If the Crown fits...

[Deleted]

the whole afternoon had royally fucked him up, like incredibly.. never in a million years would he have picked that out.. but there they were.. the three of them.. a tangle of arms and legs.. the sounds of pleasure.. of the sweetest cries and deepest moans.. hearts throbbed within the confines of their owners chests whilst hands gripped and held as if their lives depended on it.. and then as per usual it was all interrupted rather abruptly.. a member of his own staff had come looking for him.. an errand.. a message from his Mother that he was to return to the Castle proper.. his lovers whisked themselves away in the matter of a moment.. leaving him there completely naked upon a picnic rug that realistically should probably be burnt after that session.. so much venom.. so much poison..

it had dug its claws into him.. like each droplet having its own tiny barbed ends.. he ushered the messenger away with a quick wave of his hand.. the boy didn't dare peek.. the sounds were enough to alert him as to what was going on.. when the boy had toddled off he groaned as he got to his feet.. staggering over to where his slacks lay upon the cool snow.. and didn't that ever feel like fucking heaven against his feverish skin.. he slid those on.. drawing them cautiously up over his ass.. certain appendages got quite a hard workout and were more than a touch tender.. though still achingly hard.. his full long coat found its place upon his shoulders .. he too would magic himself back to the castle.. back to his own personal quarters..

his bed in that moment looked inviting.. like he just wanted to collapse into it but he knew give maybe thirty minutes his Mother would come calling.. so he grabbed that shower.. the second for the day no less.. moving out of the large Bathroom and back into the well lit bedroom he would have his breath stolen when the sight of his Brother took him by surprise..his brows furrowed and he groaned soon after


Ace: Ryker.. for the love of the goddess, You have to STOP doing that.. You're going to put me in an early grave.. -he grumbled quietly.. shaking his head as he rearranged the towel he had around his waist.. moving toward the walk in closet


Ryker: -laughing and shaking his head-.. an early grave?.. You're already quite old dear Brother.. I fear if i were to put you there it would probably be right on time.. But I jest.. naturally -he laughed-.. Mother is looking for you.. nay.. she is hunting you right now. A great number of the princesses have arrived and are settling into the guest quarters on the eastern side of the castle..


Ace: I figured she was looking for me when I had a messenger drop in on me with little warning, You do realise I have only been here .. why not even a full day yet and she is already hounding me.. -he grumbled-.. and you both wonder why I take off as much as I do..


Ryker: She's just concerned thats all, a great number of your staff have either disappeared or resigned.. it's all very odd. She's putting it down to the pressure of the Princess run, that maybe they are just not prepared for what it will entail. And you know its all with love dear Brother, she doesn't mean to hound you, its just all come on so suddenly. Plus I figure.. -he coughed-.. you already have your winner.. am I right?


Ace: Dont worry about the staff.. I have organised replacements for my lost advisers.. two very close friends that I hold a great deal of trust in, these two gentleman have honour, skills and intelligence behind them. I trust they will steer me in the right direction and they have my back. -he nodded-.. so dont worry about that.. as for staff.. like maids etc.. really no.. most if not all of the Princesses will come with their own staff so its not an issue.. Mother is overreacting.. -he hunted around for the outfit he desired.. long charcoal slacks.. high books.. a gold embroidered tunic-.. As for a winner.. perhaps.. though that Ryker.. stays between you and I..


Ryker: -laughed-.. scouts honour.. wont breathe a word.. she's pretty though and whip smart.. I think she will give you a run for your money.. I hope you're ready for that..


Ace: Just go Ryker please.. -he laughed as he shook his head.. moving out of the closet then as he ran a comb back through his hair.. the belts having slid into place.. the coat over his arm.. he had a public appearance to make.. and he caught a glimpse of the crowd that had gathered just outside the main castle gates when he was making his way secretly inside.. -


Adelaide: There you are!! -she called out from the corridor as she picked up her pace considerably.. long full lengths of dress swishing as she moved-.. I have been looking all over for you. Your people are waiting Aeson..


Ace: his shoulders visibly sunk for a matter of a moment when he heard her voice.. he loved his Mother, with all his heart. all his being, but in times like this she could be incredibly over bearing..-.. Yes Mother.. I had to get out and get some air.. I had a couple of errands that had to be.. handled..


Adelaide: -she came up to him.. reaching to straighten the shoulder seams of the tunic..-.. I figured as much when whats left of your staff managed to get back into your office only to find it empty..


Ace: Mother.. you are pushing.. you need to relax.. I have it all under control.. -he exhaled through grit down teeth.. turning then as he made his way down one of the longer corridors.. sliding the full lavish coat about his shoulders.. the Crown.. his Fathers soon settled upon his head..he looked every bit a King.. his breeding was perfect.. he had the blue blood so to speak.. strong jawlines.. muscled frame.. the height.. the intelligence.. the charisma.. all of it.. He was a Royal.. he rolled his neck.. Fuck his body ached.. all over no less.. and he could still smell her.. it was as if her bodies scent was just permanently fixed .. it made his eyes heavy.. half closing a moment before Ryker gave him a bit of a nudge..

Trumpets sounded.. the tune was to alert the waiting public that their King was about to step out.. he waited just a bit longer.. letting the tune play before the doors would be opened.. It would only be silent for maybe a matter of a moment before a roar of applause would sound.. he would put on the most charming smile.. butter wouldn't melt as he walked out.. his Brother and Mother not so far behind him.. Guards shielded though it was fairly lax.. he by passed the lectern.. stepping down closer to the gates as his hand graced those that were reaching out to him.. quiet short conversations were had.. just pops that were enough to make his people smile.. before he would move up to the stage once again.. coming to rest there as the noise dulled down.. The speech was poignant.. professional.. he was incredibly well spoken afteral and could much like Jacob command a room with little more than a smile and the tone in his voice..

he spoke on having returned and how he had a lot of work to go through, plenty of catching up.. that the Princess Run was right around the corner.. how it was time for a Queen to take the throne beside him.. that came with a roar of applause.. many an 'aww' from the ladies.. and excitement from the youngsters.. there were to be city wide celebrations..and no one would be left out.. Trades meetings would take place in a few nights time.. before he would humbly take a bow.. and move down from the stage.. allowing his Mother to take over.. to give out more of the information.. the nitty gritty.. as pamphlets were handed around with times.. and locations.. he himself though he would disappear inside he had.. something he had to take care of.. it seems her scent was lingering enough to cause the slacks beneath that thick coat of his to tent.. and he couldn't take it any longer-



The Princesses were arriving.. the huge golden main gates of the castle were all but permanently opened as so many carriages were coming through.. all different designs and colours.. some a little more opulent than others.. Each Princess had their own staff.. several ladies in waiting.. a footman and guards.. if Rose were to be watching out the windows she might catch a glimpse at some of them.. perfectly dressed.. poised.. they knew how to talk.. how to walk.. how to act.. curtsys were made.. gifts were given to the Mother.. to the Kingdom.. to the Castle..

Their dresses just glittered in the sunshine.. the tiaras and crowns upon their heads did much the same.. Some brought both parents.. Kings and Queens all hoping they could marry their daughters off to a wealthy King.. and not many were as wealthy as Aeson.. Silverthorn was incredibly lucrative.. Another carriage arrived, it was golden and silver..lavish.. luxe ..whoever owned that one didn't need money.. out stepped a couple of footman.. a hand maiden or two.. dressed in desert silks.. satins and cotton.. their faces were shielded with colourful veils as the Princess was helped out.. there wasn't a lot to be seen..

she looked young though.. her hair was incredibly long.. a soft curl hidden in it.. her outfit was made up of many jewels though her mid section was on display.. the skirts were embroidered in golds and silver.. she was stunning.. beautiful.. big haunting eyes.. a sweet golden tiara upon her head.. she looked around.. waiting as from the opposite side of the carriage came another.. older.. wearing more like a dress suit.. pastel blue. looking a little out of place compared to the Arabian princess and her staff.. but she was clearly the womans chaperone.. and in that moment this pastel wearing individual would glance up.. it was Grace.. clear as day.. though she wouldn't be able to see Rose there.. or anyone else for that matte.. but you could most surely see her-


Aces public appearance outfit

Crowd outside castle 1
Crown outside castle 2

Arabian Princess
Arabian Princesses hand Maidens
Graces daggy pant suit

Other princesses arriving 1
Other princesses arriving 2
Other princesses arriving 3
Other princesses arriving 4

[BadInfluence]

It was all a spectacle in the purest sense of the word. A part of her had felt bad for leaving Ace on the blanket like that but they weren't in a position to be caught, or rather she wasn't in one, not if he wanted her to run the gauntlet with all the others. She had told him she would accept his proposition and that meant that she? Had to be seen as spotless like any of the others. Getting caught with him on a picnic blanket with cum dribbling out of every hole? There was no way she would have been allowed near him, let alone come close enough to court or marry, that just wasn't going to fly. What she did? Was for all of them even if it sucked. Her first order was the same as any sane persons, and that was a bath, bidding Jacob a sweet and tender farewell till later as having him in her room? Also not going to fly. She had a beautiful view in her room and bathroom, able to look out over those who arrived bit by bit, eyeing up the competition as she soaked in a mineral bath that would speed up her own healing... Her lovers had been a little... Thorough? Too eager from what her skin revealed but it was healing quick enough... Bruises fading and hickies slowly vanishing... It would be a good deal more enjoyable if the water was warm but there were chunks of ice floating on the top, making her shiver but hey, bruises don't go away this quick without effort... She was keeping her internal temperature stable by drinking a hot toddy, sipping on the laced tea to stay warm and help dull her jumping nerves. The more she saw? The more she felt out of place... These women looked like brilliant colors and pops of absolute sunshine, like they'd never known a care in the world, the only pain they might have suffered? A hangnail... She had NOTHING in common with them, nothing and yet here she was, in the running as the rest of them were. What was even weirder? Was that literally only minutes after she had gotten into the bath? Nautilous himself had come into her room, cool as you please which resulted in a bar of soap being chucked at his head though in the end she felt like the one who had been hit, what he said? Had her head spinning like a top. Supposedly she was as much a princess as anyone down there, a witch elf royalty no less which was exceptionally rare, enough to make it why she had slipped under the radar for almost two decades. She had been kidnapped as a baby as the story goes, taken to the surface and traded off from there, landing at the orphanage by some strange twist of fate but... C'est la vie... Not a minute of it she would have believed either if not for the portrait of her as a baby. That? Was impossible to deny, you couldn't forge something aged like that, and considering the markings? Those were hers, she knew it better than she knew her own voice, she'd seen those same markings grow and evolve as she had grown up.



Weird sort of fairy tale... From an orphan to a Princess of some of the purest blood, she had more wealth than a person could shake a stick at behind her, a refined and lucrative pedigree... And with that? Had come her own assistant who was in the other room, trunks full of clothes and jewelry unlike anything she had ever seen before, Anouk herself had oohed and awed over the fabric as they talked through the semi-closed door... Most of the girls had come in when the bomb dropped and to all their credit? Not a one of them treated her any differently or asked her for favors or money... It was strange, she didn't feel right, a bit like wearing new clothes that aren't quite broken in yet. They'd all chatted back and forth while she soaked before the girl hour was over and they all got dressed up to go and mingle, there was a ton of festivities and MORE than a few younger and older brothers who had come with their sisters for the run... What better time to snag a royal romance? She waved them off with smiles before she settled back in with a solemn silence about her like a shroud. The woman who was with her? A complete stranger but she looked as witch elf as Sydel did, maybe even more so as she was pale white with silver hair and eyes the color of moonstones. As she soaked? She was schooled in about seven hundred different forms of decorum, a spell being cast and strung between them so that it acted like an educational umbilical cord, massively uncomfortable but it was the fastest way to convey the information in the shortest amount of time. When the last bruise was faded she sighed with relief and drained the ice cold water and replaced it with heavy whipping cream and roses, honey threaded through it as it pampered her skin like a liquid lover. Her maid, the one companion she was to have from Har Ganeth was in there with her, styling her hair up high and large, full around her head like a golden sort of halo... Her nails were filed and lacquered up in an opaque white, her brows were properly plucked and her lips painted blood red, a black as sin liner added around her eyes and of course the dreaded mascara... She wasn't this type of woman but there were times for everything and if she wanted to fit in? She had to play with the same weapons as the rest.



Witch elves were not colorful. Witches did not laugh or smile, they did not play well with others, in fact they didn't play with others at all. Witch elves were at their core raw killers, beautiful like the moon and just as distant, just as cold... She? Fuck no she was not like that but the clothes? She could wear the clothes at least. She had to admit too there was a serious sexy current to them all, they were all sheer to the point of transparency, the richest of fabrics and the most vivid reds and the deepest blacks... The palest whites and the most vibrant golds... All colors that looked amazing on her. The one that had been chosen for tonight? A red deep as blood and as transparent as wet tissue paper, pleated so it flowed in waves like water around her, the rest a skin tight sheath from neck to ankle picked out in rich gold thread and that was it... Her body was naked and on display like a beautiful piece of art, high firm tits that were filling out like a mans wet dream, an impossibly little waist and full hips, ass like a ripe peach begging to have a bite taken out of it... The shoes were made of bone and metal, she swore she could see someones phalanges picked out in it which was rather disturbing but as she had learned in a rapid torrent her people were nothing but war, and bone was used in most armor and weaponry, all of her tiaras? Were made with some sort of bone in them. She needed help to put the dress on, it might as well be painted on her and she could see in the full length mirror she looked like raw hungry sex, and it was impossible not to be turned on by her own image. The crown was placed on her head a moment later, pinned in among the big full curls there that glittered and twinkled with gold thread and diamond pins, the red blossoms and roses mixed with the bloodied antlers finished the look beautifully and she had to say... Witch elves knew how to make blood and gore look sexy as hell.



