Post by Soleil on Nov 6, 2008 11:33:39 GMT -5
-::- He'd been sitting in the library for some time and would begin to wonder if she would come.. Even after the woman had left it'd been about an hour at least for the logs in the fireplace were growing dimer. A nock on the door and he turned from the fireplace to glance towards it. The guard entering would earn a rised brow and would take the given piece of paper. Unfolding it he would nod to the guard. -::- " I know where it is.. " -::- With that he would move past the guard and out the doors. Thankfully he did know where it was she requested the meeting to be moved to.. How could he forget, when he recited a surprise poem he'd placed in a book in order to tell her how he felt. He smiled at the memory but the idea of what he was to tell her would wipe the smile off his face to replace it with a sigh. It wouldn't take him long to find the private library, and he would give a gentle nock and await an answer. His fingers toying with the note as he waited silently. -::-
Alexandria had been slightly caught up with a few things at the event, so she had been running late. It had begun to rain out and she got soaked from it, so she had given the note to the guard to have Thais meet her closer to where her chambers were. The more private study library that they had once spent a night reading together in. This way, by the time he got there, she could have changed her clothing. But as she arrived in the study, Thais had not arrived yet. Perhaps the guards were delayed in giving him the note. Or Thais was taking his time. Either way, she hoped he had received the message. She leaned against the back of a couch, her hands rubbing a thick cloth towel into her hair, trying to dry the dampness of it. She wondered what it was that Thais had to tell her, and it honestly had her worried. It could have been something really good, or something really bad. Or, she hoped it was just him wanting to spend some time with her without any interuptions. She silently waited, continuing to dry long black locks of hair with the towel, sapphire eyes staring down at the floor in thought. Until she heard the knock. Gaze lifted towards the door and she smiled softly. "Come in..." Eyes watched curiously, hoping it was Thais and not someone else she would have to deal with. She was feeling really tired.
-::- Hearing her voice his heart sank, it would happen tonight.. He could tell she was tired by her tone, and slowly he'd open the door and step inside. -::- " I got your letter.. Sorry I'm late. " -::- He held the letter up in gesture, deciding to bead around the bush for a little bit... Delaying it slightly longer than usual would.. But could you blame him? He would turn half way to shut the door and make sure it was closed before he turned back towards her and moved further into the room...He tried to smile but couldn't seem to force himself to.. Something was troubling him..and he wasn't too sure he wanted to share it, but knew he needed to.. He didn't want to hide anything from her.. She was the last person he wanted to hide from. -::- " I hope you enjoyed the event..?" -:-
Alexandria watched as Thais came in, and her lips pulled into a small smile. Though she could definately sense and see that something was eating away at him. Her smile slowly faded as she kept her eyes on him, watchful of him, trying to figure out what it was before he could even tell her. She pulled the towel away from her hair and held it against her chest as arms moved to fold around herself. At his question she nodded and urged a small smile at the corners of her lips. "Aye. I did. It was a lovely event. And I was happy to see everyone come together to train and learn from each other." She smiled a bit more and tilted her head to the side, eyebrow raising a little. "...So are you going to tell me what is bothering you so much, love?"
-::- He forced a smile then when he heard her words, temporarily distracted till she asked him that one question he'd been avoiding an answer to. He would move towards her slowly and pause near the couch, gesturing for her to sit down.. -::- " You might want to sit down.. I regretfully have very...grave news... " -::- Grave... how ironic of a word to use. Another sigh would escape him, and he'd wait till she sat down on the couch till he'd move to sit down next to her slowly and silently as always. He was rarely ever in a hurry unless he needed to be. -::-
Alexandria's faint smile faded and a look of concern and worry began to replace the expression she once wore. Slowly, she moved to sit down onto the couch and after he sat next to her, she twisted her torso to face him a bit more. Her eyebrows furrowed in question. "Grave news? Something bad has happened? Has the ships of Saelis been spotted in our horizon?" She shook her head, lips remaining parted as she looked to Thais, wondering why he was moving so slowly, and why he was taking so long to tell her this kind of thing. She expected that once the ships were spotted, she would not be seeing Thais very much until the war was over. But she thought about it more. No, this wasn't about that. Something else. She looked at him puzzled and moved a hand up to brush away a damp strand of hair from her face. "You are not reconsidering our engagement, are you?" She slowly reached for his hands, taking them into her own. Her eyes watched him still. She figured she should stop guessing and just let him tell her. So she fell silent, and just waited, not letting go of his hands.
-::- When her stream of questions began he only raised a hand slowly then would lower it when she was hushed.. He would slowly nod to answer her question. Then he would continue on and tell her. A faint scowl at her question about their engagement, then he would shake his head and speak finally before she'd get the chance to make anymore guesses.. -::- " A man was found along the shores along with the debre of a merchant ship... There's no tell just how many of them suffered but it is evident the cause is Saelis... " -::- He paused a took a deep breath before slowly letting it out, unsure how she would react to it.. -::- " The man that was found was Brennus White.. He was pronouced dead before he had even washed up on the shores.. "
Alexandria kept her eyes on Thais as he began to tell her the news. Her lips parted a bit more in an expression of worry. This meant the war was that much closer, and it scared her. Her hands began to shake as she pulled them away from his own. Her eyes looked away from him and she went right into that nervous habit of hers that she often did when something really troubled her, or she was really nervous about something. She rested an elbow on her knee and brought her hand to her lips, biting down upon a fingernail. Her knee shook up and down quickly and she stared into the fire. But when Thais spoke Brennus' name, Alexandria's eyes widened and her hand was quickly dropped from her mouth. She turned her gaze to Thais. "....What?" Slowly, her hands moved up to cover over her mouth. She shook her head, not wanting to believe it. Nemesis had told her it would happen, but deep down, even though she trusted her friend, she did not want to believe that it would happen. She thought that maybe he would somehow escape it. She never imagined it would actually happen and that she would really hear those words uttered from someone's lips. "....When?" She was starting to become slightly choked up but he did not start crying. Not yet at least. She was too much in shock at the news, and she was hard of believing it. Though deep down, she knew firstly Thais would never lie to her. And secondly, not about something like this.
