Open Chronicles Welcome to Route

[Esmeralda]

Esmerelda was still in shock after the dance had ended. It was nothing she had witnessed or participated in before but she loved every second.
She felt a hand now lightly touch her elbow and turned to see one of her council elders.
"It is time."
Esmerleda nodded her head and took her seat, the Elder now standing along side her throne. The room fell silent.

He cleared his throat,
"This night history is to be made," he motioned to servents standing in the wing.
They brought forward a glass bowel and placed it on a cement podium that had been placed on the small stage during the ball.
Another carried a box seemingly made completely of gold and placed it in the Elders hands.
The Elder opened the box, resting in its velvet interior was a Panite the size of the average human palm. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and used it to pick up the rare stone, placing it in the glass bowl.
Next a dagger embedded in jewls was handed to the Elder.

"Route is now to crown it's first female sole ruler," applause filled throughout the room.
Esmerelda stood from her throne and walked forward towards the bowel and was handed the dagger.

"As tradition dictates," the Elder continued. "At the coronation of each ruler, they are to spill blood on the Panite. This is a custom taking place from when the Routiens crowned their first King. The blood of the new ruler pouring over the stone symbolizes their joining of their spirit with those who came before in hopes that each of those who had a hand in creating our great kingdom passes on wisdom."

The elder now turned to the Princess, "Your Majesty," he took a knee and the rest of the ballroom followed.

Esmerelda took the dagger and cut a line down her palm, making a fist, she allowed droplets of blood to wash over the stone.

"I , Esmerelda Sophia Le Roux The First, Crowned Princess of Route, oath to lead to the best of my abilities. To always ensure each decision I make is for the best of my people. I vow to lay down my life and take up my sword for my kingdom and to honour our allies."
Esmerelda spoke with power, determination and pure honesty.
"I give my life to my Kingdom and am honoured to be crowed its Queen."

She opened her bleeding hand, the stone now covered in blood. The Elder wrapped her wound in the same handkerchief used to pick up the stone. Esmerelda now knelt down on both knees.

On of the council men emerged from the wings carry a pillow, which upon it lay a gorgeous crown. The Elder removed her tiara and placed it in a box that had been brought forward by another servent.
Lightly he picked up the crown, showing it to the audience.

It was gorgeous, made up of jewels, diamonds and crystals, and in the centre a piece that seemed to take shape of a half moon, also symbolic to her ancestors who had arrived in the dead of night, their only guiding light on the open ocean being that of the moon.



"You may rise," the Elder spoke now to the new queen.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you,"

Esmerelda stood slowly, her chin high.

"Her Majesty, Queen Esmerelda Sophia Le Roux the First."
The room erupted in applause and cheers.
A small tear trickled down Esmerledas face.

The music once again began to play.

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

Valdr would only smile at the future Queen, still in shock. And when she was pulled away, he would look back to where Azlat was and seeing her in discussion with Ford, he felt she was in good hands, at least for the moment. He would ease his way through the crowd, an easy feat as some clapped him on the back for either his handling of Quinton or his dance.

When everyone kneeled, so would he, though his gaze was fixed on locating Quinton. He had fallen somewhere into the middle of the group. When she was crowned, he would clap and rise to his feet with the others.

He would then step forward and draw his sword slowly from its scabbard, before kneeling at her feet. "My Queen." He would say loud enough for all to hear. "So long as you sit on this throne, I will always ride to the aid of Route. If by my life or my death I can protect you, I will. You have my sword."

Some of guests would cheer and applaud as the first person to swear fealty to her crown did. Rising to his feet, he would sheath his sword, his voice now only low enough for her. "You have honored me with the last dance predating your rule, now I ask that you honor me the first dance of your rule." He would then offer her his arm.

Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux Azlat Ushus Jacob Ford

 

[Nycto]

Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux Quinton Van Rensburg Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar Azlat Ushus Jacob Ford (sorry for the long wait from me, had a lot going on)

Nycto watched over the party , scanning it, looking over all of the people in it, making a mental note of all of the people in the party. He examined all of them, sized them up, making a log of all the people in the party. This crowd was certainly... interesting, to say the least. He walked through the crowds looking around, scanning and keeping watch. Nycto got lots of weird looks from the crowd dressed up in fancy clothes, mostly at his mask and strange clothing, but Nycto was used to that, especially from the high society types.

Nycto noticed Jacob Ford standing next to Azlat Ushus . Now those two... Nycto could practically smell the power radiating off of them. They were... different, Nycto could sense it. They were different from the rest of the crowd. They were... like him.

Nycto walked over to the two, approaching them. He could sense the darkness on Jacob Ford , they were a lot alike.

