Only the weak use their eyes... [open]

[Cera Le'Orin]

Although it was still Winter in Teronna, the sun was warm and shining bright up in the sky as the nobles gathered around for music, drink, good food and games. Her father often held these little events out on the castle property, deep in the wooded area to invite all of those whom he wished to keep under his thumb. Really, it was just to show off for them, to "share" in the splendor that he had in order to try and discern which nobles were still loyal to him.

Of course, it would have been ideal to have this inside the castle, but most of the men would be leaving for a hunt soon. She was never allowed to go.

Cera didn't care much for the party, but she was expected to attend. While her father sat at a table set up with far too much food, she was excusing herself to wander among the people she barely knew. She would nod graciously when they acknowledged her, but she didn't stop to converse. Instead, drawing the hood back up on that warm coat, the princess approached the archery targets that were set up for the attendees' leisure. A couple of the men were practicing their precision with the bow and she watched in mild interest. One target was still free, and she contemplated giving it a try.

Anything to ignore the mindless banter that was going on around her. Though, it wasn't as if Cera hadn't use the weapon before. She had once been actually quite good with a bow, but it had been awhile since she practiced.

---

OOC:
This is pretty much open to anyone in Teronna, specifically nobles, Kingsguard (even wardens), and any Rogue Mystics (they will also be NPC'd). You all know the plan is to have "bad" Mystics attack, so, that is basically what's going to happen. xD Dramaaaaz.

This is also based in late Winter.

[Rosemary McIntyre]

Rosemary anxiously shuffled a little closer to Aoife Lee Frye as people milled around them. As a lady-in-waiting, she was expected to be at gatherings like this, and originally she hadn't minded, but she had already spotted her ex-fiance lingering near the king and laughing with him. With him around, anything that would have been a fun gathering in the past now felt like a gigantic game of hide-and-seek.

She sighed and took a sip of her cider as her eyes drifted over the party, trying to find something, anything, else to think about. There was archery set up a ways away, she noted, where the princess had wandered to watch, some kind of game involving throwing a ball at a stacked set of cups, and what might be a game of tug-o-war beginning across the way.

"I hadn't expected such a turnout, but I suppose people are feeling a little stir-crazy after the long winter," she remarked to Aoife. "Is there anything you'd like to do? Or shall we find somewhere to sit?"

[Deleted]

It had barely been a week since he had returned to Teronna and already there was another party to attend. Had the king nothing better to do than to gather all his court to him in all their finery so they might all agree how bloody wonderful they all were. It was no more or less than it had been before he had left. Why did it so rankle him now? Had it been returning home after all those memories the snowfall had dredged forth? Once, the sight of those rocky shores would have brought him peace. Yet, seeing them, all Rohan could think of was the picture Cera had painted, of sandy shores, scattered with seashells. Either way, Rohan was not looking forward to the evening. His return trip to Ariscea (at the behest of his king) had been forcibly extended by the winter storms. So it had been over a month since his encounter with the princess in the gardens, their strange conversation, devoid of the usual games and hostilities. It had been a momentary cease-fire, a truce to honor the first, and seemingly only snowfall of the Teronna winter. Returning now, Rohan did not know what to expect. He was about to find out, however, as his steely grey eyes settled on the princess where she stood, contemplating the archery range. The corner of his mouth drew up in that half, 'almost' smile, the glint in those eyes turning almost predatory. Sidling up to her, Rohan kept his voice lowered as he spoke over her shoulder. "Keen to prove that you are as formidable with a weapon as you are with that rapier tongue, princess?" he said by way of greeting.

[Sebastian Arcturis]

The Captain spent most frivolous parties such as this one behind the king. He wasn't a guest. He wasn't invited to eat or show off his archery skill or go on any hunts or take part in any games. Sebastian was here for security. So that Allarick could enjoy his food and his politicking and so Cera could talk to and avoid whatever suitors she wished.

It was hardly his real job, of course but especially for public events, the King prefered Sebastian be available. Call it a show of strength.

The Warden was on edge normally when he was on guard detail. Outdoors...he was even more on a hair trigger. His gaze took in the attending nobility and the guards he had to work with if something did happen. He recognized a lot of faces, though he knew few personally. Likely they could all say the same about him.

He noted the Princess by the archery range, conscious of where the high priority targets were. He kept his thoughts and his tongue to himself.

[Cian DeGraff]

Sebastian wasn't the only one here simply for security. Cian found himself pressed back against a tree, idly watching the nobility feast and laugh, seeming to enjoy themselves despite the chill that lingered in the air still. Although he was from a noble family, he had a job to do. Two, in fact, but for the moment it was to do nothing but stand there and watch.

