Post by Aric Demarais on Feb 24, 2009 14:06:04 GMT -5
ARIC:
It was made very clear that he wasn't wanted in the village...at least by one person. He wouldn't be surprised if all the others felt the same, and as long as they didn't verbally share their dislike in the same disrespectful way, he didn't care. It caused him to think a lot about the marriage once more, however, something that wasn't settling too well with him. He bit his tongue, slipping from the shop silently and to his horse as the cold rain pelted down upon him, soaking through the thick, wool cloak and practically numbing him to the bone. The night, winter air as he rode did not lessen the uncomfortable chill, and there was actual relief upon his features when he faced the castle. With the equine safely put away in the stables, the prince rushed across the sodden, muddy ground into the dryness of the stone walls. A few steps in, there were already servants there to take his cloak, urging him to the fire in the foyer, offering to draw up a bath, give him anything warm to drink...until he politely asked them to leave, that he was. But he wasn't. The chill was subsiding, but the irritation from before seemed only be building up inside him, and he'd leave the warmth of the fire to trek through the dark, silent halls towards his chambers.
ALEXANDRIA:
Alexandria heard the rain outside begin to pour down. It hammered down on the stone walls of the castle, replacing the silence that once lingered in the halls. For the first time, she had caught up with the paperwork and was left with very little to do. Give it a couple of days and she was sure the pile would be back on her desk. Her stomach rumbled with hunger... A sensation that had become rare for her after the war. Her appearance had changed quite a bit... Losing weight from having no appetite; her tired eyes were worst than ever... And she looked as if that light cheerful hope that once resided in her, was lost and darkened. The disappearing sun had left the castle feeling cold, and even though she had not been out in the rain, she couldn't shake the coldness that numbed her body. She was on her way to speak to the servants and ask them to light fires in as many fireplaces that the castle had... Just to get some heat flowing about the halls. And she'd find herself into the kitchen for something to settle her stomach. As she walked towards the stairs, she saw Aric climbing up them. She stopped, as if almost frozen, and wondered that if she turned and ran away, he'd see her. But she just stood there until it was too late for her to make a move to escape the scene, and he'd be sure to see her. She forced a light smile to him and spoke quietly. "Good eve--" She cut herself off upon noticing his soaking appearance. "My lord.. You should change out of those soaking clothes before you catch ill..."
ARIC:
The aggravation made him take those steps two at a time, rushing up them as though he were late for something. Luckily, he had glanced up or else he might've barreled over the lithe queen as she stood there in her silence and shock, her forced smile. It seemed like the awkwardness was still there...not that he thought any differently. Aric paused in his steps, looking up at her from a couple steps down in his rather disheveled appearance. His jaws were set tightly, and he was half-minded to simply brush passed her without word. "It's what I plan on doing," he replied, perhaps a bit too coldly as he moved forward once more up the steps. That is, until he realized he was suddenly taking that slight anger out on her, and it brought him to another pause. Aric stood there momentarily, the muscles in his back tensing beneath the soaked shirt as he struggled to find words. A slight turn, he was looking down at her now, his annoyance clearly evident on tired features...but this time not for her. He seemed more troubled than anything at that moment. His head lowered apologetically and his eyes followed. "I'm sorry," he finally managed to say after a long minute of silence. "I'm just..." And he stopped, damn near close to just sharing those troubling thoughts...but instead, said something that might sum half of it up. "I...met your brother today."
ALEXANDRIA:
She nearly flinched at his cold response but she didn't. Instead, she just frowned and watched as he walked past her on the stairs. She moved to begin her descent but he turned and apologized to her. She glanced back at him and her lips parted to say something but the look on her face had caused her to stop. Something seemed to be troubling him. Brows furrowed in curiosity until he spilled what had happened that she could have imagined put him into this mood. Her shoulders fell in a silent sigh. "Oh?" She stared at him for a brief moment. "... I would ask you how that went... But by the look on your face, I am guessing not well..." Her numb fingers reached up and she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Please.. I am heading downstairs to the kitchen for dinner. Will you join me after you change?"
ARIC:
Even through his annoyance over it all, the fact that she could easily know how the encounter went- whether from his reaction or her brother was really a psychopath as Aric was beginning to claim- caused the slight upturn of a corner of his mouth. A grin, though light, seemed mildly amused in some way. He contemplated her question for a moment, turning his head to look in the direction of the dark hallway above...before he'd nod to her. "Alright." It was all he could think of to say right then, bowing his head a bit more in a brief goodbye before he'd continue his way up to his chambers to change and hopefully get rid of the chill the cool rain had caused.
ALEXANDRIA:
She smiled, pleased that he had agreed. She turned and moved carefully down the stairs. As she past by several servants, she notified them that the castle was quite cold and asked that several fires could be lit. Then she made her way into the kitchen. The cook seemed surprised and asked her what he could make for her. She asked him to make two meals for both her and Aric and she went into the dining room to wait. The room was quiet and looked as if it had not had a guest eat within it for a while. Perhaps that had been why the cook looked to excited to prepare a special meal made for the dining room. She sat into one of the seats and folded her hands together, resting them on the table. Orin. What had he gotten himself into now? She could only imagine the conversation without Aric even telling her about it yet. He was upset with her decision, and she knew it. And now, she felt it necessary to go and find him and have a little talk with him. How could he understand? Or even begin to?
ARIC:
Aric tried not to take his time with changing into dry, clean clothes because he knew she would be waiting for him. Then again...he wasn't in much of a rush to go and explain what had happened earlier either. He most likely wouldn't tell her unless she asked...and she looked as though she might. With a sigh, combing fingers through brushed, but still damp hair, he'd leave his bed chambers in a pair of black breeches and a plain, burgundy tunic; a pair of clean boots no longer tracked mud with each step he took. Back through the hall and down those same steps, Aric would eventually find his way into the dining hall to Alexandria sitting there in her patience and silence. Her features still looked so worn, and he was beginning to wonder if she slept at all. With another nod, this time in greeting, he'd pull out the seat across from her and sit down, surprised she asked him to join her...and surprised at himself for not turning her down.
ALEXANDRIA:
When she heard the footsteps enter the room, her icy blue eyes glanced up and watched him as he took his seat across from her. She gave him a warm smile but said nothing at first. There was that awkwardness again. But she sighed and shook her head. "Please... Forgive my brother for whatever he has done or said... He..." She paused, trying to gather up her words. "He has been through a lot." She said, mainly in his defense. Though she had no idea what was said or done, and she didn't ask. She figured he would tell her what happened if he wanted to, or it would eventually come up in conversation. She sighed softly, her fingers pulling apart from their clasp from one another and she set them nervously on her lap. "..How are you?"
ARIC:
The awkward tension in the air might have bothered him if he wasn't so consumed with his thoughts about earlier, along with everything else that always bothered him. His eyes lifted from the table when she spoke to him, speaking of her brother. He was quick to look passed her instead of dropping his gaze, which was usual for him. It was easier to think without having to look into those sad eyes, whether she was smiling or not. "I was out there today...helping to rebuild a man's leather shop." There was pause in his words as he leaned back in his seat with a sigh. Aric was ready to dismiss the entire thing altogether, but he felt she should know...or at least telling her would put him more at ease. There was a shrug of his shoulders. "He accused me of things...threatened me on top of it all. I don't fully blame him. I expected it from someone...just maybe with a little more respect." And there he went, talking, conversing rather easily...but the tired strain in his fought made it clear that his mind was still filled with concern over this whole ordeal. Today just proved how he couldn't feel comfortable in a land that was not his own. That he wasn't comfortable with agreeing to marry its queen even though he felt it the right thing to do, the people's sake.
ALEXANDRIA:
Whatever small smile that existed on Alexandria's lips soon faded when he told her what happened between him and her brother. She sighed again and shook her head. "I'm sorry. He is bitter about a lot of things... One of those being me." She frowned and looked down at the table. "I will speak to him and get him to give you an apology." She glanced back at him and shook her head. "You did not deserve to be threatened and I am sorry for that. Please do not take whatever he has said to heart." Her voice was calm and gentle, despite the frustration she was beginning to feel for her brother. He was always doing this and she could not stand for it. She fell silent, trying to gather up her thoughts, and she watched him, seeing that sort of struggle within him, and she wondered what he was thinking. A servant walked in, moving over to the table and filled their glasses with a red wine. Alexandria quietly thanked her before she moved on. She sat there awkwardly, trying to think of something else to say to convince him that he should not worry about it any longer and she would take care of it... Because she could just see that he was upset over it. It was written all over his face and she felt bad. Her lips parted and she sighed, but the question that slipped out of her voice was one she was not expecting to ask. "Would it be strange of me to ask what you are thinking, my lord?"
