to the ground while they stood out there in the cold. "I didn't want this, Orin. Any of it. I already lost a wife and a daughter, and I thought I was just done with it all." Orin wanted to hear it, so he was going to hear it all. Alexandria already knew; why not her brother as well? "But if Edward has done anything right, it was to force me into this union...because, somehow, that woman managed to mend the pathetic thing I called a heart. She's given me hope, something to strive and live for when all I wanted to do was wither away." He didn't want to be sappy about, but...there it was.
[ORIN] Sometimes he didn't have much of a filter, not caring about what others thought of him, he didn't care what he said. Most of the time. But this time, he had a reason for prying. It was his sister's life. The last thing he wanted was for her to be unhappy. She had been unhappy for so long, and he did not know what he could do to change or fix that for her.
As Aric stopped suddenly, so did he, his eye searching him as seemed to be fighting himself. And then out came the pouring of his emotions, admitting everything to him. He folded his arms over his chest as he listened to Aric. A simple yes would have sufficed, but he was glad to hear the rest of it. Perhaps he had gotten him all wrong in the beginning. Aric didn't want any of this? Was he really so different than his Tresterian brother who seemed to want all of it.
As he admitted the last part of his feelings, he couldn't help but smile and shake his head, maybe a small laugh escaped him a little. He sighed and placed his hand on Aric's shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze. "You looked into her eyes, didn't you?" Yes, Alexandria had gorgeous, mesmerizing eyes, but there was something else about them. The way she seemed to look directly into your soul with them and know exactly what you needed from her. They also showed how much of a kind and gentle soul she had. It was hard to not fall in love with her. And many men had fallen in love with her. He would know. None, however, had said anything remotely close to what Aric just did though. He remembered having this conversation with Eoin. And the man simply said 'because I do' when he asked him why he loved her. And for some strange reason, Orin felt the need to toss him overboard the ship they were on at the time. He almost laughed at the thought but refrained.
He smirked and shook his head. "You're not the first to fall in love with her... A lot of men have thrown themselves at her. But she rarely lets any of them in... And from the way I saw her looking at you earlier... I'd say you've gotten through to her too.. somehow..." He let out a small laugh, shaking his head again. "I'm sorry I've given you such a hard time. But I have to. She has been through so much torment in her life... I'd like to prevent any more of it from happening, if I can."
[ARIC] He really didn't know what he was expecting after he finally shut his mouth. Orin probably didn't need to hear half of it, but...Aric needed him to understand that none of this had been easy. That it hadn't been a random, immediate thing. It meant far more to him because he never, ever expected to feel this way for another woman again. He wasn't doing it to gain a title to a kingdom, because he thought he had made that blatantly clear and didn't know what else to do or say to prove it. As long as Alexandria knew and understood, he honestly didn't care who else did. Not even Orin anymore. When the man laughed, he was bracing himself for some smartass comment or judgement...but the clap to his shoulder surprised him, furthermore, his words about the queen. He let out a low chuckle and a grin curled his mouth. "Aye, I did," he admitted, only half joking. "I suppose that was the beginning of my downfall." Those eyes. He saw them every time he shut his own. He always wondered how much she saw in his own whenever she looked to him, if she knew his mind before he could utter a word.
As he began to explain that many had loved her, he feared his heart might sink. For the briefest of moments, Aric wondered if Alexandria had loved far more than just Eoin...but that wasn't where her brother was going with this. His grin remained, sensing that he was trying to compliment him, perhaps even saying that, somehow, he wound up being special to Alexandria. He laughed again when Orin did. "Hard to believe, I know," he said in jest, but he was still humbled. He returned the clap on the shoulder, then steered the man around so they could continue walking. "I know," Aric replied, his tone implying that he knew about Eoin and the love he and the queen had shared. "No need to be sorry...I get it. She's lucky to have someone who is so devoted to keeping her safe, in every sense of the word."