-::- He could hear it in her voice and there wasn't much he could do about it but be here for her and he intended to. When she turned to biting on her nails he'd reach to gently pull her hand away from her lips in attempt to have her stop. -::- " He was found earlier today..I had moved him to a safer place where animals can't get to him. He's been cleaned up some and fresh clothes put on him so he is ready for when we can set up a funneral of sorts. " -::- He would gently squeeze her hand mainly out of reflex and glance towards the door almost as if expecting someone to walk through but when nobody had he'd dismissed the faint noise as someone walking past the room. Thankful for the closed door, he looked back to her. -::-
She slowly nodded to his responses and lowered her eyes, glancing down at his hands as he held hers. She shook her head again. She had not spoken to him in such a long time. She never really got to say goodbye to him either. She knew that the man had feelings for her, and lately all she worried about was what he would do and think when he found out about her and Thais. She slowly bit her lip. Her eyes blinked several times before a few tears slipped past them and rolled down her cheeks. She cleared her throat, trying to rid of the sharp lump in her throat, that was trying to make her break down and cry. But Alexandria remained strong and calm as she could. "I will start planning for a funeral...And send word out to the rest of Avalendor..." She looked away from Thais and towards the flames in the fireplace. She was obviously upset about it, but she was holding herself back and holding her emotions in.
-::- Another soft sigh would escape and he would avert his gaze from her to their hands. Shifting his hands so his thumbs could gently rub the back of her hands before he'd look to her when she finally spoke. -::- " Aurora.. Your not in this alone.. I am here with you... Let me help you. " -::- He hated when she bottled things up.. Why did she feel like she had to be so strong? -::- " It's ok to let your feelings out I won't put you down... How can I help you if you won't let me in? " -::- He would cant his head to the side softly. Knowing full well she held alot of things in just simply from when she finally broke down and told him about her past. He didn't want this to become something else she held in till she was alone and had nobody around to help her through it. -::-
Alexandria slowly stood up, a sigh escaping her. She moved over to the fireplace and leaned her back against the wall next to it, folding her arms over her chest. She stared down at the floor and shook her head again until one of her hands moved to her forehead, hiding her face slightly. She felt she had to be strong because she was queen. If the queen of the land was weakened, how would the kingdom ever survive if their queen could not rule with a strength and cried at everything. She took a deep breath and slowly started to cry. "... I don't know what to say. He was a good man. Mostly. Sure he had a temper... But he had good intentions. None of us would be here now if it was not for his father. And instead of taking over the kingdom like he could have, he didn't. This land belonged to his family." She shook her head. "And strangely... " She let out a long sigh before she sniffled and brushed hair out of her face, dropping her hand away. "... Is it wrong for me to feel somewhat relieved?....." Her eyebrows furrowed and she turned her eyes away from Thais then, shaking her head in disbelief that she had actually admitted that. "... I had a bad feeling. He had feelings for me. Openly admitted them to me, too. And I gave him a chance...But he and I... just did not match well. And I was afraid that once he found out about us, he would become angry and take away Avalendor... " She sighed and shook her head, slowly dropping to the floor , burrying her face into her knees as her arms wrapped around her legs and she quietly sobbed.
-::- When she got up and moved away towards the fireplace he'd just remain where he was seated. Still sitting on the edge of the couch he'd only pivot where he was so he was still facing her when she walked away from him.. When he saw the tears start to flow he'd rise to his feet but not approach her, he'd give her some room to breath.
Just listening to what she had to say, gaze shifting to watch the dancing flames within the fireplace soak up what little life was in the logs.. Taking in every word and becoming slightly relieved himself but not from Brennus' death, the fact he was on his way to leave the isle and still hadn't known.. Alot of people didn't know till recently for both of them were rather well at hiding it till she kissed him infront of the guards in the gardens... Then it spread all over Avalendor like a spreading disease..
