Lunari
25
Apparently betrothed...
Princess of Teronna
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Cera Le'Orin on Mar 30, 2020 19:12:01 GMT -5
"Remember...look good and have fun. Do not let anything ruin your night," Jezebel had whispered minutes earlier from within the princess' chambers. "Even the reason for it. And be nice!" Those words- ones she had laughed at- were echoing over and over in her head. It had only been two days since the Arcisean diplomat's arrival, and Cera had avoided him like the plague. She didn't trust herself enough to not say anything foolish, or something that might jeopardize the alliance, so she thought it was for the best. However, the court expected to see their princess at this event, so there was no way she could continue to hide. And the time was now. For hours Jezebel and her other maidens had prepped their princess for this night's banquet...and to be quite honest, a part of her was excited for it despite all those other reservations. There was a deep challenge lingering at the back of her mind, lingering almost deviously behind those crystal blues though she dare not share it. She was to be there as a trophy to an absent king, but she was willing to prove that she was much more than that, or at least...she could be far more than that. Drawing in a deep breath, she straightened her posture and took her father's hand. The doors to the ballroom were opened for the royal family and those behind them, a man announcing their presence to those already gathered from within. Cera stood proud, chin lifted high as she allowed that bright gaze to sweep over the patrons while they bowed and curtsied before her; her smile ever present. She hoped to wow this evening, adorning the lovely gown Jezebel herself had chosen for her. Shoulders bare, that lithe, curving form was dressed in a deep purple silk and a corseted top, with a layer of black lace that rested over the entirety of the gown. Silver circlet rested upon her brow where dark curls were completely drawn up in a loose, elegant bun. [ @gabrielrohan ]
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Post by Deleted on Apr 1, 2020 21:44:57 GMT -5
As the 'guest of honor', Gabriel was introduced last before he entered the banquet hall, leaving behind him the light echoes of giggling maids that crowded the hall. Honestly, at first he hadn't noticed the attention. The days since his arrival had been spent seeing to mundane matters such as his horse and gear, preferring to do these things himself rather than an attendant - especially a Teronnian one - see to it. The mindless, rote activity let his mind drift after the long journey and strange new surroundings. However, after a few days, one would have to be blind not to notice the stares, whispers, and -yes- giggles that followed him wherever he went. He had also sent word to his King of his arrival as well as his first impressions of his liege lord's prospective bride. He had not been...entirely forthcoming in his report to his king. Of Allarick, he had been most truthful. Of the princess, however, he had held back. Why? It wasn't because he did not was Julian to find out about her reluctance-- nay, her downright resistance to this match. Julian had already guessed as much. Was it because he enjoyed clashing words and wits with her? Perhaps... All he knew for certain was that, from what he had seen so far, Rohan would soon see that stubborn will come to clash with her fragile naivete. He wanted to see which would would fall first.
Descending now into the sea of rainbow colored silks and brocade, of feathers and jewels, Gabriel was a black cloud. His dinner coat was simply tailored without the trappings of baubles or even the luxury of silver or gold thread. His black breeches fit snug and were tucked into polished black boots that, instead of seeming common, merely appeared rugged and casual, indifferent to fashion. The crisp white shirt he wore underneath was almost blinding in contrast to the rest of it and it bore no pin, only a simple knot at his throat. His silver blue gaze swept the room with that same indifference, his mane of shaggy dark hair falling carelessly over his brow despite whatever attempts to tame it had been made before coming down to this affair. Those strangely muted hues were hooded and enigmatic as he entered the crowd, mouth was set in a sardonic line, one corner tilted up almost in amusement.
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Lunari
25
Apparently betrothed...
Princess of Teronna
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Cera Le'Orin on Apr 2, 2020 11:28:30 GMT -5
That proud lift of her chin remained as she smiled softly at the laughing and conversing figures all around. Allarick led her to one of the large banquet tables where they were to be seated, but Cera still lingered upon her feet. Like most women, she enjoyed dancing and the sound of music. However, gossip wasn't so much something she cared for...even if most of the ladies at court relished in it.