"I hope you two are enjoying your time here." Nycto said, nodding at them. "I could... sense your power from across the room, both of you. The name's Nycto." Nycto turned to Jacob Ford . "You... you are like me. I can sense your darkness. We are much the same, both creatures of darkness, both cursed with the dark. You and I will get along well." Nycto then turned to Azlat Ushus . "You... are very powerful. I can sense your power. You are blessed, I can tell that much, blessed by the divines. We are also, much the same. You... I can sense it, you carry a blessing from a god. I can tell, because I also carry something from a god. I can sense others like us. I am certain you all can... sense something amiss yourselves. Something is wrong here... a trouble is brewing..."

"Keep an eye out for me, will you? Enjoy yourselves, let's hope today goes well..." Nycto said, nodding, before walking off.

Nycto walked through the crowd. He saw Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux on the ballroom floor, dancing with a man, Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar . She seemed to be enjoying herself. Nearby, Quinton Van Rensburg seemed furious. He could possibly he trouble...

Then, one of the Elders approached Esmerelda, and touched her on the shoulder, leading her to her throne. Nycto followed after her, walking behind her. As she sat in the throne, Nycto stood next to the throne, standing on the side opposite of the Elder. Nycto stood at attention, standing stiff, with his arms behind his back, facing forward towards the crowd.

Nycto watched as the ceremony began, multiple items being brought out.

They brought forward a glass bowel and placed it on a cement podium that had been placed on the small stage during the ball.

As the bowl was brought out, Nycto and 3 other guards stepped forward towards the bowl. They stopped, and turned in sync, lining the sides of the podium, facing the bowl, standing stiff at attention in a double column. Nycto had the guards practice this a lot, in preparation for the ceremony. Esmerelda stepped forward towards the bowl, and Nycto and the guards dropped to one knee, bowing their heads as she walked past them to the bowl.

"I , Esmerelda Sophia Le Roux The First, Crowned Princess of Route, oath to lead to the best of my abilities. To always ensure each decision I make is for the best of my people. I vow to lay down my life and take up my sword for my kingdom and to honour our allies. I give my life to my Kingdom and am honoured to be crowed its Queen."

Nycto watched as the Elder removed her tiara, and removed the crown from the pillow, showing it to the audience. As the crown was placed on her head, Nycto and the other guards rose. They drew their weapons, and held them down into the floor in fealty. Esmerelda rose, and the Elder declared her the new Queen, and the crowd erupted in cheers and celebration. He saw a small tear trickle down Esmerelda's face.

Nycto stepped next to her, touching her on the shoulder lightly. "If your father were here, he'd probably be bursting down in tears. He always talked about this day excitedly. I know he would be so proud of you to see you right now." He told her, reassuringly. "He always was such a softie for you." He chuckled.

Then, someone stepped forward, it was the same man from earlier that she was dancing with. He watched the man pull out his sword, and Nycto reached for his dagger. But then the man kneeled down, and Nycto relaxed a bit.

"So long as you sit on this throne, I will always ride to the aid of Route. If by my life or my death I can protect you, I will. You have my sword."

Nycto breathed a sigh of relief. Perfect, people were already swearing loyalty to her. That was good. People were already on her side.

As the man offered her a dance, Nycto sensed something, though. Something dark and menacing... Approaching slowly. Something with nefarious intentions... He could sense things like that, but where it was coming from he had no idea.

This was going to be an interesting party...

 

[Esmeralda]

see you right now." He told her, reassuringly. "He always was such a softie for you.

"Thank you Nycto, not only for your kind words but also for all the effort you have put in leading up to my coronation." She took his hand a gave it a slight squeeze. "We must speak after this dance," she whispered softly.

u have honored me with the last dance predating your rule, now I ask that you honor me the first dance of your rule." He would then offer her his arm.

She look now at Randvaldr Tal'deneshaar, "your sword is an honour Lord." With that she placed her palm lightly on his forearm and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor.
Before the pair even reached the floor properly a commotion could be heard coming from the passages.
Esmerleda whipped around in the direction of the noise, she than gave Nycto a knowing look to follow her.
"Please excuse me Lord," with that she left with a quick pace, out of the ballroom and into one if the passage ways, out of earshot of any of those in the ballroom.


"What in the dragon moon is going on!" She spotted Rayden Rayes, one of her most trusted warriors and private spy.

 

[Valentina]

"Your Majesty," Rayden gave the queen a quick bow. "He got the upper hand on Weasley, he was on his way into the ballroom when one of the guards nabbed him."

Struggeling a few feet behind Rayden was none other then Esmerledas cousin, Killian Grey.

Esmerleda was infuriated, "Why in the seven hells would you put Weasley on watch over him?" She glared daggers at Killian. "Weasley has been with us for less then a month!" The Queen was not impressed to say the least.