[ORIN] He walked alongside Aric now as they continued on their way to the military building. "I haven't always been here for her. I wasn't always the best brother to her... And I hate that part of me. But I am here now, so..." He shrugged his shoulders, falling silent again. "I guess I am forever in her debt to make up for all the wrongs I've done... All the times she's been hurt because I wasn't there to protect her." His gaze fell to the ground. It was easy to tell that Orin held a lot of guilt on his shoulders, surrounding his sister, proving Alexandria's intuition of keeping what truly had happened to her from him, because it would tear him apart, maybe even kill him.
When they reached the building, Orin pulled open the door, holding it for Aric. The sounds of clashing swords, yelling and laughter immediately erupted as the doors opened. He stepped inside after Aric and led him down some hallways. There were men practicing, training, or simply just talking. He stepped into the first room where it appeared there was a sword fight going on, but the men were practicing, taunting and making fun of one another. Orin got their attention and instructed them to meet in the main hall, and to grab whomever else they could find. Once again, he began to round everyone up who resided in and outside the building currently, through men he trusted would be able to gather everyone up. He then made his way to the main hall and took a seat at a table, sitting for the first time since their meeting to find out what to do with Edward. He sighed in relief and rested his elbows on the table, letting his face fall into his hands. He was exhausted. Though the night wasn't over. He only hoped there wasn't another imposter here. He'd simply wait quietly as the room began to slowly fill up with mainly members of Aralore's army.
[ARIC] Was this what he wished to speak to him about? Aric had silently been dreading whatever it was...but now, he felt somewhat relieved. He hoped that, at least now, he and Orin could be on better terms. That there was a bit more understanding for each other. So when the other seemed to open up a little more, he was quick to console him as best he could. "We all make mistakes, Orin...but the past is the past, and we can only be fortunate to have the time to make up for it. She loves you and needs you here, and clearly does not blame you for anything." Entering into the building, he found himself mildly grinning. The sounds of idle combat caused a wave of nostalgia to wash over him. Although he wielded a blade to defend Alexandria and the rest at the banquet, he hadn't really felt the adrenaline of battle in a long time. Perhaps he was getting too old for it. But he would wait patiently as Orin rounded everyone up, following him to the table yet didn't take a seat. He simply rested up against the wall nearby, noticing his exhaustion. Aric was there to help if he needed it. He didn't think he had to express that.
[ORIN] He knew Alexandria loved him and didn't blame him for anything--but he did blame himself, regardless. As the room filled up more, Orin lifted his gaze, though only able to see out of one eye currently, he glanced around the room, finally standing again. He'd call out, loud enough for his voice to echo throughout the room. "Can I get everyone to line up by rank and faction. Anyone from Tresteria, please line up separately over there." He pointed to the far side of the room. Best to keep them in the back so the Aralorian army could corner them if needed. He turned to Aric, motioning for him to head on over to where he had indicated, so he could check out the Tresterian army himself. He waited for the men to line up before he began walking the lines to inspect each person in them.
[ARIC] He supposed this was the second time today that Orin was doing this. He had it down to a science already. It was a sad thing, that this had to be done, that rumors were already going to spread about keeping an eye out for intruders. No doubt the queen would find out, but for right now, she could hopefully remain oblivious. Her brother and the rest of them would handle it for the time being. Nodding to Orin, Aric made his way over to his fellow Tresterians. Their back immediately went ramrod straight after they bowed to their prince, allowing him to walk along the tight line they made at the far end of the large room. It did not take him long, recognizing each face (although not all of their names), because it was always he dealing with the military. Not Edward. Another firm nod towards his men, "Carry on." They were dismissed and he casually made his way back to the table, this time taking a seat.
[ORIN] For the lines that had their commander in front, he asked the commander to check the line for him, waiting at the front until he was given a signal that all was good with them. He'd move onto the next, checking the lines himself if no commander was present. If all was clear, he'd dismiss the line, the room slowly emptying out. When he had finally got to the last line, he walked down it slowly, looking each man in the face. They were all Alorian. He nodded, dismissing that line, too. He found Aric and sat across from him, sighing as he did. There were no Saelisian men here, thankfully. He just hoped Naeva was having the same luck. "I've sent various other men to check the citizen manor and grounds... The village..." It felt like they were searching for needles in haystacks, at this point. "Any other ideas?" He'd look across the table at Aric, rubbing his face with his hands, careful to avoid his bandages.