When she finished he would raise his head and look back towards her. When she lowered down to the floor to curl up he'd slowly move towards her. Pulling a handkerchief from his pocket, since the recent events he'd fingered it'd be useful and it'd seem to be.. He'd crouch down infront of her and reach to gently lift her chin with one hand and as he spoke gently wipe the tears away and offer the handkerchief to her. -::- " Aurora, it is not wrong to feel relieved... It is not wrong to feel anything that you are. I can understand why you feel that way.. From what you told me I am somewhat also.. "
-::- He paused as Nemesis crossed his mind and how she had taken it.. Still worried for her despite Kaleb' words at the recruitment celebration.. -::- " According to some he was on his way, to flee and go back to his homelands.. but it is extremely unfortunate that it was too late and was caught by the approaching army.. " -::- He would sigh softly and rock back to rest on his rump and cross his legs indian style to raise his knees enough to wrap his arms around them lightly. His gaze now casted towards the fireplace once more. -::- " I had promised Nemesis he'd receive a Knight' funneral... For all the things he's done and given up to Avalendor that he could have just let go and been selfish.. For I believe he has done more good then bad from all the things I have heard about him.." -::- He looked back to her then..-::-
" It was Nemesis whom found him, I had been walking when I heard her screams... I still worry for her, but she is in the watchful eyes of Kaleb our Navy Commander... He is a good man and I do trust him.. But I still worry for her now, and I worry for you. " -::- He sighed.. -::- " This war is coming faster than I hoped, and we barely have much more time to train the citizens enough they know to defend themselves if need be.. But are you alright? " -::- He paused, never thought he'd hear himself say this but he was.. -::- " I don't want them taking you again... I would not be able to bare it and not do anything right then and there, and with the war.. it'll be even harder to watch even for the guards.. I just need to know you'll be safe somewhere.. ? " -::- It would not be hard to see and hear the concern.. This must have been plegue' him some time now.. -::-
Alexandria lifted her gaze to him as he took her chin and brought it up so he could wipe away her tears. She just listened to him, never saying anything back until he finished explaining things. A slow nod was given to him. "Aye. Alright. I will send word out to Avalendor for the funeral service. I think a Knight's funeral would be most fitting." She nodded again, one of her own hands moving to brush away the tears that Thais might have missed. She felt guilty for being relieved that she no longer needed to worry about what Brennus would do if he found out about her and Thais. She remembered what had happened when he found out about her relationship with William when she found out about his "death". She shook her head and sighed, her tears had stopped as Thais sat there in front of her. Her elbows rested on her knees and her hands came to both sides of her face, fingers slightly weaving into strands of her hair and then rubbed at her temples. She quietly listened to Thais again. She did not exactly know of Nemesis' involvement with Brennus, except that they seemed to have been getting close with one another. When Nemesis came to her to tell her about her foreseen vision of his death, she saw the look in her eyes and could tell that she was hurt by it. But she did not know how much. And she still did not know of her delicate condition. Nemesis nor anyone else had ever told her. She frowned slightly. She could tell by Thais' words and concern that it was a lot more serious than she thought it was. "...I will go and speak with her to see how she is doing. She and I have always been able to talk." She smiled faintly and shrugged her shoulders. But then Thais expressed his concern for her safety and she frowned again. The guilt of what she was doing behind everyone but Zane's back ate away at her. She dropped her hands and reached for his own, holding them carefully before she weaved her fingers in with his. A very faint, but worried smile played along her lips. "How do you think I feel, Thais? For the first time in my life...I have found such a wonderful happiness...And freedom in you. And now this war is coming, and I have to stand by and watch...Feeling sick to my stomach about the possibility of losing you and being left alone once again." She shook her head, eyebrows furrowing lightly. "I cannot bare that again... And I am so scared of what could happen. My heart cannot stand for another break." She lifted one of his hands to her lips and she placed a soft kiss upon his knuckles. "I should be the one asking you if you are alright. And expressing my worry for you being taken away. Avalendor needs you... I need you. I need to know that you will take care of yourself and not only fight for Avalendor...But to fight for yourself, to keep yourself alive for Avalendor. For me. Don't go doing anything heroic that will end your life... Though I know you won't listen to me when I say that, because it's in your nature to do things for other people before yourself... So please... Just take care of yourself..." She forced a small smile and kissed his hand again. Another sigh escaped her. "As for me... I will be alright. You do not need to worry about me. I won't let them take me again." She squeezed his hands and hesitated a moment. She didn't want to lie to him anymore. "... The real reason why I've been spending so much in the castle...Is because I have been learning how to defend myself. A close friend of mine has been taking the time to teach me. That way, if the castle was attacked, I would be able to fight for myself rather than just have them come to me to take me away or kill me. I'm stubborn, you know this... I won't let anything happen to me. I promise." She smiled softly to him and shook her head. "I would have come to you to ask you to help me, but I know how busy you are... You have the whole military to train and take care of..."
His eyes would shift to rest back upon her the steal blue had finally faded back to the oceanic blue perl.. She always had a way of assuring him, of calming his nerves just by being near him... Another reason he loved her so much and so deeply.. He would look down to their hands as he listened to her speak.. He'd heard so many confessions this past month you'd think he was a holy man... He also seemed to hold so many secret it wasn't funny and he bursted to tell her some of the things, like with Nemesis and Orin... Specially Orin because he knew how close the two had been and he wasn't too sure if they were still close but knew it'd be a good thing to hear something but he kept Moira' secret.. A light sigh would escape as she started to speak of her worries as well. He knew such and she was right, it was in his nature and the way he was raised to help others before himself.. He had planned to do things, and it wasn't his fault he ended up a hero in some sort of fashion..He would close his eyes softly as he listened to her speak.. Her voice was calming he almost wanted to go to sleep but he hadn't.. He'd been working amongst the military and with everyone that came to him seeking help with what they needed he hadn't had too much time to himself to sleep much often as he had before.. He was running on four hours but at least he had gotten some sort of sleep.. He would slowly open his eyes again as she started to speak about training with a friend of hers in the castle.. So that's what she'd been hidding, well that explained alot.. and when she promised him she'd be alright he couldn't help a faint smile and looked down to their hands. Shifting his arms to let his legs fall indian style again he'd raise her hands to place two gentle kisses one to each hand.. How he missed spending time with her.. and he knew this war would be hard on them but he had a strong faith that they could pull through and be a good support to one another. When she was finished he was still quiet for some time after.. Around ten minutes or so.. His mind wandering from one thing to the next analyzing what she had said before he'd come up with something in return. -::- " I will have to personally thank this man, or woman who is helping you I hope they are teaching you well ? " -::- He would look to her then giving and almost impish grin.. -::- " Care to test some of the moves out or did he or she only teach you defense? " -::- He was curious how it was coming along now.. She must have learned alot in the past week, he hoped it was a mixture of things.. Silently proud of her for seeking out help for someone but at the same time slightly saddened she'd keep such a thing from him so long.. However, he was guilty of a couple things also.. The necklace and how it's weight seemed to be getting more and more, the more the war was approaching he could semse something was going to happen around it and what he was sure Nemesis had seen... But why wouldn't she tell him? He shook his head to rid the thought and looked to Alexandria.. -::- " How much have they tought you? "
Alexandria sat quietly in that long moment of silence they shared. She was worried he would be a little upset with her for hiding something, or for even learning how to fight. She wouldn't dare tell him she had plans to fight in the war, because she didn't want him to have to feel like he had to watch her and keep an eye on her. Zane had already told her he was going to, and she feared for him that he would be putting himself in danger by having to watch his back and then her own. But at the same time, Alexandria had silently vowed to watch Zane's back too. So the both of them had eachother's back. She would nod slowly. "Aye. He has been teaching me very well..." She wanted to protect Zane from possibly getting scolded at for assisting her and for keeping their lessons secret. But she could see in Thais' eyes that he seemed okay with it, he was even asking her to demonstrate to him what she knew. She smiled softly. "No, he has been teaching me other things than defense. He taught me how to use a sword quite well. I already knew a little sword fight. William taught me back at the old kingdom..." She frowned, not sure if Thais knew about him or not. "He was the man that I had agreed to marry to prevent the arranged marriage at the old kingdom. The man that they killed at Saelis..." She sighed quietly but quickly changed the subject. "Zane has been teaching me... He taught me more of the sword, and the other day, taught me how to throw a man that is attempting to attack me." She grinned, remembering the cook that had came in to help Zane with his demonstrating. "And I've learned to defend myself very well." She nodded to stress the fact and she smiled. "So you don't have to worry as much, love. I will be fine."