Those blues eyes drifted among the faces, noting where the king sat, where the princess wandered before catching the captain doing just the same. Should he meet his gaze, Cian would offer a nod before letting his attention wander once more.

It was unnerving to be outside when it was quite obvious that particular citizens wanted their king dead. It had been quiet for a few years, he'd been told, before more and more Mystics began to show themselves. Most fled and kept to themselves, but there were others who were on a mission and were not afraid to make their appearances known. It was unsettling, and he was clenching his jaw at the uncertainty of it all.

[Aoife Lee Frye]

Even as a soldier on duty, Aoife had always held gatherings such as these in little esteem. Events at which to be seen rather to actually enjoy the company of the other guests. By the time rounds had been made and greetings exchanged it was usually time for the party to draw to a close. But, she had promised her cousin she would attend, and so Aoife did. It had been some time since the woman had last been at court, many faces were new to her and those she did recognised seemed to have aged a lifetime in the years she had been away. Not that Aoife could blame them, after all, she had changed immeasurably during the same time.

    Standing next to her younger cousin, Aoife politely exchanged pleasantries with the nobles who stopped to converse with them… though she was careful not to be distracted too long by the conversations. Grey eyes scanned the crowd with a careful glare, watching for the man who had assaulted her cousin, watching for anything really. Aoife could no longer tell the difference between caution and habit, between herself and the soldier she had been. Perhaps they were both one and the same.

    Her eyes wandered over to the archery targets, the bordering trees, the assembled guests. For a moment she spotted the soldier Cian DeGraff, leaning idly against a tree. Had she been within earshot Aoife may have commented on his poor soldiering, instead she turned her attention to Rosemary. ”I suppose.” She agreed half-heartedly, Aoife had been hoping for a smaller event. Fewer people meant fewer opportunities for small talk after all. ”This is your domain not mine little cousin…” Aoife continued, forcing some warmth into her tone. ”…I’ll follow your lead.”

[Cera Le'Orin]

Those eyes drifted momentarily to those gathered again, coming to spot Sebastian on duty, as always. Then it was Rosemary nearby with, who Cera could only guess, was a relation of hers. The two had a resemblance, but she had yet to formerly meet the other woman. Or, unfortunately, she could not recall her name if they had. Usually the princess was pretty good with that, but these types of events never held her attention for long, and neither did the faces besides those she truly knew. Still, she offered her handmaiden and guest a soft smile and nod of greeting. Perhaps she would be able to speak with them soon, but Cera was not going to interrupt just for the sake of not wishing to be alone.

And then suddenly, she wasn't.

He had been gone for what felt like months now, although it had only been a few weeks. Things had been quiet and Cera hadn't felt on edge or judged, despite the last conversation they had. No, that had been strange and unusual, unlike the Lord Rohan she was growing to know. With his return, the princess wasn't sure what to do or how to perceive him anymore. And that was unsettling. Especially at hearing his voice just over her shoulder. It took every ounce of her will not to jump or seem startled.

Lips pursed in thought, finding she was unsure whether that was a barb or an innocent tease. "Are you?" she started to ask, her chin raised before she turned her head just enough to catch him from the corner of her eye. "Formidable, Lord Rohan?" Cera reached for the bow before daring to face him; holding the weapon out to him with a slight cant of her head and her own "almost" smile.

[Cian DeGraff]

It was still proving difficult to ignore the unease of this all. Why were nobles like this, specifically royalty? Allarick just liked to flaunt everything he had, regardless of whether it was safe or not. He declares war on a people who had, at once time, probably outnumbered those without magic...and despite them being few in number, as far as they knew, they were angrier than ever.

But sure, have parties out in the open when the ballroom or banquet hall would have been perfectly adequate.

A pair of light eyes caught his attention and briefly calmed the storm of thoughts in his head. Cian found himself smirking back at Aoife in that span of a single heartbeat before her gaze shifted to her cousin and his back to everything else. Poor soldiering skills, huh? It was a good thing she wasn't within earshot to say such, because he might have had some playfully choice words to throw right back at her. She still hadn't taken him up on his challenge, and he was beginning to believe she probably wouldn't. Not that he would willingly admit his broken hope.

Drawing in a deep breath, he pushed off that tree to slowly weave through the crowd of people and draw to Sebastian's side. "Am I the only one who feels uneasy?" he murmured in question. It could simply be his nerves that still weren't settling after a particular fiasco a couple days prior. To anyone, they were guardsmen having a simple conversation, but this was more than that. For a moment, he was half a mind to ask whether he should excuse himself and find a place to use that..."gift" of his.