Attention drifted to her side where she caught sight of her father grinning devilishly after that whore of a woman he seemingly spent so much time with. Darla Dauth. The woman blatantly shared her intentions out in the open and it made her absolutely sick. Blues rolled into whites and she nearly scoffed in her disgust before departing from the table, grabbing a chalice of wine from a passing servant's tray to bring it to her lips. Cera was already ignoring Jezebel's advice- she was already looking miserable. And it didn't help, once she heard a certain introduction, that she felt even more annoyed. There he was, dressed all simple and pristine, a shadow among a rainbow of color to be the eyes of his king. To be the eyes of her future husband and keep him updated on the happenings of her kingdom. It was hard for her not to subconsciously narrow those blues before sipping at her wine. It was nice, however, to see that everyone else seemed to be enjoying themselves thus far. It was always a wonderful sight to see the people happy and full of mirth, even if their own princess couldn't be.
"That doesn't look like a smile on your face!" came Jezebel's softly chiding words in a half whisper. Cera had hardly gotten to taste much of that sweet wine before her lady came from out of the crowd to snatch her out of her reverie. The princess nearly whimpered as her chalice was taken, steps quickening in order to try and catch up to the woman while she dragged her away, further from Allarick. "But that whore is here!" she exclaimed quietly, and she was sure Jez knew exactly who she spoke of. That woman, her father's concubine, who was young enough to pass for her sister, was just...flaunting herself in front of everyone. "The people need to see that you're alright. Whores be damned!" the girl replied in a whispered giggle fit. As she always managed to do, Jezebel's silly words made her laugh. She was right, of course. Cera was one of the faces of this kingdom, and if she was not alright, how would that reflect upon the people and Teronna?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 3, 2020 19:17:33 GMT -5
A black shadow weaving through the room, Rohan's piercing eyes missed nothing. Not even when they settled on someone he had expected to see in Teronna though not draped on the arm of the king. So, the rumors were true. The placid expression, the calm veneer did not shift in the slightest. Instead, the curl of his lips lengthened when Darla's eyes met his. A hand drifted across his face, a finger passing across his lips - a seemingly thoughtless gesture to oneself. There was laughter in that cold, silver-blue gaze. Then, he stepped to the right, allowing someone to pass between them and Rohan to disappear into the crowd again. Well, that would be the king settled, then. Which meant that Rohan could devote his full attention to...
That smile widened the moment he caught sight of a pair of furious blue eyes tracking him through the crowd. It was almost a baring of teeth, a taunt as he accepted a glass of wine from a tray and turned to nod himself through yet another greeting. They all fawned over him as though he were royalty himself. From the corner of his eye he caught sight of the princess allowing herself to be dragged through the crowd by a young maiden. One of her ladies? These were things he must know, things Julian would insist on knowing. Julian always wanted to know everything. Whether or not he cared about the information was his right as king. As the two women disappeared behind the curtain on the stage, mirth flickered across his lips. He grinned again at the bold choice of gown, the petulant set of her mouth. He knew just what to do to get that under that pretty skin of hers.
Sweeping through the crowd, he swiftly drained his glass, depositing it on a passing tray. Approaching King Allarick, he dipped a respectful bow before speaking. "Your Highness, on behalf of my King, I would ask for your daughters hand..." he paused a moment, his face remote, "...for the first dance. It is her right to open the floor, is it not?" he asked innocently. Julian hadn't specifically told him to do any of this but Rohan just couldn't resist, wanting to needle her, needing something. He enjoyed unnerving her and taking advantage of her father's stupidity. Julian's only instructions had been to watch the family, the kingdom, and to make sure the marriage happened. As well as to report anything and everything of interest. This was just Rohan...having fun.
"I would ask her myself but..." he cast a quick eye about as though looking for her, "I cannot seem to find her in the crowd." His grin could almost be called charmingly chagrined...almost...if it weren't for the twitch of laughter in those eyes.
