Second Chance

[Max452]

Lucia and Seth were still playfully arguing when Lucia finally had enough and threw the rolling pin she had at Seth. The old man let out a groan and Lucia found herself quite interested in Ealvale's words.
"Oh, yes, dearie. Come in, come in. No sense to stand in the doorway, its bad luck you know, one never seems to know where she is going if she lingers in the doorway." Lucia rambled on as she moved aside to let the couple in. "Oh, Ealvale, do not fret over silly things. We're glad that you're able to visit us." She glanced over at Dastan, who seemed to be staring at Seth as the old man rounded the corner to greet them.
"Hello, Ealvale. Dastan." He gave them a nod before rubbing his wounded head.
"Hello." Dastan replied with some uncertainty. He was still unsure if this couple was insane.
"How is your dear Uncle, doing, Ealvale?" Lucia asked as she led them to the main living room where two couches were; positioned across from one another. "Sit sit." She waved toward the couches. "I'll ring us up some fruit." She told them as Seth plopped himself onto the couch.
"How are you liking Ismalia, Ealvale? And you, Dastan?" Seth asked as he cleaned his spectacles.

[Tismri]

Ealvale sat delicately on the couch, pulling her lute off her back and setting it on the floor beside her.
"He's doing very well, thank you for asking," she replied to Lucia's inquiry about her uncle. "His duties as the Alagaesian ambassador are keeping him very busy, but I believe he enjoys the work. He is certainly happier here than he ever was on the battlefield. His main regret seems to be that he doesn't have as much time for me anymore. I'm all right with that, though. I find ways to keep myself occupied. I've been working on the finishing touches of a song that I've been writing for quite a while now. I think I'm finally satisfied with it." She glanced sideways at Dastan for an instant; though his name is never mentioned, he was actually the subject of the song, as a good portion of her work was. She returned her attention to Seth when he asked her a question.
"I love it," she assured him. "Of course, I've only really been able to see Freia so far. I saw some of the landscape on the carriage ride over here, but we never got out to look around. What I saw looked very pretty, though."

[Max452]

Lucia chuckled. "Of course your uncle would be happy here! Ismalia is a wonderful place!" She exclaimed as she went to get some fruit for her guests. Seth nodded along to Ealvale's appreciation for Ismalia and her completion of a song. "Sounds wonderful, Ealvale, dearie!" Lucia yelled out from the kitchen. "You must play it for us! Ohh! I hope you are around for the Moon Festival! You would love to play for us all there!"

As Lucia yelled her conversation to Ealvale, Seth studied Dastan. "And you, Dastan? How is your stay?"
Dastan shuffled in his seat next to Ealvale. "It is all right. I too haven't been able to explore as much as I would like--"
"Aye, I suspect guarding the Queen Mother takes up most of your time..." Seth interrupted, his eyes shifting back and forth from Dastan and Ealvale. A sly smile appeared on his lips. "Did she allow you to have a day off to play with your girlfriend, eh? Come, come, you can tell Seth! I won't tell a soul!"
Dastan turned red. "What?" He glanced at Ealvale, embarrassed from Seth's implications. "No, no. It's not like that...Ealvale and I are friends." He hurried out. "The Queen Mother is being well protected right now...and I was actually forced to take a day off.." He mentally grumbled at Romulus.
"Oh? Is that so?" Seth increased his piercing gaze, as if determing Dastan's truthfulness.
"I got some fruit!" Lucia waddled back into the living room and placed the food onto the table. "Now, who's hungry!?" A broad grin was on her face as she presented the various fruits and snacks to Ealvale and Dastan.
Dastan shifted in his seat and to avoid any more wrong implications, he stuffed a piece of watermelon in his mouth.

***
"See, I told you I could fix it!" Romulus presented Tenel Ka her newly fixed sleeping gown. He had ripped it, despite himself, and to make sure they weren't discovered by her father, he fixed it with magic. "Your father won't suspect a thing now!" Rom declared, quite pleased with himself for escaping her father's wrath. "Well, now, are you ready for breakfast...or, well, lunch, as it is now nearing midday?" He eyed her slyly as he finished dressing himself. "As much as I would love to continue to stay in this room, I will not allow you to go hungry." He had finished placing his boots on and now, stood, waiting for his lover.

