Private Tales Another One?

[Esmeralda]

Sung Na turned out to be a decent dancer, Esmerelda was impressed.

"you are not as bad as you say Sung Na." She smiled softly at him.

I have met before, but it was all business

"I agree," Esmerelda was much for relaxed the before. The pair seemed to flow with the music, like water in a stream. "Well my most important thing in my life at the moment is my Kingdom, providing them with the queen they deserve. As for enjoyment, I adore painting and love poetry."

The music continued and Sung Na twirled her lightly and she was back in his arms again , "How about you Sung Na?"

 

[Sung Chei]

Sung Na turned out to be a decent dancer, Esmerelda was impressed.

"you are not as bad as you say Sung Na." She smiled softly at him.

He smiled and managed to look as though he were embarrassed while retaining his composure. "You flatter me my lady."

"I agree," Esmerelda was much for relaxed the before. The pair seemed to flow with the music, like water in a stream. "Well my most important thing in my life at the moment is my Kingdom, providing them with the queen they deserve. As for enjoyment, I adore painting and love poetry."

The music continued and Sung Na twirled her lightly and she was back in his arms again , "How about you Sung Na?"

He smiled. "Well it seems we have a few things in common. I myself appreciate the arts but I don't have much time to paint myself, though I don't think I would be too interested in learning. Poetry is interesting enough, though I haven't read much of it."

"The arts that my family have always stressed is the art of combat. You might not consider it an art, but we certainly do. The word used to refer to such an art means "Perfection of Self" in your language. So mostly I find myself practicing such self-perfection in the spare time I find. Though most of it is spent governing. I'd very much like it if you'd visit my country. I have been impressed by yours, and it is my hope that you find mine equally impressive. I do not mean to sound prideful, but I believe I've managed to help put together quite a magnificent nation."

 

[Esmeralda]

Esmereldas interest was definitely peaked. "As a child my father insisted on training me in hand-to-hand combat."

The tune ended and the next one began. The pair ignored this and continued to dance. She was absolutely thrilled at the idea of going to visit a foreign land. "One of my council men has actually the same beliefs." The sides of her mouth lifted slightly at the thought of Sung Chei. "As for visiting your country, I would love to do so. I am certain it would definitely be as charming and inviting as you have been so far."

 

[Sung Chei]

Esmereldas interest was definitely peaked. "As a child my father insisted on training me in hand-to-hand combat."

He cocked his brow in surprise. "Really? I didn't think many western nations permitted women be taught such a thing. Perhaps at some point we could spar? It may sound a tad inappropriate so I won't be offended if you decline, but I'd be interested in seeing the extent of your skill."

The tune ended and the next one began. The pair ignored this and continued to dance. She was absolutely thrilled at the idea of going to visit a foreign land. "One of my council men has actually the same beliefs." The sides of her mouth lifted slightly at the thought of Sung Chei. "As for visiting your country, I would love to do so. I am certain it would definitely be as charming and inviting as you have been so far."

"It is a ways away sadly so it may take a while for you to plan the trip and make sure the proper arrangements are made for your absence here. But I sincerely hope that you do. I'll be sure that you are shown every hospitality." He said simply. "And your compliments are most appreciated."

 

[Esmeralda]

seeing the extent of your skill."

"We are a kingdom built by vikings and ruled by their blood. With time we did abandon some of the old ways but each royal child must be taught and be tactful in combat. I myself chose in hand to hand as well as archery."

." He said simply. "And your compliments are most appreciated

"Well Sung Na, one never knows. Our future might just require such a trip." She smirked and curtsied as the second tune came to an end.

Aurora brought over a glass of wine for the Queen. "So, what have you got to say?" Esmerelda asked her. She knew Aurora since they were 6 years old and she always had a talent for the most excellent commentary.
"Nothing really, but that last gentleman you danced with is quite the looker." Aurora winked and left her queen who then moved to converse with other nobles.

 

[Sung Chei]

"We are a kingdom built by vikings and ruled by their blood. With time we did abandon some of the old ways but each royal child must be taught and be tactful in combat. I myself chose in hand to hand as well as archery."