[ARIC] It was a longer process with the Aralorians, being that Edward had only brought a small troupe of guards with him. But Aric was patient, watching and waiting as Orin and each captain double-checked their ranks. As each group was dismissed without issue, he felt his tense muscles relax just a little bit more until the newly appointed commander of the guard made his way over to the table as well. "Currently? No," he admitted. The castle was already being taken care of, and Orin already handled the rest. What more was there to do? "But this might be all we can do for right now."
[ORIN] He was shaking his head, scratching the back of it in confusion as he walked down the hallway. Orin wasn't entirely sure what that was about. Was Cassandra just trying to lighten his mood back up, or was she actually testing him, or playing him? He honestly did not know, but he pushed it out of his mind and let his thoughts drift back to the problem at hand. He glanced up, suddenly seeing Aric down the hall. "Oh fucking great." He murmured under his breath. Surely he'd be questioned on why he was coming from this area, and he wasn't sure what to say. Even so, the future king needed to know that there was still a threat. But wait a minute--he was coming from the direction of Alexandria's room. Had he been with her this whole time? Brow arched in curiosity as the gears turned more and more in his head. He continued down the hall until he reached Aric and he motioned to him with a nod to follow him. "We have a problem..." He sighed, annoyance showing in his expression. "We found another imposter from Saelis..."
[ARIC] It seemed like both men had some questions for the other. Aric was quick to notice which corridor he found himself in, where most of the guests resided, including his cousin. Even still, he wouldn't have the time to wonder about it (whether he wanted to or not) as Orin spoke up. Now, those first words had him halting immediately, for some reason expecting the man to berate him about the whole wedding, or just something akin to that. But before he could say anything, Orin continued, and his blood ran cold. "What?" he growled out. His frustrated concern and anger weren't directed at the man. "Among the Tresterians or elsewhere?"
[ORIN] He suddenly stopped, remembering his first action after getting Cassandra to safety, was to make sure his sister was heavily guarded. And Aric seemingly was coming from that direction. "Among the Tresterians," he answered quickly before changing the subject, briefly. "Alexandria... How many guards are at her door? We need to place more. Outside her windows too..." The man had threatened her, and it made him feel uneasy as if there were more roaming and sneaking around. He decided then, that he'd just come clean and tell him. "The one we caught.. grabbed Cassandra and threatened her. Used her as a shield to try and get out unharmed. Said he didn't want to harm her but had another woman in mind...." He shook his head. "I just brought her back to her room. She is safe.."
[ARIC] Well, so much for his good mood. This immediately darkened it, and he was only going to be overly paranoid and cautious now. "Just the one," he told him. At least currently there had been. Aric nodded in agreement. "Order whomever you trust the most." Orin would know best, and it was now his new job as well. He would trust whatever man he sent to guard the queen. But, it would seem, the news didn't end there. "Cassandra? What was she even doing there to begin with?" Brown eyes flickered to her door down the hall, almost tempted to check on her despite Orin saying she was safe. He believed him, even if it took a lot to simply stand there now. "Was the assailant killed?" Because, if not, he was almost half a mind to kill him himself.
[ORIN] A frown appeared on his face at Aric's answer. Why was there only one guard at his sister's door? Especially now. He sighed and nodded in agreement, instantly trying to think of who he could appoint to watch over the queen. Then came the question he dreaded, and at this point, there was no point in lying. The two needed to learn to trust one another, so he came out and was honest about it. "She offered to help with identifying the Tresterian guards. She's the one who pointed out the imposter." He nearly cringed after speaking and shook his head. "I know, it was dumb of me to allow her. I'm sorry." He sighed, preparing himself for whatever backlash would come his way from Aric. But before he could respond, Orin was answering his last question. "I ordered the others to put him in the dungeon. So we could question him. Whether or not that happened, or if they killed him, I am not sure. I stormed out of there with Cassandra to make sure she was away and to get her back to her room." It had taken a lot for Orin to not kill the man himself, right then and there.