"Ah hem," Killian cleared his throat. "You do know my father would have reasons to declare you throwing me in some smelly old dungeon a act of war don't you darling cousin?" He taughnted, knowing he was right.

"Uncuff the little bastard Rayden." Esmerelda turned, about to make her way back to the ballroom.
"And trust me Killian, if you try anything." She now looked over her shoulder to him as she spoke her last words, "you will regret it."

"You will be joining us the rest of the evening Rayden," Esmerelda stated before dissapearing around a corner.



"So Rayden," Killian began. "How does it feel knowing you and my cousin cannot prance around in the shadows anymore?" He flashed a viscious smirk as Rayden unlocked his shacles.
"I have no idea what you are on about Killian." With that Rayden dropped the shackles, shoved Killian forward and the pair entered the ballroom, Killian pranced away, surely with the intent to stir the pot, and Rayden found himself a goblet of fine and a pilliar to lean against, sullen and quite as always, there he planned to stand until the evening came to an end.

 

[Jacob Ford]

“I am no creat͠ur͜e.

A light smile adorned Jacob's lips.
"We are all creatures priestess. We are just of different kinds."
Goblins, elves, dragons, vampires, witches... Humans included, were all different types of creatures. At least that's the way Jacob saw it.

“I am human, really. But also blessed with the b͞lǫo͜d̀ of the descenda͞n̛ts of our god, the Holy Elder Dragon.”

A human with dragon blood. Now that was a first for Jacob. His eyes widened with shock as he processed the information.
"In all my years of existence, I have never come across a creature like you."
How did that even come to be possible. But then again, it was said in his time that it was impossible to be both vampire and werewolf.
"How does it feel? Being a dual creature."
Jacob met her gave waiting for a reply..

But then, he turns away his gaze to scan the room. Something dark has enter the ball room. The aura and scent are all perfect give aways.
Now that's a powerful one... Jacob thought to himself.

Soon enough, the person belonging to the dark feeling, shows himself. Oddly dressed, with a mask, the slim looking man introduced himself as Nycto.

"You... you are like me. I can sense your darkness. We are much the same, both creatures of darkness, both cursed with the dark. You and I will get along well."

"Call me Jacob, Nycto." Jacob responded with a nod.
"Certainly! I can sence your darkness too... Although I have never seen your type of creature."

Something is wrong here... a trouble is brewing..."

"Ahhh... You sence it as well.." Jacob gave a light smile before taking a sip from his glass.
"Rest assured my good man, we will keep an eye out." He said again, with a wink

Just as Nycto walked away, the crowing ceremony began. Rather short and straight to the point, Jacob found it pleasant.
With the dripping of the pricess' blood on the sacred stone, the aroma flooded Jacob's mind and thoughts as he once again sort to control himself.
Rising to their feet with loud claps, Jacob joins the crowd as he makes his way towards the new queen.

Sir Valdr already pledged his loyalty to the new queen, and even asked for the honor to be her partner in her first dance as queen.
You work rather quickly, young knight.. These thoughts danced in Jacob's head as he made his way to the Queen.
"As the valiant knight pledges to be at her magesty's service, so too do I pledge to be your angel in the shadows." Jacob said this, he takes a knee and bows his head.

Just as the queen was being escorted to the dance floor, a sudden commotion outside draws everyone's attention. Jacob is immediately on high alert.
The queen storms out of the ball room. Without following outside, Jacob listened in on the entire conversation. Cousin huh? Sounds like trouble... Jacob thought to himself.

The queen walked back into the ball room and and the so called cousin, Killian, followed in shortly afterafter along with Rayden who remained by a pillar.
Jacob immediately had his eyes on Killian...

I got my eyes on you, boy...

 

[Azlat Ushus]

"We are all creatures priestess. We are just of different kinds."

As she expected, Jacob meant no offence though his statement. The term ‘creature’ was a term these northerners used to refer to the different peoples dwelling here, as far as she could ascertain. Still, he seemed shocked at the stated truth. Unsurprising when she was among the first Thagretans to walk their lands.

His next question bid a pause from her:

"How does it feel? Being a dual creature."

When Azlat thought of dual creatures, she imagined the impoverished half-breeds of Thagretis. Draconic blood was a commonality of all of the city’s human denizens, she believed, as all were descendants of Him. Azlat herself happened to be blessed further, with not just the blood of a dragon in her veins, but the eyes of one in her head.

“Dual? No, we are all His children, whether ackno̶̩̓wledged or no̷t̷. We of Thagretis happen to be bl͜essed with His draconic blood; myse͙lf more so. It is that my lineag̸̨͝e carries such a quantity that I was born with draconic eyes.” Azlat explained to the curious Jacob. Unexpected as the oppertunity to preach was, she was happy for it.