ANNE:
Was it wrong to travel outside lands you come to love? No, not in her mind, for knowledge was power, as she recently learned, as well as the idea of knowing that certain things could not be found within the mountains that were available in other areas... this trip was indeed one of those trips, in search for a herb to heal... one to rid a young child of hay fever. The clopping of hooves would announce the girls arrival, the carriage dragged behind two magnificent white thoroughbreds. While entry through the gates had to be explained she was lucky to be granted entry, and proceeded within the gates. The lady was not one that was seen throughout the conversation hidden well behind curtained windows, never even making a gesture to move from her benched seat till the driver came from his post up top and opened the door. "Has word been sent to her Majesty of our arrival? It is considered quite rude if announcement is not made and I were to simple show up within court with inquiries, sir." English accented words sung out past soft pink lips, while a hand held at heavy skirts while she stepped down from the carriage with assistance. Dark eyes, brown but could be spoken as gray or black with their darkness, settled on her driver, awaiting an answer to her question. When he spoke up that he was not sure, Anne couldn't help but to nod her acknowledgment without the emotion of disappoint seeping through the mask of formality. "Very well. Then I pray word from one of her men reach her as I wish not to be a disturbance."
(SOME RANDO):
She walked into the Castle, strolled right on in and gave those guards a 'dont you dare stop me' look. She passed right on in, those men looking as if they were about to piss their poor pants just from a simple look. Curly brown hair fallen around those strong shoulders as she moved into the halls and then stopped for a moment and looked around with dark greens. It took a moment to get her baring as she straightened her corset and knocked her boots lightly against the wall out of habit. Her nose twitched a bit at the smell of a passing guard and she snorted and started to seek out the kitchen.
ARIC:
Aric respected, at least, Orin's desire to protect his sister. He himself had no sister, but a cousin he adored...despite her rather brazen nature at times. Deep down, somewhere, there was a heart...or at least he promised himself he'd find it and prove to her it was true. There came a light shake of his head while the queen apologized; his hand lifted a light gestured wave. "Do not worry about it...I do not expect an apology when it is not sincere." Perhaps he was accusing Orin of being unable to apologize...but he honestly didn't believe the man would want to, or even do so. Aric forced a light smile to the servant in a thank you for the wine before dark eyes fell back onto the table top, allowing the silence to build up once more. But then she'd surprise him, an express he was unable to hide when she spoke again, gaining his attention back swiftly. It was odd how he didn't know how to respond to it. There was nothing wrong with her question...he just wasn't expecting it. Ever. A furrow of brows, he shifted in his seat to rest an elbow upon the armrest, letting his head fall upon his knuckles. Odd indeed...and it would take him a good minute to decide whether or not to simply lie to her. He drew in a slow, deep breath. " Every day I wonder what goes on in the minds of your people...about me, about what they think I will do. I wonder...what goes on in your head,and how much this really hurts you." And so, he spoke the truth, all without looking at her again.
ALEXANDRIA:
She still felt a sense of guilt despite Aric's gesture of dismissing what had happened and not expecting an apology. Would Orin's apology be sincere? She kind of doubted that it would be...But she felt that maybe if she could convince Orin that he was wrong, then maybe he could get a sincere apology out of him.
The guard at the door regarded the English accented woman and offered her a nod. "Of course, my lady. I will tell the queen of your arrival. May I have your name and purpose of seeing her?" But just before the woman could answer her, the other lady barged right in past him. He shouted out to try and stop her but she continued on. He called out loudly. "Guards! Stop her!" The guards within the castle rushed forward and moved to stop the woman.
"What do you think you are doing, miss? Do you have invitation here?" He grabbed her arm and began to escort her out.
The guard at the door opened it wider for the other guard to escort the rude lady out. He turned back to the English lady and nodded. "Sorry for the interruption, m'lady."
Alexandria sat quietly watching Aric as he thought of his response to her unexpected question. When he answered with honesty, she felt somewhat surprised. Her brows furrowed in confusion and for a while, she let his words just set in as she sat in silence. And then finally she cleared her throat and sat up a bit straighter in her chair. "Are you looking for honest answers to those questions, or are they just rhetorical?" She tilted her head in a curious fashion.
ANNE:
"Many thanks unto thee kind sir." She began, her dipping her head in an act submission and dipping into a curtsy as he inquired about her name and purpose. "I am Lady Anne Howard, sir, and I wish to announce my entry unto the lands and to see if that in which I search may be found here." The apology of the guard was acknowledged with a soft smile and a rise of her petite form, hands moving in front of her and then out to smooth any wrinkles in the crimson and gold skirts. "I do believe I wish to step inside out of the cold till audience with she is granted, if one such as yourself is able to grant such permission, for you see, I grow far to chill and fear the snow and wind may cause ice to brittle my hair." Such a woman... or was it more like such a noble woman? But she still insisted to watch the man, that smile still painted across pretty lips, while hands lightly clasped before her.
ARIC:
Her question brought his eyes back to her, and he couldn't help but allow that hint of a smile to touch the corner of his mouth. At least the tension wasn't as thick in the air to him...Perhaps he felt a little better speaking a bit of truth. Besides Charles, he really had no one to speak to...and he really should be able to talk honestly with Alexandria, considering their future was to be together. Unless, of course, she was truthful with him...and that truth was that she couldn't do this. He wouldn't blame her, and he's expressed that. "If you wish to respond, it'd be appreciated," he replied softly.
ALEXANDRIA:
The other guard standing nearby walked off with the information and went in search of the queen. The guard escorted the woman inside and motioned to a bench inside the main hall of the castle. "The guard will be back shortly." He moved back to the door and stood guard again, quietly, though keeping an eye on the woman.
Alexandria nodded to Aric at his honest answer. She appreciated that much. It seemed they were slowly getting a little better with one another's company and she was starting to see that he really was an honorable man. She hoped, at least, that her impression of such was correct. But now came the hard part.. Trying to put together her thoughts to give him an honest answer. What could she say? Before she answered, another sigh came out. "Well. I can honestly tell you that from a conversation I had with one of my cavalry men... That the people are worried that since usually men have more power over women, that you will take lead over my kingdom and push me aside and that I will become mostly inactive in the ruling of Elysium. That if something goes wrong, another war will spring upon us. But mainly I am the one they blame for this... Because I did not have faith we could do this all on our own and I have forced dependency on your brother's kingdom and on you..." She paused for a moment. Well, that was the easy part of her answer. As for how she felt? She honestly had no idea how to put that into words. So she sat there silently forming her thoughts into an answer and finally, her lips parted and a sigh came out. "As for me... There are a lot of things that run through my head every day... And I feel... Afraid. Somewhat for the same reasons my people fear... And it hurts me only because I feel powerless...and useless in such a time as this... That I cannot do more for my people or assure them that everything will work out. I wanted more for my kingdom... But the war has devastated us...The land and the people... And here I am with nothing I can do to fix that but to rely on another... And I feel weak because of that..." She looked down at the table, her eyes nearly welled up with tears but she forced herself to hold them back and not appear weak in his eyes. She spoke quietly. "As for how I feel about the arranged marriage... I feel almost numb to it. I will be honest with you...because I feel that I need to be... I have lost someone very dear to me in the war... A man I was planning on marrying and sharing my kingdom with... And now that chapter is over and gone. My heart is empty and the only pain I feel is for my loss..." She could hardly believe that she had spilled out all of this information and she hoped it would not complicate things even worse between them. With a heavy sigh, she went to speak again, but was interrupted by the guard that stepped in.
"Your majesty. There is a lady at the door. Lady Anne Howard. Wishing to announce her arrival to Elysium. She seeks something she is in need of?"
Alexandria glanced up and towards the entrance of the dining hall. Her brows furrowed and she honestly didn't know what to say. She looked back to Aric for a moment as if searching him for an answer, though she knew it was only her answer to give. She turned back to the guard and nodded. "Very well... If she wishes to speak with me, send her in. Otherwise, if it is something that can be answered by you or a servant or if Nemeris is around...Then have at it. I do not know what she seeks...but if she had looked around the land, then she might notice we are very limited on our resources?"
The guard nodded, bowed and went out, heading back to the main hall where the woman waited. "My lady... Did you wish to speak with the queen or is there something one of us can assist you in?"