Dabbing a bit of perfume between her breasts and behind her pointed ears she happened to look out the window and nearly crushed the vial in her hand. "What in the hell is that old wrinkled cunt doing here?! She's as royal as what the cows pass in patties at pasture!" She swore and went to the window, a sensual dream in red at the window, catching the gaze of several men down below who stopped dead in their tracks to stare before she'd disappear back into the room. If Grace looked up? At best she would see a flicker of transparent red like a bloody mist on the wind... Had Grace come here to stalk Jacob?! No... No... She had no idea Jacob was here... That means she had the audacity to set her hat for Ace? No that couldn't be it either... You had to be royal blood and for all Grace bragged about her line? Royalty wasn't in there. She was there on the tail of that extotic creature so maybe she was just along to use the woman as bait to catch bigger fish? What the hell was wrong with this damn black widow gold digger? And here everyone said humans were bad... She sighed and forced herself to sit down at her maids instructions, minor corrections were made, her dress actually TIGHTENED around the bust so her breasts were molded in that fabric till even her nipples stood out with their lovely golden piercings. The rest? Was suddenly much freer moving, still skin tight but she could get a full stride in it, not that she'd ask how but it was appreciated. Makeup was perfected and long earrings slid into her ears but her neck was left bare, thick golden bangles on each wrist so she made music as she moved...



It wasn't long after that there was a knock on the door for the Princess's to assemble, on one hand she had her maid and on the other was Nautilous himself, the royal escort for the King himself. She wasn't deaf but she might as well be for the roar in her ears as the whole damn room was suddenly buzzing like the inside of a hive when she was announced. A princess of Har Ganeth hadn't been seen... Ever. They kept to themselves, they never ventured out and tended to breed with the slaves who were proven to be strong, so this? Was the first time most and many of them had ever seen a witch elf, let alone a royal one, so she was being held to the fire for a whole lot of shit. She? Just kept her chin tilted up with a sort of haute glamor that was every inch royalty, her shoulders back, her stride so smooth she virtually glided across the floor until she reached the seat picked out for her... Backed with skulls and skeletonized hands holding large bloody rubies and garnets... Each seat was the throne of the princess's country and this? Was Har Ganeths... Rich, Opulent, Decadent and more than a little fucking intimidating. There she would sit and quietly wait...



Dress

Tiara

Earrings


Throne

[Deleted]

He had bid farewell to his people.. the crowds were vast, long and eager to witness the return of their King.. he made a small mental note to drop into Ethans for trade talks over the next few nights, it was hard.. he knew he had to be here.. he knew he had a responsibility.. and it was not that he hated it.. far from it.. he enjoyed the position.. he thrived on helping those around him and seeing them succeed just made it all the more fruitful..but he also needed space.. and when it all became too much he took off..

this time though he had been gone for far to long.. and part of that was Hanalis fault.. having him locked away ..but he made the best of it.. the problem that had arisen due to all that toxin had been handled.. literally.. his bedroom.. locked down tighter than fort knox had him taking the edge off the aching hardness that he was suffering.. it was becoming crazy.. and maybe it would be something he would need to look into.. his heart throbbed in his chest.. his body ached.. he looked flushed.. his cheeks were coloured.. before he felt a cool hand upon his shoulder.. seems it didn't matter how much he locked his chambers.. someone always found a way in


Sydel:.. Seems you have a .. problem?.. a hard one?.. that wont go away


Ace: Fucking Hell.. -just about having a heart attack at the shock of it-.. Do you people ever Ever knock?!..


Sydel: -laughing as she moved back from behind him.. hands gliding down to rest there upon the rounds of her hips-.. Not about to start now.. I revel in the surprise of it.. why if you could have seen the look on your face.. -she smacked her lips together-.. perfection


Ace: Ha.. ha.. ha.. forgive me if I dont find it as entertaining as you do.. Im a bit busy right now.. can you.. just Fuck off.. no offence.. -he was frustrated and aching-


Sydel just smiled:.. I can go.. sure.. but this.. -she motioned to the clear tenting in his robe- is not going away if I do..


Ace: What?.. no.. just -he waved her on-.. I really.. do not need your assistance..


Sydel:.. Oh but you do.. ou just dont realise it yet.. I can leave.. sit down there with all the princesses in a line.. waiting for you to finish jerking yourself off.. -she glanced down at a watch that didn't exist-.. the rate you're going.. you'l have torn your cock off in about an hour and you still wont be satisfied..


Ace: -groaned-.. I dont know what the fuck you're talking about


Sydel:.. Its simple.. Rose.. is like me.. but a more refined version.. with.. purer blood.. You and I have fought before.. You have witnessed what I can do to hoards of soldiers.. with a single kiss.. a single drop of sweat.. -she waved her hand-..


Ace paled considerably as it dawned on him.. a face full of Roses sweet slit and his world turned upside down.. then only for her to cum all over him.. he sunk down in the chair-.. Fuck Me.. -his head rocked back as his fingers raked back through his hair-


Sydel:.. Ill take a hard pass on that, thankyou.. I think youve had more than enough Fucking for today.. mm?.. -butter wouldn't melt-.. But I can help you.. and Ill have a discussion with Rose about how she can reel that back in.. It would have affected Jacob too.. but since he is part me.. and he's been around her longer it affects him more like it does Nautilous.. revs up the body and the heart but doesn't take over the mind.. what you're going to do.. Oh Mr Weather Man.. youre going to localise a heat wave.. in this room.. Right now..


Ace:.. are you serious?


Sydel: Deathly so.. make it hot.. hotter than the deserts in the sahara.. in the eastern states.. I want you to be sweating bullets.. Normally Id get Nautilous to come do this but he is otherwise detained looking after your Princesses..So get to it.. I have placed to be..


Ace groaned and locked the room down tight.. the doors all slammed closed as he grunted.. the temperature began to rise steadily.. the water left in the bath steamed and popped.. boiling as if it were a pot of stew..he began to sweat.. peeling away his clothing in the process as it become too much


Sydel dropped her ice at her feet to stop it from draining her..she would still get hot.. and be covered in sweat but it would be manageable..- Hotter Ace.. -she growled-


Ace: Fuck You.. -he growled.. glancing across to her through the veritable waves of heat that were floating around the room.. he groaned as his heart began to sieze in his chest.. sweat was pouring off his body.. puddles were forming about his feet..


Sydel: HOTTER.. -she snapped.. her eyes narrowed considerably as her own sweat began to trickle down her arms.. her back.. she was keeping it contained.. otherwise they would be back at square one.. the moment hers hit the air it froze over.. iced up and hit the floor at her feet


Ace: You are a Horrible fucking woman.. -he cursed.. it was incredibly hot in that room.. if he pushed it much further the furniture would no doubt catch light.. his sweat began to change colour though.. becoming more milky in appearance..


Sydel:.. I love you too Ace.. -she laughed.. shaking her head..she noticed the colouring change..giving it a moment.. a little longer.. a little longer before she snapped the room frozen.. cold like they'd just stepped from the oven into the freezer.. breath could be seen in white puffs before them: You are Fucking welcome..You ungrateful ass -she waved her hand and the ice with the venom contained shattered.. dissolved and disappeared.. she took stalked out of the room.. letting the door slam behind her


The sudden cold snap took him by surprise and just about stole the breath from his lungs completely.. he gasped for breath and clutched at his chest before he watched her approaching.. the shatter.. the sharp attitude filled words before it was all done.. and he was left cold and wet.. he just gasped and slumped.. sliding down from his chair.. he felt clearer.. his pupils were no longer large.. he couldn't smell her..-.. Fuuuuck.. -he groaned.. stumbling to his feet.. he went to lift his hand to.. well maybe apologise for words spoken n frustrated anger but the door was slammed in his face.. growling quietly.. he would need to change once more before he made his entrance.. three sets of clothing for one day..



The Princesses would all have arrived by this stage.. all squirrelled away within their personal quarters.. their hired help on hand with them at all times.. along with Castle staff.. The grand expanse of the throne room had been opened up.. the pews and extra chairs had been taken away ..the windows and thick ruby curtains were drawn.. sunlight floated in bathing it all in such a beautiful orange glow.. Thrones lined the walls..so very many different types.. from the more traditional high backed type.. to things made more of fantasy.. dark as sin with skulls and webbing..

it showed to those in attendance that the Princesses in attendance were chosen from all manner of places.. different deity's ..different lives.. different upbringings.. one of the attendants would visit each of the Princesses staff.. and hand them a number.. they were to be announced in a particular order.. all 51 of them.. They would not see their competition fully until they were in that room and announced.. once that had occurred they were to curtsy for their possible future husband and King and then retreat to their Thrones ..giving each of those that had been announced a full clear view of those entering..


Adelaide tapping upon his door:.. Aeson.. I need to talk to you.. its of utmost importance


Ace: Not now Mother, I am getting ready for the run and Im running late as it is..


Adelaide growing a bit flustered.. having learnt of the identity of a certain female in the running.. : Its really quite important.. I need to speak with you before you make your entrance


Ace grunted as he pulled those charcoal coloured slacks on drawing them up as he pulled on the heavily embroidered shirt.. belts slid into place: Not now Mother.. Ill do my best to come see you before I go in..though he probably wouldn't ..his mind was in a million places.. an seeing his Mother was not where it was sticking.. he ran a cloth across his face.. feeling the coolness of the water.. he was no longer flushed or flustered.. he was recovered.. just a little.. well.. hyped.. he had a burst of energy he did not before and he was indeed curious about it.. but again.. time was pressing..

the Kingdoms jewels came to settle about his neck.. ruffled sleeves.. a high neckline.. capped shoulders.. a heavy burgundy velvet cloak.. he wore it well.. incredibly well.. he just fit the part.. the crown came down to rest then upon his head as he peered down into the mirror.. now this was different.. he had done this.. very thing before.. dressed in his proper attire.. slid the crown on his head and looked down into the mirror.. only now.. it felt.. different.. he didn't feel quite so.. broken..he rubbed his hands across the scruff on his chin.. before he made his way out of his room.. so many staff trailed him as he walked the length of the hall..

offering all and any assistance though he waved them off.. just requesting they made sure the Advisers were in the Throne room.. the activities were about to begin.. he come to stand there at the high double polished doors.. a signal was given and the trumpets sounded once again.. an introduction without words.. before the doors were opened and several of the attendants bowed deeply in his presence.. he moved down the long ruby carpet runner.. the guards on either side of the Throne stepped back out of sight.. falling to the shadows though they wouldn't be far.. before he turned and he sunk down to sit.. -.. And we can begin..-he nodded to those at the doors a crier would move into place.. a long rolled scroll in his hands.. his voice boomed across the Kingdom.. loud and proud..

his voice boomed across the Kingdom.. loud and proud.. he began to name the Princesses one by one.. each their full name and title ..some of them were from smaller kingdoms.. they were perfectly poised and their manners were impeccable.. some of them were from the largest of Palaces.. from far reaching places.. Some stalked that red carpet like they owned it.. some were a lot more reserved.. shy and gentle.. being pushed along by parents when they clearly did not want to be there.. Midway through when the Thrones were lined with some of the most beautiful women.. all different colours and dress there would be a familiar face.. The Crier would glance down upon the names and the room qould hush once more.. eyes would turn to the door as they had done so.. for every one that had entered moments prior..competition was fierce


Crier: Allow me to present, Princess Anya Navere from the newly resettled House Navere now nestled in the deepend depths of Eastern Meozoberranzan.




It would be the first Drow to enter the room.. The doors would be drawn open and there she would be.. Young, tall..the most vivid ruby red eyes.. her dress was form fitting as it naturally would be given her race and of course her Mothers own style.. it was like liquid ink upon her upper body. it shimmered as she moved littered with over a million sequins and seed beads.. the skirts were a delicate spider spun lace.. intricate designs the illusion of nudity with showing so very little..

her hair was pulled tight.. back.. away from her features.. upon it long tall curved feathers and webbing.. a small skull attached to the side of her head.. scarlet lips.. soft colouring upon sharp cheek bones.. she was stunning.. and much like every other she had been brought up to hold that perfect saunter.. that poised walk where it looked like she stepped on air.. there was no bounce to her step.. nothing out of place.. just smooth like liquid.. and if there were any doubts as to what family she came from.. there was that trademark almost sullen pout




...and there she would appear.. maybe a few moments behind her daughter.. looking every bit the Head of a Drow house.. her gown was similar to that of her daughters.. though it flowed fully to the floor.. demure she always would be.. never flashy.. so very many sequins and beads.. just about every inch of the dress was coated apart from small pops here and there .. near to sheer black netting the only thing hiding her flesh beneath.. her ruby hair was pulled up.. her lips just as striking.. and atop her head a crown of webs..

as the two of them approached the alter her gaze.. that fierce strong look remained ahead of her.. as did her daughter.. neither of them would so much as glance toward the 'competition'.. reaching the line.. the end.. where they were to linger..before the pair of them would offer their curtsy.. though a Drow would never be as delicate as a human.. or a sylvan.. it was slick.. almost a movement of seduction.. Bewitching...before the two of them would turn.. making their way over to the throne that had been brought in.. it was sharp and far from over done..