-::- He would fall deathly silent again as she started to talk again and would just let her go on without interuption and would grin softly when she spoke of throwing someone that was attacking her.. That was a good move many used, this he seen in practic' with the different military divisions they were all practicing it and this was a pleasing thing to know. He grinned when she spoke of being able to defend herself well.. They seemed to leave one thing out, so he knew the person was not a ranger and was not and archer.. Starting to narrow it down by division then man the most she spoke the more he guessed between the Cavalry and Infantry.. She said he, so he knew it wasn't Naevah, which had been his first guess because the woman was rather good with her sword, this he knew and seen himself in Saelis..He was proud to have her part of the military and not only just that a Commander. He noded softly as she spoke of William, yes he knew for he remembered her speaking about him while they were in the dungeons in Saelis... When she fell silent he smiled and slowly pushed off the floor. With how quiet he naturally was one walking by in the hall might have thought she was talking to herself or an animal of sorts.. -::- " That is wonderful.. and I'm glad they are teaching you many things and well at that from how enthusistic you are.. " -::- He chuckled then... -::- " But next time ask them about teaching you how to use throwing knives.. All the divisions should know it. " -::- He smirked then, yes they should have. It was a wide knowning trick and knew Saelis must have a few pros at it. -::-
Alexandria had spoken Zane's name, but had said it so quickly that Thais may not have picked up on it, and she did not think he did since she did not see the sign of recognition upon his face. As he stood up she slowly stood herself, brushing the wrinkles out of her dress. She smiled softly as he seemed to approve of her learning to fight to defend herself. She was glad too that she had made this decision. And in a way, she felt safer out on the battlefield than in the castle. They would know she was in the castle and because of that, they would be trying to get within it to attack or kill her. If she was out of the castle, fighting with her people, disguised as she planned to be, then no one would suspect. No one would find her. "Aye. And I have it all planned out. If the enemy is to come into the castle, and at a number that I would not be able to fight myself, I will escape into the secret passages of the castle and hide where they will not be able to find." She smiled. "So really. You don't need to spend your time and focus worrying about me. I can take care of myself, love. So just worry and focus on taking care of yourself for me." She smiled and moved towards him, wrapping her arms around him. "I love you, Thais..." She tilted her head up to look at him. He mentioned throwing knives. Zane had not yet taught her that skill. A slow smirk showed upon her lips. "Well... If you have some time, maybe you can show me, now? I'm sure I can use all the help I can get, right?"
-::- Oh he had heard her, he was just analizing things that she'd said breaking things down and ultimate Zane had to have been in the Cavalry.. A good and strong division he knew that Ancaladar was driving them to be their best and that's all he expected the best out of everyone in the Military and no less.. Fear was not an option, and this he would make clear at the funeral, using that time to not only honor Brennus' death but use it as faith and a sign to drive people into action. He looked to her as she stood and moved towards him. He was relieved when her arms snaked around him, the one thing he missed the most was the feeling of her arms around him... Who was he kidding he was a love sick fool and she knew she had him wrapped around her pinky tight.. He would return the hug and give a gently kiss to her cheek at the same time before looking to her as she spoke again. He chuckled then not sure if he had enough but wouldn't need too many.. -::- " Have anything for a target? " -::- He'd give a miscehvious grin then and would shift his cloak to the side to pull out about seven throwing knives, he was always equipt.. Never known not to have some sort of weapon on him unless he was arrested which he seemed to have gotten alot this year... The guards twice, orin and saelis, wasn't he the popular one.. -::-
Alexandria felt the same way about Thais. She couldn't even begin to describe the feelings she had for him. He had been the first man in her life, besides Orin, that allowed her to be herself and to be free. Except, now, Orin had changed and she did not feel that closeness they once shared. He seemed to want to hold her down and restrict her, probably out of protection though, but still. And now Zane had stepped up and became another brother figure to her, allowing her to be herself and he treated her as such, he even called her by her old, commoner name that Thais now had begun to call her. She decided that those that were closest to her, she'd have them call her by that name. The ones that would see her for who she was and move past her being queen, and treated her more like a friend, an equal. Thais, by far, had treated her as just this, more than anyone else ever had. She hugged him again before she finally pulled away from him. Sapphire colored eyes shifted around the room, seeking for a target for him to use. The room was filled with furnature and books mostly, so what could he use. She continued to glance around until she found an old chair. She walked away from him to grab the cushion on it. And she moved to lean it against an empty wall. "Will this do?" She smirked a little and turned to look at him.