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Lunari
25
Apparently betrothed...
Princess of Teronna
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Cera Le'Orin on Apr 4, 2020 0:04:14 GMT -5
She was like a young child, following behind Jezebel and up behind that curtain, still giggling the whole time. She was certainly forgetting her woes and the annoyance this evening was surely about to bring her. Drawing back the curtain a little, she would peer out through the crack in the fabric to let the spying begin. Those eyes searched the crowd, trying to find the black shadow that was Lord Rohan among the array of colors. "I just saw him..." she murmured before finding him approaching her father with that arrogant smile. "What is he doing...?"
The King swept his gaze over to the Arcisean diplomat, arching a bushy grey brow at the man's simple question. He, too, could not seem to find his daughter and the displeasure painted itself over weathered features. "Of course, of course..." he idly spoke, bringing thick hands together to clap, gaining the attention of those around. "Cera, my daughter...you are to start off this evening's festivities!" He announced rather calmly, knowing that she would not go far, knowing how greatly he would be disappointed if she had.
A frown etched her lips and she sighed, questioning whether or not she should reveal herself. To remain there and not answer would not only make herself look bad, but her father as well. And she would never hear the end of it if she did that. "You should really go..." Jezebel urged in a whisper beside her.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2020 19:13:19 GMT -5
Those features were a mask of polite patience and deference as Gabriel stood waiting for the princess to show herself. That is, if she would scuttle out at all. After a short moment, he turned back to Allarick, "Perhaps it can wait if she is otherwise engaged," he offered, oozing magnanimous geniality. His eyes flicked once to the spot where she hid. "I would not wish to be a hindrance," he added, letting the sentence trail off, a not so subtle hint that, as Allarick's guest, he could not be considered a hindrance. All the way, those flinty eyes swept past the woman by Allarick's side. Women like her were meant to be neither heard nor seen but it would seem Allarick wished to flaunt his little dalliance for all to see, even prospective allies. Again, his eyes found that twitching curtain, the corner of his lip curling, daring her to come out and put her mouth where her glare certainly was, daring her to come and play.
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Lunari
25
Apparently betrothed...
Princess of Teronna
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Cera Le'Orin on Apr 7, 2020 14:29:59 GMT -5
Indeed, he was up to no good and Cera couldn't be very sure whether or not he was testing her...or testing her patience, rather. And yet, she smiled lightly at Jezebel, knowing she was right. Hiding here wouldn't look good for anyone, even if she wanted to shrivel up and disappear. Drawing in a deep sigh, she emerged from the safety of that curtain with her lady in tow, her foundation for that walk back towards her father. That posture was perfect once more, the lift of her chin defiant as always, but her jaws clenched tightly.
"Have you lost Cera already, darling? She does seem to have a habit of disappearing at the most inopportune times, doesn't she?" Darla spoke up, letting her eyes gaze about the room as though searching for Cera herself. The woman leaned in closer to the King, her final words a whisper. "Perhaps you should consider being a bit more strict." Allarick turned to regard that sultry woman at his side now, frowning deeply at her brazen words. He warned her on several occasions to watch her tongue, however, in this instant, she was right. And it was making him gravely disappointed...and a fool in front of the court. "Nonsense," he said. "She would be more than happy to oblige, Lord Rohan." Eyes pierced through the crowd, growing impatient, but before he could go and search for her himself, there she was; the crowd separating so that she and her friend could pass through. "Apologies, father. I was simply having a talk with Jezebel." Though her words were kind, eyes turned from Darla to Gabriel sharply, suddenly uncomfortable with the presence of both.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2020 17:17:56 GMT -5
A muscle in his jaw flexed and a brow twitched just a hair, the only indication of his incredulity at the audacity of the harlot. Rohan pointedly shifted his gaze from the king, making it clear he had heard. Secretly, he was rather impressed though he would never admit so. He shouldn't have been surprised thought; the both of them had been more or less trained by the best in court intrigue. Then, at last, movement drew his gaze and he saw the princess emerge dragging that maiden behind her like a lifeline. Her stiff posture made that smirk pull at the edges of his mouth and his eyes dance silver. Bidding Allarick a brief, smiling nod, Rohan stepped into the princess's path. "On behalf of my King, I humbly request the first dance." he intoned with a smooth bow. Straightening, he extended a hand to her, palm up. "I am sorry I may not offer to your friend," he went on, never once taking his eyes off of her. "If I'd another pair of hands, I would do so. But, as I do not, I shall have to content myself with your lovely presence...charms." That pause, that quirk at the corner of his mouth, the flash of silver in his eyes and, now, a sultry taunt in the timbre of his voice. It dared her to react to his provocation, to embarrass herself and her father in front of everyone.