He listened intently, and when she told him this he said, "I look forward to seeing this skill in person. Your traditions sound almost identical to my family's, each child is given training starting from the age of five, when you come of age at sixteen you're stripped of everything and sent naked into the mountains with only a spear and told to kill a tiger, and return only after you have it's skin. I know the basics of archery but I've always focused on close combat."

"Well Sung Na, one never knows. Our future might just require such a trip." She smirked and curtsied as the second tune came to an end.

"Perhaps." He bowed with a polite smile.

Aurora brought over a glass of wine for the Queen. "So, what have you got to say?" Esmerelda asked her. She knew Aurora since they were 6 years old and she always had a talent for the most excellent commentary.
"Nothing really, but that last gentleman you danced with is quite the looker." Aurora winked and left her queen who then moved to converse with other nobles.

Other nobles, who didn't stand as suitors, were quick to give their opinions and, while she still hadn't danced with the third suitor, they were almost unanimously of the impression that Sung Na was the choice to make.

 

[Esmeralda]

, and return only after you have it's skin. I know the basics of archery but I've always focused on close combat

"Fortunately enough for me I never had to prace around naked in the woods." Esmerelda let out a giggle.

of the impression that Sung Na was the choice to make

A Duchess in the kingdom, Duchess Trinity Rose, a friend of the queens, caught her alone for a mere moment.
"Well," she raised her glass subtly in Sung Na's direction. "Most of the nobles are quite impressed, the two of you seem to compliment each other quite nicely." Esmerelda blushed slightly, she had the same thought but it could be mere infatuation then anything else.

She was raised to know people often put up a front in order to get what they wanted.
Esmereldas final suitor came forth asking her to dance. "Excuse me Trinity." She set her glass down on a tray one of the servents held and made her way back to the dance floor.

 

[Sung Chei]

"Fortunately enough for me I never had to prace around naked in the woods." Esmerelda let out a giggle.

He chuckled. "Yes, but I was less concerned about dignity and more concerned about keeping pebbles out of my feet. Walking around in the wilds barefoot isn't pleasant."

A Duchess in the kingdom, Duchess Trinity Rose, a friend of the queens, caught her alone for a mere moment.
"Well," she raised her glass subtly in Sung Na's direction. "Most of the nobles are quite impressed, the two of you seem to compliment each other quite nicely." Esmerelda blushed slightly, she had the same thought but it could be mere infatuation then anything else.

She was raised to know people often put up a front in order to get what they wanted.
Esmereldas final suitor came forth asking her to dance. "Excuse me Trinity." She set her glass down on a tray one of the servents held and made her way back to the dance floor.

He took her hand when it was given and lead her away to the dance floor. Ulfred wasn't quite as big around as Dunnard, significantly better looking though maybe not quite so imposing as Sung Na had been. He looked to be a respectable man. And he lead her in dance, he was significantly better than Sung Na so far as the waltz was concerned, but then again he'd probably practiced more too.

"Tell me about yourself Queen Esmeralda. It is a true shame that I do not know much about you."

 

[Esmeralda]

Esmerelda took to the dance floor with Ulfred, he knew what he was doing, but she was still weary of his character - as she was with the previous suitors.

"Well, I enjoy the fine arts and love my kingdom and its people." She watched Ulfred as they moved together. His wealth would be a good asset to her kingdom but she knew she could do without. His reputation proceeded him though.

"Tell me Duke, what are your views when it comes to family as well as loyalty? And what do you wish to gain if you did end up ruling along side me?"

Alongside her, Esmerelda nearly laughed. At this stage of the game, whomever she chose would not be ruling anything. They would simply be a figure head and sire her heirs. She was not about to place her kingdom into the hands of a stanger.

 

[Sung Chei]

Esmerelda took to the dance floor with Ulfred, he knew what he was doing, but she was still weary of his character - as she was with the previous suitors.

"Well, I enjoy the fine arts and love my kingdom and its people." She watched Ulfred as they moved together. His wealth would be a good asset to her kingdom but she knew she could do without. His reputation proceeded him though.

"The fine arts? Such as painting? I myself prefer music, I am no master but I can use the mandolin without much difficulty." He told her. "perhaps you would allow me the privilege of viewing your artwork?"

