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Post by Tismri on May 17, 2013 3:28:00 GMT -5
Altair walked steadily through the city, avoiding guards or anyone else who might give him their attention. Belatona was a well designed city, and he had little difficulty flowing through. He'd spoken with a few citizens who he was friends with and asked for their opinion of their ruling lady. Surprisingly to him, most of them praised her highly. Whatever craftiness she possessed, whatever political cunning, she seemed to use it exclusively for the betterment of her people. It was a rare and noble trait to find in one of such high station. Still, he decided to observe her personally for a while, to judge what sort of person she was. Climbing the wall of the estate, he lingered just out of sight of the windows where he heard the lady's voice, glancing through the window occasionally to get his bearings, following her as needed.
"Do come visit sometime, Helena," Eliza told the younger woman. "I must confess I've grown a bit accustomed to having another woman around to speak with. I would ask you to stay longer, but your parents were most insistent that you return home as quickly as possible." She glanced at her friend with a bit of concern. "Are you sure you'll be all right to travel? Do you know the way to Ileria? I would like to sent an escort with you, just to be safe."
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Post by Trinn on May 23, 2013 17:12:27 GMT -5
Each step Helena took seemed to be leading to her doom. Returning to her parents estate seemed unbearable. They would bombard her with questions, flutter over her, and in the end place so many guards around her she would never have any sense of freedom again. She forced herself to smile at Eliza, who turned out to be a very amiable woman. "I know the way well enough," She began. Part of her was tempted to travel the distance back to her parents alone. Maybe she would get conveniently lost and travel to another more interesting place. Perhaps Bromsland. "But Perhaps one guard wouldn't hurt." She said reluctantly. "The land has become a dangerous place, especially for a lady alone." Helena could think of one man in particular who she wouldn't mind traveling with. Elias... He was such a charming man, and Dashing liked him. But it was clear he wasn't interested very much in romance. He was too concerned with his duties and responsibilities in the way, which of course, only made him more charming to her. "I promise that I shall visit as often as I can." She added, and smiled again.
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Post by Tismri on May 23, 2013 21:48:21 GMT -5
Eliza gazed fondly at Helena as they entered the guest room that had been bequeathed upon her for the duration of her stay. In many ways, she had been like a little sister Eliza had never had, and it had been nice to have her around; another woman to confide in, chatter and gossip with, and give advice on any political issues she felt she may have to deal with one day--only when the subject was brought up.
"Every well," she said with a sigh, "I shall send one of my guards with you to make sure you're safe. There are a frightful number of bandits along the road, not to mention some of Katriana's minions." Eliza held back a slightly disgusted expression at the mention of the former noble Rider turned Shade. She held no intrest in helping her people, only desired to further her vengeful plot against Nasuada. "He will meet you at the city gate. I would see you off, dear, but matters of state are pressing upon me." She took Helena's hands briefly for a moment. "Safe journey, Helena." Then she turned to attend to her business, and find a suitable escort for Helena.
Altair gazed through the window, as neither of the women were facing his direction. It was clear to him that Eliza was very much as pure and good a noble as could exist in the world, for one who wielded as much power as she. The contract for her death would be destroy, and any more that were intercepted.
Still, he lingered, finding himself intrigued by the conversation the two women were having, his eyes fixated on the younger one. He wondered who she was; she had the dress and bearing of one of noble blood, and they had mentioned the capital. Her beauty was...entrancing. When she agreed to an escort, a plan began concocting in his mind. He desired no harm to befall this woman. She seemed innocent in every sense of the word, and everything in him sought to protect her. Once Eliza left, Altair began his descent and made his way to the city gate. He decided to pose as the guard sent to escort her, deciding how to deal with the actual escort without causing trouble to anyone.
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Post by Trinn on May 25, 2013 13:12:42 GMT -5
Helena squeezed Eliza's hand in farewell, and briefly considered not letting go. This woman had become a dear friend, and more, an escape from her parents and heir constant scheming to get her married. But she did release Eliza's hand, though regretfully. "Thank you. Farewell, Eliza." Helena sat for a moment longer, forlornly watching Eliza hurry away. "Well, that's that. Come on, Dash." And she scooped up her silver-furred ferret.
~~~
Nearing the city gate, Helena squinted. It didn't seem as if anyone was standing there, let alone an escort waiting for her. Slowing her steps, she hesitated. Suddenly she wished she were wearing her old brown cloak again, not the beautiful sapphire riding gown Eliza had given her. It made her stand out too much, at least it seemed so now. Wringing her hands, she slowly approached the city gate now, debating if she should turn back or not. Dashing was unworried, perched happily across her shoulders. Helena wished she could be so carefree.
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Post by Tismri on May 25, 2013 20:08:43 GMT -5
Altair made his way to the gate of the city and immediately procured two steeds to ride upon. He would have rented a carriage, but for the fact that he believed it would draw more attention to them. Two horses could travel more swiftly and quietly, while a carriage was a signal to bandits of easy robbery.
Once in possession of transportation, he searched around for the sight of his approaching companion. He spotted her near the gate, appearing nervous. He walked toward her confidantly.
"Ah, Lady Helena? I am here to escort you to the capital." He presented the reins of the young mare he'd just purchased, equipped with a lady's saddle. "Whenever you are ready, my lady."