ANNE:
Keep an eye on her... that was something new, but she did as was gestured, her stepping within near that bench but never took to sitting. Did men understand the hardships that came with constant rising and seating oneself in layers upon layers of skirts? She never did retort any words in protest, instead remained standing, her back turned upon the guard while her gaze lifted to tapestries that lined the walls as well as any artwork. Never did she travel to far away though, her making a large oval around the guard, her expression seeming to show no dislike or like for the works, while inside she secretly admired the stories behind each piece that was either painted or woven in each piece. One particular piece, the last one, did crack that mask as she offered it a gracious smile, her hand lifting to allow her fingertips to brush the bottom. "Such romance spoken in the wordless weaves of fabric. The story brillant, and one to woo even the hardest of hearts if one to look upon it." Whispered words were not meant for any others ears but her own, her gaze staring up at it as she continued to wait. As the guard returned, his footsteps cued her movement as her hand fell and she spun about to face him, "Perhaps not you, but if one can tell me in which way the infirmary is, so I may head in such a direction, i may find the answers in which i seek there. If you are unable to give such a stranger as I such information it is most understood, and thus I shall seek to retire within the township and rest in hopes and prayers that her majesty will seek audience unto I upon the morrow.
ARIC:
He sat there, silent and unmoving. Brown eyes watched her as she spoke, understanding her every word, her feelings, the feelings her people had towards him...everything. He knew what to expect at the very beginning of this, and was aware that most, if not all, would not approve of him. Secretly, he didn't even feel himself fit to rule a kingdom. Aric had been happy with the fact such burden would not fall upon his shoulders...not until now, and it wasn't even fully his choice. However, what he didn't expect were her words of someone lost...the true, future king of Elysium. It seemed to strike a chord in him, such a familiar chord that caused a hand to ball into a tight fist before he hid it upon his lap beneath the table. Dark hues blinked constantly, trying to clear his head, trying to say something in return...but was saved by the guard announcing the queen had a visitor. He let out a slow, heavy sigh. Even though she tried not to seem weak in front of him...she did. Not weak in the sense that was implied, but so...fragile, so lost and confused...everything she had explained so willingly to him just now. He did not hate her for her truth, but he didn't feel anymore comfortable either. This was to be his fate...to live the rest of his life in a land not his own and feel the burning of hateful eyes upon him wherever he went. Aric swallowed hard, trying to summon up the courage to return the favor and reply...but it wasn't the response he was hoping to give. "I hold nothing against you. Nor does this...agreement have to happen," he spoke once the guard had left. It was as if Edward knew of the queen's loss, an open spot to throw his brother into whom wanted nothing to do with anything or anyone. He made a mental note to write a letter to his brother this evening...to explain everything.
ALEXANDRIA:
The guard nodded to the woman and opened the door for her, pointing in a general direction. "The main infirmary building is just that way. Almost across from the military building. Just walk straight that way and you should stumble across it soon enough."
Alexandria watched Aric as he spoke his response to all she had just spilled. Now she contemplated if it was a good idea telling him about Thais. Perhaps not and she wished she could have taken that back now. Though his final words left her with a confused expression. This agreement did not have to happen? Then why had his brother, the king, been so ...nearly demanding of it? She did not comment on that but simply nodded. At last, a servant stepped in carrying two plates and set them down, one in front of each, and then she left again, leaving them in silence. Her eyes glanced down at her plate as she studied what was on it. A meal this fulfilling? She could not remember the last time her stomach was able to handle such a thing. Her hands folded together and she closed her eyes, silently saying a prayer to herself before she lifted her fork from the table and began to move several items of food around on her plate as she thought silently. She realized she hadn't said a word since Aric finished what he said. "What about you, my lord? What are your feelings on everything? What do you wish for? Want to see?... How do you feel of this arrangement? Are you having second thoughts?"
ANNE:
With a smile she reached out and took up the guards hands. "Many thanks unto thee for your kindness, good sir. May God grant thee many a gracious days to come." She didn't release his hands just yet, her dropping into another curtsy, this one a bit short lived then the others before it, her releasing him only when she rose. "Bid thy mistress my blessings, and see to thy own family upon dismissal of post. Good evening, sir." Her right hand then lowered and fingers curled int he heavy fabrics of her gown, listing them slightly as she began her walk down the hall toward where she was previously directed.
ARIC:
He was honestly grateful for the sudden silence. He couldn't even bring himself to thank the server this time as she placed the food before him. Then her voice broke the air and he found that he had flinched slightly, as though startled. Aric had been able to handle the sorrow this held for him, but to realize how far Alexandria's went, it just clearly sent him over the edge of frustration. Edward had demanded and demanded, so lost in some form of greed Aric had never seen before...something he was only beginning to wonder about now. The prince couldn't handle the sudden flow of questions from her, sitting there with his eyes closed while fingers massaged his temples. He couldn't even look at his food, the aroma so welcoming but sickening him at the same time. A few minutes passed with no answer, and just as it might appear as though he was going to completely ignore her, he managed to speak again. "I fought him constantly...refusing to be some pawn of his, to be thrown into some loveless marriage just for the sake of a stronger alliance." His voice was deep, nearly growling with his frustration, but still never raising any higher than normal. Aric was trying...maybe not to be accepted among these people, but to at least be respected and not viewed as some tyrant. How was he to go about explaining this all to her without rambling on in some unnecessary way? Let alone know if she dared to understand, what he thought, was a reason he was forced her. Now he wasn't so sure. He looked to her, some form of apology on his features as he wasn't sure if his semi-fluctuating moods were making any sense to her, or if he was only upsetting her further. Eyes fell to the table once more, voice deepening in his resentment. "I lost my wife to sickness over a year ago. Some claimed I became...careless afterwards, during the war. My brother included." He was careful not to use anything like 'suicidal'. He hadn't been...he just didn't care at the time. Oddly enough, the destruction of Avalendor was giving him some sense of purpose, if nothing else.
ALEXANDRIA:
Her eyes focused downward at her food as that long moment of silence lingered between them. She was beginning to think Aric would leave her questions unanswered. She continued to move her food around on her plate with her fork, suddenly losing whatever appetite she had previously. When he spoke, his voice nearly surprised her because she wasn't expecting an answer. She looked back at him, her eyes searching him as he spoke. Were they pawns for his little game for this alliance? It sort of worried Alexandria further. What would happen if King Edward became angry for whatever reason? Would he really be the type to bring on a war if he did not have his way. Her fork was dropped down onto her plate and now it was her turn to rest elbows on the edge of the table and she slid her forehead against the palms of her hands. She suddenly felt ill. Would this just turn into another situation as Saelis and Lord Aramis was, only this with Tresteria and King Edward?" She felt her eyes well up, and her cheeks flushed red in color. Her stomach churned with fear and nervousness and her hands even began to shake. But she was certain he hadn't noticed because he continued on with telling her of his wife. She lifted her head up, her misty eyes glancing across at him, brows furrowing a bit in a look of disbelief. Was it a coincidence? There was no way Edward knew of Thais, he was just going out on a limb, knowing of Aric's situation and not of hers and assuming that she was single. She bit her lower lip slightly. She didn't know what to do. Part of her wanted to break down and cry right then and there. But the other part of her wanted to just burst out into laughter. It just seemed too... convenient, perhaps. She sat there silently, watching him before she spoke, almost inaudibly. "...So is this his way of trying to push you to move on with your life?"
ARIC:
Her reaction to his words was more than he expected...and he had this sudden need to apologize in order to comfort her in some way, a department he lacked in. Thick brows inched together as he watched her, the way she leaned forward, how she tried not to let those tears fall. She didn't need to express her sudden thoughts for him to grasp a small idea of them...and he, too, began to worry. Worry about his own brother's idea on all of this. Was Aric blind to everything, or was it truly and honestly just a simple coincidence? He found himself leaning forward too, with elbows upon the table, head bowed. "I assume so...I don't know." He corrected his answer quickly after.
ALEXANDRIA:
She slowly nodded. Her eyes stung her from her slight desire to break down into tears. But she did not. After he answered her, she just sat there in silence, her mind racing with various thoughts. She was scared... But from the way he spoke to her and answered her questions, she could tell that he was just as clueless as she was in the matter of what his brother had planned. Slowly, she slid her plate aside, moving it away and she leaned forward, reaching her hands out towards him and she took hold of his. She gave his hands a light and gentle squeeze before she spoke, her voice slightly shaky. "I..." She hesitated at first, but continued slowly. "I am sorry for your loss... And I am sorry your brother has pushed you into this... But I want you to know that if you do not wish to do this, you do not have to... This is my own battle and you should not be forced into the middle of it..." She smiled weakly and pulled her hands back, her eyes moving back down to the table.