The next to approach was an odd man in a mask. An insightful one, with observations to share:

"You... are very powerful. I can sense your power. You are blessed, I can tell that much, blessed by the divines. We are also, much the same. You... I can sense it, you carry a blessing from a god. I can tell, because I also carry something from a god. I can sense others like us. I am certain you all can... sense something amiss yourselves. Something is wrong here... a trouble is brewing..."

He spoke of similarity between them, telling her of his own connection to a god. It was doubtful that Nycto referred to Darkormir, and perhaps it was a reference to one of their northern false gods. What little she knew of those had been learned in an altercation with Celestialists on her arrival, who did not care for unfiltered divine truth. Nonetheless, she did sense great power emanating from Nycto, but what it was remained a mystery.

The other agreed, and Azlat did too. Though she often felt uneasy wherever she went in these strange lands. She had, moments ago feared for her life. For no reason, as it had turned out.

“Something doesn't se̷em to be right here, no.”

The soon to be Queen approached the stage, and the elder both announced and explained the ritual to follow. There was to be bloodletting, with Princess Esmerelda's staining the stone in a ceremonial display of reference and reverence for those who had ruled in ages past. Azlat found the noted the similarity between their two cultures interesting. But her contemplation was broken by the sudden kneeling of the crowd, and she too took a knee as she'd learned to do before.

"You may rise," the Elder spoke now to the new queen.

Well, thankfully that part was announced. Azlat rose to her feet alongside the rest, catching sight of the newly crowned queen before the crowd, and she looked as beautiful as she'd been kind.

Yet, a commotion caught the new Queen's attention, and bid her remarkable and hasty departure from the scene. Shortly after, the Queen returned with two men in tow, and even one as foreign to these customs and concepts as Azlat was could tell matters weren't quite right...

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

As they prepared to dance, a commotion caught the Queens interest, something had pulled her away. Odd, that's what advisors were for, dealing with such issues. Either way, it seemed to bother her and he just bowed his head. "I will wait for your return, m'lady." His hand would give hers resting atop his arm a squeeze.

Once she had headed off, his gaze would seek out Quinton. Perhaps the coward had schemes playing out. His gaze fell on the worm of a man and once he had made his gaze, Valdr would wipe at his lip to signal to the Duke he had missed a spot with the blood. Angry men foiled themselves and he hoped that the Duke would unravel his own plans.

When the Queen returned, she has two men on tow, possibly both were the cause for the commotion. And when she returned he offered her that warm smile. "Everything okay, my Queen?" He would ask, as his arm was re-offered. It appeared several men played to their own songs. They would all have to be dealt with apparently.

Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux Jacob Ford Nycto Azlat Ushus

 

[Nycto]

Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux Quinton Van Rensburg Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar Azlat Ushus Jacob Ford Rayden Rayes

"Thank you Nycto, not only for your kind words but also for all the effort you have put in leading up to my coronation." She took his hand a gave it a slight squeeze.

Nycto nodded. "Of course. Today was a special day. Your father would have wanted everything to go perfectly.: He replied.

"We must speak after this dance,"

Nycto nodded in affirmation. "Yes, we must." He said.

Nycto watched as she walked off with the man requesting a dance from her. Thank the divines, today could actually be going smoothly. Plus it looked like Esmerelda already had some suitors, which was a good thing. He'd have to keep his eye on those suitors though... they seemed to be... tense, close to their breaking point. Who knew when a conflict would escalate.

Then, as if to spite him, something happened. Nycto felt... a disturbance. He could sense something amiss. Then, he heard a loud noise, and quickly snapped his head towards it. He saw Esmerelda give him a look to follow her, and Nycto hurried after her, following after her. He watched the events unfold, standing next to Esmerelda, his hand on the hilt of his blade.

"What in the dragon moon is going on!"

"Your Majesty," Rayden gave the queen a quick bow. "He got the upper hand on Weasley, he was on his way into the ballroom when one of the guards nabbed him."

Nycto looked at Killian Grey . This was one of Esmerelda's cousins... Nycto knew her uncles would be trying to make this evening sour by trying to do something nefarious. Nycto looked at Killian, sizing him up.

"Ah hem," Killian cleared his throat. "You do know my father would have reasons to declare you throwing me in some smelly old dungeon a act of war don't you darling cousin?" He taughnted, knowing he was right.

Nycto stepped toward Killian, unsheathing his knife. His mask hovered in front of Killian's face, staring blankly at the man, the knife in Nycto's hand pressed against Killian's chest. Nycto looked at him silently, staring at him.