[Jannik]

Finally. Finally someone had noticed his talent. Finally someone was seeing how great he was. Finally someone had an appreciation for his art. Take that father. There was an extra pep in his step as the Bard strolled into the wooded area where the party was going to be. The band so far had just been playing simple tunes until their singer arrived. The party wouldn't "officially" start without him. For everyone knew that the party didn't start until the Bard walked in, and Jannik Drach the Great was best bard to have ever barded. Why else would the King of Teronna have wanted him to perform at his party. Because he was great. 

He pulled out his sweet Lucy. Holding her tenderly in his arms, before he gently caressed her neck and ran his fingers gently over her strings. He was dressed in his best, which consisted of a deep navy vest with matching trousers tucked into polished, yet well worn black boots. His white colored shirt had big flowly sleeves that reminded him of a pirates shirt. But, the good pirate shirt. The type of shirt that he imagined a pirate named Fabio would wear and that an artist would paint portraits of and put on the cover of a romance novella. That type of pirate shirt. The ties of said romantic shirt, where let loose a bit, revealing a nice bit chest hair that he took great bride in. Oh yeah. He had some hair on his chest ladies and gents, despite his clean shaved baby face. He was a man. A large man as well. He wasn't tall and lithe, and slender like most bards, but Jannik was a good 6'0 with broad shoulders a dazzling smile, and bright blue eyes. His brown hair was kept nice and short and neatly brushed to the side, unlike some people who just ran their fingers through their and called it good. He used a hair brush like a civilized person.

He arrived at the band, nodding to the musicians, and slow smirk appeared on his face as he strummed out a well placed tune on his precious Lucy. His fingers moved expertly with years of practice. He knew the first song any bard played needed to be a good one. It had to draw the crowd in, set the mood, but Jannik liked to be different, and he had a vision for this party. so he was going to get the water works done and over with. "High in the halls of the kings who are gone...Jenny would dance with her ghosts...The ones she had lost and the ones she had found...And the ones who had loved her the most..." His voice was low, but melodic and he fell right into his act. His face taking on a somber look as the band joined in behind him and he began to play his song.

Oh yeah. It was gonna be great. 

(Jannik is not Florence, but enjoy!)

[Deleted]

Saffron had been there before the bard took to singing; she'd taken a moment to stop and thank the king for his invitation to attend. Of course, she realized that he personally hadn't chosen her, but she wasn't going to waste an opportunity to flatter a man notorious for being very public and very demonstrative with his mistresses. She may not want to sleep with him, but she would very much like some expensive gifts of gratitude--or even just his recommendation to more patrons. She was doing well for herself, now, but the best way to stay employed was by word of mouth.

There was still a chill in the air, but Saffron hadn't let that stop her from wearing an off the shoulder peasant blouse, a black skirt, and a bright red corset to both accentuate and restrain her chest. Her dark hair fell in loose curls about her shoulders, and a red scarf as a headband kept it out of her eyes and away from her deep red lips. She had gone for simple, today, but sultry. She found that it was a good look for outdoor parties--and what did you know, it happened to nearly match the other performer who'd been invited tonight. She winked a goodbye to the king and sashayed up to the band as the young man sang the first verse of the song. She could tell by the bard's ostentatious nature that he wasn't going to appreciate what she was about to do...but too bad. He would just have to learn to share.

"The ones who'd been gone for so very long
She couldn't remember their names
They spun her around on the damp old stones
Spun away all her sorrow and pain"

Her slightly-smokey voice rose to join the man's adding harmony to his song. She winked at him as she approached, leaning both her hands onto his shoulder and setting her chin on top of them as she waited for him to meet her gaze, then winked and stood up straight again, pouring her heart into the song. He seemed a little childish, from the way he'd strutted into the place like a peacock, but he had a nice voice, she decided. She wouldn't mind singing duets with him.

As they reached the chorus, she jumped higher, adding a more complex version rather than simply harmonizing. And she never wanted to leave..." She glanced at Jannik as she did and raised an eyebrow as if to ask what he thought.

[Deleted]

As always with her, Rohan was mildly surprised by her reply. Looking down at her, at the enigmatic smile she gave him, Rohan's own lips curved wider as he lifted a hand not to take the bow but to gesture towards the target, a signal for her to go first. Ever the gentleman. His eyes never left hers. "Oh... I can hold my own, Your Highness" he replied smoothly, an arch of his brow silently asking 'Can you?' while daring her to test that statement. That's what she was doing, after all; she was testing him. Had he taken up her offer, it might have come across as some display of skill in a threat or as some means to impress her, as though he hadn't better things to do, as though that was what he was here for. Still, he was impressed with the attempt as well as her self control. What had happened to the petulant child he had met upon first arriving in Teronna? Good. It meant she was at last learning how to play the game.