It was coming closer to the end of the run.. a few more had entered.. there would be two left.. and it just so happens Rose would be called second last.. the crier would step into place..

Aces outfit for the Princess Run
Throne room
Thone room atmosphere

Anyas dress
Anyas Headpiece
Anyas Throne

Gias dress
Gias headpiece

[BadInfluence]

Hanali out of the picture would Ace stick around longer? Or would the constant press and push of people constantly demanding things of him make him run? If he didn't have Hanali as an excuse where would he go then? Things to ponder since before too long he would have more than just himself and that big ass castle of his. He'd have a wife and kids to shortly follow and that complicated the whole ding dong ditch thing. Interesting things to talk about with him at some point but for right now? She had a whole lot more to get around to, things to learn and perfect in a terrifyingly short time, not to mention trying to figure out how she was going to settle ghosts in her own past. It was in short? A mess. Even so she couldn't look it though.

A long bath and pampering session had her exteriorly perfect, she looked like a witch elf only far less tan, and given the colors of the dresses she had to wear? Oh it fitted her beautifully, the gold and garnet danced on her skin and made those sunshine hued eyes just spark and glow, the red paid homage to the softest of copper freckles along her skin like fairy dust, her butter colored curls her hair like a halo about her head... Oh she looked stunning, a fantastically beautiful creature that belonged to a realm all it's own, and as much it certainly set the women around her to buzzing. It was a high competition, many had been forced here by parents and didn't want to come, others wanted the rich lifestyle that Silverthorn could provide, but most? Most wanted it because Aeson was gorgeous and anyone with a pulse would want to marry him. Except for herself, of course... Her reasons had nothing to do with the outside or his money and everything to do with the man hidden deep inside his heart where no one but she had ever reached. She wanted him to be happy and felt in her heart he had the best chance of that with her. Now if only her nerves would stop bouncing around under her skin! She heard the soft chatter of people around her, the rumors about this or that princess, allegations of past romances with the King himself... Others on how he might be abusive and cruel like his father... Or even gay like his brother... Why else had he put off the run for over twenty years? Hiding something perhaps? All the while she remained silent and just listened, watching which rumor came from where, after all you never knew when something might become a weapon to either use? Or have used against you and as such it was better to be... Prepared.

So far though she could pick out the wolves from the sheep, a good fourty of so wouldn't make it past the first run, and that? Well half of those she could tell how they whispered about a blond man too handsome to be real with a cock- Yeah, she tuned THAT out, thanks so much... The rest really had no desire to be here and would likely fall out simply because they lacked the drive. That meant her pool? The wolves? Were going to be excessively cut throat among each other and she had a feeling the one with Grace was going to likely be one of the worst... Though if this was out of her own nature made malace of the guiding of Grace that had yet to be seen.

Time ticked down far too slowly though, one by one the girls were summoned out of their common hall and into the main to see the King, the cryer louder than anyone she'd ever heard before and he made her ears ring a bit. She was surprised to see the Drow there though and she actually delighted in it, she thought the drow were deeply misunderstood and given quite the bad rap, she'd enjoy perhaps making friends with her... If she didn't prove to be a total bitch of course. Another went... Then another... Till there was just her and this woman who was Grace's puppet and she honestly wanted to pull someone's hair out for that. Honestly could it be any more annoying?! Well yeah it could but she was allowed to be dramatic in her own head right? It was her turn then and she turned with an easy movement, even the smallest shift caused her dress to shift and flow like red ink in water, her head held high before those doors were pulled open and it was her turn to run the gauntlet.

Cryer: "Presenting Princess Rosamund Bryar Ganeth of the Northern Kingdom of Har Ganeth, Heir Apparent of Queen Helbron."

Taking her cue she stepped out onto that carpet and the moment her foot touched that red velvet runner? It was like everything was focused on her, the sunlight grew stronger so the reds were more vibrant, the golds glittered and sparkled like the stuff of dreams and fantasies... The air coming in around the room caught the edges of her dress so they moved like the elegant fins of a beta fish around her, each step showing off the ball bearing sway of her hips that was refined sensuality in motion, and for all she was short? She had legs for days and she knew how to walk so that she commanded a room without a word. (well, now she did, anyways.) Each step was like art in motion, the fluid running of water over painted silk, music and poetry in form and function. It was hard not to look, no, hard not to stare at her... Slaanesh's heir in the flesh, absolute and utter perfection to the smallest strand of hair on her head, she just commanded that sort of compulsion from people... Women who had never wanted another woman in their lives wanted her... The men around? Wanted to get with her and she? Only had eyes for Ace on that throne, Nautilous on his right and Thaylan on his left, flanked by wisdom and strength... Good choices and it showed in the approval of her golden hued orbs as she looked at him.

She made her curtsy in such a way that it was a dance all it's own, beautiful and unique, impossible to repeat or replicate... And in that moment she dropped a little packet of ultra fine dust, invisible to the eye and utterly harmless... Unless you stood in it. A little... Gift... Wolf to Wolf and all that... She was dismissed to take her place on her own throne which she did, a bit happy to see that it was next to Princess Anya, looking at the girl who appeared to be about her age which was a nice surprise. She'd make a friendly though subtle greeting before she'd take her seat and there? Oh from there she'd watch as Violet made her little sandly saunter up to the throne like she had this shit in the bag which made her wonder about those little bits of gossip in the other room, leaning idly on the arm of her throne as she waited for the moment, almost unable to hide the smile that kept wanting to sneak up onto her features... Another moment... The bow was taken and BAM- That was when it hit... Violet would feel a bit of a tickle in her nose as she had stirred up all that fine dust before the chemical reaction hit like a tonne of bricks. Was it a sneeze? Not even remotely... No, as soon as Violet had bent over and gotten a nose full of that powder and the next? She would find herself the victim of a very harmless prank she had picked up at the college... They had called it Bust Dust, a chemical compound so fine the particles were invisible but once inhaled had an instant reaction on the GI tract which resulted in sudden and terrifically loud flatulence... And as you can imagine in that big, opulent, silent as the grave throne room? That fart sounded like a cannon firing.

Now there was no denying where it had come from, no more than you could deny the sudden stink of a dead elephant wrapped in a ton of road kill skunks, dipped in a vat of rotten cabbage and dusted with week out left in the sun salmon that was emanating from none other than Violet herself. There was shocked, nay, horrified silence among the genteel ladies of the court and she just watched... Looking as disgusted as the rest as she waited to see how Violet covered that... If she could... Now what she chose to do? Was calculated. She rocked back a bit harder on her throne to make the bones grind in a similar sound before she leaned forward a bit. "Apologies Your Majesty, I fear a few phalanges of my throne rubbed together as Princess Violet made her bow..." Yeah... She just gave Violet a cover... Oh sure she couldn't hide the stink that followed but the windows were open, perhaps someone was turning over a sewer pipe or disking under broccoli in a distant field... She had options... And in that moment? She had also put Grace and Violet in her pocket... Just one step in a plan that was formulating and forming as it went along...

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Standing to Ace's right he'd whisper things in Ace's ear with each princess that came up, primarily which ones he had banged earlier in the day so they were of no use to Ace, and others? Well that took a lot of digging and rumor mongering but he had gotten quite a few facts out of some lose lipped princesses... The one from the East with all those fine silks and gems? Were bankrupt and the last of their money had been poured into this debut to try and catch the eye of someone rich. Preferably Ace of course but anyone with deep pockets would do. The one from the Everglens? Was actually sleeping with her brother on the regular, even if it was anal only sex was sex and it wasn't exactly a well hidden shame among the family, the two didn't care so long as they got what they wanted. The Twins... Oooh the twins... He gave them a special but subtle wink on the side as they made their bow to Ace, telling him that both were wonderfully skilled in bed, well trained as they weren't even virgins when HE got to them. Fake hymens while might fool someone else didn't do a dot for him. The next? Oh she looked like she had a body for days while her face looked like her mother might have dropped her once or a couple of dozen times and this? He explained was a lie. Most of her body was made up of padding, special underthings, and a WHOLE lot of tape. On and on it went, explaining which ones had good families and would be excellent allies and trade partners, which ones to watch out for as they had fathers or brothers with grasping hands... Which ones had more wealth than they let on and then the ones that were land rich but penniless... Which ones lied on paper about their family pedigree and all the things Ace would possibly need to know. 




He was silent and not that it was new for him though the reasons behind it were. He had thought he had said goodbye to his past, the things that made him weak, stopped him from reaching his full potential... His life in those days had been idle and spoiled, the favorite pet Navare, and he could have happily whittled away all the years of his life there... His sister Gia... The Matron and his hearts love... They'd been close as children and closer as adults but Gia... Had her own life to live, husbands to marry, children to bear... He? Had no place in her world and had left to spare them both future heartache... 

Anya... Looked so much like him with all the best parts of her mother, Gia's refined features but she had his eyes and his nose, the line of his jaw... He remembered in those moments when Gia had told him she was pregnant and it was his... His heart soared as the love of their frequent unions was coming to bear fruit but even so? It was dangerous... She was married to some high ranking male drow at the time and was passing their daughter off as his but... How long could Gia do it? How long could they maintain their love before someone found out and he was killed? He wouldn't be the source of her sorrow...

And now? Now it was all there in his face, as beautiful as starlight and all those old feelings came rushing back, love and desire for his sister that was every inch a taboo... He had to focus as best he could and stepped into it with Nautilous, the two of them bouncing off each other well, informing Ace on all sides about the ins and outs of every princess present. 

[Deleted]

He sat semi reclined for most of the event, his elbow coming down to rest there upon the arm of the chair.. an ear to both of his advisers.. listening as Nautilous spoke on just how many were lacking virtue which would by the books knock them out of the running.. how another was utterly broke.. how one was wearing all manner of shape wear to hide the more boyish frame.. Thaylan had plenty of advice.. it was deeper more..profound thoughts.. generally circling around the womens History.. and the possibilities of their future intentions..

He was just about as surprised as Thaylan was to see Anya and Gia walk in.. his hand rubbed across his chin.. nodding his head as the Matron lowered into a curtsy.. Nautilous filled him in on the grand possible trade routes with that one.. Thaylan curiously fell silent.. enough to make him turn his head to glance in his direction.. before he thought better of it.. turning his gaze back to the women walking in.. a few more.. pops of colour.. sweethearts and a pair of twins no less.. before she would be announced.. and that would be when he would hear the news of her line.. of her royalty and he blinked in response.. Adelaide stood near the back.. her face fell a little.. it was what she had been trying to tell him but.. it just never came to pass.. he sat up a little then.. glancing up to Nautilous for confirmation?.. was that right?.. did his ears hear correctly?..

a Princess.. there was no need to fuck with the books and the like.. she practically had purer blood than he did.. he blinked again.. on top of all of these revelations.. that dress.. that outfit.. all of it.. his mouth just about dropped open before he caught himself.. he couldn't be paying favourites though it would have been easily caught that the King was enamoured by this one.. the sway of her hips.. the subtle nudity.. the way the room seemed to shift with her in it.. she was breath taking.. his heart too one extremely hard tumble.. almost throbbing there within the confines of his chest.. he cleared his throat..motioning for a servant to pass him that cup of water.. before he took a small drink.. his throat bone dry.. his gaze continued to watch her.. almost stalking her just like everyone else in the room before she settled down to sit there upon that Gothic styled throne..

he took a breath.. Nautilous must have known just how much that entrance had affected him.. and he had about a Million questions to ask now.. but his line of thought was interrupted when the crier stood up to the lectern once more.. had he miscounted?.. he was certain Rose was the last to walk in.. at least he had organised it to be that way.. but no.. it appeared there was one more.. and thats when his attention was stolen..it was Violet.. the one he knew from his youth..she didn't look to have aged a single day.. and yet he most certainly had.. how very peculiar.. his heart took a few more tumbles.. reminiscent.. memories did the most odd things to peoples minds.. he rubbed his lips together.. his eyes remaining upon the Arabian beauty as she walked that long red carpet.



Violet

-she was nervous.. incredibly so.. having to hold her own hands beneath a few coloured scarves to conceal the slight tremble.. it had been an incredibly long time since she had set foot in Silverthorn.. her family having taken them when she was in her late teens when he remarried.. over to the sands.. the deserts.. the eastern lands.. she was beautiful.. extremely long dark hair.. tanned skin.. a slender delicate frame.. she was tall with legs that seemed to just go on and on.. her vivid emerald gaze lingered upon Ace as she approached the end of the ruby runner.. she offered him a smile.. all be it small..even managed to mouth him a hello.. before she would bend down into that child like curtsy.. she was lacking a lot of the finesse that most Princesses had.. she was more.. boyish.. more rough and tumble.. she just didn't look it.. not in that get up anyway..

however thats when everything went to shit.. the sound and the smell sudden and abrupt ripped through the otherwise silent chamber.. she straightened bolt upright then and her eyes widened.. her hand rose to conceal her mouth as her cheeks turned only the brightest shades of red-.. Oh my God.. -Grace remained a few steps behind her and looked utterly mortified.. having turned a few shades of pale in the process.. so maybe if Roses target was Grace.. well.. she hit the nail on the head.. Violet however began to laugh.. shaking her head-.. Oh I am so sorry.. that was not very becoming of me.. now was it.. -she drew the corner of her lip in.. trying not to laugh to much.. glancing around at the ladies seated on their thrones..