"Perhaps your father will be too busy focusing on trying to keep you from choking on your own blood after I cut your tongue out." Nycto told him, calmly, nonchalantly, yet coldly.

"Uncuff the little bastard Rayden."

Nycto turned and looked at Esmerelda. Really? She was just going to uncuff him? Well, it was her wish. Nycto stepped back to Esmerelda's side, sheathing his knife, yet still keeping his watch on Killian. He wasn't going to let him out of his watch.

"And trust me Killian, if you try anything." She now looked over her shoulder to him as she spoke her last words, "you will regret it."

Nycto continued staring down Killian. Esmerelda was right. If Killian tried anything... Nycto would make sure he wouldn't get very far.

You will be joining us the rest of the evening Rayden,"

Nycto followed Esmerelda back, walking alongside her. "Are you sure that's the best idea? He seems like a crafty one... I don't like just letting him wander around." Nycto told her, telling her what he thought. "Want me to keep an eye on him?"

 

[Esmeralda]

to keep an eye on him?"

"Of course keep an eye on him, between you and Rayden him causing trouble and getting away with it is not likey. And I had to let him go Nycto, if word gets back to my Uncles that he was here and I kept him in the dungeons it will cause problems." She now whipped around, "To answer your other question, Killian is a little twit with no regard for loyalty. He is a trouble maker and a pain in my ass. Also, watch who he speaks with, we do not know how many spies my Uncles have running around."

Everything okay, my Queen?" He would ask, as his arm was re-offered. It appeared several men played to their own songs. They would all have to be dealt with apparent

Esmerelda joined Rangvaldr once again. "Yes thank you, now how about that dance?" She offered him a smile but all the while she kept an eye on Killian.

 

[Killian Grey]

Killian continued prancing around the ballroom without a care in the world, then, through the crowd he spotted someone.

Azult.

He made his way over to her. "Hello Darling, I am Killian Grey." He took her hand and kissed it, looking up at her. "Would the Lady bless me with her name?" He flashed a flirtatious grin.
A servent passed by with more wine, Killian saw Azults glass was empty and took her a new one, along with one for himself and offered it to her,
"Wine?" He asked, but it sounded more of a statement. All the while Killian still smirked, not once breaking eye contact.

 

[Azlat Ushus]

Before Rangvaldr would return, another would be the one to approach her. It was the same man that Queen Esmerelda had just slipped away to retrieve, and no one seemed to pleased with his arrival. Particularly the Queen herself, and the fuss that she and Nycto made seemed concerning.

As did his greeting, referring to her as ‘Darling.’ Rangvaldr at least had been courteous enough to refer to her by her noble rank of ‘priestess’, which this man did not. The creep from before that Rangvaldr chased off had more manners, even if that one lacked sensibility. Before she even knew who he was, he’d wanted to know her name. What Azlat could gleam from his expression was rather telling. Ugh. She knew that look.

As was the unexpected press of his lips against her hand, which he took in hers before she even knew it. A disdainful gaze was made while her body stiffened up for a moment in discomfort before she recomposed herself.

“Priestess Ushus, of Thagretis.” Came her stoic reply. She felt disinclined to give him her first name. Besides, the oaf could clearly stand for some review of how nobles ought to address one another. Manners were found further wanting when he took it upon himself to refill her wine glass. Or rather, took it upon himself to request a servant do so when she could have easily asked herself.

She did thank the servant.

Azlat looked to the glass, and then to the man whose name she still did not know, and didn’t really care to. He seemed to be of the idea that she ought to be happy to meet him. Really, he’d merely signaled to her that he was going to be a nuisance that she’d now have to contend with.

“Wine?” He stated. There was no elaboration, just a single word like he was a toddler learning to speak for the first time. And that is exactly how she would regard him by her reply.

“Correct; this is wine.” Azlat responded, flatly. She knew full well what this one wanted, and she wasn’t about to encourage it. She knew his type, and if she gave him even the slightest encouragement he’d ruin her entire evening, instead of simply ruining this moment.

Unimpressed, unenthused and with eyes directly on him, Azlat obligingly awaited the inevitable request to dance.

 

[Jacob Ford]

The queen was back by Valdr's side, and was getting ready to begin the dance with him.
Nycto was also once again in the ball room. And Rayder was by a pillar.

Now then, back to the priestess... Jacob thought to himself as he qweezed through the crowd. For a moment, Jacob halted in his tracks as he spotted Killian standing in from of the priestess.
What in the world are you up to...

"Forgive my short absence my lady..." Jacob said as he approached them. He gave a slight nod at Killian acknowledging his presence.
"...Now how about that dance." He added, looking knowingly at Azlat.

Jacob didn't like the vibes he was getting from Killian. Just standing by him, he could sense an air of mischief.