ARIC:
There was that momentary stun as she took his hands, drawing his eyes back up to hers quickly while she spoke, her hesitation not going unnoticed. Again, he didn't know what to say. Obviously to some, he had already overstayed his welcomed...but something told him he couldn't simply give in and say goodbye. Perhaps now, he was worried about his brother's reaction. There came a light shake of his head after a moment of thought, "It isn't a matter of wanting, it's the matter of needing to do it..." His words were left up in the air, lingering there over there heads and hinting to some hidden danger they were trying to overlook. But even still, Aric wanted to believe that everything would fine should this so-called engagement be called off. "I made a promise, and I will hold to it. But this is your kingdom, Alexandria...your choice." Dark eyes, seemingly ocher now, tried to gain hers...looking to her with as much sincerity as his words had offered. For now, he wouldn't allow the dark thoughts plague his mind. Brows lifted up in a gesture of understanding, waiting for her agreement, or anything else. It was her choice...he was merely a pawn, after all. An idea he couldn't shake.
ALEXANDRIA:
The prince's fate seemed to be in her hands now, and she hated that. She felt sorry that he felt this was a need and not a matter of wanting. Though he was right. Neither of them wanted this and it was something that needed to be done. He was leaving the choice up to her? When in fact, it was just as much his decision as well. She stared at him for a long moment and then shook her head. "You have just as much decision as I do, my lord. This is not your kingdom that hangs in the balance of things...You do not have to care. You could simply turn your back on us and walk away without a care if you wish. You have every right to and I would not be angry, or bitter...or even blame you for doing so. Please understand that..." She searched him quietly, trying to read him. She was not sure if he realized that choice and power that he held. And if he did, why was he ignoring that and just sticking through with this when he knew he didn't really have to. The people and the lands, she was sure, held very little value to him, or any sentimental feelings, unless she was wrong and in his short visit, he had come to grow fond of torn apart lands. She did not know. And as she sat there, her eyes held question within them, as if asking Aric why he was still here when he did not need to be. It was ultimately up to him.
ARIC:
He did realize it, and the fact of the matter was...he didn't want it. More so, he didn't feel he deserved it. He was nothing but careless during the war, he wasn't bred for this like Edward was...so what right did he have? But by being in Elysium, pawn of his brother or not, he at least felt like he had some sort of purpose besides lounging around in his depression. Yet it didn't help that the queen's worry and sadness seemed to only trigger that at times. It was the chivalric nature deep down that wanted to try and ease that pain which he knew he never could. Those brows furrowed together once again. "You want me to understand and be alright with turning my back? That it's alright to not care?" There was a hint of agitation in his voice, but nothing more than that. "I've been down that road...I've seen it. Many an honorable man has fallen into their own greed, their cowardice." He pushed his plate away like she had before rising from his seat, casually pacing around the end of the table in order to move to her side. "I may not make a great husband," he admitted, "but I'm an able friend." He sighed lightly, seating himself at the edge of the table, throwing away all propriety you were to hold at a dinner table, and looked down to her. He was speaking more freely than he ever had, but the time called for it. It was a heavy decision and concern that had befallen them both. "It is your choice whether you want this marriage to proceed, because either way I will do what I can to help you. Whether it be here or in Tresteria." The current choice may not be what he wanted, and he had basically said that already, but if by him being here constantly would help things, if he could perhaps prove to be a worthy friend he wanted to try and be...then he would stay, without further argument. He might have gone further into explaining his reasonings for wishing to continue the help...but he felt he had spoken too much already and probably lost her in his ramblings.
ALEXANDRIA:
She sat quietly as he spoke his words in agitation. He was right, and she knew it. But most of the men she had come to know, specifically nobles, would have been like that. To just turn their back without a care. She looked, as if sorry she had even accused or assumed him to do such a thing. When she saw and heard him move from his seat and come around the table to stand beside her, she glanced up, watching him as he began his ramblings. His words, however, she found an appreciation for. They meant a lot to her, and had actually caused the faintest smile to touch the corners of her lips. She nodded understandingly and her eyes fell downward once again. "Thank you. I truly appreciate your help... It means the world to me." She played with her own fingers for a moment, fumbling with them in her lap before she glanced back to him and offered him a weak smile. "...If this is something your brother wants. Truly... And there is no other way to earn his aid, than to marry you... Then I can honestly say that I would be honored to be your wife..." She paused, hesitating in her words again, as if she was uncertain that what she had just said was an insult or a compliment. She quietly added. "...You seem like a very kind man... Who is honest and faithful to his word.... And I admire that."
ARIC:
Her light smile was enough to put him at some ease and allow some of the tension to once again disappear. None of this would be easy...but did either of them expect it to? Her first words brought that small smile back to his face; a nod given in return...however, her following words seemed to make it falter and rose up from the edge of the table. Whether she meant it as an insult or not, he wasn't fully offended. How could he be? She only knew of him what he allowed her to see and what he shared during these conversations. Her added words, though, seemed to broaden that smile, one that she might have missed as he turned to draw her plate back in front of her. "Try and eat," he spoke lightly, his words coming out to sound more like a question than what he intended. He knew Alexandria was a lovely woman, but her appearance was beginning to become more unhealthy with each passing day. He'd move to head back to his own seat and attempt to eat as well. He realized how hungry he was now that the heavy burden of worry wasn't weighing down on him as much.
ALEXANDRIA:
Her words were not meant as an insult. They were honest and she meant them. From what she could perceive of him, she could tell he was a good and honorable man. When he smiled first, it put her a bit more at ease and as he pushed her plate towards her, her eyes followed it, wondering if the food was now cold. Did it matter though? Food was food. She hadn't caught glimpse of his smile which broadened, but she was relieved when he sat back down and reached for his own plate. Her fork was lifted between fingers and she slowly stabbed at a piece of chicken on her plate. She smiled softly, her free, forkless hand moving to tuck behind her neck, fingers weaving into her hair as her elbow rested on the edge of the table. If she wanted Aric to learn one thing about her, it was that she was a very laid back, down to earth queen that was very much not like every other arrogant noble woman and she acted more like a commoner and lived amongst her people rather than above them. And above all, she hoped he'd accept that about her. She quietly ate, her eyes every so often glancing over at him. And between a bite, she smirked and spoke in a light, humorous tone. "...So what did my idiot brother say to you, anyway?"
ARIC:
Well, if spending his time at the village in the blistering cold and pouring rain wasn't enough to prove he'd not care for her way of living, then what would? He wasn't a big fan of the bitter winter, but it was something he could deal with if the time called for it. A warm bath didn't hurt either...a luxury not many people had. Yet even through all the devastation he saw, the people were still well provided for (as well as any could be after a war)...and they still smiled, they still laughed. It was almost unfathomable. Amazing really. Alexandria may at times feel like he was failing them...but as far as he could see, she really wasn't. Hopefully one day she would truly understand that. The silence wasn't as awkward anymore...or maybe he was so hungry that he hadn't realized it. But her voice broke through the hair and paused him in mid-chew; brows lifting up in an amused gesture...more at her sudden eagerness to still speak than her words themselves. Finishing the bite of food and taking a sip at the wine, he allowed the small smirk to crease his lips once more. "His greeting to me was a smug question of what I was doing there, at the village...And apparently replying with a 'why not' was the wrong answer." He paused, poking a piece of chicken with his fork. "And I do believe he threatened to kill me with his own hands..." Funny how that was somehow amusing now. There came a light shrug of his shoulders. "He's very protective of you...something I will not shun him for."
ALEXANDRIA:
It was funny how something that once bothered you suddenly and later on became more amusing. As Aric explained to her what happened with her brother, she took another bite of her chicken and chewed it carefully. She grinned slightly and shook her head, her eyes rolling a bit at her brother, Orin. "...Strangely...I can hear his voice saying those exact words to you." Alexandria could imagine the situation as if it were happening right in front of her and it just caused her to shake her head again. "I'm sorry. And yes... He is very protective of me. He had to grow up very fast to take care of me..." She paused, realizing she was coming close to another long story that she wasn't sure Aric would want to hear right now. Perhaps it was a story for another day. So she left it at that. If he wanted to know, she figured he'd ask her what she meant right then and there. But for now, she fell silent again and continued to eat what was on her plate.