Oh the shock on their faces.. perhaps she should have been humiliated.. but there was one thing she learnt a very long time ago.. and that was to always try and turn things around to work in your favour.. -.. Forgive me your Majesty.. -she was chewing on a grin as she went and did a secondary half curtsy-.. but if its any consolation.. I was once told that Love was not having to hold your farts in any longer.. maybe its fate.. -she glanced over her shoulder toward Rose .. her gaze.. that emerald green lingered a moment.. .. Oh no its fne.. Ill take responsibility.. you not worry your pretty head about it Princess.. -she would wait a moment longer before moving across to take her seat.. oh the talk.. so much gossip and quiet giggles around her-




He remained seated.. rubbing along the stubble on his chin and cheeks as he watched Violet approach the end of the ruby carpet.. his body was doing the strangest things.. after seeing the stunning heart stealing beauty of Rose.. to a pop from his past.. he really.. really needed the assistance from the Advisers and in that moment he was thankful he had put them on.. the sudden bout of flatulence though had his brow risen.. Ohhhh he smelt a rat.. and it had nothing to do with the scent in the room currently.. his gaze shifted across to Rose there.. who looked like the cat who'd got the cream.. -.. mmhmm.. -he dragged his tongue across his teeth then.. turning to glance back to Violet before the girl started laughing.. he too then laughed lightly.. which then made the hired help do the same.. afterall the reactions the King has the help usually had afterwards -.. You may sit Violet.. -he shook his head a little.. chuckling as he turned back to his Advisers.. lingering ..-





were it possible for Drow to turn white?.. for them to become pale because if it were she would have rivalled Sydel in those very moments.. the last person she expected to see was him.. standing to the left of a throne no less.. she was certain he had died.. she'd been told as much.. but no..there he was.. looking as healthy and alive as ever and her heart ached all the more for it.. she just wanted to stamp her foot and ask him why?.. to corner him and get all the answers that had long remained upon the tip of her tongue for all these years..

she honestly didn't know wether to hate him for leaving like that.. or to run to him.. the shock.. the uncertainty remained on her features for but a moment before she pulled that stoic mask back over.. the one she knew well.. the Mistress.. the Matron.. her lids closed slowly as she lowered into that curtsey for the King.. before the two of them would move toward the Throne.. Anya settling in to sit.. where-as she remained a step behind it.. and the moment she fell to those shadows she felt as though she were going to have a heart attack.. trying to steady her breathing..-





He would turn back to the ladies.. the Princesses all seated on their respective thrones and he would move to stand - Good Afternoon to all of you, allow me to say that you have all outdone yourselves, stunning.. just beautiful.. -he made his way down the few steps there as he moved to stand in the middle of the room.. turning every so often to glance upon them all.. -.. Its been quite a long time since i have attended one of these as a spectator.. let alone the King in the running, so bare with us as we will no doubt have a few hiccups from time to time.

We have started with 51, after today that will draw down to 20.. With the help of my Advisers Thaylan Navere and Nautilous Deathhaze telegrams will reach everyone's private chamber with wether you have succeeded or wether it is time to move on. My criteria is strict, I am sticking by it.. its the same my Father had used, and his Father before him.. and so on.. -he waved his hand-.. Tonight you are free to roam the grounds..the city is your oyster.. you will find the people in it very welcoming and ready willing to help you at your every whim. Now.. I have changed things a little.. I have taken some items out of the list and added a few of my own.. If you are to become my Queen, my bride.. my partner there are certain things I will require of you.. and one of them.. is the ability to defend yourself.. Tomorrow morning we have hand to hand combat.. there will be two combatants.. it will be of your choosing to decide who you will go up against..

I dont expect you to defeat these two.. I expect you to try.. I expect you to show you can be taught.. that you have the will to want to learn.. I am not after a trophy Queen who will sit on her throne eating cake all day.. My life is incredibly hands on and busy.. and I expect of anyone in my employ.. and my family that they can all defend themselves.. and their kin.. The two combatants are Thaylan Navere and Sydel Deathhaze .. After the hand to hand there will be a short lunch.. followed by general knowledge.. my Mother Adelaide desires a one on one with each of those that suceeds that event.. and when we get to that point.. we will no doubt be whitled down to 5. - he nodded- I look forward to meeting with you all.. I will be about for the remainder of the afternoon.. feel free to relax.. to wander and explore..

[BadInfluence]

Sydel had given him the heads up about the Navare, he understood Drow on the surface were next to nil, just as he knew that trade routs with them would be beyond lucrative for all parties involved. Plus it would be a step forward in relations with the drow, allowing other countries to take the gamble and trade as well, it was a forward motion towards the evolution of the current market... It would be an excellent idea. The others? He explained all the drawbacks of them physically, then the drama and skeletons in their closets next, where as Thaylan talked about possible futures as only a Harlequin can... When Rose came in? He could see the surprise in Ace's eyes and yeah, he went on to explain the situation to him in regards to her, which meant the downsides... "Witch elf deal in ore, gems, and slavery. Their land is hostile at the best of times and murderous during the holidays. They are rich in material wealth but poor in things like lumber or spices, though their slave trade is beyond rich and they make enough gold to stagger my own witts on it." Which was true. Har Ganeth had enough gold in it's pyramids to buy out Silverthorn hand over fist. The reason they were entering the running? Was just on Ace's request. Helbron wanted access to other trade routs in which to sell the ore they mined from deep within the caves and caverns, Drow had no need of it as they had their own in excess, and one did not trade with slaves... It was a mutual win for both countries and Rose? Now was able to come with a bride price that would topple just about every princess in the room. Something he made sure to point out for Ace, in case there was any need to guild the lily from this point. Thaylan only had good to say on that front as well, she had been raised an orphan, the most hopeless position and as such she knew how the people lived... How they thought... How they dreamed... Their daily struggles and fears... She could be the perfect link between him and his people, and what kingdom wouldn't love the fairy tale of a lowly orphan having been a kidnapped princess? Falling in love before that was revealed?... It was the stuff of legends and so many men and women would adore it all the more for it's realism with just the right bit of fairy tale.



He and Thaylan watched as the last Princess had come up and he knew that bitch Grace had already been tampering as Rose was meant to be the last one through. Leave it to that meddlesome bitch! Even stranger was that he had done his research through the maids and he knew this Violet? Was in her forties at least... So how the fuck did she look in her twenties? Some shit was afoot and it only got suddenly worse when as the young woman bowed she ripped a horrifically loud and smelly fart and he? God help him he snorted and hand to cover his mouth with his hand, trying to stifle the sniggers that were coming forward and silently? Oh man silently he was giving Rose a mental thumbs up for taking that shot. Why not? Grace was already playing dirty so it was fair game. Still, this Violet bounced when the rug was pulled out under her, though it earned her no favors or friends from those around her. Already trying to claim the kinds heart? Big step. Seriously over reaching. Rose had tried to cover for her but nope... And he could see from the slight movement on Rose's hand that she didn't appreciate the whole tag back at the end. He could also see Ace's countenance shift and he watched it with eyes sharper than an eagles, something that if Ace saw it? Might snap him out of those cotton fields of lala land. He remained just behind Ace as he stepped forward and made his announcement, Thaylan just to his left before Ace finished up the speech and they followed him out, Ace to do what ever he wanted to and he and Thaylan? To go to the paperwork. Thaylan left soon after that on his own orders as he knew his head was somewhere else, he'd handle it all on his own and leave those moonstruck boys to get their tails moving.

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She hated it. From the start she hated it, being paraded like meat to the masses but this was what she had signed up for and she made sure she did her best to own it, to make it hers and she had thought for a moment that she had done it... Owned all of Ace's attention despite all the other beautiful well born beauties in the room but... No... No someone else had to come in behind her and damn right she fucking spiked the tea so to speak, if Grace was here trying to play dirty, well the bitch could choke. She didn't feel a moment of remorse about what she had done, anyone who was in line with Grace had a hell of a lot of dark secrets in their past, even Jacob had one in his desire to fuck an older woman of prestige...



So with the rest of her day at her disposal what did she do? She shopped of course. Normally she didn't like it but today she had a date with Ace and she wanted something special... Different and not as haute couture as what she had in her trunks. The people she went around? Adored her. She had that sweet and charming disposition, she just had that openness about her that people loved, and she was quickly seen as one of the favorites in the competition easily. She bought gifts for Adelaide as well as Sydel and Nautilous, Thaylan and Gia with her daughter Anya, and for the other princess as well. Why not? Ace had deep pockets but so did her own mother apparently and she was about to make use of that familial connection. Oh everything she bought was so thoughtful and utterly perfect, she'd paid attention to the competition and as such that meant she knew each princess and her place, and bought them gifts according to their location and their personalities... Something to keep them from feeling quite so home sick.



It took her AGES to find the dress she wanted though, the little matching headband she adored but she tossed out the shoes and went for a pair of low wedge ones instead. She was tiny, delicate like a little doll, and it would be good for Ace to remember that... A tiny treasure that any man would be proud to call his own. She bought a little vial of perfume as well, something just for tonight, something she'd wear to remind him later on in life about this night... She also bought and sent ahead a few things that would have many scratching their heads but she had a plan and she would see it through to the very end naturally. Of course these last things went to a different location that was a bit farther away, someplace private, rented off for the evening and accessable through a few different and secretive entrances. For the rest of the day? She began to set up a treasure hunt with various notes and clues, little items here and there to point the way, and some were more complex than others... When she was finally done with it all? It was dark night and the sky was lit up in the most beautiful way she had ever seen in her life, the clues were set up and placed, warded with a little enchanted firefly and hidden so only he could see them.



Clue One: You have a habit of stealing hats I learned early on. Do you remember the it? The next clue you need will bear the same color as my hat.



-The answer was a large grouping of bluebells, the same color her hat had been, and in the middle of it? Was a balloon that was held down by a rock, and inside the balloon was the next note, torn in pieces that he had to figure out before he could read the message.-



Clue Two: Look at you, more than a pretty face! You know I was quite mad at you for soaking me just so you could see what I looked like under my clothes, I always have wanted to repay the favor, what do you think about taking a dip?



(This one was much harder. There was a lovely pond not far from where he stood and if he got lost? The fireflies would lead him back on the proper path, towards the waters edge where it glittered and shone like glass, and under that crystal clear water? There was a fish, a lovely golden koi with a note held in it's mouth. He wanted that note? He had to catch that fish. She was also no dummy and knew he might use magic to get it out rather than put the effort in so she made sure he couldn't use magic on that poor pretty little fish.)



Clue Three: You told me there was more to you than meets the eye when we first met, and you certainly showed me that to be true, but I wonder... Are you willing to look past the surface to see what's hidden beneath?



(There was a breeze seemingly coming from a wall of ivy, if he were to push them so the side, he'd find a cave illuminated with hundreds of glow worms looking like stars on the ceiling, on the ground were little paper flowers leading the rest of the way. The fourth clue was found at the end of the tunnel where the opening lay but there was quite the chasm between himself and the exit.)



Clue Four: You've asked me to take a leap of faith for you. I love you enough to do it. Do you love me enough to return the favor?



(It was obvious he'd have to take a leap there, but would he do it? It was too far to jump alone and there were no vines or roots to swing across, no planks to lower to walk over, and the bottom seemed quite far. Would he do it? If he did? If he dared to take that leap for her? He'd find his feet landed quite squarely on the earth, the sand under his feet shifting so he'd realize that the bottom was no where near deep, in fact it was just a little bit of a dip, just very cleverly painted up so it appeared worse than it was. It was an easy walk across with a little bit of a step up before he'd find the final note floating in front of him on the wings of a florescent green butterfly.)



Clue Five: Sometimes the jump isn't as bad as you expect. Kintsugi takes the broken and makes them beautiful, it patches the cracks with gold so the item is more valuable and unique than before, which begs the question... Will you let me be the gold to your cracks?



(The opening ahead did head him out into a precious little glade but it was empty... High walls, no real place to come or go so it would seem, but there on a stone was a key... Broken in many places and impossible to hold together... But beside it was golden coil. If he were to fix the hey with it he'd find the rock itself had a keyhole in it, and when he turned the key, it would open the rock itself so it swung out to reveal the rest of the glen.)



