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#Post#: 410248--------------------------------------------------
Kestramore
By: guest1218 Date: January 11, 2020, 2:36 pm
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[font=georgia]Precious threads woven in intricate, whimsical
designs along women's skirts, caught her attention from her
station at the bottom of the stairwell. The dresses weren't
within themselves enticing, but the freedom of the wearers
within them was undeniably so. Women of all sizes and various
political and royal lineage strutted, waltzed, and paraded while
unbeknownst to them, a woman clad in armor watched in wonderment
as their skirts folded around their legs with every sudden
movement as if they were fond of the way the fabrics felt as
they unraveled.
She tried to envision herself in one of the dresses but failed.
Even if she was capable of getting around in one without falling
every few seconds, she could never be comfortable out of her
usual attire, albeit it was men's clothing. Still, she craved
the freedom the women had to dance and talk as they pleased
without fear.
"Lovely, aren't they?" Will said, having caught her staring.
"Just don't let their husbands catch you ogling."
Warmth crept up into her cheeks as she fought the urge to roll
her eyes.
Will mistook her silence and shrugged. "No need to be shy, Cas.
They're just women."
Fortunately, the captain of the guard approached them before
anything else could be said.
The captain was a tall, no nonsense man with a stony expression
to warn off most and colossal arm muscles to keep the rest at
bay. Tonight, he wore his best armor and his hair was kept tied
back in a braid.
"Soldiers, mind your stations, not the ladies." The Captain gave
Zemira a once over. "Caspian, I see you've forgotten your right
dagger. I'll see you after for a proper instruction on
equipment."
"Yes, Sir," she said, keeping her voice low and her eyes fixed
in front of her.
Without further utterance, the captain left the two to patrol
the rest of the area. Once he was out of earshot, Will let out a
low whistle.
"What did you do this time, Cas?"
She didn't say anything. What could she say? That the captain
was on to her? That he had nearly caught her spying on the royal
family several times?
Instead, she ignored his question and looked around the room,
pretending to watch out of any sign of danger. What she really
wanted to find was the prince. Tonight was his engagement
announcement and the beginning of the ceremonies of matrimony.
Rumors of his betrothed had circulated the castle. The princess
was of a strong bloodline and worse, she was rumored to be
beautiful. With their marriage came a peace treaty and new
trading routes and resources. Also, with it came a bitter taste
of an emotion Zemira didn't care to trace back to its origins.
The buzz of excitement churned her stomach. If she didn't have
so much hinged on this job, she would run in a heartbeat.
[/font]
#Post#: 410249--------------------------------------------------
Re: Kestramore
By: Faith Faris Date: January 12, 2020, 5:15 am
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Zina sat on the edge of a window, barely balancing her body as
she watched the western sky; a wash of orange and red thickening
until a filtered yellow glow hung above the castle. Though she
didn’t speak it, there were times she wished she was born into a
humble family, with no money, and no claim to the throne. There
were many things left unspoken in her brain, she knew her
unfiltered thoughts could be her demise so she did not speak
often and many a time people mistook her silence for arrogance.
All through the summer, the two royal families had been planning
this wedding, and until today she hadn’t confronted her mother
because it didn’t even seem real at first. Her cheek still stung
from their earlier encounter but the soft breeze comforted her
skin, hugging her like a soft blanket. She knew she had no
choice in the matter because this decision was bigger than she
was and it was made by people bigger than her. Her thoughts
contradicted themselves because now she wished she was born into
a family bigger than everyone, so that she had, at the very
least, the option to marry who she wanted, whether that be a
prince, or a beggar scrounging for money and food on the street.
Though the light from the sky weakened, the temperature now
seemed to rise, because the breeze that had been a consoling
friend to her earlier no longer existed, the air now still, and
heavy with melancholy. The servants knocked twice before rushing
into her room, and Zina knew it was to prepare her for this
godforsaken royal ceremony. She noticed some guardsmen out in
the front briefly, before hopping off the window sill and
meeting the four women halfway. They had to check for scars on
her body and make sure she didn’t have any because a woman with
a mark on her body was not befitting of a queen.