It was made very clear that he wasn't wanted in the village...at least by one person. He wouldn't be surprised if all the others felt the same, and as long as they didn't verbally share their dislike in the same disrespectful way, he didn't care. It caused him to think a lot about the marriage once more, however, something that wasn't settling too well with him. He bit his tongue, slipping from the shop silently and to his horse as the cold rain pelted down upon him, soaking through the thick, wool cloak and practically numbing him to the bone. The night, winter air as he rode did not lessen the uncomfortable chill, and there was actual relief upon his features when he faced the castle. With the equine safely put away in the stables, the prince rushed across the sodden, muddy ground into the dryness of the stone walls. A few steps in, there were already servants there to take his cloak, urging him to the fire in the foyer, offering to draw up a bath, give him anything warm to drink...until he politely asked them to leave, that he was. But he wasn't. The chill was subsiding, but the irritation from before seemed only be building up inside him, and he'd leave the warmth of the fire to trek through the dark, silent halls towards his chambers.
ALEXANDRIA:
Alexandria heard the rain outside begin to pour down. It hammered down on the stone walls of the castle, replacing the silence that once lingered in the halls. For the first time, she had caught up with the paperwork and was left with very little to do. Give it a couple of days and she was sure the pile would be back on her desk. Her stomach rumbled with hunger... A sensation that had become rare for her after the war. Her appearance had changed quite a bit... Losing weight from having no appetite; her tired eyes were worst than ever... And she looked as if that light cheerful hope that once resided in her, was lost and darkened. The disappearing sun had left the castle feeling cold, and even though she had not been out in the rain, she couldn't shake the coldness that numbed her body. She was on her way to speak to the servants and ask them to light fires in as many fireplaces that the castle had... Just to get some heat flowing about the halls. And she'd find herself into the kitchen for something to settle her stomach. As she walked towards the stairs, she saw Aric climbing up them. She stopped, as if almost frozen, and wondered that if she turned and ran away, he'd see her. But she just stood there until it was too late for her to make a move to escape the scene, and he'd be sure to see her. She forced a light smile to him and spoke quietly. "Good eve--" She cut herself off upon noticing his soaking appearance. "My lord.. You should change out of those soaking clothes before you catch ill..."
ARIC:
The aggravation made him take those steps two at a time, rushing up them as though he were late for something. Luckily, he had glanced up or else he might've barreled over the lithe queen as she stood there in her silence and shock, her forced smile. It seemed like the awkwardness was still there...not that he thought any differently. Aric paused in his steps, looking up at her from a couple steps down in his rather disheveled appearance. His jaws were set tightly, and he was half-minded to simply brush passed her without word. "It's what I plan on doing," he replied, perhaps a bit too coldly as he moved forward once more up the steps. That is, until he realized he was suddenly taking that slight anger out on her, and it brought him to another pause. Aric stood there momentarily, the muscles in his back tensing beneath the soaked shirt as he struggled to find words. A slight turn, he was looking down at her now, his annoyance clearly evident on tired features...but this time not for her. He seemed more troubled than anything at that moment. His head lowered apologetically and his eyes followed. "I'm sorry," he finally managed to say after a long minute of silence. "I'm just..." And he stopped, damn near close to just sharing those troubling thoughts...but instead, said something that might sum half of it up. "I...met your brother today."
ALEXANDRIA:
She nearly flinched at his cold response but she didn't. Instead, she just frowned and watched as he walked past her on the stairs. She moved to begin her descent but he turned and apologized to her. She glanced back at him and her lips parted to say something but the look on her face had caused her to stop. Something seemed to be troubling him. Brows furrowed in curiosity until he spilled what had happened that she could have imagined put him into this mood. Her shoulders fell in a silent sigh. "Oh?" She stared at him for a brief moment. "... I would ask you how that went... But by the look on your face, I am guessing not well..." Her numb fingers reached up and she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Please.. I am heading downstairs to the kitchen for dinner. Will you join me after you change?"
ARIC:
Even through his annoyance over it all, the fact that she could easily know how the encounter went- whether from his reaction or her brother was really a psychopath as Aric was beginning to claim- caused the slight upturn of a corner of his mouth. A grin, though light, seemed mildly amused in some way. He contemplated her question for a moment, turning his head to look in the direction of the dark hallway above...before he'd nod to her. "Alright." It was all he could think of to say right then, bowing his head a bit more in a brief goodbye before he'd continue his way up to his chambers to change and hopefully get rid of the chill the cool rain had caused.
ALEXANDRIA:
She smiled, pleased that he had agreed. She turned and moved carefully down the stairs. As she past by several servants, she notified them that the castle was quite cold and asked that several fires could be lit. Then she made her way into the kitchen. The cook seemed surprised and asked her what he could make for her. She asked him to make two meals for both her and Aric and she went into the dining room to wait. The room was quiet and looked as if it had not had a guest eat within it for a while. Perhaps that had been why the cook looked to excited to prepare a special meal made for the dining room. She sat into one of the seats and folded her hands together, resting them on the table. Orin. What had he gotten himself into now? She could only imagine the conversation without Aric even telling her about it yet. He was upset with her decision, and she knew it. And now, she felt it necessary to go and find him and have a little talk with him. How could he understand? Or even begin to?
ARIC:
Aric tried not to take his time with changing into dry, clean clothes because he knew she would be waiting for him. Then again...he wasn't in much of a rush to go and explain what had happened earlier either. He most likely wouldn't tell her unless she asked...and she looked as though she might. With a sigh, combing fingers through brushed, but still damp hair, he'd leave his bed chambers in a pair of black breeches and a plain, burgundy tunic; a pair of clean boots no longer tracked mud with each step he took. Back through the hall and down those same steps, Aric would eventually find his way into the dining hall to Alexandria sitting there in her patience and silence. Her features still looked so worn, and he was beginning to wonder if she slept at all. With another nod, this time in greeting, he'd pull out the seat across from her and sit down, surprised she asked him to join her...and surprised at himself for not turning her down.
ALEXANDRIA:
When she heard the footsteps enter the room, her icy blue eyes glanced up and watched him as he took his seat across from her. She gave him a warm smile but said nothing at first. There was that awkwardness again. But she sighed and shook her head. "Please... Forgive my brother for whatever he has done or said... He..." She paused, trying to gather up her words. "He has been through a lot." She said, mainly in his defense. Though she had no idea what was said or done, and she didn't ask. She figured he would tell her what happened if he wanted to, or it would eventually come up in conversation. She sighed softly, her fingers pulling apart from their clasp from one another and she set them nervously on her lap. "..How are you?"
ARIC:
The awkward tension in the air might have bothered him if he wasn't so consumed with his thoughts about earlier, along with everything else that always bothered him. His eyes lifted from the table when she spoke to him, speaking of her brother. He was quick to look passed her instead of dropping his gaze, which was usual for him. It was easier to think without having to look into those sad eyes, whether she was smiling or not. "I was out there today...helping to rebuild a man's leather shop." There was pause in his words as he leaned back in his seat with a sigh. Aric was ready to dismiss the entire thing altogether, but he felt she should know...or at least telling her would put him more at ease. There was a shrug of his shoulders. "He accused me of things...threatened me on top of it all. I don't fully blame him. I expected it from someone...just maybe with a little more respect." And there he went, talking, conversing rather easily...but the tired strain in his fought made it clear that his mind was still filled with concern over this whole ordeal. Today just proved how he couldn't feel comfortable in a land that was not his own. That he wasn't comfortable with agreeing to marry its queen even though he felt it the right thing to do, the people's sake.
ALEXANDRIA:
Whatever small smile that existed on Alexandria's lips soon faded when he told her what happened between him and her brother. She sighed again and shook her head. "I'm sorry. He is bitter about a lot of things... One of those being me." She frowned and looked down at the table. "I will speak to him and get him to give you an apology." She glanced back at him and shook her head. "You did not deserve to be threatened and I am sorry for that. Please do not take whatever he has said to heart." Her voice was calm and gentle, despite the frustration she was beginning to feel for her brother. He was always doing this and she could not stand for it. She fell silent, trying to gather up her thoughts, and she watched him, seeing that sort of struggle within him, and she wondered what he was thinking. A servant walked in, moving over to the table and filled their glasses with a red wine. Alexandria quietly thanked her before she moved on. She sat there awkwardly, trying to think of something else to say to convince him that he should not worry about it any longer and she would take care of it... Because she could just see that he was upset over it. It was written all over his face and she felt bad. Her lips parted and she sighed, but the question that slipped out of her voice was one she was not expecting to ask. "Would it be strange of me to ask what you are thinking, my lord?"