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

Valdr would grace the Queen with a smile before guiding her back to the dance floor. He noticed her gaze on Killian and his eyes followed briefly. The dog was now bothering Azlat.. more teeth would need to be arranged it appeared.. then he noticed the faint resemblance between Killian and Esme.. they were related.

"A cousin, perhaps?" He would offer to Esmeralda, before nodding to the minstrels, who once more began to perform a song of his lands. His hand would find itself once more between her shoulder blades as he pulled her close to him, his other hand taking hers. "If you would like me to deal with it, you need only ask."

His gaze would now once more fix on hers as he guided her across the dance floor. "If I may, my Queen.. it appears there are those that wish to contend with your crown. You need to win the hearts of the people with your first acts. I would suggest three things: A celebration in the coming week celebrating your people, a friendly duel between a champion of your choosing and some of your rivals or even a tournament, and offering the Priestess to bring some of her people here and share her faith. The first endears them, the second entertains them whilst embarrassing the rivals, and the final sets the tone for growth with them. Win the people, you force the Council into approving of you." He would offer before dropping her into another tight dip.

"I pray your forgiveness if I have overstepped.. I just want you to have a painless transition of power. A bloodless one." He would spin her out, but instead of timing it with the ending of the song, he would pull her back, the spin ending so her back was to him and the hand at her shoulder blades was now at her hip.

"And if you will have me, I will extend my stay here for some weeks.. and provide help in any way you wish.. whether for my sword, my counsel, or even just to breathe." He would whisper into her ear, with how close they were. He would then spin her in place, for a final tight dip as the music stopped.

Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux Azlat Ushus Jacob Ford Nycto

 

[Esmeralda]

As the dance came to an end Esmerelda placed her hand on his forearm, "Let us speak on the balcony."

She led him outside, the light from the ballroom illuminating where they would stand.

"Lord Rangvaldr, I appreciate all of your suggestions and ideas. Truly. But I must adivse you," She took a step close to him, her face stoic and voice blunt, "do not attempt to tell me how to run my Kingdom and win the hearts of my people who I have both grown and fought alongside."

She now stepped back, her shoulders straight and jaw flexed. "You may be my Allie, but you are not one of us. It will do you well to remember your place."

Esmerleda made her way back inside, on the look out for Nycto. Eventually she spotted him.
"Nycto, I word in private please."

 

[Nycto]

Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux Quinton Van Rensburg Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar Azlat Ushus Jacob Ford Rayden Rayes Killian Grey

"Of course keep an eye on him, between you and Rayden him causing trouble and getting away with it is not likey. And I had to let him go Nycto, if word gets back to my Uncles that he was here and I kept him in the dungeons it will cause problems."

Nycto sighed. "I know... it was the best option. Anything else could have started a conflict. It was the only option really, anything else could have made things worse. Still... I don't like just letting him walk around. Makes me nervous, I don't like it." He told her.

"To answer your other question, Killian is a little twit with no regard for loyalty. He is a trouble maker and a pain in my ass. Also, watch who he speaks with, we do not know how many spies my Uncles have running around."

Nycto chuckled. "Yeah, I got that from my first impression from him." He replied. "Don't worry, I'll watch him. He won't be doing anything, you can trust me. As for any other spies... let's hope he's the only one."

Nycto watched as Esmerelda was led away by Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar . Good... she should enjoy herself. Today was a special day for her. Nycto would make sure nothing happened. It was his job to worry about her, he had sworn to her father that he would make sure she was safe, always. And that's what he would do. Nycto would make sure this evening was enjoyable. Nycto watched as she stepped outside with the man, stepping out onto the balcony for a moment.

Soon, she entered back inside, and approached Nycto.

"Nycto, I word in private please."

Nycto nodded. "Yes, my Queen." He said, following after her.

 

[Azlat Ushus]

Whatever little conversation and courting Killian could continue was thankfully interrupted by a man with actual manners. Jacob hadn’t offered a dance before, but Azlat was happy to play into the notion it did and seized the presented opportunity to escape her companies unwanted attention. Jacob was undoubtedly the better dancer, anyhow.

Forgive my short absence my lady...Now how about that dance." Jacob said as he approached them. He gave a slight nod at Killian acknowledging his presence.

“Ah, you’re back! And I would lo͡v͘e to.” She replied. Killian had yet to even ask, though Azlat imagined he would have shortly with what few small words he’d shown himself able to utter. Much preferring to escape that outcome, she shot Jacob a smile and a nod, offering her hand to him to be led onto the dance floor and away from the questionable company she’d attracted during his departure.