It was in that sweet little spot, under the galaxy of stars that she had set up something just for him, a table with a simple cloth, covered with food and drinks and a hundred little lights and candles... Flowers in vases and blossoms on the trees the air was sweetly perfumed by nature. There was an assortment of finger foods there, things like bread rolls and cheese, fruits and sliced meat, a bowl of mudpuppies and powdered sugar... Sweet to savory and everything in between. She herself? Would come up from behind him wearing a beautifully sheer dress with gold and silver stars embroidered on it, the neckline a deep plunging v that was held up by golden straps around her little torso, her hair left down in sweet soft curls down her back with the matching golden starred hairband. No jewelry, no fancy shoes as she refused to add to her height tonight, reminding him of just how little she actually was... Pocket sized even... In her hand? She had a decanter of whisky that smelled so fine his mouth would water. Obviously she had tampered with it, infused it with something or other, adding to it's smooth complexity so it would slide down like warm honeyed silk with that perfect burn... She was silent as she guided him to the hammock that swung beside the table and guided him into it, pouring him a large glass of that whisky and setting the decanter of it on the side within easy reach, plucking out a laced cigarette of her own blend and lighting it for him... Handing it over before kissing his forehead.



The smells in that place were divine and if he looked? He'd see she had disappeared around the side to a brick bbq pit well lit with coals and on top? She just laid out some thick, juicy, beautifully marbled slabs of beef. Oh they'd make a mouth water, perfectly seasoned and the moment they hit that grill, the sizzle was a chefs melody. She also had some thick cut fries hitting the boiling oil and some light salad on the side with a dressing she'd made herself. As she cooked? She'd talk. "How was today for you? Any favorites?" She'd teased lightly as she cooked, making sure not to ruin the steaks by over cooking them, wanting them to be perfect. "More than a few were a bit of a shock to me honestly... And the rest apparently had our mutual friend in the flesh... It should make the choice a bit easier for you..."



Outfit and Hair

picnic scene and table

Hammock

steak and fries

salad

[Deleted]

To say it was a day he possibly expected.. never.. not in a million years.. the Princesses all arrived.. each one entering.. any predictable.. some he had seen before.. he noticed the way the Mothers pressed them harder the older they were.. Anyas entrance was a surprise.. one he nodded his head to.. but he was soon filled in as to the reasons behind it.. another planted entry.. if he had his way the whole 50 would have been that way, it would have made this a whole lot easier.. but yet he still went through with it.. if not for traditions sake.. then for his dear Mother.. Roses sudden change in title and wealth caused his brow to rise.. he had literally no idea about any of it.. she was a Princess?.. a missing heir no less.. with enough strong titles to turn every single head in that room.. he was shocked to say the least..

Nautilous filled him in on the trade possibilities.. he heard about the ore and gems.. rubbing his chin as he listened.. the slave trade though made him grimace a bit.. -.. mm.. see there will be issue with that.. I have purposefully pulled away from that here.. my father had it set up with several of the port cities.. and it was what funded our gates until I stepped in .. I just.. I dont like it.. -his hand fell back to his lap-.. but.. I wont begrudge her home for.. its choices.. its not mine clearly.. so long as it does not leak through our gates Im fine .. -he nodded.. his voice remained low.. soft and silent..

to anyone glancing toward the King, which most of the princesses did.. he just looked to he chatting with his advisers.. so much information was shared..Violet walking in was like a hard swift kick to the chest.. he felt his breath stolen.. it wasn't from it being her no.. it was the shock of memory.. she looked exactly like she did when they were together.. when they courted..for the short time they did.. and that took him on one hell of a trip.. the little magic played out caused everyone in the room to fight back laughter.. he glanced toward Rose then.. catching that mischievous glint in her eye and he chuckled shaking his head.. Violet seemed to just roll with it.. which actually lightened the mood..

the look on Graces face though was utterly priceless..when the princesses all cleared the room he took a moment to speak with Nautilous and Thaylan.. to go over what had been discussed.. which ones were obviously out from the get go and which ones would remain.. he noticed Thaylan was.. well.. distant.. it seemed Nautilous did also..the two of them sending the poor lad off on his way.. figuring he needed to get laid.. or maybe he was hungry.. or something.. there were an awful lot of pretty young things in that Throne room and the goddess knew only desired one.. he would soon separate from the pair.. he knew he had a little private evening planned with his pet.. something quiet.. something that was to be undisturbed..

he had made sure everyone in his employ.. even his own Mother knew he was off duty for at least half the night, he was to be only summoned if it were an actual emergency.. like War.. or well.. Only War. he slipped on a pair of deeply coloured jeans.. a soft coloured shirt.. the jacket was burgundy with large military styled buttons.. a striped tie was soon drawn into place.. it was a bit more casual for him.. at least for those that had only seen him in his royal regalia.. but for her.. who had seen him in sweet fuck all it would be just perfect..originally he had asked of her to meet him.. in his garden.. that little private spot that only his family and a few gardeners knew about..

so colour him surprised when he came upon the enchanted butterflies.. the hidden secret notes and clues.. he raked his fingers back through his hair-.. Just what are you up to mmm?.. -the corners of his lips curled into a grin as he glanced down at that first clue.. he laughed.. how could he not-.. Ahhh sweet minx how could I forget that hat.. I certainly havent forgotten the ball gag I found in the carriage.. I believe both were a similar colour.. -he glanced around then.. looking for something in a shade of blue.. a pop of pastel colouring in the distance with an odd shape poking out the middle would catch his attention an he made a bee line for that.. he plucked the balloon from its tether.. turning it about in his hands .. -

.. hmm.. i wonder.. -he questioned.. before he popped it with the point of his cuff.. only to his dismay did the note fall to his feet like confetti-.. What the Fuck.. No!.. -he groaned.. reaching down to pick up as many as he could before the wind carried them too far.. which of course meant he had to do a bit of darting around like a fucking pixie..it took some time but he finally got all the pieces.. laying them out to try and make out a message.. -.. Oh I know dove.. I know how angry you were.. Oh if you could have seen the look on your face when you scowled at me and called me a letch.. be still my heart.. -he grinned.. the message seemed to be asking him to take a dip-.. a dip?.. a dip in what?.. like actually getting wet?. whaaaaat..

-he grumbled.. turning to glance around a little then.. he knew of a few water sources that were close.. but the first one he came upon was the pond.. the glittering sands upon the shore let him know he was at least in the right spot-.. Right then.. so now what?.. surely you dont expect me to get in the water yeah?.-he reached around to scratch against the back of his head.. before he caught a glimpse of the fish.. his gaze narrowed..using magic would have made this So easy and he certainly tried only to find it was useless.. it simply reflected off the surface of the water and didn't help what so ever.. -.. are you kidding me?.. -he laughed.. shaking his head as he rolled up his sleeves.. it would take some effort and anyone that was watching him would have thought he had lost his marbles..

trying to catch this blasted fish with his hands.. it was slippery and on each three tries when he got it.. it jumped out of his grasp.. before finally he managed to catch it for just long enough to get the paper.. -.. Thank fuck for that.. -he stepped out of the water..shaking his hands a little.. and the water from his boots as the rest of it ran down his legs making that denim cling like a second skin.. he wiped his cheek.. glancing down at the third clue.. perplexing.. curiosity written all over his features.. the breeze was cool..calming.. it made him reach for it.. to pull the leaves aside.. the cave was a surprise.. how did he not know this was here?.. He lived here!.. making his way through.. the glow worms and paper flowers were enchanting..like something he was sure he read about in a childrens book to Ryker one time..

the fourth clue he nearly stumbled over.. the edge of the cliff.. his heart took a leap for him before he swallowed down a breath.. -.. Wow.. ok.. uh.. -he glanced down at the paper.. asking him to take a leap of faith.. that she had done it for him.. he blinked.. glancing down over the edge.. before looking to the note once more-.. are you insane woman.. -he laughed a little nervously..-.. if you wanted me dead I guess this is one entertaining way to do it.. he had to psych himself up for it.. shaking his hands.. trying to figure if he fell all the way was there a spot he could land where he couldn't shatter every bone in his body..?..-.. I sware to the goddess Ill haunt your sexy ass if this is the end.. mark my words..-.. he laughed.. shaking his head.. before he took that leap... half expecting to be falling for quite some time before it all just stopped abruptly.. he blinked.. nearly falling on his ass from the shock of it before he laughed his ass off.. Oh she got him.. she got him damn good with that-.

. You sneaky little shit -he exhaled long and deep. oh there was more than a couple of sweat droplets running down his forehead.. he walked across the path before him.. a step up and then.. another note.. the butterfly glowing softly catching his eye.. he tilted his head when he read that final note.. he knew she understood the painting in his room.. they had spoken about it on that one very fateful evening..it meant a great deal to him that she did understand it.. that it was more than just an interesting piece of art on his wall.. it meant she listened.. and that was more than an woman had ever done for him.. his heart ached in that moment.. causing his feet to freeze on the spot.. to pause as his fingers curled inward..a soft exhale would sound.. -..Ahh..you've stolen my heart young one..

-he spoke softly.. almost inaudibly as he moved forward.. the area seemed to open up for him.. a glade seemingly out of no where.. empty.. he glanced around.. high walls.. no other doors.. a key upon a stone though. broken.. he held the remnants of it in his hand.. plucking up that coil .. it would take a moment.. maybe two before he had fashioned that makeshift key.. locating the hole before he would be gifted access to the remainder of the glen.. his eyes widened a little as he drank it all in.. spotting the table just a short stroll ahead.. all the little lights.. the food and drink.. flowers..every kind of treat and desert he could have possibly imagined.. -.. Wow.. -he was quite astounded really.. quite taken a back by it all..

her scent struck him before he saw her.. turning his head then to capture the sight.. oh if he thought his heart ached before it was throbbing right now.. a perfect little woman.. and the bare feet was utterly fucking adorable he said nothing.. he just watched her move around.. he was stunned.. bewitched even.. the whiskey smelt divine.. Fucking incredible.. the food was making him so hungry .. he hadn't had the chance to eat today.. having been dealing with the run and everything else.. his head tilted as she passed him that cigarette.. and then of course the kiss to his forehead..he growled in response.. though there was a smile permanently fixed upon those handsome features.. she disappeared from him then as he took a long drag .. holding that sweet spice in a little longer before he exhaled it extremely slowly.. a whiskey in his free hand.. watching as she turned that glorious piece of meat on the grill.. -..You little minx are spoiling me..

-he grinned around that cigarette.. having a bit of a quiet chuckle before he placed it and the whiskey down.. appearing behind her.. he slid his hands down along the delicate rounds of her hips.. reaching to place the knives.. the lifters.. the tongs and any other kitchen implements down.. before he picked her up and span her around.. facing him as he held her.. feet off the floor.. eye to eye.. -.. I have one favourite.. just the one.. -he spoke softly.. leaning in to capture that plump bottom lip of hers.. -.. she's cheeky as Fuck.. and is a bit more of a trickster than I realised.. but.. yeah.. I think I might be falling pretty hard for her..

-he stole her lips then.. drawing her in for a sweet tender yet full bodied kiss.. she'd taste the cigarette.. the whiskey.. -.. and let me tell you.. -he whispered against her lips-.. dont you ever expect me to get in a pond again.. -he grinned.. another quick kiss before he placed her back down.. a swift smack to that ass before he allowed her to continue cooking that splendid looking meal-.. I am Fucking starving..and you and that food smell far too good

Aces suit

[BadInfluence]

"I know. The good news is they won't bring slaves through your ports or ask you to trade in them. They're looking to outsource their ore and gems, with more countries turning away slave trade Helbron has looked ahead and opted to search out other means of commerce and found that her lands are rich in iron ore as well as varous other compounds such as gunpowder for cannons and other things." It was Helbron, she wouldn't think of gunpowder for fireworks of course, if it was a war feature? Naturally that was exactly what she thought of it as. "She also discovered a diamond mine in some of the most exotic colors I have ever seen, red diamonds and others that glow like fire, yellow as the sun and all that I have seen are flawless. You could make money in your sleep trading with them... Who knows... With enough financial income they might forego the slave trade altogether..." Slave trade yes but... Chances are they'd still kidnap men and women, children too, it was just... Tradition? But it was something that perhaps Rose herself could help put change into motion on? They wouldn't know till it came to pass anyways....

The bit with Violet stank true enough, and in more ways than what had eked out of her back end, so many things weren't lining up and he told Ace as much too, though how much of it would stick? Who could say. Things like this were often insanely tricky to manage the youthful heart had a tendency to hold onto memories tightly, even as it ages through the years, certain triggers could cause quite the flash back of emotions. He wondered just how this might turn things if it did anything at all. Once it was all said and done though? He had a date with a certain little minx of his and he made his way out, making sure to send off those letters before he did as Thaylan seemed a bit useless at the moment, both he and Ace telling him to fuck off and get laid before he came back. He'd stopped by and had a short though meaningful chat with Adelaide too, to relax a bit and lay off of Ace or the man would bolt as he had before, and this time? Might not ever come back. Everyone had a limit and Adelaide was tap dancing on his. Yes, yes, he knew all about tradition and convictions of the sort but he gently reminded her she had broken with them all for the favor she had asked of him and Sydel... He wasn't the sort to allow the pot and kettle bullshit to go uncalled and he hoped that the friendly and softly delivered hint would be enough to get Adelaide to take a breath. The woman Ace had chosen was a Princess of bluer blood than anyone else there, she had wealth and stature behind her, impeccable breeding and best of all? She grew up common so no one could understand the people better than she could. All that wrapped up in a brilliant mind with the heart of a Doctor who strove only to heal the hurt and cure the ill... Adelaide? Could do a HELL of a lot worse for a daughter in law.