"Tell me Duke, what are your views when it comes to family as well as loyalty? And what do you wish to gain if you did end up ruling along side me?"

"Family is the single most important thing for any man to have. You and I barely know each other my lady, but if you choose me as your husband, you should have no doubt that I will spare no effort in making the marriage a functioning one. There is nothing that I won't sacrifice for family. As for loyalty, that goes in with my familial ideals. There is no family without loyalty, there is no love without loyalty. It is the glue that holds society together, and therefore is an indispensable ideal to hold oneself to."

(Sorry for the delay.)

 

[Milo]

"The fine arts? Such as painting? I myself prefer music, I am no master but I can use the mandolin without much difficulty." He told her. "perhaps you would allow me the privilege of viewing your artwork?"



"Family is the single most important thing for any man to have. You and I barely know each other my lady, but if you choose me as your husband, you should have no doubt that I will spare no effort in making the marriage a functioning one. There is nothing that I won't sacrifice for family. As for loyalty, that goes in with my familial ideals. There is no family without loyalty, there is no love without loyalty. It is the glue that holds society together, and therefore is an indispensable ideal to hold oneself to."

(Sorry for the delay.)

( no worries )
"You can view my art if you play me a tune or two." Esmerelda smiled.

Esmerelda was surprised at his answer regarding family and loyalty. "I fully agree, thank you Duke Ulfred."

"Do you have anything you with ti ask me ?"

 

[Esmeralda]

( sorry answered eith wrong character )

 

[Sung Chei]

( no worries )

(Thanks)

"You can view my art if you play me a tune or two." Esmerelda smiled.

"I'd be happy to, though I doubt you'll be impressed, I'm no minstrel." He smiled back.

Esmerelda was surprised at his answer regarding family and loyalty. "I fully agree, thank you Duke Ulfred."

"No need to thank me for my opinion." He said simply. "Though I'm glad that we see eye to eye on this particular matter."

"Do you have anything you with ti ask me ?"

"What are your views on marriage?"

 

[Esmeralda]

"What are your views on marriage?"

Esmerelda was sure watch her tongue with such a question, thus she would not reveal her true thoughts.
" I believe marriage is quite beautiful union that should always be respected regardless of the situation. Unity, honesty and trust I believe is the foundation of any marriage."

Esme started to grow tired, after their dance ended she decided to quickly slip away, fifteen minutes maximum - she was certain no one would notice.
She was relieved to get away, even if it was for a small amount of time. Esmerelda made to the staircase leading to the guard towers which opened to the look out points of her castle. There she stood, simply taking in the fresh air, a small breeze tip toed through the air. It softly blew her hair. Below one could see the lights of the kingdom illuminate the world outside of her castle. She imagined families snuggled up by the fire, probably a brawl occurring in one or two taverns and many other scenarios.
Regardless, she peered into the darkness and simply enjoyed the moment.

 

[Sung Chei]

Esmerelda was sure watch her tongue with such a question, thus she would not reveal her true thoughts.
" I believe marriage is quite beautiful union that should always be respected regardless of the situation. Unity, honesty and trust I believe is the foundation of any marriage.

"On that we also agree. I believe that marriage requires sacrifice, from both parties. It is that sacrifice that grows into love. I am not so stupid as to presume you are excited to marry, my lady. I know all too well that it is not something one looks forward to when it is done for politics. But I can promise you, I'll spare no effort to make you happy, and the marriage work."

There was an unspoken "if" in that sentence. He wasn't talking as though it was already decided, but rather a promise that he'd keep if they married.

 

[Esmeralda]

Esme thought about what Alfred had said. He was very possible to being the man she would marry, along side Sung Na.
The Baron though, Esmerelda wasnt to keen on the idea of a marriage with him.

Esmerelda took one last look around. She wondered where Sung Chei had posted himself.

She collected her thoughts and slowly made her way back to the ball room. Each suitor was required to present a gift to the queen. Afterwards, there would be a feast in the great hall for all those who attended. Esmerelda and her suitors would be placed at a seperate table, overlooking the entire room.