***
OOC: Okay! Time for a random foe to appear and cause trouble....

Elijah hid in the shadows of the palace walls of Freia. He was slightly irritated that he had to travel a great amount of distance to arrive for his new assignment; he was not too pleased to learn that he had to go to Ismalia to complete it. Well, now that he was finally here, he had to plan his assault carefully. Using magic, Elijah crafted the light around him to bend so that he would appear invisible. He had to be slightly weary of his shadow, as it was high noon now. He, again, used magic to allow strengthen his legs so that he could jump onto the palace walls. According to his sources, the wards on the palace walls would alarm the palace guards after 1 second. So, 1 second was all Elijah had; that was all he needed.
Jumping up, Eli barely touched the top of the palace wall as he soared over and landed deftly on the opposite side. His target: The Aglaesian ambassador.

[Tismri]

Ealvale nodded, pleased with Seth and Lucia's encouragement about her song. "I would love to play it for you if we have time," she told them. Her eyes widened at Lucia's invitation to the Moon Festival. "Really?" she asked. "I would love to play there..well, as long as...you know." Her face reddened a bit as she tried to get the words out. "I mean...clothing is just optional, right? I can still wear them if I want." Her eyes flashed over to Dastan for an instant, hoping he wasn't listening. He seemed to be involved in a conversation with Seth at the moment and not paying attention, which made her feel immensely better.
She took in the appearance of the fruit tray, admiring the perfection for a moment before picking out a small handful of grapes and a piece of an orange melon. "This is delicious, Lucia!" she exclaimed. "How did you ever manage to find such tasty fruit?"
~~~~~
Tenel Ka stared critically at the repaired nightgown, rolling her eyes at Rom's statements.
"I hope this is not going to be an everyday occurance," she told him as she got out of bed and leisurely made her way to the wardrobe. "It will start to become a true problem if one day I find I have nothing to wear because you have mutilated all my clothing." She smirked at him as she picked out a dress to wear for the day, but then gave him a sideways glance. "What all exactly have you planned for my day of captivity?" she asked him. "I would appreciate knowing so that I may dress accordingly."
~~~~~
Fredrik strode through the palace courtyard, taking a shortcut between his office and the throne room. The Queen Mother was late in arriving, but no one was very worried. The Alagaesian ambassador decided in his mind that she deserved a day off every once in a while as well. She was such a young thing and needed to have some fun from time to time. The Ismalian queen was barely older than his niece.
He felt a pang when he thought of Ealvale. The girl had gone through so much as she remained ever at his side. She was timid at times, terrified of battle, but so gifted in not just song but intuition. She could find just the right words to inspire the soul. She deserved so much more than he could ever give her.

[Max452]

"Of course, dearie! Nudity is just much more fun! To run free in the wild---"
"NUDITY?" Dastan nearly choked on his fruit. He coughed harshly.
"Are you all right, dear boy?" Seth asked, amused at Dastan's reaction.
"Where else would I get them?" Lucia continued on with her conversation with Ealvale, acting or having not heard Dastan's outburst. "The garden, of course!" Lucia beamed with proud. "We grow them! After all, dearie, we are herbalist; I prefer to grow and raise all my products and supplies." She continued to chatter away as Dastan finally recovered himself.
"There is a festival that lets you go about naked?" Dastan whispered to Ealvale, trying to compose himself. "Is that legal?"
"Of course its legal!" Seth laughed. "It is one of our most famous and oldest traditions in Ismalia!"
"Yes, yes, several of your Agleasians joined in when we had a small Moon Festival when the war was about." Lucia sighed in reverie as she recalled those happy days.
"Unfortunately, they didn't wished to part with their clothes as eagerly as we did...." Seth mulled on that thought.
"Naked?" Dastan muttered again, seemingly disturbed at the idea that Seth and Lucia were naked. "I'm glad I wasn't there, honestly..." He muttered quietly to Ealvale.
"Oh, Ealvale, dearie, do play us a song!" Lucia chimed in, feeling happy to have guests.