ANNE:
Was it wrong to travel outside lands you come to love? No, not in her mind, for knowledge was power, as she recently learned, as well as the idea of knowing that certain things could not be found within the mountains that were available in other areas... this trip was indeed one of those trips, in search for a herb to heal... one to rid a young child of hay fever. The clopping of hooves would announce the girls arrival, the carriage dragged behind two magnificent white thoroughbreds. While entry through the gates had to be explained she was lucky to be granted entry, and proceeded within the gates. The lady was not one that was seen throughout the conversation hidden well behind curtained windows, never even making a gesture to move from her benched seat till the driver came from his post up top and opened the door. "Has word been sent to her Majesty of our arrival? It is considered quite rude if announcement is not made and I were to simple show up within court with inquiries, sir." English accented words sung out past soft pink lips, while a hand held at heavy skirts while she stepped down from the carriage with assistance. Dark eyes, brown but could be spoken as gray or black with their darkness, settled on her driver, awaiting an answer to her question. When he spoke up that he was not sure, Anne couldn't help but to nod her acknowledgment without the emotion of disappoint seeping through the mask of formality. "Very well. Then I pray word from one of her men reach her as I wish not to be a disturbance."
(SOME RANDO):
She walked into the Castle, strolled right on in and gave those guards a 'dont you dare stop me' look. She passed right on in, those men looking as if they were about to piss their poor pants just from a simple look. Curly brown hair fallen around those strong shoulders as she moved into the halls and then stopped for a moment and looked around with dark greens. It took a moment to get her baring as she straightened her corset and knocked her boots lightly against the wall out of habit. Her nose twitched a bit at the smell of a passing guard and she snorted and started to seek out the kitchen.
ARIC:
Aric respected, at least, Orin's desire to protect his sister. He himself had no sister, but a cousin he adored...despite her rather brazen nature at times. Deep down, somewhere, there was a heart...or at least he promised himself he'd find it and prove to her it was true. There came a light shake of his head while the queen apologized; his hand lifted a light gestured wave. "Do not worry about it...I do not expect an apology when it is not sincere." Perhaps he was accusing Orin of being unable to apologize...but he honestly didn't believe the man would want to, or even do so. Aric forced a light smile to the servant in a thank you for the wine before dark eyes fell back onto the table top, allowing the silence to build up once more. But then she'd surprise him, an express he was unable to hide when she spoke again, gaining his attention back swiftly. It was odd how he didn't know how to respond to it. There was nothing wrong with her question...he just wasn't expecting it. Ever. A furrow of brows, he shifted in his seat to rest an elbow upon the armrest, letting his head fall upon his knuckles. Odd indeed...and it would take him a good minute to decide whether or not to simply lie to her. He drew in a slow, deep breath. " Every day I wonder what goes on in the minds of your people...about me, about what they think I will do. I wonder...what goes on in your head,and how much this really hurts you." And so, he spoke the truth, all without looking at her again.
ALEXANDRIA:
She still felt a sense of guilt despite Aric's gesture of dismissing what had happened and not expecting an apology. Would Orin's apology be sincere? She kind of doubted that it would be...But she felt that maybe if she could convince Orin that he was wrong, then maybe he could get a sincere apology out of him.
The guard at the door regarded the English accented woman and offered her a nod. "Of course, my lady. I will tell the queen of your arrival. May I have your name and purpose of seeing her?" But just before the woman could answer her, the other lady barged right in past him. He shouted out to try and stop her but she continued on. He called out loudly. "Guards! Stop her!" The guards within the castle rushed forward and moved to stop the woman.
"What do you think you are doing, miss? Do you have invitation here?" He grabbed her arm and began to escort her out.
The guard at the door opened it wider for the other guard to escort the rude lady out. He turned back to the English lady and nodded. "Sorry for the interruption, m'lady."
Alexandria sat quietly watching Aric as he thought of his response to her unexpected question. When he answered with honesty, she felt somewhat surprised. Her brows furrowed in confusion and for a while, she let his words just set in as she sat in silence. And then finally she cleared her throat and sat up a bit straighter in her chair. "Are you looking for honest answers to those questions, or are they just rhetorical?" She tilted her head in a curious fashion.
ANNE:
"Many thanks unto thee kind sir." She began, her dipping her head in an act submission and dipping into a curtsy as he inquired about her name and purpose. "I am Lady Anne Howard, sir, and I wish to announce my entry unto the lands and to see if that in which I search may be found here." The apology of the guard was acknowledged with a soft smile and a rise of her petite form, hands moving in front of her and then out to smooth any wrinkles in the crimson and gold skirts. "I do believe I wish to step inside out of the cold till audience with she is granted, if one such as yourself is able to grant such permission, for you see, I grow far to chill and fear the snow and wind may cause ice to brittle my hair." Such a woman... or was it more like such a noble woman? But she still insisted to watch the man, that smile still painted across pretty lips, while hands lightly clasped before her.
ARIC:
Her question brought his eyes back to her, and he couldn't help but allow that hint of a smile to touch the corner of his mouth. At least the tension wasn't as thick in the air to him...Perhaps he felt a little better speaking a bit of truth. Besides Charles, he really had no one to speak to...and he really should be able to talk honestly with Alexandria, considering their future was to be together. Unless, of course, she was truthful with him...and that truth was that she couldn't do this. He wouldn't blame her, and he's expressed that. "If you wish to respond, it'd be appreciated," he replied softly.
ALEXANDRIA:
The other guard standing nearby walked off with the information and went in search of the queen. The guard escorted the woman inside and motioned to a bench inside the main hall of the castle. "The guard will be back shortly." He moved back to the door and stood guard again, quietly, though keeping an eye on the woman.
Alexandria nodded to Aric at his honest answer. She appreciated that much. It seemed they were slowly getting a little better with one another's company and she was starting to see that he really was an honorable man. She hoped, at least, that her impression of such was correct. But now came the hard part.. Trying to put together her thoughts to give him an honest answer. What could she say? Before she answered, another sigh came out. "Well. I can honestly tell you that from a conversation I had with one of my cavalry men... That the people are worried that since usually men have more power over women, that you will take lead over my kingdom and push me aside and that I will become mostly inactive in the ruling of Elysium. That if something goes wrong, another war will spring upon us. But mainly I am the one they blame for this... Because I did not have faith we could do this all on our own and I have forced dependency on your brother's kingdom and on you..." She paused for a moment. Well, that was the easy part of her answer. As for how she felt? She honestly had no idea how to put that into words. So she sat there silently forming her thoughts into an answer and finally, her lips parted and a sigh came out. "As for me... There are a lot of things that run through my head every day... And I feel... Afraid. Somewhat for the same reasons my people fear... And it hurts me only because I feel powerless...and useless in such a time as this... That I cannot do more for my people or assure them that everything will work out. I wanted more for my kingdom... But the war has devastated us...The land and the people... And here I am with nothing I can do to fix that but to rely on another... And I feel weak because of that..." She looked down at the table, her eyes nearly welled up with tears but she forced herself to hold them back and not appear weak in his eyes. She spoke quietly. "As for how I feel about the arranged marriage... I feel almost numb to it. I will be honest with you...because I feel that I need to be... I have lost someone very dear to me in the war... A man I was planning on marrying and sharing my kingdom with... And now that chapter is over and gone. My heart is empty and the only pain I feel is for my loss..." She could hardly believe that she had spilled out all of this information and she hoped it would not complicate things even worse between them. With a heavy sigh, she went to speak again, but was interrupted by the guard that stepped in.
"Your majesty. There is a lady at the door. Lady Anne Howard. Wishing to announce her arrival to Elysium. She seeks something she is in need of?"
Alexandria glanced up and towards the entrance of the dining hall. Her brows furrowed and she honestly didn't know what to say. She looked back to Aric for a moment as if searching him for an answer, though she knew it was only her answer to give. She turned back to the guard and nodded. "Very well... If she wishes to speak with me, send her in. Otherwise, if it is something that can be answered by you or a servant or if Nemeris is around...Then have at it. I do not know what she seeks...but if she had looked around the land, then she might notice we are very limited on our resources?"
The guard nodded, bowed and went out, heading back to the main hall where the woman waited. "My lady... Did you wish to speak with the queen or is there something one of us can assist you in?"