 

[Sung Chei]

Esmerelda took one last look around. She wondered where Sung Chei had posted himself.

She'd see him s short ways off. Actually on one of the roofs. Looking right at her. He was watching her. Not to be creepy but to be protective. He was a thorough one.

She collected her thoughts and slowly made her way back to the ball room. Each suitor was required to present a gift to the queen. Afterwards, there would be a feast in the great hall for all those who attended. Esmerelda and her suitors would be placed at a seperate table, overlooking the entire room.

She came in, and the first to present her with a gift was the baron. He gave to her three, magnificent, white steeds of the finest thoroughbred line. And with them came Bejeweled tack and harness for the horses, as well as silk blankets for them.

The Duke was next. Coming forward he offered her a ring. It was delicate and light, shining and dignified but simple. And with it he offered her a necklace of silver decorated with diamonds.

Then Sung Na stepped forward. The eastern warlord had two of his guard bring forward a chest. Inside of which were eight dresses of fine eastern silk. Each on a different colour. And each made in the eastern style. And with them cave several brooches of jade, white jade, blue jade and green jade. And lastly he gave her a sword. It was straight, narrow bladed and light, but well made, and clearly battle ready, but also had jade and gold inlaid into its hilt and blade.

 

[Esmeralda]

Esmerlda was dazzeled by each and every gift she received, yet she remained dignified, smiled and thanked each man.

It was then announced that they would move to the great hall for a feast which would be the end of that evenings facilities.

The guests made their way in, all three suitors took their seats at a separate table.
As the queen entered everyone stood until she herself was seated. With a nod of the head everyone sat once again.

Right on que servents entered the hall, carrying trays of food where even just the sent would make one drool. The food was placed at each seating and the servents moved to the side, jugs at the ready full of the finest wine if any of Esmereldas guests required a refill.

Aurora was first to test her queens food, at such a grand event anything was possible. Normally nothing would occur but unfortunately tragedy had struck, Aurora began coughing violently after just one sip of the queens wine, her nose began to bleed and there was an uproar.
Esmereldas guards surrounded her, this was an assasination attempt, very sly - make Esmereldas sick, die of "natural" causes and then a man could take the throne....most likely one of her uncles.

The great hall had turned into absolute chaos.

"GET AURORA TO THE HEALER," Esmerelda shouted.

That evening had turned out to not be as quite festive as one would assume...

 

[Sung Chei]

Aurora was first to test her queens food, at such a grand event anything was possible. Normally nothing would occur but unfortunately tragedy had struck, Aurora began coughing violently after just one sip of the queens wine, her nose began to bleed and there was an uproar.
Esmereldas guards surrounded her, this was an assasination attempt, very sly - make Esmereldas sick, die of "natural" causes and then a man could take the throne....most likely one of her uncles.

He saw this, and instantly he dashed for the ballroom. He had some servants to question. He avoided the dining hall, one, because Sung Na was in there, two, she was safe enough with her guards, three, the assassin had doubtlessly left the room beforehand to observe from afar and leave to report success or failure to their patron.

He had to question the servants because they tended to see more than anyone else, aside from maybe rangers or spies. And they themselves tended to go unnoticed. So they'd have more information than guards would, since the guards are what the assassin was likely looking to avoid, servants would be lower on their list of priorities to avoid, meaning a servant was more likely to see something than a guard.

He sent out a few of the guards throughout the castle to gather the servants together for individual questioning. They needed information.

The great hall had turned into absolute chaos.

"GET AURORA TO THE HEALER," Esmerelda shouted.

That evening had turned out to not be as quite festive as one would assume...

Sung Na ordered his guards to secure the area, and the other two followed suit. Esmeralda's guards protected her, the suitors' guards made sure nobody left and noone came in. They also searched for places an assassin might hide.

Sung Na himself stood and went with his guards to secure the dining hall.

 

[Esmeralda]

The guards escorted Esmerelda to her chambers, four had been stationed by her door and two inside her chamber.

Esmerelda could not give a moments thought that someone tried to assinate her, her worries lay with Aurora - many saw her has a mere lady in waiting but to Esme, Aurora was the closest thing she had to family.