Eyes moved next to the dance floor, briefly watching pairs of people turn and step about. Azlat didn’t know the song playing, nor the northern style with which they moved. But it didn’t look too hard, for the most part. Everything had a steady beat and the motions made seemed to repeat over and over again. Aside from a few who appeared to be far more advanced, the style in which most moved seemed rather predictable. Step, move turn, step move turn. Sometimes there was a spin, but that looked simple enough to execute.

Jacob was assuredly familiar with northern dancing. So long as he was leading the way, Azlat felt relatively assured that she’d learned enough thus far to follow along. Once the two were out of earshot of Killian, she’d speak more to Jacob.

“T͏ha̶n͘k you. I wasn’t too happy with his company, to be frank.” She commented with gratitude upon delivery from yet another unwanted situation. The two seemed to share their distrust of the man, and that there was an air of animosity between Killian and the others was far from lost on her. Though Azlat had learned enough in her own brief interaction to be mistrustful of the man. His approach had been curt, and that he would not be forthcoming in his intent didn’t seem a good sign. He seemed snaky, to put it mildly.

“Tho̡u̧gh I have yet to dance as the n̵o̧r͡t̛h̢erners do.” She added, lest her partner think her a fool who was unable to do so. Despite the unfamiliarity, she still felt she’d figure it out. Even if she didn’t, shoddy dancing was by far superior and preferred to Killian’s continued company.

 

[Jacob Ford]

Azlat put her hand in Jabob's open palm, and slowly they walked away onto the dance floor. Jacob took one last look over his shoulder towards Killian feeling a slight emotion of remorse.
Now although the man looked shady and all what not, it was still rather rude to take away Azlat in that manner. Jacob was trained to be a gentleman. Looks like he'd have to brush up on his manners later.

Jacob turned his eyes over to his partner, and noticed her eyeing the other dancing duos. Looks like she's studying up. Azlat was obviously not farmiliar with this kind of dance; cultural barrier you could say.

“T͏ha̶n͘k you. I wasn’t too happy with his company, to be frank.” She commented with gratitude upon delivery from yet another unwanted situation.

A playful grin sprang across Jacob's lips as he replied the priestess.
"Not a problem. I could literally smell your dislike for him. I'm not one to judge a book by its cover, however with the way the queen looks at him, and also with the watchful eyes Nycto and the queen's guard are giving the man, coupled with the air of mischief radiating off him, i don't think he is trustworthy individual."

They arrived at a spot on the dance floor and Jacob sup her round to his front.
"But be that as it may, i feel a little wave of guilt." Jacob continued as he took the Azlat by her waist.
"It was rather rude of me to steal you away from him in that manner. I should have at least acknowledged the man."

“Tho̡u̧gh I have yet to dance as the n̵o̧r͡t̛h̢erners do.” She added, lest her partner think her a fool who was unable to do so.

Just as they were to begin, Jacob could not help but smile at Azlat's statement. As Jacob had noticed before they arrived on the dance floor, the priestess was unfamiliar with this type of dance.
"My lady, don't trouble yourself too much. Its a relatively easy dance to pick up on." Jacob said with a reassuring smile. "Just follow my lead and you'll be fine." He added that last sentence as he leaned in closer and whispered it into her ear as if to tell a secrete.
Retreating back, so that just a few inches of air separated their bodies, Jacob began the dance slowly and gracefully pulling along the Priestess.

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

Valdr would walk off with Esmeralda, he already knew that it was going to be pertaining to what he said. Her words wouldn't phase the man, instead, he would only bow his head respectfully. "Many pardons my queen. I do not think I know the hearts of your people better than you, but sometimes counsel from the outside has its merits. And I am quite aware they are not my people.. but as a suitor, my hope is they one day will be." He would say gently. She was angry, but it wasn't with him.

"I will take my leave of you, my Queen. If only to spare you further irritation, my congratulations for your ascension, and my sincerest of apologies for any offenses. I pray our paths will cross again. And should you need it, my sword is yours." He would take her hand gently and kiss the back of it with a respectful bow before turning to leave. Now to find the second worm.

He would approach Azlat and Jacob as they departed, offering both a nod. "You must be the surprise visitor." Valdr would say shortly. "I could tell by how low to the ground your belly was. I trust you aren't here to make a scene or shame whoever named you."

 

[Azlat Ushus]

With Jacob leading her by the hand, her shoes clicked atop the dance floor as the two strode across it. She did notice that his hand was a bit cold. Absent knowledge of his vampiric nature, Azlat simply chalked it up to nervousness. Making that assumption did help to ease her own nervousness.

There was little regret for leaving Killian behind, only relief that she’d be spared from his company. He had been neither good conversation nor company, and the timely interruption spared her from spending more time with a man she really didn’t care to. She even explicitly mentioned this to Jacob.