***
Romulus eyes roved Tenel Ka's figure as she wandered to her wardrobe. Smirking, not only at her figure, but at her comment, Rom shrugged innocently. "I did warn you that I couldn't help myself around you." He approached her from behind and wrapped his arms around her waist, nestling his chin on her shoulder. His eyes gazed over to her wardrobe. "I doubt you will ever find yourself wanting of clothing, my love." He chuckled, but a flicker of insecurity struck him, as it sometimes did when regarding Tenel Ka's position. She had everything she needed at her disposal, and that sometimes made him feel insignificant and useless that he could not provide for her as a man should. He kept these concerns to himself, of course, as he did not want to burden her with more idle thoughts that she needed. "I was thinking we explore the forest near here. I'm quite eager to see how my betrothe hunts in Ismalia." He gently lowered his jaw, his lips grazing the crook between her neck and shoulder. "And, I know how much you love just wandering about the forest; it'll relieve you of some stress." He whispered to her as he continued to kiss her, but drew away after a moment. "Mmm, I should leave you to dress, or I would find no point in it in a few minutes." He gave her a wink and sat himself on the bed.

***
Elijah manuevered himself across the outer courts of the Palace, trying to navigate his way to the Ambasssodor's home without alerting the guards. He wondered idly why he accepted this mission once more, but reminded himself again not to doubt the Family. Apparently, a private contractor had somehow approached the Family and paid a handsome price for this kill. Elijah wasn't stupid. It was probably to spark a war between Ismalia and Algaesia. It didn't matter to Eli. He just wanted to blow things up.

Soon, Elijah spotted a lone guard at his post. Sneaking behind him, Elijah deflty unsheathed his dagger and sliced the unexpected guard's throat, muffling his cry with his other hand. Dragging the body behind some crates of hay and other supplies, Eli proceeded to steal his uniform so that he would be able to pose as a guard. Several moments later, Eli appeared, donned in the Ismalian uniform and having disposed the body inside the batches of hay.

Continuing on his way, Elijah smirked as he imagined planting a nice explosive on his target and watching the Ismalian Queen take the blame.

***
Teresa Ke's regal presence was hard to miss as she strode across the Palace halls. Her mind was whirled with plots and evil thoughts against her cousins. She hated them with all her heart. Lucky for her, she was trained to guise her thoughts from others; as she had taken great procaution in doing so after learning that her Cousins now possessed the ability to do so. She continued about her idle wandering, hoping that her latest ploy with succeed to damage her cousin's reputation as Queen Mother.

***
Tristan groaned. I'm bored, Trinity.
Don't complain to me. It's your fault that you didn't take up Teodora's offer to visit her Mother with her.
She wanted to leave early! I was tired!
Excuses. Trinity sighed at her Rider as they were both situated in one of the courtyards that held a large garden suitable for a dragon of Trinity's size. Tristan was lazily lying under a tree, his head held by his hands as he gazed up into the sky.
It's boring here.... Tristan exclaimed again.
You're just cranky because of the lack of excitement here.
Maybe...
Men... Trinity shook her snout in dismay.
FEMALES! Tristan retorted.

[Tismri]