[Sebastian Arcturis]

He kept his position near the king, watching various nobles move about. Cera being approached by Rohan near the range. Aoife was recognized as a soldier and partner to one of their own. He let his gaze linger on her, but made no move to approach her or speak. She didn’t know who he was and really he only knew her face. The woman she was with,Cera’s lady in waiting, was adorably innocent in appearance and the man let his eyes follow her for a moment.

Sebastian found his gaze tugged over to the entertainment as that started. He could almost sense the tension between the bard and his accompaniment. Or maybe he was the accompaniment.

At Cian’s approach, he glanced over at the Praetorian briefly before back over the guests and the rest of the guards. “No. You want to take a look around?” He suggested. It wasn’t a suggestion however. He was aware of the ability Cian had access to. Technically there was no reason to be on edge any more than normal. But they were in a guerilla war at the moment. He was confident they could defend themselves from any threat. But they didn’t need to be encouraging one.

[Rosemary McIntyre]

More her domain? She almost laughed. She never would have thought she'd be more comfortable in a social situation than someone else. But, considering that Aoife was Aoife, perhaps it made sense. At the very least, Rosemary had been given the opportunity to practice, after spending time with Cera. Still, the crowd around her made her nervous; while she recognized some people here and there, it felt like she was surrounded by strangers who would be judging her on her hair, her dress, her manners. She took a deeper drink of her cider, wishing she'd taken Lucas's advice and gone for something stronger to soothe her nerves. She never liked drinking overmuch, but then, that was because it always hit her harder than anyone else and she'd wind up crying at parties.

Still, if Aoife was leaving it up to her, she was going to choose whatever activity meant they'd be farthest from Magnus. She glanced around and spotted an open table on the other side of the clearing, near Sebastian and another guard she thought she recognized. There, that ought to be safe. She took her cousin's hand and led her there, sinking gratefully into the wooden folding chair. "I may technically be a socialite," she explained, "But I'm far happier with a bit of quiet. And..." she glanced up at where Magnus still lingered, and her whole body flinched as he cooly met her gaze. She snapped her head down to look into her cup instead. "There are certain people I'd prefer to stay far away from."

[Aoife Lee Frye]

It was so much simpler to be at these events as security rather than a guest. It was not just the threat of her cousin’s former fiancé, the threat of the little party being gate-crashed, or even threat of over-amorous noblemen prowling for a potential wife that kept her tense and on edge, kept her ready to fight at a moment’s notice. It was also the overwhelming realisation that she was well and truly out of her depth that tightened her muscles and quickened her heartbeat. When the princess smiled at the two of them, offered a nod of greeting; Aoife was not quite certain as how to respond at first, how to greet royalty over a crowd… after a few painfully long moments, Aoife opted to simply return the gesture, a soft smile and slight nod before her attention returned Rosemary.

    Cian however, he was easier to acknowledge, and grey eyes met those blues for just a heartbeat or so. Just long enough to return his smirk with an easy smile of her own and then it was passed. Instead Aoife allowed herself to be led by the hand to a seating area. ”We do not have to stay long…” She assured Rosemary, eyes still scanning the crowd and only stopping to fall upon her younger cousin once in a while. ”Besides, hopefully certain people will be joining the hunt shortly… would be a shame if their horse decided to throw them today.”

[Cian DeGraff]

Anything could happen. It was something he tried to keep in mind. Even though the perimeter was always triple checked, even if the guard always had keen eyes on duty, they weren't dealing with simple people. No, they were dealing with magic, and magic of every kind. It was impossible to know what kind of power a Mystic would have, so being taken off guard was not an option.

If he only knew.

While Sebastian spoke, he spotted Aoife and her cousin taking a seat nearby. He listened to the entertainment as many of the others did the same, their conversations dimming to whispers and words of compliments. Cian nodded towards his Warden commander, thinking about it. If he got a decent distance away, he could subtly slip into that magic. There was nothing visible about it, which was why he could probably do it in a room full of people and simply appear as though he was dozing.

But he also wasn't an idiot.

"I'll let you know." That was all said as he moved from the man's side, passing by that particular table and refraining from saying anything or risking becoming distracted by her face. The guardsman slipped from the wooden gathering and further into the trees to find a safer place to "scope things out".