Alexandria had been slightly caught up with a few things at the event, so she had been running late. It had begun to rain out and she got soaked from it, so she had given the note to the guard to have Thais meet her closer to where her chambers were. The more private study library that they had once spent a night reading together in. This way, by the time he got there, she could have changed her clothing. But as she arrived in the study, Thais had not arrived yet. Perhaps the guards were delayed in giving him the note. Or Thais was taking his time. Either way, she hoped he had received the message. She leaned against the back of a couch, her hands rubbing a thick cloth towel into her hair, trying to dry the dampness of it. She wondered what it was that Thais had to tell her, and it honestly had her worried. It could have been something really good, or something really bad. Or, she hoped it was just him wanting to spend some time with her without any interuptions. She silently waited, continuing to dry long black locks of hair with the towel, sapphire eyes staring down at the floor in thought. Until she heard the knock. Gaze lifted towards the door and she smiled softly. "Come in..." Eyes watched curiously, hoping it was Thais and not someone else she would have to deal with. She was feeling really tired.
-::- Hearing her voice his heart sank, it would happen tonight.. He could tell she was tired by her tone, and slowly he'd open the door and step inside. -::- " I got your letter.. Sorry I'm late. " -::- He held the letter up in gesture, deciding to bead around the bush for a little bit... Delaying it slightly longer than usual would.. But could you blame him? He would turn half way to shut the door and make sure it was closed before he turned back towards her and moved further into the room...He tried to smile but couldn't seem to force himself to.. Something was troubling him..and he wasn't too sure he wanted to share it, but knew he needed to.. He didn't want to hide anything from her.. She was the last person he wanted to hide from. -::- " I hope you enjoyed the event..?" -:-
Alexandria watched as Thais came in, and her lips pulled into a small smile. Though she could definately sense and see that something was eating away at him. Her smile slowly faded as she kept her eyes on him, watchful of him, trying to figure out what it was before he could even tell her. She pulled the towel away from her hair and held it against her chest as arms moved to fold around herself. At his question she nodded and urged a small smile at the corners of her lips. "Aye. I did. It was a lovely event. And I was happy to see everyone come together to train and learn from each other." She smiled a bit more and tilted her head to the side, eyebrow raising a little. "...So are you going to tell me what is bothering you so much, love?"
-::- He forced a smile then when he heard her words, temporarily distracted till she asked him that one question he'd been avoiding an answer to. He would move towards her slowly and pause near the couch, gesturing for her to sit down.. -::- " You might want to sit down.. I regretfully have very...grave news... " -::- Grave... how ironic of a word to use. Another sigh would escape him, and he'd wait till she sat down on the couch till he'd move to sit down next to her slowly and silently as always. He was rarely ever in a hurry unless he needed to be. -::-
Alexandria's faint smile faded and a look of concern and worry began to replace the expression she once wore. Slowly, she moved to sit down onto the couch and after he sat next to her, she twisted her torso to face him a bit more. Her eyebrows furrowed in question. "Grave news? Something bad has happened? Has the ships of Saelis been spotted in our horizon?" She shook her head, lips remaining parted as she looked to Thais, wondering why he was moving so slowly, and why he was taking so long to tell her this kind of thing. She expected that once the ships were spotted, she would not be seeing Thais very much until the war was over. But she thought about it more. No, this wasn't about that. Something else. She looked at him puzzled and moved a hand up to brush away a damp strand of hair from her face. "You are not reconsidering our engagement, are you?" She slowly reached for his hands, taking them into her own. Her eyes watched him still. She figured she should stop guessing and just let him tell her. So she fell silent, and just waited, not letting go of his hands.
-::- When her stream of questions began he only raised a hand slowly then would lower it when she was hushed.. He would slowly nod to answer her question. Then he would continue on and tell her. A faint scowl at her question about their engagement, then he would shake his head and speak finally before she'd get the chance to make anymore guesses.. -::- " A man was found along the shores along with the debre of a merchant ship... There's no tell just how many of them suffered but it is evident the cause is Saelis... " -::- He paused a took a deep breath before slowly letting it out, unsure how she would react to it.. -::- " The man that was found was Brennus White.. He was pronouced dead before he had even washed up on the shores.. "
Alexandria kept her eyes on Thais as he began to tell her the news. Her lips parted a bit more in an expression of worry. This meant the war was that much closer, and it scared her. Her hands began to shake as she pulled them away from his own. Her eyes looked away from him and she went right into that nervous habit of hers that she often did when something really troubled her, or she was really nervous about something. She rested an elbow on her knee and brought her hand to her lips, biting down upon a fingernail. Her knee shook up and down quickly and she stared into the fire. But when Thais spoke Brennus' name, Alexandria's eyes widened and her hand was quickly dropped from her mouth. She turned her gaze to Thais. "....What?" Slowly, her hands moved up to cover over her mouth. She shook her head, not wanting to believe it. Nemesis had told her it would happen, but deep down, even though she trusted her friend, she did not want to believe that it would happen. She thought that maybe he would somehow escape it. She never imagined it would actually happen and that she would really hear those words uttered from someone's lips. "....When?" She was starting to become slightly choked up but he did not start crying. Not yet at least. She was too much in shock at the news, and she was hard of believing it. Though deep down, she knew firstly Thais would never lie to her. And secondly, not about something like this.