Ealvale felt her face grow an even deeper shade of red at Dastan's outburst. She wished she hadn't brought it up; now she would probably never be able to look at him without feeling humiliated. She forced herself to focus on her conversation with Lucia.
"You're so talented at cultivating plants," she told them. I guess that, along with the wonderful weather here makes it perfect for growing things." She noticed then that Dastan had still not given up on the topic, and the shock was still evident on his face. She nodded slightly as he whispered to her, and she was sure the heat could be felt five inches away from her face by now. The truth was, she had been to the festival the older couple had thrown for the Varden. Everyone was more than a little shocked out of their senses at the sight of the two, but after everyone had a few drinks, they seemed almost able to tolerate it. Ealvale had just sat turned away while she played lively music for them the entire time.
At Lucia's insistence, Ealvale picked up her lute from the floor and positioned it. She strummed a few times to make sure it was in tune. She looked around expectantly.
"Any requests?" she asked. She wondered if Dastan would ask for anything. Did he even know any of the songs?
~~~~~
Tenel Ka became distracted as Rom came over and put his arms around her. She had to suppress her own desire to turn around and tear the tunic right off his back, especially when he began to kiss her. Despite that, she did notice something about the way he spoke...some sort of emotion that she couldn't quite identify, but he seemed to be struggling with it.
"Sounds like a perfect day to me," she said softly. She could resist the small pout that formed on her face as he pulled away from her, and she was glad she was still facing the wardrobe.
"Well, if we are going to the woods, I most surely will not need this." She put back the dress she had been reaching for and instead pulled out a pair of soft leggings and a leather jerkin to wear. It felt so good to dress casually for once, and she was glad Rom was kidnapping her for the day. As she pulled on and laced up her boots, she turned to her fiancee.
"We can sneak out after we eat," she told him. She smirked slightly. "I doubt anyone will guess my leaving the city. The most they might think is that we are going for a rooftop stroll." She glanced out the window, remembering how as a child she wasn't even allowed to leave the city, and rarely even the palace. Which was why she took to the housetops so well; they gave her immeasureable freedom.

[Max452]

Dastan was still trying to wrap his mind around the idea of people attending a festival nude. He utterly hoped that Queen Mother Tenel Ka wouldn't throw such festival in the balance. He would die from a heart attack! As he continued to try to recompose himself, he heard Lucia chitter with glee.
"Oh, how about the one you just finished for us? I would love to hear what you've come up with!" Lucia clamped and Seth grinned with agreement.
"Yes, Ealvale! Honor us with your song!"
Dastan's thoughts focused back onto Ealvale as he realized that she was about to perform. He was very curious on how she played the instrument, and if her storytelling was captivating, her singing must be as well. He patiently awaited his new friend to sing.

***
Romulus nodded, still musing about the plans for the day as Tenel Ka continued to speak. He wondered what they could do that could impress her; after all as Queen Mother, she had access to everything and probably took advantage of that privilege. And there it was again. That feeling of insecurity. Even if he was a Duke, which meant little to him, he wondered if he could honestly provide for her with his own two hands. He gazed down at his hands for a moment, pondering on these thoughts, when his ears registered his lover's last few words. A playful smile on his lips. "You think you're Father would allow such assumption to be made?" His eyes glinting with amusement. "I wouldn't want him rampaging through the palace looking for you; he'll chain me to my room if he finds out." He smirked as he got up from the bed once Tenel Ka was finished dressing. He held out his hand for her's. "Oh well, I suppose you might enjoy that for a bit." He chuckled. "Come. You must be famished."

***
Elijah strategically planted small explosions throughout the outer courtyard. It would play a nice distraction as he murdered the Ambassdor within the inner walls. Timing the devices carefully, as he had created them after seeing a certain gear equipment being used in a Mill, he planned the devices to go off in 10 minutes - enough time for him to reach the Ambassador and do his duty. Hurrying, Elijah easily entered the inner courtyard with the armour he donned...

[hagvar]

may i join this thread

[Tismri]

Ealvale gave a swift nod when Lucia asked for her new one. She might have been nervous, playing this piece in front of Dastan, but whenever she got in the mood to play, somehow the rest of the world didn't matter. All she focused on was the words, as if she was living the circumstances of her song.
She closed her eyes as the beginning strains of the elven melody leapt off her lute strings, and she imagined herself, watching the man she loved and adored so much. Words praising his achievements and confusion over his betrayal of his people. But never once was there doubt of him, of his heart and intentions. It closed with faith that he would find the right path again. The last note faded away and her eyes opened slowly as she once again returned to reality.
"That was its first performance," she said. She was afraid to look anyone in the eye, thinking of how they were probably judging it as childish and she could do better. To herself, though, she thought it was the best she had ever written.
~~~~~