She had spent a very long afternoon making this little rendezvous for them, using her own gifts with nature as he had done before with the weather, creating this little gem of a hide away... A place for him that no one else would know about unless he chose to share it and of course... For when their own children arrived. As such she really had put a good deal of work and detail into every bit of it, using these moments of time that they had shared, from their very first meeting up to today. Would he follow the clues she had laid out so carefully? Would he understand them? Know which memories she was trying to evoke? Had he been watching her as closely as she had thought? Their first real day together he had shocked her to her core by listing off a good handful of things about her that no one else had noticed... At least not that anyone had told her before. He had been watching then... Was he still? And if he did, would he enjoy this little game of theirs, a sort of adult treasure hunt based on shared memories? She hoped he did because she had used every little bit of magic she had learned so far, really stretching herself thin, pushing herself because he... Well he was worth it... Wasn't he? She hoped so, she thought so, and she knew if nothing else she had fallen in love with him... ALthough if he thought for two seconds she was going to be playing fair in these games he was out of his mind. Sure, he might have picked her already but that didn't mean everyone else knew it, it seemed only fitting for everyone to really push themselves.

The part that was his reward was naturally the dinner she had planned. She was a very good cook, genuinely she had a nose for herbs and spices and had a natural flare for flavor, mix those two with a love of creativity and you had a cook who will never cease to amaze. She had all sorts of finger foods to tempt his appetite and to hold him over until dinner was finished, and if that wasn't enough she had made sure to procure the best bottle of whisky around before fixing it up ala Rose, which meant it just got better and had a stamp on it which was purely herself. When he'd find his way in to where she was hidden she had come up, just the cutest little toes peeking out from under the hem of her dress as she came to meet him, decatur in one hand and glass in the other. "Well this is sort of our first date, isn't it? I thought it should be special." She guided him to the seat and kissed his forehead while she handed him his glass, hearing his growl she reached out to lightly flick his ear, just a bit as she smiled. "Don't go showing your teeth at me Mister." She said with a laugh as she lit up one of her own blended cigarettes for him before she'd step away to go and handle dinner, her own cigarettes were a good deal like Nauts but hers were if possible, even smoother... A fuller mouth flavor as they rolled over the tongue... The scent was sweet and the smoke came out as a rather beautiful shade of lilac with hints of blue... And oh it just hit the muscles right away, releasing all sorts of tension and knots, easing one into a very relaxed state.

She'd turn the steak over with a pair of chopsticks, tongs tended to bruise the meat and could make it hard, and while chipsticks weren't easy to use for many? She'd made herself master them if only for the sake of some of the more delicate foods... And it made clean up a HELL of a lot easier. The fries were going perfectly, pulling them out to lay them on a paper towel to soak up the excess oil and seasoning them just perfectly with a blend that had just a little bit of heat to it, that tasty mix of salt and spice. "Mmm am I now? Maybe I'm just showing my King what he will be getting?" She teased a little bit before he came around and snuck up behind her, dipping her head back against his chest and he spun her around, her ears twitching instantly to listen for the meat and the smell as well which would both help her know when she had to turn it. He suddenly spun her around though and her first instinct was a high squeak followed quickly by an incredibly addictive laugh, legs curled up under her as he wasn't letting her touch the floor, her arms wrapped about his neck. "Is that so?" She got out before he kissed her and her lids fluttered down a bit with a warm sigh that ended with a smile as he called her cheeky and a trickster to boot, and that last bit, the thought he was falling for her? Oh that resulted in a quick slap to his chest and a yank on his earlobe. "You think? Sweetheart you better pull your head out of your-" She managed before he kissed her again and she just melted, whisky and smoke on his tongue as she kissed him back fully, her nails lightly raking along the base of his scalp. When he broke that kiss her head was spinning a bit before she'd open her eyes, laughing suddenly at his words and shaking her head, a brow raised at him. "You remember how you told me good things come to those who wait? If you had stood on the bank and waited just a little bit he would have swam right up to you, sweet as you please. My my, someone doesn't take his own advice, does he?" She teased before that reminded her of what he had said before and she reached out and punched him lightly in the chest before she'd get a hold on that jacket and yank him down a bit to her eye level. "Listen here sweet sack, whether you realise it or not, you're already mine." She said with a wink and a soft, sweet kiss to his lips before she'd let him go, pinching his arm just a little bit as she went. "So next time you only 'think' your falling in love with me, you better be out of hitting range, cause I'll kick your royal rump. Now go, sit down and have some of the finger foods I laid out for you, they'll tide you over till dinner is done." She said with a smile before he suddenly reached out and smacked her ass good and hard which made her yelp and swat at him with one of the chopsticks. "Jesus Toast! Could you not?! God alive you used me so thoroughly earlier my thighs are STILL sore, not to mention what you did to my poor bum, you beast." She was only half complaining because yeah... She'd fucking loved it. She got used every which way for hours on end by two intensely skilled lovers who made sure she enjoyed it too. Who in their right might WOULDN'T?!

After that it was another fifteen to twenty minutes left before the meat had to take a 'nap', which meant it had to cool and settle a bit or the moment you cut into it? The juices and flavor would just slide right out and you'd be left with some rather bland and dry meat regardless of how much you spent on it. "I did get a new perfume in town, I'm glad you liked it, and Sydel sort of gave me a heads up so I'm working on it..." Though how to control it was hard. She couldn't let herself get turned on, so long as she was relaxed and having fun, or hell even if she was stressed out it was alright... But get her hot? Shit was game over. When the time was up she'd slice into that meat in perfect strips for him to enjoy with the fries, adding her own sort of sauce over the top, made of spices and honey that accentuated the flavor rather than buried it... Fries in a bowl with spiced ketchup, salad on the side all served on a tray so he could relax and lounge on the hammock while eating. She? Sat on the side with a smaller plate, not quite picking at her food but going slowly, wondering quite how to phrase it in a way... "So... Jacob did a scan on me today... To see how it was going... What do you think about being a father of twin boys around this time next year?" She hedged a bit nervously. "They're looking good so far and I shouldn't have any issues, I just have to take it easy, go slow and things like that..." Things like that being her letter to Barathon and asking him to forgive her but she had to take a small leave of absence from school, she found herself in the family way and felt it was better to wait until the birth of her children before returning to school and resuming her courses. "Who knows... Your little heirs might come around your birthday... Wouldn't that be something..." She hinted at and gave him the opening to tell her when his birthday was and things of that nature. But then again if she wanted him to be forthcoming, she had to be too, didn't she? "Speaking of birthdays, apparently I was born in the middle of fall, right at the crack of dawn October the tenth..." Nautilous had made the joke about this making her a total 10/10 which she smacked him for but it was also cute and had made the shock a little easier to bear... But with that in mind? "I'll try to answer any questions you have too, best to get the elephants out of the room early so the rest of our date will just be lots of fun. I do have a few games picked out for us after all."

[Deleted]

He watched her as she tended to the meal.. she had gone to an awful lot of trouble for him.. the clues were fantastic.. it was such an adorable little activity.. kept him on his toes so to speak.. he moved.. as silent as he could coming up behind her.. watching as she used those chop sticks masterfully before he reached around.. removing every piece from her hands before he picked her up and spun her around.. the squeak only made his smile grow larger.. the corners of his lips curling.. everytime she tried to pop him with a quick sharp little cheeky rebuttle he kissed her.. he silenced her by keeping those sweet lips of hers busy.. and from the sounds she was making.. those soft delicate murmurs.. the way he felt her melt in his arms.. it worked a treat..

he told her there would be No way he would be getting into another pond for anyone.. only to hear that if he had of waited the damn fish would have come up to him.. he groaned and his head fell back-.. Mischievous.. there is no other word for it.. I sware to the goddess above.. You'l age me well before my time at this rate of this I have no doubt..-she gripped his jacket then.. pulling him down to her.. eye to eye.. Oh she was cheeky.. -.. All yours Princess.. -he spoke softly.. that almost growl to his voice would have floated down to her very core before he straightened out.. moving back toward that table she had set up for him..

swirling the whiskey he had left in his glass as he plucked up a few of those fingers foods.. Oh everything looked utterly delicious.. and tasted it too.. her comment on him falling for her had his brow rising just a touch.. a quiet chuckle spilled forth-..I guess.. Im not like most people.. I dont fall quickly.. I dont enter into these kinds of things looking to the future.. at least its not how I have handled things in the past.. -he took a drag of the cigarette then.. semi reclining in his seat-.. I often hear that love is blind.. I happen to disagree on some level, I think infatuation is blind.. love is all seeing and accepting. -he tilted his head.. glancing across to her there a she worked her way around that small kitchen she had set up-.. Love is seeing all the flaws and blemishes.. and accepting them..

Its accepting the bad habits and mannerisms, and working around them.. Love is recognising all the fears and insecurities..and knowing that your own personal role is to comfort.. Its working through all the challenges and painful times. -he took a drink of the whiskey-.. Infatuation is fragile.. it shatters swiftly when live is not perfect.. Love is strong.. an it only grows stronger because its.. real.. Ive never.. -he took a breath and chose his words..-.. Ive never fallen for anyone Rose.. ever.. Ive had plenty of infatuations.. plenty of lustful driven encounters.. but.. this.. -he motioned toward her and then back to himself-.. is.. new to me.. so yes.. when I say I think I have fallen for you.. I happen to mean it .. -he wasn't trying to be smart.. or make her feel like everything up until now had just been some kind of game.. he was growing genuine feelings for her.. and it wouldn't be something that would just happen overnight..

treading uncharted water.. he was nervous about it.. and it even frightened him a bit.. he turned back to the foods then.. the fruits and cheeses.. glancing around the area.. the garden that he was certain didn't exist before.. he nodded when she spoke on Sydel giving her a bit of a heads up and the perfume that had been purchased-.. I needed a little assistance when I got back to the castle.. she helped me through it.. we shared.. some.. sharp words in the process.. which reminds me I .. should probably apologise for words spoken whilst in pain.. -he cleared his throat..-.. Im glad you're going to get a handle on it.. for as wonderful as I am sure it can be.. the after affects are pretty brutal.. on me anyway.. -he laughed awkwardly..

the meal had been served.. the steak looked cooked to perfection.. the sauces smelt incredible and the extras just paired perfectly..-.. This looks.. Wow.. Thank you.. really.. You are One hell of a cook.. Im honestly surprised Jacob isn't five times the size he is.. -he settled down upon that hammock.. reclined.. relaxed.. partaking in that marvellous food as he chose.. it wasn't any grand rush to finish it quickly.. he was going to enjoy every bite.. all the flavour combinations.. before he just about choked on one of those fries when she said Jacob had done a scan.. he blinked-.

. Twin boys?.. -he wiped the napkin across his lips then and looked shell shocked for a moment-.. are you serious?.. Faaaaar out.. Wow.. -he blinked rapidly.. before he laughed..-.. Wow.. I.. just.. -he glanced across to her there-.. two boys.. you've given me.. such a gift.. something I could never.. ever repay you for.. not for the rest of your life.. Like sure ill try.. give it my best shot.. but.. Wow.. My god you're such a beautiful woman.. -he was awed by her.. utterly so-.. thats a lot though.. right?.. I mean.. you're already quite small.. -concern laced in those words..-.. I remember when Belles had multiples and she struggled.. you both have such a similar body shape..

-he laughed a little when she mentioned his birthday and how the babies might come around then-.. Someones been in your ear havent they.. -he tutted his tongue then and shook his head -.. It is in a few days.. yes.. cant keep secrets around here it seems -he nodded when she spoke about her own Birthday.. making a mental note of it.. -.. Well we will have to organise something big for your birthday then.. Spoil you rotten.. -he placed the cutlery down.. plucking up the cup of whiskey once more.. he sat there in companionable silence for a while.. just glancing across to her every so often..

watching as she picked at her food like a sparrow-.. How does it feel?.. to suddenly have titles and lands thrust upon you like that?.. I figure you didn't know anything about it..I dont see you as someone who would have kept it from all of us intentionally.. -he placed the cup aside.. deciding to nurse the cigarette for a bit longer-.. Im not going to lie.. it shocked the hell out of me.. I figured Naut and Sy would have concocted up some kind of back story for you.. so when I heard that.. and then saw the throne.. I was stunned..

[BadInfluence]

Oh it would have been nice to be able to deny it a bit more... Be able to put a little more steel in her spine, something to make him have to work just a shade harder, show him she wasn't quite so easy to bend. All he had to do was hold her just like that though and she was steel in the furnace of his arms, going soft and bending just the way he wanted her, sighing softly against his lips as he turned her into the shape he wanted. Letting her go allowed her to take care of his dinner as he had before, his words on the pond though, oh that tickled her. She couldn't resist the little comment he made on the pond though, commenting that he needed to take his own advise and have had a little patience, his groan? Music to her ears as she laughed and raised a brow as she looked at him. "My dear you do not get to blame any of that on me. Much of everything you did quite nicely to yourself sweetheart, though you know you do age like a very fine whisky, so I won't mind much." She teased back and from the little bits and pieces she had gathered? He was well over twenty years her senior which just floored her, she had figured he was older but not by that much, yet knowing that fact? Was it so wrong that it turned her on really badly? Someone as well lived and versed as he was, having sampled some of the best things in life was mad for her, she knew if she just tried she would have him wrapped about her little pinky like a ring. It was just really hot! Though as he spoke she felt it right to remind him that there wasn't any maybes or anything else in regards to them, she owned him and he was all hers, tip to toe. "Damn Skippy." She said though her voice sounded breathless even to her own ears at that growl in his voice and she released him there, telling him to go eat and hold himself over till dinner would be done.