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Lunari
25
Apparently betrothed...
Princess of Teronna
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Cera Le'Orin on Apr 8, 2020 8:08:35 GMT -5
He was certainly testing her patience
She could see it in his eyes, the way he spoke and looked at her. It was as though he dared to mock her very presence in front of the whole court. Like he was trying to see how long she would tolerate it before she blew up and made a fool of herself.
Cera bit her tongue, forcing a fake yet believable smile as she'd offer a nod of acceptance. "Of course. I would be...honored, my lord." Breathe, just breathe. A sidelong glance to Jezebel, a silent question to ask her to pray for her before she placed her hand in Rohan's; allowing him to escort her to the center of the floor.
Shoulders poised, chin still held high, it would not be difficult to notice the sapphire pendant that rested about her neck, like a beautiful, glinting ball and chain. Shackles weighing her down. That same necklace he had brought for her from her future husband, one she wore now simply because she was forced to.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2020 19:10:57 GMT -5
Every moment she resisted her own temper, Rohan's impression of her grew. He shook off the feeling.; it was not necessary or useful to him. He had not been sent her to like this woman but to get to know her so he could report back to his king what he might expect come his wedding day. So far, of one thing Gabriel Rohan was certain - his king would be in for a surprise.
Taking her hand, Rohan swept her out onto into a wide circle that cleared the dance floor for just the two of them. In a careful swing, he turned her to him, his free hand slipping around the subtle curve of her waist and pulling her close just as the first strains of music began. She did look pretty when she was angry. Could he be blamed for being tempted to make her more so? Again, he had to shake off this thought, blinking it from his mind as he led her easily and silently through the first few steps, those silver eyes never leaving her annoyed face even when he spoke. "Your gift really does become you, princess. Or should I say, you become it..." For all his praise, Rohan did not once look down at the dazzling jeweled sapphire surrounded by glittering diamonds nestled in the hollow at the base of her throat. "I must say you have enhanced its meager beauty with your own." That ever present, smirking smile was ever teasing as he went on, managing to lean close enough to his breath brushing her ear before it was gone and he was pulled back as though he'd never said anything. "It goes well with your flushed cheeks."
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Lunari
25
Apparently betrothed...
Princess of Teronna
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Cera Le'Orin on Apr 9, 2020 12:57:01 GMT -5
Her heart nearly leaped into her throat when he led her out onto the open and empty dance floor of the banquet hall. She couldn't shake that embarrassing feeling. Perhaps it bothered her that Julian simply didn't wait to come here himself. Instead, he had to send his venomous snake to do all the work for him.
"Did your king tell you to say that?" she questioned, her voice laced with evident annoyance as they were too far away for her father and that conniving whore to hear. Her jaws clenched once again, something to keep her calm to avoid being too terribly annoyed by the man's words. It was so very clear that he was out to test her, to get a rile out of her one way or another. It was there on his sharp, handsome face, by the way he moved. How he led and yet followed- a hunter on the heels of his prey.