Tenel Ka smirked and rolled her eyes as Rom expressed his concern she took his hand as they left the room. "I think the roof would be fine with him," she said as they headed down the hall in the direction of the dining room. "People can usually see me from up there, so it is not as if would be we were alone at any time." The smile on her face turned mischievious, but then she veered off talking about their plans for the day. Any number of people could be nearby who would be malicious enough to rat their plans for the day out to her father. For example, she caught sight of Teresa Ke coming down the hall from the opposite direction. After her two aunts, this cousin was likely the next in line for the throne if Tenel Ka met an early demise. Somehow, though, she seemed to be sly enough to destroy any evidence of her direct involvement in any assassination attempts.
The Queen Mother gave her elder cousin a cool nod, her expression guarded, as she and Rom turned to enter the dining room.
~~~~~
Fredrik was about three quarters of the way to his office when he noticed a strange guard hurrying through. Many of the palace guards were much more fluid in their movements, their every step seeming to be a part of an organized affair. This one must be new or something.
"Ho, there! Where are you going in such a hurry?" he called out.

[Max452]

OOC: Sure, Hagvar

Lucia hummed with happiness, glad that Ealvale complied with her wishes. The couple listened attentively as Ealvale sang; she had such a beautiful voice. Lucia listened quietly, while Seth closed his eyes, nodding his head to the beat. Dastan, on the otherhand grew very tense as Ealvale sang. The lyrics reminded him of his past mistakes and misdeeds; his betrayal most of all. Surely this song wasn't about him - Ealvale and he never associated with one another until now. He listened silently, but his mind was in thoughtful contemplation of all things that led up to this moment. Ealvale had a talent of touching the soul, for it was causing Dastan to reflect on things he did not wish to think of in the company of others. His mind reflected upon Allecia. His heart ached more.

The sound of Lucia clapping struck Dastan out of his thoughts.
"Wonderful, Ealvale, dearie! I love it!"
"You have a beautiful voice, my dear." Seth commented. "The music and lines are very well done; I am very impressed."
"Of course you are! She's exceptional at what she does!" Lucia praised the young artist.
"It speaks to the soul, Ealvale." Dastan's whispered comment slipped in quietly between Seth and Lucia's praises.

***
"I was just teasing, my love." Romulus jibbed quietly as they walked through the spacious halls of the palace. He continued to enjoy Tenel Ka's company as they talked. Rom's eyes were solely on his wife-to-be that he was oblivious on the bystanders and eavesdroppers. It wasn't until Tenel Ka acknowledged her mysterious cousin that Rom forced his eyes off her. "Is that your cousin that you spoke of before?" Rom asked as Tenel Ka led him inside the lavish dining hall and toward her banquet table.

The table was long and wide; fit for extravagant feasts. As they drew closer, Rom spotted her designated chair and held it out for her to sit upon. "My Queen." He presented her the chair as he spoke to her softly, her title having double meaning to him.

***
Teresa Ke wanted to scream! Tenel Ka seemed to have everything she desired! Her crown and now a handsome, if a bit odd looking, warrior on her arm. This was suppose to be her dream, and instead, she had to force a polite smile and coursty (sp?) for her young cousin! She only hoped that her approaching plan would work, and if the Gods were smiling upon her today, she would soon be Queen Mother and her cousin would not only be dead, but disgraced. Perhaps she would even toy with her supposed betrothed whilst she was at it...
Princess Teresa Ke continued on her walk, although, pursposely avoiding a center area in the palace.

***
Elijah couldn't believe his luck. He had just bumped into his target. He was favored by the Gods today. Well, the plan was to kill him in his home and place evidence that Ismalian was responsible, so Eli had to resist the urge to strap an explosive on him right then and there. Instead, Eli pretended to be exasperated...and lost.
"Oh! Sire! Excuse me, I was so concentrated on my task. I apologize!" He faked an Ismalian accent as best as he could. "I just got transferred to the Palace and, I am afraid to say, I am lost." He smiled sheepishly. "I was trying to head toward the Ambassdor's home. I've been just assigned there...and I was suppose to report to my Captain..." Eli pretended to think. "...about 30 minutes ago!" He looked devastated and confused.

[hagvar]

Gidion walked through the city. He had come to bring a message to the ambasador fo alagsia. As he walked to the door of his house he heard a man yell "Ho there". He thought it was ment for him it turned out it was not but good thing he heard it for the man who yelled was the man he was suposed to give the message to. He walked over to him he was talking to a confused palace guard that was lost. "Hello gidion said you are sir fredrik i have a letter for you from the varden may we talk in private?"

[Max452]

Elijah raised an annoyed eyebrow at the new comer. How dare this man interrupt his stalking. Well it appears that he would have to act like an Ismalian a bit longer. He gazed at the amabassador, pretending to be shocked. "My apologies, sir! I wasn't aware that you are Amabassador Fredrik." He stammered out. "This is so embarrassing...my first day and all...." He continued to feign as he talked with the Ambassador and the new comer. He blinked for a moment at him and then at the Ambassador. "Sir, I insist I escort you to your home, and for your safety, I think I should accompany you as you talk with this messenger." No harm to gather more information.