She needed to know that her friend was okay.

After circling around her room for a good twenty minutes she decided enough was enough. She was going to see Aurora.

Much to her guards disagreement Esmerelda orderd them to get out of her way, just like that she dashed through the castle, bobbing between servents, guards and guests alike until she reached the healers quarters.

She collected herself before entering. "All of you stay outside," she stated to her guards and closing the doors infront of their faces not even waiting for a response.



"My Queen," the castles healer bowed his head and stood up from Auroras bedside.

"How is she Richard?"

"You got her to me fast enough my queen, another ten minutes and she would have been lost."

"Thank you Richard, please, give us a moment." Esmerelda moved to her friends side, down on both knees she cupped on of Auroras hands in both of her own. She was sound asleep and Esme sat by her side, not caring for anything else."

 

[Sung Chei]

Sung Chei got busy asking the servants what they might have seen. Who was where and who might've been able to get into the wine room at what time. And if anyone had been acting strange, or if there was someone they didn't recognize in the castle recently.

Sung Na was working with Esme's captain of the guard to secure the city and make sure noone left. And securing the places in the city itself that might harbor assassins.

When Sung Chei's interrogations were complete and he had answers he went to Esme's chambers to speak with her, only to hear that she was visiting Aurora. So he went to the infirmary to bring her the information.

(You can decide what he's found)

 

[Esmeralda]

Esmerelda turned to the sound of the chamber doors opening, frustrated," I said leave us." Then she saw Sung Chei, frustration turned to worry.

"What is it? Did you find anything?"

Sung Chei relayed the information. One of her uncles lackies had entered the castle posing as a servent and had poisoned her glass, he had obviously over done it because the posion wasnt ment to take immediate effect, Esmerelda was ment to slowly fade and seemingly die of "natural" causes.

"I cannot believe this," arms crossed she circled the room. "Do they relize this is a reason to start war?" Esmerelda looked Sung Chei straight in his eyes and went silent for what seemed like forever. Snapping out of it she realized they were interuppting Auroras rest and she motioned that they leave the room.

The commotion and seemed to have calmed down, "I would not be surprised if each of my suitors decided to pull out." They headed in the direction of her study. Esmerldas mind whirled about thoughts of possible outbreaks of war, losing each of her suitors, more threats of war due to her not marrying...

 

[Sung Chei]

The commotion and seemed to have calmed down, "I would not be surprised if each of my suitors decided to pull out." They headed in the direction of her study. Esmerldas mind whirled about thoughts of possible outbreaks of war, losing each of her suitors, more threats of war due to her not marrying...

"I would be." He informed her. "The Duke and baron maybe, but not my brother. He's far more likely to bring in his armies to fight your uncle on your behalf. Which would accomplish a few things, one it would show his strength and capability, two he'd avenge you and Aurora which is liable to get him favour with the public, and he will establish that he can protect your people and you, so it will leave him as the most tempting suitor. If the other two back out its even better for him, and it will likely warn the other two off if they would think of going to war over your hand. No, my brother has everything to gain here for very little risk, he won't back out."

 

[Esmeralda]

( sorry for only answering now, my phone didnt notify me that you answered)

 

[Esmeralda]

"I would be." He informed her. "The Duke and baron maybe, but not my brother. He's far more likely to bring in his armies to fight your uncle on your behalf. Which would accomplish a few things, one it would show his strength and capability, two he'd avenge you and Aurora which is liable to get him favour with the public, and he will establish that he can protect your people and you, so it will leave him as the most tempting suitor. If the other two back out its even better for him, and it will likely warn the other two off if they would think of going to war over your hand. No, my brother has everything to gain here for very little risk, he won't back out."

"Im sorry your what now?" Esmerelda stopped in her tracks.

This was a whole new load of information, Sung Chei and Sung Na....brothers..
.but then that ment Sung Chei most probably had a title of some sort.

"When were you planning on telling me Sung Na is your brother?" She raised a quizzical eyebrow.

Besides this new information Sung Na had become the top of Esmereldas list so far. Now she could also get to know more about him seeing as her closest ally was her most promising suitors brother.

She could only hope for the best.