Silken skirts whirled about her as she turned, eyes coming to find his again as she faced him once more; her own challenge etching that youthful face. The corner of her mouth almost, nearly, curled up into a smile. She was certainly going to need that chalice full of wine after this. And somehow, that jewel against her chest felt even heavier than before.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2020 18:40:07 GMT -5
That smirk broke into a laughing grin as he tipped his dark haired head back in a laugh. To anyone watching, they might seem cordial friends were it not for the scowl on her features. When he returned his gaze to hers, he kept the smile, "No. I may be here to speak on behalf of my king but he does not always speak for me." Fixing her with that steely stare, he continued in an undertone, "I do have thoughts and opinions of my own, you know." Pulling her into a tight turn, he loops her under his arm before pulling her back into him, their bodies making contact from chest to knee. "Besides, do I need a reason to compliment you princess? You are after all, my future queen." he dips his head toward hers again, eyes flashing in mock conspiracy to whisper "So I am told." Then he was straightened again with that almost smile. It was an easy joke of course, the rumors of the impending engagement was hardly confidential news. A blind, deaf goat farmer would have known by now. In fact, the matter was pretty much settled at this point but the formal betrothal which was just a ceremony. "Why? Do my compliments displease you?" his features bore no hurt or chagrin, only a mild curiosity that had in it, a touch of humor.
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Lunari
25
Apparently betrothed...
Princess of Teronna
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Cera Le'Orin on Apr 10, 2020 10:03:39 GMT -5
Cera remained level-headed, even as he led her through that dance expertly, holding her there against him with those words that teetered on the border of being honest and yet mocking. It did nothing but annoy her. It made her pause in confused, gentle surprise, and it was becoming very difficult to keep the displeasure from her features.
To be quite honest, she wasn't sure how to answer his question, whether he truly wanted an answer or not. He sort of caught her off guard, especially with that laugh. For the briefest of moments, Cera considered him handsome...and not a conniving snake. The thought only lasted a moment, however.
"Perhaps too much flattery can become inappropriate, my lord." Finally, there it was. She had gathered her wit back as blues looked back up to him, narrowing slightly behind black lashes. "You know how these courtly people love to talk..." Oh the gossip. There was never a dull moment at court with so many truths and lies flying about. Most of it was falsehoods and the princess liked to keep herself out of them as much as possible.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2020 16:04:25 GMT -5
There was nothing inherently improper with his words. Should she repeat them to someone, they might not understand why they vexed her so. That fact, he was sure, annoyed her. It made his grin widen at the thought. His eyebrows flicked upward the barest bit in reaction to her tart reply, impressed to realize that she was, at last truly, joining him in this game of wits. "Not where flattery is warranted, in my opinion..." he pauses as though letting this in and of itself be yet another of his playful jests with her. Then, "But if propriety is threatened..." Silver blues flash down pointedly at the line of her dress and the bold color, the daring neckline. "I shall abide, my lady." He let them go a few more steps in the dance before speaking again, just enough time for her to perhaps think he would allow the dance to finish in silence. "Have you ever been to the north, princess?"
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Lunari
25
Apparently betrothed...
Princess of Teronna
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Cera Le'Orin on Apr 12, 2020 21:13:05 GMT -5
He truly could not help himself, could he? Rohan was honestly out to get her, to make her fail, to somehow just piss her off royally, wasn't he? How did he do it? How did this stranger so easily get under her skin like that? Why did she have this incredible urge to slap that grin from his pretty face? Was this how Julian was? Was she going to be forced to marry a stuck-up bastard of a man like this one?
Cera, stop, she thought to herself. There were too many questions running through her mind at once, and that alone was going to drive her mad.
Her expression almost became sorrowful, lost...afraid, only for a few seconds before she was able to gather up her composure and look him straight in the eye after he allowed his gaze to stray where it shouldn't have. Cera found her fingers instinctively digging into the fabric at his shoulder, daring to break through to skin were it even possible. The expression on her face was stern but she would not respond to his previous statements.
"No, I have not," she finally answered. She'd never been given the pleasure to travel anywhere outside of Teronna, nor has she seen much of her own kingdom either, unfortunately. "Is there something important up there?" The sarcasm returned again, the corner of her mouth curling up in a mocking grin.
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