-::- He could hear it in her voice and there wasn't much he could do about it but be here for her and he intended to. When she turned to biting on her nails he'd reach to gently pull her hand away from her lips in attempt to have her stop. -::- " He was found earlier today..I had moved him to a safer place where animals can't get to him. He's been cleaned up some and fresh clothes put on him so he is ready for when we can set up a funneral of sorts. " -::- He would gently squeeze her hand mainly out of reflex and glance towards the door almost as if expecting someone to walk through but when nobody had he'd dismissed the faint noise as someone walking past the room. Thankful for the closed door, he looked back to her. -::-
She slowly nodded to his responses and lowered her eyes, glancing down at his hands as he held hers. She shook her head again. She had not spoken to him in such a long time. She never really got to say goodbye to him either. She knew that the man had feelings for her, and lately all she worried about was what he would do and think when he found out about her and Thais. She slowly bit her lip. Her eyes blinked several times before a few tears slipped past them and rolled down her cheeks. She cleared her throat, trying to rid of the sharp lump in her throat, that was trying to make her break down and cry. But Alexandria remained strong and calm as she could. "I will start planning for a funeral...And send word out to the rest of Avalendor..." She looked away from Thais and towards the flames in the fireplace. She was obviously upset about it, but she was holding herself back and holding her emotions in.
-::- Another soft sigh would escape and he would avert his gaze from her to their hands. Shifting his hands so his thumbs could gently rub the back of her hands before he'd look to her when she finally spoke. -::- " Aurora.. Your not in this alone.. I am here with you... Let me help you. " -::- He hated when she bottled things up.. Why did she feel like she had to be so strong? -::- " It's ok to let your feelings out I won't put you down... How can I help you if you won't let me in? " -::- He would cant his head to the side softly. Knowing full well she held alot of things in just simply from when she finally broke down and told him about her past. He didn't want this to become something else she held in till she was alone and had nobody around to help her through it. -::-
Alexandria slowly stood up, a sigh escaping her. She moved over to the fireplace and leaned her back against the wall next to it, folding her arms over her chest. She stared down at the floor and shook her head again until one of her hands moved to her forehead, hiding her face slightly. She felt she had to be strong because she was queen. If the queen of the land was weakened, how would the kingdom ever survive if their queen could not rule with a strength and cried at everything. She took a deep breath and slowly started to cry. "... I don't know what to say. He was a good man. Mostly. Sure he had a temper... But he had good intentions. None of us would be here now if it was not for his father. And instead of taking over the kingdom like he could have, he didn't. This land belonged to his family." She shook her head. "And strangely... " She let out a long sigh before she sniffled and brushed hair out of her face, dropping her hand away. "... Is it wrong for me to feel somewhat relieved?....." Her eyebrows furrowed and she turned her eyes away from Thais then, shaking her head in disbelief that she had actually admitted that. "... I had a bad feeling. He had feelings for me. Openly admitted them to me, too. And I gave him a chance...But he and I... just did not match well. And I was afraid that once he found out about us, he would become angry and take away Avalendor... " She sighed and shook her head, slowly dropping to the floor , burrying her face into her knees as her arms wrapped around her legs and she quietly sobbed.
-::- When she got up and moved away towards the fireplace he'd just remain where he was seated. Still sitting on the edge of the couch he'd only pivot where he was so he was still facing her when she walked away from him.. When he saw the tears start to flow he'd rise to his feet but not approach her, he'd give her some room to breath.
Just listening to what she had to say, gaze shifting to watch the dancing flames within the fireplace soak up what little life was in the logs.. Taking in every word and becoming slightly relieved himself but not from Brennus' death, the fact he was on his way to leave the isle and still hadn't known.. Alot of people didn't know till recently for both of them were rather well at hiding it till she kissed him infront of the guards in the gardens... Then it spread all over Avalendor like a spreading disease..
When she finished he would raise his head and look back towards her. When she lowered down to the floor to curl up he'd slowly move towards her. Pulling a handkerchief from his pocket, since the recent events he'd fingered it'd be useful and it'd seem to be.. He'd crouch down infront of her and reach to gently lift her chin with one hand and as he spoke gently wipe the tears away and offer the handkerchief to her. -::- " Aurora, it is not wrong to feel relieved... It is not wrong to feel anything that you are. I can understand why you feel that way.. From what you told me I am somewhat also.. "
-::- He paused as Nemesis crossed his mind and how she had taken it.. Still worried for her despite Kaleb' words at the recruitment celebration.. -::- " According to some he was on his way, to flee and go back to his homelands.. but it is extremely unfortunate that it was too late and was caught by the approaching army.. " -::- He would sigh softly and rock back to rest on his rump and cross his legs indian style to raise his knees enough to wrap his arms around them lightly. His gaze now casted towards the fireplace once more. -::- " I had promised Nemesis he'd receive a Knight' funneral... For all the things he's done and given up to Avalendor that he could have just let go and been selfish.. For I believe he has done more good then bad from all the things I have heard about him.." -::- He looked back to her then..-::-
" It was Nemesis whom found him, I had been walking when I heard her screams... I still worry for her, but she is in the watchful eyes of Kaleb our Navy Commander... He is a good man and I do trust him.. But I still worry for her now, and I worry for you. " -::- He sighed.. -::- " This war is coming faster than I hoped, and we barely have much more time to train the citizens enough they know to defend themselves if need be.. But are you alright? " -::- He paused, never thought he'd hear himself say this but he was.. -::- " I don't want them taking you again... I would not be able to bare it and not do anything right then and there, and with the war.. it'll be even harder to watch even for the guards.. I just need to know you'll be safe somewhere.. ? " -::- It would not be hard to see and hear the concern.. This must have been plegue' him some time now.. -::-