[ARIC] Thinking on it now, he was wondering why there had only been one. Maybe the guards were too thinned out since the attack? Regardless, it couldn't remain so- their queen had to be guarded. Orin was saying a lot then, and Aric didn't know whether to be furious or relieved. Funny thing was, he wasn't necessarily angry at Orin. It was a misjudgment, perhaps, but he knew how much Cassandra was simply trying to help. It was stupid and endearing at the same time right now, and he wasn't sure if he could fault her for this...as much as he wanted to tell her for the hundredth time to be careful. "Good," he said, nodding. Hopefully they heeded Orin's orders and kept the man alive. Massaging his temples with his middle finger and thumb, he was trying not to wrap his mind around everything all at once. "And thank you," he added. "For keeping her safe. She really shouldn't have done that, but she has it in her head that she-" Aric stopped, realizing he was going to talk too much and dismissed himself with a wave of his hand. "Is there anything I can be of assistance with?" He still didn't know why he wanted to speak with him.
[ORIN] He understood, maybe, what Aric meant about Cassandra before he stopped himself. Alexandria was the same way- such as the way she fought beside them at the banquet, despite Orin yelling at her to get to safety. He nodded. "No need to thank me. It's my job." Well, it was more than just that. He wasn't about to let someone be hurt or killed, regardless of who they were. And Cassandra... mattered to him. Strangely. He sighed, unsure if he had already said what he was about to, even so, he'd say it again. "Thank you for saving my sister's life..." He remembered in the whirlwind of the events, while he was on the floor, and he heard that shriek from Alexandria, Aric was quickly at her side, killing the man before any other hard could happen to her. As he relived that moment in his head, he remembered hearing something. Aric admitted to Alexandria that he loved her. He had forgotten about that until now. So he tucked that into the back of his mind for now. Another nod was given, "I still need to check out in the military building...Come with me?" He first needed to get back to the armory to make sure everything was settled, and to send more guards to be around his sister's room. So he headed that way, even before Aric could answer him. He doubted he'd say no, anyway.
[ARIC] The corner of his mouth curled up into the faintest of grins. It was his job, one that was bigger and more deserving of him now, he hoped. He hadn't meant to pin it on him so suddenly, but after everything, he didn't know who else to trust with Alexandria's life. And protecting her had been Orin's job from the beginning. With his thanks, that grin of his managed to soften a little bit before clapping the man on the shoulder in a form of comradery. "We all did," he assured him. It had been Orin first to protect the queen and mostly everyone else in that room. When he wondered if he would join him, Aric seemed a bit perplexed, blinking those dark eyes as the other man began to walk away without waiting for an answer. Perhaps he needed his assistance? "Uh, sure," he stammered lightly before following him.
[ORIN] He continued down the hall slowly until Aric caught up beside him. He was still trying to think of who to appoint to Alexandria's guard. So he hadn't realized he wasn't saying anything since his mind was so loud. As they reached the armory, Orin opened the door, holding it open for Aric. He stepped in and looked around, first finding a man who towered over almost every one else. He leaned down to hear what Orin said and quickly nodded, leaving the room. Blue green eyes scanned the room once again, finding another man. He called out to him and he was quick to go to Orin. "Gregory, I need you to stand in as one of the queen's guards... who knows if there are any others out there trying to get to her. Please find Samuel and tell him the same. I need you both outside, guarding her windows." The man nodded and quickly took off, bowing to Aric before walking past him. Finally, Orin found one other man and quietly explained the situation to him. He was soon to abide and quickly left. As he headed back towards Aric, he spotted Naeva speaking with one of her men, he stopped and politely interrupted them. "Commander. I need your assistance please."