ANNE:
Keep an eye on her... that was something new, but she did as was gestured, her stepping within near that bench but never took to sitting. Did men understand the hardships that came with constant rising and seating oneself in layers upon layers of skirts? She never did retort any words in protest, instead remained standing, her back turned upon the guard while her gaze lifted to tapestries that lined the walls as well as any artwork. Never did she travel to far away though, her making a large oval around the guard, her expression seeming to show no dislike or like for the works, while inside she secretly admired the stories behind each piece that was either painted or woven in each piece. One particular piece, the last one, did crack that mask as she offered it a gracious smile, her hand lifting to allow her fingertips to brush the bottom. "Such romance spoken in the wordless weaves of fabric. The story brillant, and one to woo even the hardest of hearts if one to look upon it." Whispered words were not meant for any others ears but her own, her gaze staring up at it as she continued to wait. As the guard returned, his footsteps cued her movement as her hand fell and she spun about to face him, "Perhaps not you, but if one can tell me in which way the infirmary is, so I may head in such a direction, i may find the answers in which i seek there. If you are unable to give such a stranger as I such information it is most understood, and thus I shall seek to retire within the township and rest in hopes and prayers that her majesty will seek audience unto I upon the morrow.
ARIC:
He sat there, silent and unmoving. Brown eyes watched her as she spoke, understanding her every word, her feelings, the feelings her people had towards him...everything. He knew what to expect at the very beginning of this, and was aware that most, if not all, would not approve of him. Secretly, he didn't even feel himself fit to rule a kingdom. Aric had been happy with the fact such burden would not fall upon his shoulders...not until now, and it wasn't even fully his choice. However, what he didn't expect were her words of someone lost...the true, future king of Elysium. It seemed to strike a chord in him, such a familiar chord that caused a hand to ball into a tight fist before he hid it upon his lap beneath the table. Dark hues blinked constantly, trying to clear his head, trying to say something in return...but was saved by the guard announcing the queen had a visitor. He let out a slow, heavy sigh. Even though she tried not to seem weak in front of him...she did. Not weak in the sense that was implied, but so...fragile, so lost and confused...everything she had explained so willingly to him just now. He did not hate her for her truth, but he didn't feel anymore comfortable either. This was to be his fate...to live the rest of his life in a land not his own and feel the burning of hateful eyes upon him wherever he went. Aric swallowed hard, trying to summon up the courage to return the favor and reply...but it wasn't the response he was hoping to give. "I hold nothing against you. Nor does this...agreement have to happen," he spoke once the guard had left. It was as if Edward knew of the queen's loss, an open spot to throw his brother into whom wanted nothing to do with anything or anyone. He made a mental note to write a letter to his brother this evening...to explain everything.
ALEXANDRIA:
The guard nodded to the woman and opened the door for her, pointing in a general direction. "The main infirmary building is just that way. Almost across from the military building. Just walk straight that way and you should stumble across it soon enough."
Alexandria watched Aric as he spoke his response to all she had just spilled. Now she contemplated if it was a good idea telling him about Thais. Perhaps not and she wished she could have taken that back now. Though his final words left her with a confused expression. This agreement did not have to happen? Then why had his brother, the king, been so ...nearly demanding of it? She did not comment on that but simply nodded. At last, a servant stepped in carrying two plates and set them down, one in front of each, and then she left again, leaving them in silence. Her eyes glanced down at her plate as she studied what was on it. A meal this fulfilling? She could not remember the last time her stomach was able to handle such a thing. Her hands folded together and she closed her eyes, silently saying a prayer to herself before she lifted her fork from the table and began to move several items of food around on her plate as she thought silently. She realized she hadn't said a word since Aric finished what he said. "What about you, my lord? What are your feelings on everything? What do you wish for? Want to see?... How do you feel of this arrangement? Are you having second thoughts?"
ANNE:
With a smile she reached out and took up the guards hands. "Many thanks unto thee for your kindness, good sir. May God grant thee many a gracious days to come." She didn't release his hands just yet, her dropping into another curtsy, this one a bit short lived then the others before it, her releasing him only when she rose. "Bid thy mistress my blessings, and see to thy own family upon dismissal of post. Good evening, sir." Her right hand then lowered and fingers curled int he heavy fabrics of her gown, listing them slightly as she began her walk down the hall toward where she was previously directed.
ARIC:
He was honestly grateful for the sudden silence. He couldn't even bring himself to thank the server this time as she placed the food before him. Then her voice broke the air and he found that he had flinched slightly, as though startled. Aric had been able to handle the sorrow this held for him, but to realize how far Alexandria's went, it just clearly sent him over the edge of frustration. Edward had demanded and demanded, so lost in some form of greed Aric had never seen before...something he was only beginning to wonder about now. The prince couldn't handle the sudden flow of questions from her, sitting there with his eyes closed while fingers massaged his temples. He couldn't even look at his food, the aroma so welcoming but sickening him at the same time. A few minutes passed with no answer, and just as it might appear as though he was going to completely ignore her, he managed to speak again. "I fought him constantly...refusing to be some pawn of his, to be thrown into some loveless marriage just for the sake of a stronger alliance." His voice was deep, nearly growling with his frustration, but still never raising any higher than normal. Aric was trying...maybe not to be accepted among these people, but to at least be respected and not viewed as some tyrant. How was he to go about explaining this all to her without rambling on in some unnecessary way? Let alone know if she dared to understand, what he thought, was a reason he was forced her. Now he wasn't so sure. He looked to her, some form of apology on his features as he wasn't sure if his semi-fluctuating moods were making any sense to her, or if he was only upsetting her further. Eyes fell to the table once more, voice deepening in his resentment. "I lost my wife to sickness over a year ago. Some claimed I became...careless afterwards, during the war. My brother included." He was careful not to use anything like 'suicidal'. He hadn't been...he just didn't care at the time. Oddly enough, the destruction of Avalendor was giving him some sense of purpose, if nothing else.
ALEXANDRIA:
Her eyes focused downward at her food as that long moment of silence lingered between them. She was beginning to think Aric would leave her questions unanswered. She continued to move her food around on her plate with her fork, suddenly losing whatever appetite she had previously. When he spoke, his voice nearly surprised her because she wasn't expecting an answer. She looked back at him, her eyes searching him as he spoke. Were they pawns for his little game for this alliance? It sort of worried Alexandria further. What would happen if King Edward became angry for whatever reason? Would he really be the type to bring on a war if he did not have his way. Her fork was dropped down onto her plate and now it was her turn to rest elbows on the edge of the table and she slid her forehead against the palms of her hands. She suddenly felt ill. Would this just turn into another situation as Saelis and Lord Aramis was, only this with Tresteria and King Edward?" She felt her eyes well up, and her cheeks flushed red in color. Her stomach churned with fear and nervousness and her hands even began to shake. But she was certain he hadn't noticed because he continued on with telling her of his wife. She lifted her head up, her misty eyes glancing across at him, brows furrowing a bit in a look of disbelief. Was it a coincidence? There was no way Edward knew of Thais, he was just going out on a limb, knowing of Aric's situation and not of hers and assuming that she was single. She bit her lower lip slightly. She didn't know what to do. Part of her wanted to break down and cry right then and there. But the other part of her wanted to just burst out into laughter. It just seemed too... convenient, perhaps. She sat there silently, watching him before she spoke, almost inaudibly. "...So is this his way of trying to push you to move on with your life?"
ARIC:
Her reaction to his words was more than he expected...and he had this sudden need to apologize in order to comfort her in some way, a department he lacked in. Thick brows inched together as he watched her, the way she leaned forward, how she tried not to let those tears fall. She didn't need to express her sudden thoughts for him to grasp a small idea of them...and he, too, began to worry. Worry about his own brother's idea on all of this. Was Aric blind to everything, or was it truly and honestly just a simple coincidence? He found himself leaning forward too, with elbows upon the table, head bowed. "I assume so...I don't know." He corrected his answer quickly after.
ALEXANDRIA:
She slowly nodded. Her eyes stung her from her slight desire to break down into tears. But she did not. After he answered her, she just sat there in silence, her mind racing with various thoughts. She was scared... But from the way he spoke to her and answered her questions, she could tell that he was just as clueless as she was in the matter of what his brother had planned. Slowly, she slid her plate aside, moving it away and she leaned forward, reaching her hands out towards him and she took hold of his. She gave his hands a light and gentle squeeze before she spoke, her voice slightly shaky. "I..." She hesitated at first, but continued slowly. "I am sorry for your loss... And I am sorry your brother has pushed you into this... But I want you to know that if you do not wish to do this, you do not have to... This is my own battle and you should not be forced into the middle of it..." She smiled weakly and pulled her hands back, her eyes moving back down to the table.