Alexandria lifted her gaze to him as he took her chin and brought it up so he could wipe away her tears. She just listened to him, never saying anything back until he finished explaining things. A slow nod was given to him. "Aye. Alright. I will send word out to Avalendor for the funeral service. I think a Knight's funeral would be most fitting." She nodded again, one of her own hands moving to brush away the tears that Thais might have missed. She felt guilty for being relieved that she no longer needed to worry about what Brennus would do if he found out about her and Thais. She remembered what had happened when he found out about her relationship with William when she found out about his "death". She shook her head and sighed, her tears had stopped as Thais sat there in front of her. Her elbows rested on her knees and her hands came to both sides of her face, fingers slightly weaving into strands of her hair and then rubbed at her temples. She quietly listened to Thais again. She did not exactly know of Nemesis' involvement with Brennus, except that they seemed to have been getting close with one another. When Nemesis came to her to tell her about her foreseen vision of his death, she saw the look in her eyes and could tell that she was hurt by it. But she did not know how much. And she still did not know of her delicate condition. Nemesis nor anyone else had ever told her. She frowned slightly. She could tell by Thais' words and concern that it was a lot more serious than she thought it was. "...I will go and speak with her to see how she is doing. She and I have always been able to talk." She smiled faintly and shrugged her shoulders. But then Thais expressed his concern for her safety and she frowned again. The guilt of what she was doing behind everyone but Zane's back ate away at her. She dropped her hands and reached for his own, holding them carefully before she weaved her fingers in with his. A very faint, but worried smile played along her lips. "How do you think I feel, Thais? For the first time in my life...I have found such a wonderful happiness...And freedom in you. And now this war is coming, and I have to stand by and watch...Feeling sick to my stomach about the possibility of losing you and being left alone once again." She shook her head, eyebrows furrowing lightly. "I cannot bare that again... And I am so scared of what could happen. My heart cannot stand for another break." She lifted one of his hands to her lips and she placed a soft kiss upon his knuckles. "I should be the one asking you if you are alright. And expressing my worry for you being taken away. Avalendor needs you... I need you. I need to know that you will take care of yourself and not only fight for Avalendor...But to fight for yourself, to keep yourself alive for Avalendor. For me. Don't go doing anything heroic that will end your life... Though I know you won't listen to me when I say that, because it's in your nature to do things for other people before yourself... So please... Just take care of yourself..." She forced a small smile and kissed his hand again. Another sigh escaped her. "As for me... I will be alright. You do not need to worry about me. I won't let them take me again." She squeezed his hands and hesitated a moment. She didn't want to lie to him anymore. "... The real reason why I've been spending so much in the castle...Is because I have been learning how to defend myself. A close friend of mine has been taking the time to teach me. That way, if the castle was attacked, I would be able to fight for myself rather than just have them come to me to take me away or kill me. I'm stubborn, you know this... I won't let anything happen to me. I promise." She smiled softly to him and shook her head. "I would have come to you to ask you to help me, but I know how busy you are... You have the whole military to train and take care of..."
His eyes would shift to rest back upon her the steal blue had finally faded back to the oceanic blue perl.. She always had a way of assuring him, of calming his nerves just by being near him... Another reason he loved her so much and so deeply.. He would look down to their hands as he listened to her speak.. He'd heard so many confessions this past month you'd think he was a holy man... He also seemed to hold so many secret it wasn't funny and he bursted to tell her some of the things, like with Nemesis and Orin... Specially Orin because he knew how close the two had been and he wasn't too sure if they were still close but knew it'd be a good thing to hear something but he kept Moira' secret.. A light sigh would escape as she started to speak of her worries as well. He knew such and she was right, it was in his nature and the way he was raised to help others before himself.. He had planned to do things, and it wasn't his fault he ended up a hero in some sort of fashion..He would close his eyes softly as he listened to her speak.. Her voice was calming he almost wanted to go to sleep but he hadn't.. He'd been working amongst the military and with everyone that came to him seeking help with what they needed he hadn't had too much time to himself to sleep much often as he had before.. He was running on four hours but at least he had gotten some sort of sleep.. He would slowly open his eyes again as she started to speak about training with a friend of hers in the castle.. So that's what she'd been hidding, well that explained alot.. and when she promised him she'd be alright he couldn't help a faint smile and looked down to their hands. Shifting his arms to let his legs fall indian style again he'd raise her hands to place two gentle kisses one to each hand.. How he missed spending time with her.. and he knew this war would be hard on them but he had a strong faith that they could pull through and be a good support to one another. When she was finished he was still quiet for some time after.. Around ten minutes or so.. His mind wandering from one thing to the next analyzing what she had said before he'd come up with something in return. -::- " I will have to personally thank this man, or woman who is helping you I hope they are teaching you well ? " -::- He would look to her then giving and almost impish grin.. -::- " Care to test some of the moves out or did he or she only teach you defense? " -::- He was curious how it was coming along now.. She must have learned alot in the past week, he hoped it was a mixture of things.. Silently proud of her for seeking out help for someone but at the same time slightly saddened she'd keep such a thing from him so long.. However, he was guilty of a couple things also.. The necklace and how it's weight seemed to be getting more and more, the more the war was approaching he could semse something was going to happen around it and what he was sure Nemesis had seen... But why wouldn't she tell him? He shook his head to rid the thought and looked to Alexandria.. -::- " How much have they tought you? "
Alexandria sat quietly in that long moment of silence they shared. She was worried he would be a little upset with her for hiding something, or for even learning how to fight. She wouldn't dare tell him she had plans to fight in the war, because she didn't want him to have to feel like he had to watch her and keep an eye on her. Zane had already told her he was going to, and she feared for him that he would be putting himself in danger by having to watch his back and then her own. But at the same time, Alexandria had silently vowed to watch Zane's back too. So the both of them had eachother's back. She would nod slowly. "Aye. He has been teaching me very well..." She wanted to protect Zane from possibly getting scolded at for assisting her and for keeping their lessons secret. But she could see in Thais' eyes that he seemed okay with it, he was even asking her to demonstrate to him what she knew. She smiled softly. "No, he has been teaching me other things than defense. He taught me how to use a sword quite well. I already knew a little sword fight. William taught me back at the old kingdom..." She frowned, not sure if Thais knew about him or not. "He was the man that I had agreed to marry to prevent the arranged marriage at the old kingdom. The man that they killed at Saelis..." She sighed quietly but quickly changed the subject. "Zane has been teaching me... He taught me more of the sword, and the other day, taught me how to throw a man that is attempting to attack me." She grinned, remembering the cook that had came in to help Zane with his demonstrating. "And I've learned to defend myself very well." She nodded to stress the fact and she smiled. "So you don't have to worry as much, love. I will be fine."