[NAEVA] Upon Orin's interruption, she placed a hand on the shoulder of the man she had been speaking with as if telling him not to go anywhere. A nod was given to Orin. "Of course, what do you need?" She quickly turned back to the man and instructed him to go search the castle high and low for anything or anyone out of place. She listed off several other names, instructing him to give the same orders to those men. When the man left, she turned back to Orin. "I'm sorry, just trying to get things in order here. I've asked one of the Tresterian guards to double check their ranks for any other imposters. We are doing the same for ours." Her eyes shifted over to Aric and she quickly bowed to him. "Your majesty...I apologize..I did not see you there.."
[ARIC] It seemed the castle was still buzzing after the ordeal he had unfortunately (or blissfully?) missed out on. If he had been there, though, it would have meant Cassandra wouldn't have been...and he was silently cursing himself for lingering too long in the queen's chambers. He would not repeat that to Alexandria. She didn't need to feel guilty for something she wasn't aware of, even if the guilt would still remain with him. The prince clearly didn't seem to mind the silence, simply letting Orin handle whatever else was necessary to ensure the safety of this castle. If he needed Aric's help, he'd gladly oblige, but kept out of the way for the time being. Watching him approach the very large man, those eyes of his couldn't help but widen at the sight. The soldier was tall, and Aric thought he was tall! He nearly chuckled at his inner thoughts before Commander Northam was there, apologizing. He politely dismissed her with a wave of his hand. "Not necessary, commander," he told her. Although not wishing to interrupt, he couldn't help but further question. "What about the staff? Have we looked into them?" Perhaps they shouldn't be leaving any stone unturned now. It may not just be military ranks these men infiltrated.
[ORIN] Despite whatever they were doing in the queen's room, Orin was glad Aric had lingered for as long as he did because if she had gone back alone, or if Cassandra had gone with her, they could have been attacked. At least Alexandria had been safe while the whole ordeal was going on. And Orin wasn't about to let anything happen to Cassandra, though, yes, she should not have been there and he wouldn't make that mistake again. He nodded to Naeva, pleased that she had already taken action in double checking the ranks. He turned to Aric as Naeva was addressing him, and as the future king spoke, he nodded. "I was about to ask her to do that very thing..." He smirked slightly, glad he and Aric were on the same page. "Do you think you'd be able to identify everyone?" He didn't think he'd be able to himself, because he rarely paid attention to anyone when he was in the castle. Up until recently, of course.
[NAEVA] While they had all initially distrusted the future king, Aric had started to prove himself as worthy of their trust. He was present and assisted with whatever he could. And now, as he and Orin shared the same thought, it made her smirk ever so slightly. He was becoming an Aralorian whether he was trying to or not. Somehow they were all able to get into one another's minds and work together. A firm nod was given to both of them. "I think I can manage" She waited for the briefest of moments on case there were any other orders, and she nodded again, quickly taking her leave to make sure the task was done.
[ARIC] As much as having imposters within the guard, it was more unnerving to think that there might be others within the castle staff. They were the ones who were closer to the queen, in the kitchens, the rooms... everywhere. He suddenly wanted to check every face for himself but refrained. Aric wouldn't know them and he had to trust that Orin and the commander knew what they were doing. None of this would work if there wasn't any trust. Holding back a sigh, he nodded at Naeva and offered a polite smile. "Thank you, commander."
[ORIN] He was relieved that Naeva was able to abide. Though, he too wanted to check every person himself, but he trusted in Aralore's army and knew they would pick the castle apart to find anything out of sorts. He looked to Aric after Naeva was gone and he noticed the look of worry on his face. "Yeah... I hate that this is happening..."
Orin hadn't planned on dealing with this tonight, hoping that they had killed all of them the night of the banquet. He had intended, maybe expected that he'd just be going through the motions and ensure they were all safe. Perhaps wrong for hoping that and being caught off guard. He wanted to have a drink with his soon to be brother-in-law, maybe put a little fear into him... and enjoy the rest of the night. But now he had this burdened worry on his shoulders. With a sigh he motioned to the door. "We need to get to the military building..."