As she cooked they spoke, a little bit of confidence from her seemed to stir some deep thoughts from him, her head lifting a moment to watch him as he spoke before her attention was back on his dinner... His own deep thoughts stirred her own and she was forthcoming with him on her own thoughts on it, as young as she was she knew that many would see her way too wet behind the ears to have an opinion, to green to stand among the more seasoned. "Jacob and I feel in love over months but at the same time, when I got a good look at him for the first time, when our eyes caught I felt something inside my chest that stirred and twisted... I thought I had eaten something that made me sick because I'd never felt it before." She said on a soft laugh as she stirred the fries in the popping hot oil so they cooked evenly. "It never really went away, every time I saw him my insides jumped around, I just wanted to be around him all the more despite it. It took three weeks before he worked up the nerve to kiss me..." That and the attack from Ric which had somehow spurned him on, and once Jacob had decided to kiss her he REALLY kissed her, had swept her off her feet. "He taught me a lot and gave me the Paramour book, before Jacob I hadn't even kissed anyone, not even held a hand." The memory was sweet, it made her cheeks flush as she savored that sweet recollection, a gentle sigh before she went on. "It was months after that before we were kidnapped by the Tryst. Someone thought we weren't moving along fast enough I guess? But once there it all just tumbled into place. We knew we'd been feeling the same for each other for a long time..." And still felt that way, it was still strong, going stronger by the day... "I guess what I am getting at is I believe in love at first sight, just as much as I do on something growing, building and evolving into something beautiful and unique... I think you can love someone horrible and still think their perfect, not because they're flawless, but because they're flawed." She didn't love Jacob for his perfect manners or his absolute perseverance in being an absolute gentleman at all times, she loved him because he had a habit of falling asleep on his books, loved his habit of forgetting to eat and that awkward blush and smile when called out on it... She loved that he had the worst habit of always taking things too seriously and never standing up for himself. Loved that he drove her absolute mad some times with his refusal to take a compliment... "I know you wont be an easy man to love, I resolved that the moment I saw your room, the world you've categorized around yourself for sanity... It wouldn't matter how happy you were with me, there will be days you'll just vanish, disappear to clear your own head from the world that's always climbing into it..." His room had told her much more than he might even realize... A room is like the reflection of a person's soul, good and bad, it reveals the truth in all it's forms. "I know it's going to be futile to think I'll ever have you all to myself, I'll have to learn to be happy just having the part of you that you can share, and it won't matter how much I love you or how hard I try... You're always going to keep yourself segmented because maybe... Being whole hurts too much. Kintsugi repairs the broken parts with gold, but you know I can see the parts of you that are still broken, the big gaping holes you haven't tried to patch because the burn might not be worth it... Or perhaps it's because you're afraid if you were to truly be whole... People not like you, might not love you as much, and that's the scary part isn't it?" This? Was TOTALLY not the way she wanted it to go but at the same time this was important to get out, wasn't it? If this all went as planned? They'd be engaged, and in a year he'd have heirs and a wife all in one tidy little package, and if they were going to make it work? They had to be solid. Together. To shift the topic into something a little little less serious though? And while love might be blind sometimes, she sure as hell isn't deaf or without a sense of smell... You know I've never heard that gag go off so loud and never that smelly! I seriously had to fight to keep from reacting! It was supposed to be just a bit of flatulence, something to really mortify Grace, make that witch squirm a bit... Little did I know that I'd end up gagging out half the congregation. Just... Wow... Remind me to never eat what ever she did that day."

Things moved on to Sydel having giving her a bit of a nudge, things she was still having to learn about herself, things she didn't realize she did. Jacob hadn't ever been effected that badly but it would make sense given he was a witch elf like her that he was a bit more resistant to it... "You should... Sydel doesn't help anyone really, so if she did, she really put herself on a limb... I think an apology note, some flowers, and a gift would be nice." She said, giving him her own little nudge, a bit of a helping hand. "I can help you pick it out if you want, just let me know." She said though she couldn't help the somewhat pained expression on her face because the way Sydel had explained it? If she wasn't really careful? Ace could literally kill himself trying to get rid of the itch. "So long as I don't get aroused it's ok, I won't emit anything if I stay relaxed or at least don't get turned on..." Which was pretty hard to do when you were with someone like him. He just had to growl at her a certain way and her panties got wet. It was... Going to be a VERY hard night if he decided he wanted to go beyond some sweet kisses.

Dinner had been prepped and served, giving him the lion's share of course as her plate was smaller, she was still learning how to deal with... A lot of things. Plus given some of the news she was going to be giving him? It had her stomach in some pretty gnarly knots. His compliments made her beam though, her whole face just lit up with the most perfect blush on her cheeks he'd have ever seen, and if he wanted to know what part of her Jacob had fallen in love with first? It was most likely that precious smile that was utterly innocent and full of a genuine warmth and happiness that it could stop people dead in their tracks. "Aww! Thank you so much! I loved cooking for the house when we first started off it was a lot of fun. Jacob was finally putting on weight before things there got... Complicated..." Like Ric trying to rape her and the girls trying to gang up on her, finishing with Ric breaking into their room to catch her and Jacob being Intimate, breaking the house rules which meant she couldn't stay... Not if she wanted to protect Jacob's reputation and that... She knew his reputation meant a lot to him, he'd built it up from scratch, nurtured it for years... "When he gets a chance to visit me I try to put as much weight back on him as I can, I make him lemon and lavender cakes and really rich and tasty dishes, heavy cream and all that delicious stuff." What ever he put on though he lost as soon as he went back to that house. Without someone there to make sure he was eating he went right on back down to a super lean frame. "I keep hoping we can live together soon so I can work on getting him back up to a healthier weight... He has the worst habit of forgetting to eat honestly." She said before she'd resume her own meal for a few bites before she'd hedge the baby part and she actually let out one hell of a sigh of relief when he took it not just in stride but... He seemed really, genuinely happy about it, excited almost and that just pushed a HUGE chunk of concern and worry off her shoulders.

"Last I checked your job isn't to repay me, it's to be the best dad you can to them, and that takes some pretty hands on involvement." Like she'd fucking know though... Her dad was a mystery to her, some witch elf her mother had shacked up with, nothing else was told to her. The concern in his voice though was mirrored by her own flash of fear before she took a breath and let it out slowly. "I'm actually smaller than her by about two inches... I barely top out at five feet on a good day..." She said wryly but at least many and most witch elves were short so she could blame genetics for her being the runt of the litter. "There's... A lot yeah... Jacob has twins too... Apparently witch elf genetics mean we conceive when we want and you two sort of... Drive me a little wild. I guess... I might have a kink for it which landed me in this current condition." Ooooh she was redder than a strawberry! Her cheeks were just adorably hued and it was obvious she was quite embarrassed to confess she had a kink about getting pregnant. Like it was ok to have one about being spanked or whipped, another about being held down and not given a choice, but a baby fetish? To her it seemed really embarrassing... But then... Maybe they had it too? Or did they just pick up on hers and fed into it? She slid the food around on her place for a minute more. "I wrote to my college that I am taking a leave of absence so I won't be putting myself under stress of a demanding curriculum..." And this at only three months till she graduated... It... Stung a little. "I'll be taking it easy from here on out, making sure I'm eating the right things and not pushing myself, taking light walks and keeping myself healthy, all I really can do..."

It was damned good to make the topic a bit lighter then and she couldn't help the smile that graced her features and she just tapped the side of her cheek. "Well you know, I have this way with pretty little birds, they will sing me any tune I ask." She said as she gave him a wink as she told him her own birthday then. "Speaking of days... I saw the portrait painted at your birth with the lovely gold plaque on the frame... Did you know your almost thirty years older than me? I'll be nineteen on October..." She said with such a wicked teasing light in her eyes as it was just too damned good not to pass up. "If you really want to spoil me I don't want a party... I want a date with the three of us somewhere nice, like an art museum or somewhere with a lot of books, or a big botanical garden with plants I've never seen or heard of... Big parties make me seriously nervous..." She? Was easy to please and she was also super affordable as she liked smaller gifts anyways, both in giving and getting, so hey? He'd not go broke with her! She'd then open up the elephant in the room and tell him she'd answer any question he asked, she'd be open and forthcoming about the whole thing, in as much as she could anyways. "I honestly hate it." She said when he asked how it felt, to suddenly have a whole world of things thrust onto her, just this massive change and everyone expects you to take it in stride like you've been doing it your whole life. "I didn't like being an orphan either though honestly... No one thinks you can amount to anything without having parents, they all look down on you or worse, they pity you... But this? My people made their living off of slaves and it makes my stomach churn... They took children and trained them to be killers, did you know that? It's like a right of passage. Witch elf don't even have children in Har Ganeth, it's rare they do and if they make it to term, the child is usually sacrificed. The only reason I lived is because I happen to be Helbron's grand daughter." The whole damn thing? Set on her like a foul odor, a stink she couldn't chase from her skin, like blood it clung to her... "My mother died trying to give birth to me and then shortly after that someone kidnapped me and left me on the surface. I never thought I'd be grateful for someone stealing me from my family..." Looking up to the beautifully star spangled sky, so many shades of lavender and mauve, lilac and plum with azure and cobalt... It was stunning... "Helbron is immortal so I won't ever have to worry about being a Queen there thank all the Gods... But I can do something all the same... I want to try and push the other resources of Har Ganeth as it's Princess, their weaponry and their ore, the gemstones and the lore they've saved up since the dawn of who knows when... A whole world of history that could explain a lot... Their own flora and fauna as well... I want to help the country shift from slave's as their only source of income to using the things already there." She said as she made herself finish off her plate, there were four growing little parasites inside of her and if she wanted to stop from losing them like the had Jacob's first child? She had to take a damn good deal better care of herself... Which meant pushing past the nerves and the morning sickness fears and actually eating like she used to. "I got a very thorough crash course while I was in the bath trying to get rid of all the hickies you left on me." Gently poking his leg then she lightened up the mood a little bit with that and moved on from there, reaching out to take his hand in hers for a moment, giving it a squeeze. "The only real upside from this all is that at least I can come to you as an equal now, I won't have to come to you as a beggar or anything, and no one can find fault with us being together anymore. That said?" Standing up she would take his glass and refill it for him before she'd slide over a table for them to use, on it was a chess game all set up and ready to go, sitting down on the opposite side with a bit of a coy smile on her lips. "Do you play chess? I've just learned how and I thought it would be fun... But since it might be boring to you I thought we might up the stakes... For each piece you lose? You have to tell the other person something that you've never told anyone else. It has to be a secret thing, no common knowledge, no things I could find out in a book ok? And the winner? Get's to ask the other person to do what ever they want. No. Holds. Barred." Said with a grin as she's rest her finger on the first piece, the Queen no less, a brow raised as she pursed her lips just a little. "Unless you're... Chicken? Hmm?" It was a tease meant to goad him and she knew he'd rise to it, he had the same drive she did, and that meant he'd never back down from a challenge.
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[Deleted]

He sat there and he listened to her stories.. the one about the time she had met Jacob he found the most fascinating.. how inexperienced she was.. and just how shy the boy was.. it caused a smile to settle there upon his features..-.. Jacob is an incredible young man, I dont think.. in all the time I have been on this plane of existence that.. I have ever met anyone that could even come close to him.. So smart.. like.. incredibly switched on.. and focused.. his drive is astonishing.. no one can ever hold him back once he has his eyes set on something.. -he rubbed his fingers across his chin then.. -.. as for the Tryst kidnapping you two. well that was a family effort.. I was there.. -he laughed a little-..

It started out with Nautilous and Belles.. -he downed the remainder of the whiskey in his glass-.. Then Diovan, and Garafin.. they all thought you were quite precious really.. I had no say in it.. I was simply an outsider looking in.. Sydel though.. was cautious.. the uh.. birth control you found in the little cottage was from her.. though i think the cards were stacked against you guys with just how much urging on there was.. They all knew you were what Jacob needed.. I myself have known Jacob for a very, very long time.. and one of these days.. Ill have to tell you that little story.. -he shot her a playful wink then as he turned back to the many platters of finger foods.. plucking up a few small cubes of melon and cheese.. -..