What nonsense.
She realised she had lost track of time when the servants
finally pulled away and retreated back and out of the room,
looking at the reflection of someone she barely recognised
staring at her from the mirror that stood tall before her. Her
black silk dress hugged her slim figure, and though it was
simple, and not telling from the front, anyone would know she
was the princess if they looked at her from behind. Her whole
body was covered, but her strong, arched back was bare, gold
chains linking the two gold-plated cuffs on her shoulders. Her
hair too, was simple, but the headpiece was intricate and
elegant, gold chains, identical though thinner than the ones on
her dress, weaving in and out of black strands of hair, loosely
plaited over her shoulder and running down to her waist.
She looked divine.
Zina knew of her beauty, she wasn’t shy to it; she noticed
people stared at her a little longer, she noticed the way men's
eyes scrutinised her, rolling up and down her body everywhere
she went, but she also didn’t care for it. Her grey eyes scanned
the room, biting the inside of her cheek, a habit she had picked
up when she was younger, as punishment for speaking her mind so
openly.
And then, there was another knock, though this one was
assertive, and she knew just from the way he knocked, that it
was him.
The man she was to wed.
The man, who had unknowingly snuffed out the little bit of light
that was left in her.
#Post#: 410252--------------------------------------------------
Re: Kestramore
By: Aritro Date: January 12, 2020, 5:31 pm
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I love my brother. More than I could possibly put into words.
There have been countless times when he was the only one in the
world who was there for me; Times when I probably wouldn't have
made it without him. But I don't think he's built to be a
King...
My brother is the type of man who overlooks the details. Those
are important for a King, you know... He loves and cares for his
people, but would he be ready to make the necessary sacrifices
for their best interest? I don't know.
I've never been jealous of the responsibility my brother will
have to carry. I've seen the burden the crown places on our
father. Countless times I've found him in the courtyard when he
thought no one was looking; face buried in his hands as if he
was just barely holding it together. Just as many times I've
seen him wander past the Armory, and glance at the rope hanging
from the east wall. My father is the strongest man I know. If
the crown can reduce him to such a state, imagine what it could
do to my brother...
But he still has time to grow, and become the man that will be
our next ruler. And I'll be there to support him in whatever way
I can! Today, that way was accompanying him in preparations for
the party. His engagement was to be announced and there were a
number of things that needed to be done. My brother wanted to do
everything himself, but he would never get everything done that
way. It was essentially my task to delegate responsibilities.
Once all was done, we were to pay a visit to his betrothed. I
had never spoken to her before, but I had seen her a few times
before. She was beautiful indeed, but she seemed none too happy
about the arrangement. Visiting her didn't seem the wisest idea
to me, but I would accompany my brother as he asked. I didn't
know what he planned to say to her, and it honestly didn't
matter. All that mattered was that he accomplished all of his
goals. After all....
I love my brother...
#Post#: 410257--------------------------------------------------
Re: Kestramore
By: Dems Darkfire Date: January 14, 2020, 11:40 am
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Riyadh stood in his room staring out of the east balcony door.
He watched the shadows cast themselves over the city and all its
splendor. They crept toward the freedom of the horizon as the
sun rose over the spinneret and began its descent towards the
other side of the world. Markets, houses, and streets littered
with moving ants all darkened by the sun that hid behind the
castle on its hill. Riyadh fixated on the east while the
attendants in his room darted around him. Their presence passing
through him as if their figures were nothing more than
apparitions. Nothing more than more shadows cast by the castle
and the diminishing light.
The clap of his brother’s hand on his shoulder awoke the Prince
from his waking dream and he curled his lips up into a smile as
he looked to the man. His brother. The one he had protected
through thick and thin. The brother who seemed to understand the
burden being placed on the young prince as he shared a look of
concern with Riyadh. Riyadh knew his brother’s doubts in his
abilities. But Riyadh simply wished to become what he believed
his brother saw in him. Riyadh slipped a joke between them and
they shared a laugh before they separated and Riyadh was swarmed
with attendants now preparing his drew for the evening. The sun
had fallen far enough to cast nothing but shadow onto the
horizon. How had he not noticed? It had been a busy day of
preparations for him and now the final preparations began.