[ARIC] At least Naeva appeared as though she would be able to do this task...because, the two men standing there with her wouldn't recognize a single face, most likely. Sadly, Alexandria or even Cassandra would be better suited to point out any unknowns, and that wasn't going to be an option right now. His cousin lost her helping privileges. On one hand, Aric was happy to see her investing into other things besides clothes, jewels, and gossip...but maybe she had gone a little extreme. Why couldn't she just help out and plan events with the queen? At Orin's words, he regarded him once the commander left. "I do, too...but it is good that we are getting ahead of it as much as we can now." Were they, though? He silently hoped so, and that it wasn't too late. How many men could Saelis have gotten into the castle so quickly? And were there more of them on the outskirts? Shaking his head free of these thoughts, this had to be dealt with one step at a time so they didn't slip up. "Right," he acknowledged, heading for the door. It was his turn to open and hold it out of courtesy. "Lead the way, captain." Or would it be commander?
[ORIN] He sighed and nodded to Aric, "Not even sure we should tell Alexandria about this...She has enough to worry about and I don't want her helping with any of this." He headed out the door and walked down the halls of the castle before coming to an exit, pushing the heavy door open and stepping out into the brisk air. The autumn was nearly over, winter peaking it's way in ever so slowly. He waited until they were outside and walking side by side before he spoke again. "So is it true?" He said, suddenly. And there was a long pause as if Orin expected Aric to know exactly what he was asking. When he didn't get an answer, Orin realized he probably wasn't able to read his mind. "After the attack... you were holding her in your arms... you said something to her..."
[ARIC] "I'm in inclined to agree," he said, following him out into the cold night air. However, he didn't know if it would be worse to lie and then have her somehow find out. "But, we may have to lock Cassandra's lips shut...she's bound to mention it to her at some point." Gossip, gossip, gossip. If she was asked to keep quiet, Aric believed that she would...but even still. He'd owe her one. She was a bit more conniving and lively these days, and he was suspicious of it. The silence lingered for a few moments longer before Orin was speaking again, insinuating a question without flat out asking it. Suddenly, things got very awkward, and Aric wasn't sure how to even reply at first. He had to think back, to remember what he had said because he knew he had said a lot of things...things he hadn't intended for anyone else to hear. Not even Alexandria had remembered it at the time. Occupying himself, he ran a hand through his hair, realizing it was beginning to get a little too long. He'd have to cut it. "I, uh...I said a lot of things." So, he decided to play dumb for a moment.
[ORIN] Aric had a point. They couldn't lie to Alexandria about it, but it wasn't necessarily a lie if they just didn't tell her. Perhaps Cassandra's lips should be locked shut. It would get back to him on why he didn't tell her.
He noticed Aric's hesitation at his question and he watched him for a moment before he'd speak again. "You love her?" Yes. Orin had heard it. When you lost your vision, you turned to your other senses and so the sounds around him had heightened. He remembered the panic in Aric's voice and the desperation for her to hear how he felt about her. He could see it in the man's eyes when he looked at her, but he wanted to hear it.
[ARIC] Yes, very awkward. The way Orin just blurted it out, knowing he expected Aric to either confirm or deny it, had him pausing in his steps involuntarily. He didn't know why his brain was suddenly trying to find an excuse, any sort of one, because there was no point to that. He did love her, and he hated that it took her to fall near death to say it. Or, perhaps, in some horrible and strange way, he hadn't truly realized it until then. That silence continued between them once more before he looked the other man in the eye, giving a single shrug of his shoulder as he realized there was no hiding any of it anymore. "I do." Aric paused for only a second to fold his arms nonchalantly, letting his gaze flicker to the ground while they stood out there in the cold. "I didn't want this, Orin. Any of it. I already lost a wife and a daughter, and I thought I was just done with it all." Orin wanted to hear it, so he was going to hear it all. Alexandria already knew; why not her brother as well? "But if Edward has done anything right, it was to force me into this union...because, somehow, that woman managed to mend the pathetic thing I called a heart. She's given me hope, something to strive and live for when all I wanted to do was wither away." He didn't want to be sappy about, but...there it was.
[ORIN] Sometimes he didn't have much of a filter, not caring about what others thought of him, he didn't care what he said. Most of the time. But this time, he had a reason for prying. It was his sister's life. The last thing he wanted was for her to be unhappy. She had been unhappy for so long, and he did not know what he could do to change or fix that for her.