ARIC:
There was that momentary stun as she took his hands, drawing his eyes back up to hers quickly while she spoke, her hesitation not going unnoticed. Again, he didn't know what to say. Obviously to some, he had already overstayed his welcomed...but something told him he couldn't simply give in and say goodbye. Perhaps now, he was worried about his brother's reaction. There came a light shake of his head after a moment of thought, "It isn't a matter of wanting, it's the matter of needing to do it..." His words were left up in the air, lingering there over there heads and hinting to some hidden danger they were trying to overlook. But even still, Aric wanted to believe that everything would fine should this so-called engagement be called off. "I made a promise, and I will hold to it. But this is your kingdom, Alexandria...your choice." Dark eyes, seemingly ocher now, tried to gain hers...looking to her with as much sincerity as his words had offered. For now, he wouldn't allow the dark thoughts plague his mind. Brows lifted up in a gesture of understanding, waiting for her agreement, or anything else. It was her choice...he was merely a pawn, after all. An idea he couldn't shake.
ALEXANDRIA:
The prince's fate seemed to be in her hands now, and she hated that. She felt sorry that he felt this was a need and not a matter of wanting. Though he was right. Neither of them wanted this and it was something that needed to be done. He was leaving the choice up to her? When in fact, it was just as much his decision as well. She stared at him for a long moment and then shook her head. "You have just as much decision as I do, my lord. This is not your kingdom that hangs in the balance of things...You do not have to care. You could simply turn your back on us and walk away without a care if you wish. You have every right to and I would not be angry, or bitter...or even blame you for doing so. Please understand that..." She searched him quietly, trying to read him. She was not sure if he realized that choice and power that he held. And if he did, why was he ignoring that and just sticking through with this when he knew he didn't really have to. The people and the lands, she was sure, held very little value to him, or any sentimental feelings, unless she was wrong and in his short visit, he had come to grow fond of torn apart lands. She did not know. And as she sat there, her eyes held question within them, as if asking Aric why he was still here when he did not need to be. It was ultimately up to him.
ARIC:
He did realize it, and the fact of the matter was...he didn't want it. More so, he didn't feel he deserved it. He was nothing but careless during the war, he wasn't bred for this like Edward was...so what right did he have? But by being in Elysium, pawn of his brother or not, he at least felt like he had some sort of purpose besides lounging around in his depression. Yet it didn't help that the queen's worry and sadness seemed to only trigger that at times. It was the chivalric nature deep down that wanted to try and ease that pain which he knew he never could. Those brows furrowed together once again. "You want me to understand and be alright with turning my back? That it's alright to not care?" There was a hint of agitation in his voice, but nothing more than that. "I've been down that road...I've seen it. Many an honorable man has fallen into their own greed, their cowardice." He pushed his plate away like she had before rising from his seat, casually pacing around the end of the table in order to move to her side. "I may not make a great husband," he admitted, "but I'm an able friend." He sighed lightly, seating himself at the edge of the table, throwing away all propriety you were to hold at a dinner table, and looked down to her. He was speaking more freely than he ever had, but the time called for it. It was a heavy decision and concern that had befallen them both. "It is your choice whether you want this marriage to proceed, because either way I will do what I can to help you. Whether it be here or in Tresteria." The current choice may not be what he wanted, and he had basically said that already, but if by him being here constantly would help things, if he could perhaps prove to be a worthy friend he wanted to try and be...then he would stay, without further argument. He might have gone further into explaining his reasonings for wishing to continue the help...but he felt he had spoken too much already and probably lost her in his ramblings.
ALEXANDRIA:
She sat quietly as he spoke his words in agitation. He was right, and she knew it. But most of the men she had come to know, specifically nobles, would have been like that. To just turn their back without a care. She looked, as if sorry she had even accused or assumed him to do such a thing. When she saw and heard him move from his seat and come around the table to stand beside her, she glanced up, watching him as he began his ramblings. His words, however, she found an appreciation for. They meant a lot to her, and had actually caused the faintest smile to touch the corners of her lips. She nodded understandingly and her eyes fell downward once again. "Thank you. I truly appreciate your help... It means the world to me." She played with her own fingers for a moment, fumbling with them in her lap before she glanced back to him and offered him a weak smile. "...If this is something your brother wants. Truly... And there is no other way to earn his aid, than to marry you... Then I can honestly say that I would be honored to be your wife..." She paused, hesitating in her words again, as if she was uncertain that what she had just said was an insult or a compliment. She quietly added. "...You seem like a very kind man... Who is honest and faithful to his word.... And I admire that."
ARIC:
Her light smile was enough to put him at some ease and allow some of the tension to once again disappear. None of this would be easy...but did either of them expect it to? Her first words brought that small smile back to his face; a nod given in return...however, her following words seemed to make it falter and rose up from the edge of the table. Whether she meant it as an insult or not, he wasn't fully offended. How could he be? She only knew of him what he allowed her to see and what he shared during these conversations. Her added words, though, seemed to broaden that smile, one that she might have missed as he turned to draw her plate back in front of her. "Try and eat," he spoke lightly, his words coming out to sound more like a question than what he intended. He knew Alexandria was a lovely woman, but her appearance was beginning to become more unhealthy with each passing day. He'd move to head back to his own seat and attempt to eat as well. He realized how hungry he was now that the heavy burden of worry wasn't weighing down on him as much.
ALEXANDRIA:
Her words were not meant as an insult. They were honest and she meant them. From what she could perceive of him, she could tell he was a good and honorable man. When he smiled first, it put her a bit more at ease and as he pushed her plate towards her, her eyes followed it, wondering if the food was now cold. Did it matter though? Food was food. She hadn't caught glimpse of his smile which broadened, but she was relieved when he sat back down and reached for his own plate. Her fork was lifted between fingers and she slowly stabbed at a piece of chicken on her plate. She smiled softly, her free, forkless hand moving to tuck behind her neck, fingers weaving into her hair as her elbow rested on the edge of the table. If she wanted Aric to learn one thing about her, it was that she was a very laid back, down to earth queen that was very much not like every other arrogant noble woman and she acted more like a commoner and lived amongst her people rather than above them. And above all, she hoped he'd accept that about her. She quietly ate, her eyes every so often glancing over at him. And between a bite, she smirked and spoke in a light, humorous tone. "...So what did my idiot brother say to you, anyway?"
ARIC:
Well, if spending his time at the village in the blistering cold and pouring rain wasn't enough to prove he'd not care for her way of living, then what would? He wasn't a big fan of the bitter winter, but it was something he could deal with if the time called for it. A warm bath didn't hurt either...a luxury not many people had. Yet even through all the devastation he saw, the people were still well provided for (as well as any could be after a war)...and they still smiled, they still laughed. It was almost unfathomable. Amazing really. Alexandria may at times feel like he was failing them...but as far as he could see, she really wasn't. Hopefully one day she would truly understand that. The silence wasn't as awkward anymore...or maybe he was so hungry that he hadn't realized it. But her voice broke through the hair and paused him in mid-chew; brows lifting up in an amused gesture...more at her sudden eagerness to still speak than her words themselves. Finishing the bite of food and taking a sip at the wine, he allowed the small smirk to crease his lips once more. "His greeting to me was a smug question of what I was doing there, at the village...And apparently replying with a 'why not' was the wrong answer." He paused, poking a piece of chicken with his fork. "And I do believe he threatened to kill me with his own hands..." Funny how that was somehow amusing now. There came a light shrug of his shoulders. "He's very protective of you...something I will not shun him for."
ALEXANDRIA:
It was funny how something that once bothered you suddenly and later on became more amusing. As Aric explained to her what happened with her brother, she took another bite of her chicken and chewed it carefully. She grinned slightly and shook her head, her eyes rolling a bit at her brother, Orin. "...Strangely...I can hear his voice saying those exact words to you." Alexandria could imagine the situation as if it were happening right in front of her and it just caused her to shake her head again. "I'm sorry. And yes... He is very protective of me. He had to grow up very fast to take care of me..." She paused, realizing she was coming close to another long story that she wasn't sure Aric would want to hear right now. Perhaps it was a story for another day. So she left it at that. If he wanted to know, she figured he'd ask her what she meant right then and there. But for now, she fell silent again and continued to eat what was on her plate.