After he was dressed and set in his garb for the evening, Riyadh
decided to do something different. He called his brother over
and asked him to accompany him to meet his soon-to-be betrothed.
Riyadh had seen her a few times. But all he knew was her name.
And like always, Riyadh was once more leading his brother off on
one of his questionable plans. They joked back and forth on the
walk, playfully shoving one another as they took jestful jabs at
one another.
They passed the guards captain and like many times before, they
clapped him on the shoulders and wished him luck. He wished the
Prince the best and they continued their walk. They passed more
guards on their way through and then they took the detour to the
room of his betrothed. Riyadh asked his brother how he looked
and Aritro straightened out what needed to be fixed and then
patted his brother on the chick with his palm. Riyadh nodded and
then he placed three stern knocks upon the door before him.
Underneath, he felt fractured. His stomach churned itself into
mush. What was he going to say once the door opened?
He hadn’t the damnedest. Once again, Riyadh didn’t think it
through.
#Post#: 410259--------------------------------------------------
Re: Kestramore
By: Faith Faris Date: January 14, 2020, 12:19 pm
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Zina didn’t feel like she was walking, she felt like she was
being pulled to the door, gliding as her heart contracted
painfully in her chest. Tonight, she would be able to speak to
her fiance, if he could manage to get anything out of her. Her
whole body vibrated with nerves as she opened the door, eyes
locking with the older brother first, and to her surprise,
moving on to glance at the younger one who had decided to
accompany them. How strange. Zina had discovered, throughout her
life, that not all recognition was helpful; Riyadh’s family had
noticed her when they had visited her kingdom, a little while
ago, and if she hadn’t been so easy to spot, maybe they wouldn’t
have chosen her. The king’s word and decree. That’s what this
wedding was. And who was she to say no?
The young princess was pleased however when her grey orbs land
on the older brother again and find the kindness that people
speak of whenever he was mentioned. There was something about
him that was warm and consoling, like the earlier breeze. She
inclined her head in their direction, as a sign of respect and
lifts her hands, delicately holding them over her midriff.
Perhaps what she had dreaded was a thing of her mind, and maybe
she would come to love this man standing before her. Maybe they
had a plethora of common interests. Maybe he would come to love
and cherish, and treat her with the utmost care and respect,
unlike how earlier kings had treated their queens. Maybe, just
maybe, Zina, and Zina alone, would be the only woman he would
share his soul, mind, and body with.
You foolish girl.
You know what they say about kings and their mistresses. Why
would you even entertain that thought when you know you’re
wrong?
#Post#: 410260--------------------------------------------------
Re: Kestramore
By: Aritro Date: January 14, 2020, 4:01 pm
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The one trait I have that stands out above my taller, more
rugged brother, is my eyes. Born with Heterochromia, each orb
has it's own color and aura; The left a mysterious, and somewhat
cold green, and the right a warm and inviting hazel. It was a
trait that I hated as a child, but have come to appreciate in
adulthood. I like to attribute it to my keen sense of
observation. I see, and notice things that most people overlook.
Like the sense of hesitation in Riyadh's body language after he
knocked so confidently on the door. He hadn't a clue what he was
going to say after that door opened... Of course he didn't have
a plan! He would bumble until something came to him, which could
take seconds, or even minutes!
"Ask if there's anything you can offer her... To make her stay
more pleasant."
He barely got the words out before the door opened, revealing
the guest of honor. She was a paragon of beauty indeed! Father
had a good eye... She appeared to be lost in her own world
though. She showed etiquette, but it seemed almost absentminded,
as she explored her thoughts, making her initial judgements, and
ultimately, trying to figure out just how screwed she was. This
wasn't my show though. I was only there for moral support. It
was up to my brother to decide how to handle the situation he
had thrown himself into. I could only hope he didn't embarrass
the both of us.