As Aric stopped suddenly, so did he, his eye searching him as seemed to be fighting himself. And then out came the pouring of his emotions, admitting everything to him. He folded his arms over his chest as he listened to Aric. A simple yes would have sufficed, but he was glad to hear the rest of it. Perhaps he had gotten him all wrong in the beginning. Aric didn't want any of this? Was he really so different than his Tresterian brother who seemed to want all of it.
As he admitted the last part of his feelings, he couldn't help but smile and shake his head, maybe a small laugh escaped him a little. He sighed and placed his hand on Aric's shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze. "You looked into her eyes, didn't you?" Yes, Alexandria had gorgeous, mesmerizing eyes, but there was something else about them. The way she seemed to look directly into your soul with them and know exactly what you needed from her. They also showed how much of a kind and gentle soul she had. It was hard to not fall in love with her. And many men had fallen in love with her. He would know. None, however, had said anything remotely close to what Aric just did though. He remembered having this conversation with Eoin. And the man simply said 'because I do' when he asked him why he loved her. And for some strange reason, Orin felt the need to toss him overboard the ship they were on at the time. He almost laughed at the thought but refrained.
He smirked and shook his head. "You're not the first to fall in love with her... A lot of men have thrown themselves at her. But she rarely lets any of them in... And from the way I saw her looking at you earlier... I'd say you've gotten through to her too.. somehow..." He let out a small laugh, shaking his head again. "I'm sorry I've given you such a hard time. But I have to. She has been through so much torment in her life... I'd like to prevent any more of it from happening, if I can."
[ARIC] He really didn't know what he was expecting after he finally shut his mouth. Orin probably didn't need to hear half of it, but...Aric needed him to understand that none of this had been easy. That it hadn't been a random, immediate thing. It meant far more to him because he never, ever expected to feel this way for another woman again. He wasn't doing it to gain a title to a kingdom, because he thought he had made that blatantly clear and didn't know what else to do or say to prove it. As long as Alexandria knew and understood, he honestly didn't care who else did. Not even Orin anymore. When the man laughed, he was bracing himself for some smartass comment or judgement...but the clap to his shoulder surprised him, furthermore, his words about the queen. He let out a low chuckle and a grin curled his mouth. "Aye, I did," he admitted, only half joking. "I suppose that was the beginning of my downfall." Those eyes. He saw them every time he shut his own. He always wondered how much she saw in his own whenever she looked to him, if she knew his mind before he could utter a word.
As he began to explain that many had loved her, he feared his heart might sink. For the briefest of moments, Aric wondered if Alexandria had loved far more than just Eoin...but that wasn't where her brother was going with this. His grin remained, sensing that he was trying to compliment him, perhaps even saying that, somehow, he wound up being special to Alexandria. He laughed again when Orin did. "Hard to believe, I know," he said in jest, but he was still humbled. He returned the clap on the shoulder, then steered the man around so they could continue walking. "I know," Aric replied, his tone implying that he knew about Eoin and the love he and the queen had shared. "No need to be sorry...I get it. She's lucky to have someone who is so devoted to keeping her safe, in every sense of the word."
[ORIN] He walked alongside Aric now as they continued on their way to the military building. "I haven't always been here for her. I wasn't always the best brother to her... And I hate that part of me. But I am here now, so..." He shrugged his shoulders, falling silent again. "I guess I am forever in her debt to make up for all the wrongs I've done... All the times she's been hurt because I wasn't there to protect her." His gaze fell to the ground. It was easy to tell that Orin held a lot of guilt on his shoulders, surrounding his sister, proving Alexandria's intuition of keeping what truly had happened to her from him, because it would tear him apart, maybe even kill him.