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Post by Max452 on May 26, 2013 22:52:24 GMT -5
OOC: I cannot resist any longer. I shall have to bring Elias in here. hehe.
Temperance neighed impatiently as Elias lingered far more than he should have in Belatona. His eyes were focused on the gates of the city, knowing fully well what was occurring today. He held a grim frown that generated from two main reasons: Eliza would be left alone and Helena was leaving. Of course, he remained aloof while Helena was here, not wanting to gain any distractions from his duties, but he could not deny that he found her presence here very agreeable.
"Sir. We should go now." Bray interrupted his Colonel's thoughts. "The army left an hour ago and Lady Eliza will surely become suspicious if you do not head out now."
"Aye, I know, but Bray, do me a favor." Elias asked, his gaze turning back to the castle.
"Anything, sir." Bray's gravel voice replied with respect.
"Stay here and protect my sister." He turned his eyes to face Bray's amber ones. "I feel something is amiss and there is no one else that I would rather have than you to protect her."
"I am honored, Colonel. I will protect her with my life." Bray humbly bowed his head.
"I know, Bray. It'll be odd not having you by my side, but knowing you are here for Eliza, makes up for it." He gave a small, genuine, smile.
"She'll not like it, you know." Bray returned Elias' smile with his own, rare, one.
"I know. I'm just glad I won't be on the receiving end of her wrath." Elias smirked before giving his soldier a salute.
Bray let out a deep chuckle. "I rather go into battle, but I am willing to sacrifice myself for your benefit; be well, sir." Bray saluted and watched as Elias headed off toward the gate. He hoped that his commander would do nothing rash; he noticed the difference Lady Toros had on him.
***
Alone now, Elias guided Temperance to the gate, knowing that Lady Toros would be there. Perhaps it was a bit foolish and against his duties, but he could not allow Helena to travel unguarded to Illeria. Besides, he had reasoned, his men were headed there as well, so it was fine. He slowed Temperance once he spotted Helena at the gates, along with her escort. "Lady Toros." Elias called out, hoping that his voice didn't sound...desperate. His gaze flickered over to her escort and he gave the man a polite nod, although he did not recognize him as one of Eliza's men. "I hope you do not mind if I journey with you?" He asked.
OOC: I'm wondering if I should make an application for Bray and James...hmm
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Post by Trinn on Jun 8, 2013 10:38:03 GMT -5
Relief flooded Helena when a man stepped into sight with two steeds. She gave him a curtsy to show her appreciation, then accepted the reigns of the horse he offered to her. The young mare was a black and white pinto, whose tail hairs had been french braided and tied off with a royal purple ribbon. "Thank you, good Sir. I was worried for a moment that I had come to the wrong gate." She was about to step up into the saddle when a familiar voice caught her attention. The sight of Elias made her feel lightheaded with suppressed happiness. "Lord Elias!" She greeted him, smiling shyly. "Well met. I believe your company could only improve our spirits." She glanced over at the guard, to see if he agreed. The hood he wore covered his face too much, so she couldn't see his reaction. It struck her as rather odd, but nothing more. She could just see a strong chin and shapely lips. Helena looked back to Elias, feeling a bit more comfortable looking into a face she could actually see. "At any rate, two escorts are better than one, I would say."
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Post by Tismri on Jun 8, 2013 17:26:42 GMT -5
Altair was relieved and concerned at the same time that Helena seemed to trust him so readily. If he could make her so easily believe without question that he was her chosen escort, then either he was an exceptional actor, or she was incredibly naive. Still, he was glad his plan seemed to be working as she accepted her horse.
He turned and glanced in surprise at the sudden arrival of Lord Elias, of all people. His timing was uncanny, and Altair instantly felt guarded. He felt a burning sensation from his side pouch, he the contract to kill Eliza was kept. He had planned to burn it at his earliest convienence, but now he felt he had to be rid of it sooner than later.
He mounted his horse as Helena accepted Elias' offer to accompany them. She seemed more at ease with the other man around, and he felt she would remain more safe as more men travelled to protect her.
"As you wish, my lord," he stated simply. Helena seemed more confidant and happy about this trip with Elias along, which oddly brought him joy, and, even more oddly, jealousy. He knew that as a feared and despised assassin, his chances of finding any woman who would love him were slim, but he would cling to the hope as long as he could still reach it. And all he truly desired was for Lady Toros to arrive home safely, and he would see to it no matter the cost.
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Post by Max452 on Jun 11, 2013 20:32:49 GMT -5
Elias smiled brightly at Lady Toros' consent and then dismounted. "You flatter me, Lady Toros; tis your company that brightens our presence." He replied kindly before nodding in thanks to the escort. His soldier eyes surveyed the man before him, wondering who he was; he did not look like any of Eliza's main escorts. His instincts labored him to keep a weary eye on the man. "Thank you, sir." He expressed his gratitude verbally. "I am Colonel Elias, forgive me, may I ask your name, sir? I have been oft so often that I have yet to learn all the faces and names of those under Lady Eliza's employment." He asked, if a bit sheepishly at his admittance. He turned briefly toward Lady Toros, not wanting to have her think that he was ignoring her. "And I say that you are correct, Lady Toros; it places me at ease knowing that you will have the best to escort you - for Eliza would only supply you the best." He gestured a chainmail gauntlet at Altair.
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