#Post#: 410266--------------------------------------------------
Re: Kestramore
By: Dems Darkfire Date: January 15, 2020, 2:16 pm
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Riyadh stammered at the sudden sound of his brother’s voice.
“R-Right. A-hem” he tried again with more confidence. “Right.”
He had been lost in his deep thoughts. The snap back to reality
came at a perfect moment.
The door before them opened and she stood below them both. Upon
seeing her he was struck dumb once more. The slack-jawed prince
could not help but stare for a moment at the radiant woman
before him. He found himself lucky she took curiosity in his
younger brother for it gave him that single moment to collect
himself and return to himself. He relaxed and pointed his warm,
amber gaze into her gray orbs. When she inclined her head
towards them, Riyadh gave a very shallow, short bow in return.
His lips curled into a smile as he cupped his hands together in
front of his chest. He turned his head to look towards his
brother for only a moment as the silence dragged out just
slightly past awkward. When he saw his brother, he remembered
exactly what he had been advised to say.
“Ah,” He turned back and let out a warm chuckle. “Zina. It’s
good to finally meet you in person. I came to ask if there was
anything I could offer you to make your stay here more
pleasant?”
Riyadh released the breath he had been holding in his chest as
quietly as he could. He kept his posture right and his smile
plastered on his face. He could not ask for a more beautiful
woman for his bride. Father always had an eye for the pretty
ones. And he was not kidding when he told Riyadh he’d not seen
such radiance in any of the kingdoms before. Riyadh had laughed
it off as their father once more being himself. But here she
was.
He gave a few seconds of pause for her answer and then would say
“We still have a little bit of time before the ceremony, would
you like to accompany me on a small tour of the castle?” He
looked to his brother and smirked “Escorted of course. We do not
need rumors floating.” He looked to Zina and offered his hand.
#Post#: 410267--------------------------------------------------
Re: Kestramore
By: guest1218 Date: January 15, 2020, 6:09 pm
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[font=georgia]The announcer's staff hitting the hardwood floor
snagged the guests' attention. At the front the room where a
large golden chandelier hovered over their heads, the announcer
cleared his throat and spoke into a voice amplifying device,
welcoming the king and queen as they descended the stairs.
After months of collecting intel on the royal family, there were
many things she knew that possibly no one in this room did. Like
the decline of the king's mental health. Medical intervention
gave him windows of clarity, but as soon as the concoctions wore
off, he was reduced to a babbling mess. The queen, neglected and
bitter, often snuck out through the escape tunnels and
frequented the local pubs to gamble.
Then there was prince Aritro. She didn't trust him. He was too
quiet, too reclusive, to be trusted. But then he wasn't her
assignment, neither really were the king or queen.
Her job was to report new development back to her kingdom, get
the men in without getting detected, and remove Prince Riyadh.
She straightened and pushed her shoulders back as the king and
queen passed by. Once they were several feet ahead and all the
people had turned their backs, her gaze meandered up the stairs,
but the announcer remained quiet and no one else appeared.
Zemira took a deep breath and regretted it instantly as the wrap
around her ribcage rubbed against raw skin. It did the job of
hiding her curves, but it also left bruises behind and it
prevented her from moving as freely as she needed. After tonight
she wouldn't have to bind herself or wear armor that didn't fit
her womanly figure. And after tonight, she'd truly be free.
The thought caused her to look around the room at the soldiers
feigning to be guests and guards. A few met her gaze, but
abruptly looked away to remain discrete. Not too much longer and
they would be fighting side by side to bring down the kingdom,
and she couldn't trust any of them. None of them liked the fact
that she was a woman but it was more than that. The king favored
Zemira. He always had to her dismay. It caused unwanted
attention when no one was around. But he promised her a position
that would make her only second to the king. Any of the men
around her would gladly get blood on their hands to get the
position themselves.
She wouldn't let them have it. Nothing would prevent her from
obtaining that power.