"Not a problem. I could literally smell your dislike for him. I'm not one to judge a book by its cover, however with the way the queen looks at him, and also with the watchful eyes Nycto and the queen's guard are giving the man, coupled with the air of mischief radiating off him, i don't think he is trustworthy individual." Was his reply. Strange that he could smell her dislike. She raised her eyebrow at that, but decided against inquiring further. Doubtful he was an ordinary human given their earlier conversation, she still hadn’t the slightest clue what he actually was.

"It was rather rude of me to steal you away from him in that manner. I should have at least acknowledged the man."

“Decorum can be an inconvenience. And no, you didn't s̸tea͝l me. I'm no͠t property.” Azlat retorted, though the tone she used was far from hostile. Much like his creature comment, she regarded his statement as simple miscommunication. Still, she wasn't about to let herself be reduced to an object. Certainly not after encountering a creep and a boor.

"My lady, don't trouble yourself too much. Its a relatively easy dance to pick up on." Jacob said with a reassuring smile. "Just follow my lead and you'll be fine."

“Well, I am gl͝ad for the gui͠dan̕ce.” She responded, and the reassurance was an honest relief. When his arm pushed on her waist, she stepped in accordance with his direction and when he turned her arm by her held hand, she turned in place as well. It was a small struggle at first, and during the start of the dance she was ever a moment behind his motions, catching up a split-second after he did. She soon grew accustomed the rhythm of the dance and properly used the playing music as a cue for her movement, stepping in sync with Jacob as the two danced away.

 

[Esmeralda]

(sorry for being away for so long, been going through the most)

Esmerelda and Nycto walked over to a quite corner of the ballroom.
"Nycto, I wish for your council. I am unsure if you have met one of the guests here tonight - a priestess named Azlut." She looked in Azluts direction.
"I wish to give her a seat on the council. It will be refreshing to have another women at the table and she is not from the North, I think that her foreign opinion and ways might help us in this ever changing world."
A servent walked past and offered the pair each a goblet of wine and Esmerelda nodded a thank you, to emmersed in thought to say much more. "I am also considering offering her the oppertunity to build herself a church, those who do not follow the old ways might be interested in her faith. If she accepts I will offer that she settles here with her family if she so wishes."
Esmerelda fixed on of her braclets. "Think it over and let me know how you feel about the preposition."

The queen took her leave moving now to talk to Rayden but was cut off by none other then Quinton, who to her dismay asked her for a dance. She gravely accepted...

 

[Killian Grey]

He would approach Azlat and Jacob as they departed, offering both a nod. "You must be the surprise visitor." Valdr would say shortly. "I could tell by how low to the ground your belly was. I trust you aren't here to make a scene or shame whoever named you."

"Good to make your aquintence. I am Killian Grey, first cousin of the Queen," Killian guestered his goblet in Esmerldas direction.
He flashed Valdr his classic cheeky grin. "Whats with the," He ran his finger around, circling Valdrs armour. "Well the outfit."
He took a large sip of his wine and popped a block of cheese into his mouth.

 

[Jacob Ford]

“Decorum can be an inconvenience. And no, you didn't s̸tea͝l me. I'm no͠t property.”

"Not meaning to say you are property my lady." Jacob said with a light smile. "It's a figure of speech." He added.

"You earlier looked like u had a question. What stopped you from asking?"
Jacob had noticed this, but kept silent, but he did intend to ask about it.

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

"Killian Grey.. you don't mean the pirate, do you?" He would ask after some thought, his gaze following the target of the goblet briefly. His gaze shifted back before grin was met with smirk. "Funny, I was going to ask you about.." he would circle about Killians eyes. "..the guyliner. I guess it all comes down to a regional thing, then. Or maybe Occupational? That standard for pirates?"

Killian Grey Azlat Ushus Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux Nycto Jacob Ford

 

[Azlat Ushus]

“Oh, don’t fret; I’m sure you meant no ill. I’m not from these parts, I don’t get the co͜lloquialisms.” Azlat explained. Truthfully, the words were meant more for eavesdroppers than Jacob’s. Having encountered more than one set of leering eyes this evening, it seemed to behoove her to make such explicit. Killian certainly seemed the type who had difficulty understanding this.

"You earlier looked like u had a question. What stopped you from asking?"

“I didn’t want to be ru͞de, but….Well, your hands are oddly cold. Are you feel̡ing alright, dear?” Azlat inquired next, her head tilted in sympathy. The priestess had no idea of Jacob’s nature, and did not suspect the horrid curse that was undeath in the slightest. Illness then seemed the most plausible reason – yet something seemed off. Jacob spoke and moved like a healthy man, even if his complexion was pallid and his skin cool to the touch.

She’d originally dismissed it as nothing, but it seemed she might soon get her answer…