-::- He would fall deathly silent again as she started to talk again and would just let her go on without interuption and would grin softly when she spoke of throwing someone that was attacking her.. That was a good move many used, this he seen in practic' with the different military divisions they were all practicing it and this was a pleasing thing to know. He grinned when she spoke of being able to defend herself well.. They seemed to leave one thing out, so he knew the person was not a ranger and was not and archer.. Starting to narrow it down by division then man the most she spoke the more he guessed between the Cavalry and Infantry.. She said he, so he knew it wasn't Naevah, which had been his first guess because the woman was rather good with her sword, this he knew and seen himself in Saelis..He was proud to have her part of the military and not only just that a Commander. He noded softly as she spoke of William, yes he knew for he remembered her speaking about him while they were in the dungeons in Saelis... When she fell silent he smiled and slowly pushed off the floor. With how quiet he naturally was one walking by in the hall might have thought she was talking to herself or an animal of sorts.. -::- " That is wonderful.. and I'm glad they are teaching you many things and well at that from how enthusistic you are.. " -::- He chuckled then... -::- " But next time ask them about teaching you how to use throwing knives.. All the divisions should know it. " -::- He smirked then, yes they should have. It was a wide knowning trick and knew Saelis must have a few pros at it. -::-
Alexandria had spoken Zane's name, but had said it so quickly that Thais may not have picked up on it, and she did not think he did since she did not see the sign of recognition upon his face. As he stood up she slowly stood herself, brushing the wrinkles out of her dress. She smiled softly as he seemed to approve of her learning to fight to defend herself. She was glad too that she had made this decision. And in a way, she felt safer out on the battlefield than in the castle. They would know she was in the castle and because of that, they would be trying to get within it to attack or kill her. If she was out of the castle, fighting with her people, disguised as she planned to be, then no one would suspect. No one would find her. "Aye. And I have it all planned out. If the enemy is to come into the castle, and at a number that I would not be able to fight myself, I will escape into the secret passages of the castle and hide where they will not be able to find." She smiled. "So really. You don't need to spend your time and focus worrying about me. I can take care of myself, love. So just worry and focus on taking care of yourself for me." She smiled and moved towards him, wrapping her arms around him. "I love you, Thais..." She tilted her head up to look at him. He mentioned throwing knives. Zane had not yet taught her that skill. A slow smirk showed upon her lips. "Well... If you have some time, maybe you can show me, now? I'm sure I can use all the help I can get, right?"
-::- Oh he had heard her, he was just analizing things that she'd said breaking things down and ultimate Zane had to have been in the Cavalry.. A good and strong division he knew that Ancaladar was driving them to be their best and that's all he expected the best out of everyone in the Military and no less.. Fear was not an option, and this he would make clear at the funeral, using that time to not only honor Brennus' death but use it as faith and a sign to drive people into action. He looked to her as she stood and moved towards him. He was relieved when her arms snaked around him, the one thing he missed the most was the feeling of her arms around him... Who was he kidding he was a love sick fool and she knew she had him wrapped around her pinky tight.. He would return the hug and give a gently kiss to her cheek at the same time before looking to her as she spoke again. He chuckled then not sure if he had enough but wouldn't need too many.. -::- " Have anything for a target? " -::- He'd give a miscehvious grin then and would shift his cloak to the side to pull out about seven throwing knives, he was always equipt.. Never known not to have some sort of weapon on him unless he was arrested which he seemed to have gotten alot this year... The guards twice, orin and saelis, wasn't he the popular one.. -::-
Alexandria felt the same way about Thais. She couldn't even begin to describe the feelings she had for him. He had been the first man in her life, besides Orin, that allowed her to be herself and to be free. Except, now, Orin had changed and she did not feel that closeness they once shared. He seemed to want to hold her down and restrict her, probably out of protection though, but still. And now Zane had stepped up and became another brother figure to her, allowing her to be herself and he treated her as such, he even called her by her old, commoner name that Thais now had begun to call her. She decided that those that were closest to her, she'd have them call her by that name. The ones that would see her for who she was and move past her being queen, and treated her more like a friend, an equal. Thais, by far, had treated her as just this, more than anyone else ever had. She hugged him again before she finally pulled away from him. Sapphire colored eyes shifted around the room, seeking for a target for him to use. The room was filled with furnature and books mostly, so what could he use. She continued to glance around until she found an old chair. She walked away from him to grab the cushion on it. And she moved to lean it against an empty wall. "Will this do?" She smirked a little and turned to look at him.