When they reached the building, Orin pulled open the door, holding it for Aric. The sounds of clashing swords, yelling and laughter immediately erupted as the doors opened. He stepped inside after Aric and led him down some hallways. There were men practicing, training, or simply just talking. He stepped into the first room where it appeared there was a sword fight going on, but the men were practicing, taunting and making fun of one another. Orin got their attention and instructed them to meet in the main hall, and to grab whomever else they could find. Once again, he began to round everyone up who resided in and outside the building currently, through men he trusted would be able to gather everyone up. He then made his way to the main hall and took a seat at a table, sitting for the first time since their meeting to find out what to do with Edward. He sighed in relief and rested his elbows on the table, letting his face fall into his hands. He was exhausted. Though the night wasn't over. He only hoped there wasn't another imposter here. He'd simply wait quietly as the room began to slowly fill up with mainly members of Aralore's army.
[ARIC] Was this what he wished to speak to him about? Aric had silently been dreading whatever it was...but now, he felt somewhat relieved. He hoped that, at least now, he and Orin could be on better terms. That there was a bit more understanding for each other. So when the other seemed to open up a little more, he was quick to console him as best he could. "We all make mistakes, Orin...but the past is the past, and we can only be fortunate to have the time to make up for it. She loves you and needs you here, and clearly does not blame you for anything." Entering into the building, he found himself mildly grinning. The sounds of idle combat caused a wave of nostalgia to wash over him. Although he wielded a blade to defend Alexandria and the rest at the banquet, he hadn't really felt the adrenaline of battle in a long time. Perhaps he was getting too old for it. But he would wait patiently as Orin rounded everyone up, following him to the table yet didn't take a seat. He simply rested up against the wall nearby, noticing his exhaustion. Aric was there to help if he needed it. He didn't think he had to express that.
[ORIN] He knew Alexandria loved him and didn't blame him for anything--but he did blame himself, regardless. As the room filled up more, Orin lifted his gaze, though only able to see out of one eye currently, he glanced around the room, finally standing again. He'd call out, loud enough for his voice to echo throughout the room. "Can I get everyone to line up by rank and faction. Anyone from Tresteria, please line up separately over there." He pointed to the far side of the room. Best to keep them in the back so the Aralorian army could corner them if needed. He turned to Aric, motioning for him to head on over to where he had indicated, so he could check out the Tresterian army himself. He waited for the men to line up before he began walking the lines to inspect each person in them.
[ARIC] He supposed this was the second time today that Orin was doing this. He had it down to a science already. It was a sad thing, that this had to be done, that rumors were already going to spread about keeping an eye out for intruders. No doubt the queen would find out, but for right now, she could hopefully remain oblivious. Her brother and the rest of them would handle it for the time being. Nodding to Orin, Aric made his way over to his fellow Tresterians. Their back immediately went ramrod straight after they bowed to their prince, allowing him to walk along the tight line they made at the far end of the large room. It did not take him long, recognizing each face (although not all of their names), because it was always he dealing with the military. Not Edward. Another firm nod towards his men, "Carry on." They were dismissed and he casually made his way back to the table, this time taking a seat.
[ORIN] For the lines that had their commander in front, he asked the commander to check the line for him, waiting at the front until he was given a signal that all was good with them. He'd move onto the next, checking the lines himself if no commander was present. If all was clear, he'd dismiss the line, the room slowly emptying out. When he had finally got to the last line, he walked down it slowly, looking each man in the face. They were all Alorian. He nodded, dismissing that line, too. He found Aric and sat across from him, sighing as he did. There were no Saelisian men here, thankfully. He just hoped Naeva was having the same luck. "I've sent various other men to check the citizen manor and grounds... The village..." It felt like they were searching for needles in haystacks, at this point. "Any other ideas?" He'd look across the table at Aric, rubbing his face with his hands, careful to avoid his bandages.
[ARIC] It was a longer process with the Aralorians, being that Edward had only brought a small troupe of guards with him. But Aric was patient, watching and waiting as Orin and each captain double-checked their ranks. As each group was dismissed without issue, he felt his tense muscles relax just a little bit more until the newly appointed commander of the guard made his way over to the table as well. "Currently? No," he admitted. The castle was already being taken care of, and Orin already handled the rest. What more was there to do? "But this might be all we can do for right now."