Her jaw flexed as determination was thwarted by thoughts of
Riyadh.
He was...
What?
She bit her lip. Despite never getting too close, she had
witnessed a kindness that his father lacked. Although he hadn't
been the one to oppress her kingdom, he had never spoken out
against his father's cruel hand. Why would he? The golden
chandelier was probably derived from the gold mines in her
country. Men were pushed to the brink of death by the commands
of Riyadh's father to work the mines. Their country had a king
of course, but it was too poor to simply raise an army against
the invader. Tonight was their only hope.
Not that she wanted her king to reign. He was perhaps just as
conniving as this king. But she wouldn't dwell on that now.
One royal at a time.
Once the king and queen were seated on golden thrones, Zemira
abandoned her post and moved closer. According to plan, another
guard silently went to the stairwell in her stead. Even Will
appeared oblivious to the change. And why would anyone take
notice? This was a celebration, after all.
As she surveyed the room, there was no sign of the Captain. By
now, the men should have already taken care of him and put their
plan into motion. It would only be a matter of time before the
princes and the princess arrived and she wanted to make sure she
was in position.
[/font]
#Post#: 410268--------------------------------------------------
Re: Kestramore
By: Faith Faris Date: January 16, 2020, 1:41 am
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The long silence that ensued after they had both paid their
respects brought a questionable look to sit on Zina’s already
puzzled face. His question seemed to unravel the knot around her
heart though and she pondered for a moment before looking around
her room.
Yes. Books. And canvases, a lot of canvases. I like to draw. A
room with a balcony would be nice too.
The words were there, floating around in her brain somewhere,
but etiquette kept her tongue imprisoned, and so her reply was
short and sweet, “No, your royal highness. You’ve done more than
enough by having paid a visit tonight.”
And despite wanting books, and canvases, and a room with a
balcony, she meant what she said wholeheartedly. His
consideration was pleasant, and it dawned on her that it would
make living here so much easier than she had envisioned. She
took his hand gracefully, smiling in the direction of the
younger brother, who couldn’t be any more different from her
fiance if he tried. Zina links their arms together, and follows
his lead, observing the strong castle walls, watching the guards
stare at them intently as they walked by, as if on high alert.
There wasn’t much time left before the announcement was to be
made, and she was beginning to shake with nerves again, hoping
that the man walking alongside her wouldn’t notice.
#Post#: 410274--------------------------------------------------
Re: Kestramore
By: Dems Darkfire Date: January 21, 2020, 5:41 pm
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His eyebrow raised upward as she answered. While it was well
known around that the older brother’s observation skills where
lacking. He still felt there was something hidden behind her
very formal statement. He chuckled it off and nodded. No need to
push more on the issue now. They had limited time and he had now
promised a small tour. He would shuffle into the back of his
mind to ask her once more later on.
“As you wish. But if there is anything. Please. Do not hesitate
to ask.”
He interlocked his arm with hers and placed his palm against his
sternum. He made sure to keep his arm as level as possible while
still keeping hers comfortable. He led her around the main hall.
From the castle walls to the central gardens in full bloom for
the year. He picked out individual people and told her their
names. All the while oblivious to the guards staring at them. He
would tap his finger against doors or point and let her know
which was which. When they approached a particularly large
doorway, Riyadh smiled and stated “And this is the doorway to
the library. If you’d like anything, you may enter. But you’ll
have to deal with old man Yeti,” He chuckled, “He’s the
Librarian. Keeper of the Books. And he’s rather meticulous in
his cataloging.”
Riyadh looked back to his brother for a moment and smiled. “I
fear we won’t have time to stop. We should make our way to the
main event…” He patted her arm with his free hand and turned
down the hall away from the door. It wasn’t too far of a
journey. They could already hear the announcements of Riyadh and
Aritro’s parents making their way into the hall as they
approached. He sighed quietly to himself as they walked closer
to the hall. The night was young but Riyadh felt a small amount
of unease in the air. Nothing he wouldn’t shrug off at the idea
of the party. But his gut gave him fair warning.
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