Though ill admit to knowing all about whats in that Paramour book.. -the corners of his lips twitched..- its no wonder you're as good as you are in the bedroom.. -he whistled low.. before he laughed.. he listened as she spoke about how she saw love.. how it made sense to her.. love at first sight and those that slowly blossomed.. -.. Im not an easy man in general my dear.. I never have been.. All I will ever ask of anyone.. is a chance.. communication is massive.. Im no mind reader and sometimes I cant see the forest for the trees.. I miss things.. I can be quick to anger.. I get frustrated.. I sometimes will just excuse myself from situations when I feel they are getting to much.. its just how I personally handle stress.. I grew up with it all around me and its continued to stick like glue.. Ill never hurt you though.. not intentionally.. Ill never lay a hand on you...unless of course you desire it.. but thats another topic entirely.. -he grinned and laughed a little.. the dinner had been served and it was magnificent.. the steak was cooked to perfection.. the fries were crisp and golden.. sauces.. vegetables.. all of it looked incredibly delicious..

he made sure to compliment her as he tucked into it-.. Well you can cook for me Anytime, though I fear I dont need fattening up, Ill just have to make sure I work it off afterwards.. -he took a few more of those salted fries.. nodding as he heard her talk about this lavendar cake-.. Oh.. yes.. Vivians.. -he wiped his fingers lightly with the cotton napkin-.. Jacob introduced me to that sinful cake.. its far to good.. like.. hard to just stop at one good when everyone knows you should.. as for living together.. well I guess it all depends on where you plan on staying.. mm?.. are you looking to settle in Arvandor?.. or heading back down to the surface.. Jacob is a hard one to pin, he is gone a lot.. rarely if ever sits still.. once he finished his first lot of schooling he was all over the place.. i sware we had to send out trackers to locate him.. but.. children will probably change that.. make him desire to settle down.. find a place to roost.. so to speak.. -he placed the knife and fork down upon the plate.. pouring himself another whiskey as they talked about children.. about the babies on the way and then of course her genetics.. -..

I dont know a lot about witch elves.. but I figured there was something going on with the genetics and contraception.. either that or Sy and Nautilous are just constantly on it.. which I some how doubt.. You have a lot to figure out about that body of yours.. but theres no rush.. plenty of time to learn it..Kind of like magic really.. you learn quickly that you have it.. then you just need to control it.. a kink for it though.. -oh he caught that blush.. he saw it floating about her features and it made his smile widen-.. well that could land us in a bit of trouble.. we will need a much bigger house if thats the case.. -he laughed.. he himself did not have a kink for it.. Jacob on the other hand seemed to take after his Father and Uncle.. the desiring for procreating in that family was huge.. -.. but we will figure it out.. the three of us..

-she explained that she had taken time off college even though she was so close to graduating-.. Well its always something you can pick up again.. its not like it has to be done now.. not really and Im positive Jacob could help you remain on track so you dont get too far behind.. bedtime reading and the like.. though you taking it easy begs the question.. should you be fighting tomorrow?.. is that really a smart move?.. if you are to be taking it easy the last thing you should be doing is getting in a ring with a trained killer.. like I know they arent there to actually hurt anyone but still.. what if something went wrong?..-he was genuinely concerned about it.. sure he figured the only thing they could possibly do would be to get Sydel to go really easy on her.. but to make it look harder.. a lot of fake hits.. dodging and sliding.. this whole thing was becoming a lot more demanding than he originally thought it might be

he nearly choked on his whiskey when she brought up that he was almost thirty years older than she was.. he cleared his throat and thumped at his chest a little..-.. Yeeah.. uh.. Thanks for the reminder kid.. yes I am fully aware I am older than most.. Sydel and I were both born in the same year.. all the rest of you are babies in comparison.. this here.. -she motioned between him and her-.. is almost a mirror image of Nautilous and Sy.. just.. the other way around.. if they can do it.. I'm positive we can.. and dont you be worrying about my age.. I will always be able to run circles around you babygirl.. -they spoke about parties and her preference for the much smaller affairs.. with books and rare plants.. not big huge surprise parties.. he had figured as much.. it was the kind of person she was.. but it was also good to hear it.. he made a few mental notes.. things to do.. stuff he might want to couple up with Jacob to talk about.. to organise..-.. Roger that my dear.. I will make sure I organise something.. small.. delicate.. kind of like you..

-the conversation changed and he asked her what she thought about all the new titles.. having it all thrust upon her suddenly.. versus someone like him that grew up with it all around him.. he knew from a very young age where he was headed.. for her it just landed in her lap.. one extreme to the other.. he nodded.. -.. It can be hard.. a title comes with its own issues and problems.. a lot more responsibilities that you might not have realised before.. I guess.. it might give you an idea of why i sometimes would just take off.. to breathe.. I know in doing so that the stuff I have to do doesn't go away.. it just continues to pile up in the background.. but.. sometimes.. i think we all just need to step back and re-evaluate what it is we want.. You speak on these witch elves using slaves for trade.. well thats been going on for years and years.. a lot of great races still do it to this day.. The Drow have their hands in it.. some surface elven races also do.. Witch elves yes.. but that comes hand in hand with being connected to a chaos god..

-he took another sip of the whiskey.. just savouring it for a moment-.. Just because they trade in them doesn't mean that you have to.. always remember that there are some things you can always change.. You dont reside there personally.. If I continued in my Fathers footsteps this place would be a lot more like an expensive brothel.. we dealt in slave trades here.. if you go down to the docks you can still see where the manacles and cages were once housed..but when he died I ceased every bit of it as.. like you.. it did not sit well with me either.. I enjoy playing in Splinter.. I revel in power plays but for them it was their real every day life and a lot of them never survived it.. I heard from Nautilous that the Witch Elves also trade in Ore and gems.. maybe you could look at guiding them that way.. we are going to be having trade talks here in a couple of days.. bring it to the table.. -he rubbed his lips together-.. Witch Elves seem to have an awful lot of trouble giving birth.. Sydel died giving birth to Jacob.. -he tilted his head-..

you two have a lot more in common than I believe you both originally realised.. as for changing your home country.. I will only offer a single suggestion .. You dont live there.. and even though you are related to the head honcho so to speak.. doesn't mean you will necessarily have any weight there.. they have survived as long as they have doing what they have for a reason.. they too will be under the direction of a god.. and if it is indeed Khorne.. he has his own set of rules.. perhaps you would be better off focusing on what you can change down here for your life.. for the one you will lead.. -he reached across for her.. his slightly rough fingers brushed across her cheek-.. Its not all on you to fix..

-he watched her as she moved to stand.. shifting the tables around as she pulled another over.. this time with a chessboard upon it.. he moved to sit up a little straighter then.. -.. I do.. i mean I have.. not for a while though.. -his head inclined when she spoke about how she was upping the stakes.. how they would have to share little secrets with one another with every piece they lost.. he grinned and shook his head.. reaching across to shake her hand-. Done deal my dear.. done deal..-he reclined just a little then.. watching as she slid her finger onto the Queen piece.. he however slid his pawn toward the centre four.. - How are those piercings by the way.. healing up nicely?

[BadInfluence]

"I don't think anyone has ever met someone like him honestly... It's more than his intelligence or his devotion to his craft, it's the fact he can forgive anyone just about anything, he's always seeing the good in people even if there isn't much there to see." Like Ric... Where the man was now? She didn't know. Was she afraid of him? Did a bear shit in the woods? Of course she was, the man had actually killed her and if that hadn't been bad enough, when she recovered he had tried AGAIN, this time Ace intervened and managed to stop anything else from happening. But Jacob? Had tried to give the man an out time and again and a part of her... Had been a little hurt by that. It just went to show how far Jacob would go to try and give someone a chance to be better than they were. "He's an excellent teacher and I loved his lessons, he paid attention to my learning habits, pushed me in a way where I thrived. I miss it so much but he's got so much to lose if things ever came out..." Which was why, even now? They were keeping things hidden. But later on? They might not have a choice to keep the trick going, once those babies came out she doubted Jacob would play the absentee at that point, which would blow everything out of the water anyways...

"Wait, what?!" She'd ask, popping her head around the side of the little pit to look at him, her mouth somewhat parted as she looked in quite a bit of shock. "THEY DID THAT?!?!" She huffed a bit and went back to her cooking, soft mutterings could be heard from the little kitchen area, bits of grumbling and maybe the hint of a swear or two. "Well that explains why none of the birth control worked. I was pregnant pretty much instantly." Which you know, hey, lets REALLY complicate a budding relationship by throwing the baby bomb into it right? "I'd like to hear that story though all the same..." Some people in the near future might just find themselves being tampered with too! Payback was fair after all! He nibbled on the many sorts of food she had laid out and she continued to cook, telling him all about that book that, by the way, she still had a read over nightly. There was SO much information there, she could swear the pages made love and multiplied, every day there was just new pages when she could have sworn she was at the edge of a chapter. She couldn't stop the blush on her cheeks or the way a small smile showed on her lips all the same. "It's a very fascinating book and it's taught me a lot but there is still so much I am learning. I'm just lucky I have a very high comprehension when it comes to reading and a very, very active imagination, which allows me to make the most of that wonderful literature." Something that Jacob had understood first hand as she used his body to explore various lessons of the book, hence the exploration of a few little things, like voyeurism and sex in public areas... Fetishes, desires, kinks... Oh there was quite the list in that book! Not to mention some very creative little twists and positions... "And to think, I still have so much to learn from that book, not to mention the others I've picked up along the way which include the darker side of things like what we explore at Splinter, for instance..." She felt a flood of heat dribble through her before she shut it down hard and fast, knowing if she chased that rabbit she'd end up emitting those pheromones again and they'd be RIGHT back at square one and Sydel would be kicking her ass from here to Arvandor and back again.

Love though... Now that was a beautiful and creative topic wasn't it? There was a lot in it, things that could flatter or hurt, ups and downs, just as love was in general a surprisingly unstable ride... Like riding the wind you had ups and downs, moments where you were hurdled along and others where you just stalled out, and sometimes the wind just dropped you completely and you fell out of love as suddenly as you fell into it. Their talking was good though, it meant that they could get a deeper understanding of each other, and as he had said... Communication was massive... And as much as he was sharing with her she wanted to share back. "I won't run but I'll get scared... I'll shut down and become numb all over, like a chick in an egg I wrap myself up in my own world, I'll ignore everything and it's... Well honestly it's really sad but it's a coping mechanism I developed at the orphanage. We both have our bad habits but we understand them, don't we? We can at least try to respect them but... In a relationship your supposed to grow too... Not to become what the other person wants but to become the best person you can be. I really want you to lean on me on those days when all you want to do is run. If at the end of it you still gotta run? Then that's ok. But I'd want to try all the same." The last bit he had said was so wrong and he knew it too, leveling him with such a look though, arms crossing for a moment. "Unless you want to turn yourself from an Ace to an Alice, you better stop teasing me, cause I can't control this part of me as well as I'd like just yet!"

His compliments warmed her through and through, they made her blush and smile as bright as the sun, after all she loved to feed people. Cooking made her ridiculously happy and people enjoying her food? Was just about a hundred times better and it always lit her up from the inside out. "Are you sure? You'd look rather cute with a bit more pudge on you." She said with a wink though he was right too. He was just perfect as he was. "Though you'll probably need it with the children we'll have. You'll run through any weight I'd put on you I'm pretty sure." Silverthorn might struggle to keep up with the children they'd likely had, they'd have to marry off the children to other nations because they'd run out of room at home quite quickly! She mentioned the cakes then and she laughed and nodded her head. "I had my first bite when I was just starting as Jacob's student. I totally snuck one from his tin and I had to learn how to make them after that. I am pretty good at them if I say so myself. Getting better every time too." She said with a wink before the children and living together came up and she nodded her head. "I'm staying here yes, Sydel told me that pregnancy for elves on the surface is incredibly hard and given my condition it's better that I stay safe. I already lost my first pregnancy on the surface and I'd rather not put Jacob through that again..." It was safer here from what she had been told... Sydel was here and she was a very dear friend already to her heart... Not to mention a pregnant elf as well so there was a fountain of information there. "Jacob and I talked about it a while ago and he wants me to move here too, we're talking about looking at a house for us and with room to grow, things like that. He'll put his career on hold on the surface in a way and come to Arvandor to teach here with weekend visits to the Surface. I know that place will always have an itch for him, just like it likely will for me, if only because I was born and raised there. What about you though? Silverthorn is your home and it's been without you for a very long time. Will you swing between here and Arvandor? Then again you haven't had much time to think about it so I'd not put a rush on it... We have some time yet."

Her fetish came out and yes, she was redder than a strawberry and if you put your hand near her face, you could feel the head coming off her cheeks and yeah... It was BAD. "Not just a little trouble... A LOT of trouble... It's not just 'hey lets have a baby' that does it for me, its when you two talk about making me a breeding mare, forcing me to get pregnant and things like that? It's just... Far too arousing and I love the fight of it... Going against you both, rebelling, denying you... Begging you not to... It's just this combination you hit and it flips the switch... I think if we avoided that um... Particular thing we might me ok..." She said, fanning herself as she tried to calm down, closing her eyes and thinking some serious deep thoughts, and when that failed? Grandma tits. Flappy wrinkly pancakes flopping about... Ok...Ok that helped a bit... Got her down to a more reasonable level... "But rather than risk it when these babes are born I'm having a different type of birth control put in because I doubt any potion I took could override genetics..." The three of them would likely talk this over a few times while they learned to co-exist in a house together on and off, especially with her taking her time off from school for the babies, and his response? He raised good questions. "Jacob will likely continue to teach me so I won't fall behind and it's something we'll both enjoy so I'm really looking forward to it. As for the fight?" She said with a gentle shrug of her shoulder. "This is a part of the game. Sydel is pregnant too so we'll face off together so we'll both have as much to risk and chances are we'll make a better show of it that way. We'll just mind each others midsections and go for the other areas but we won't hold back from there. I grew up on the surface and I had more than my fair share of fights. I'm very well able to take care of myself." She'd almost say ask Ric as she had fucked him up pretty good the night he tried to rape her, or to ask Sydel who had seen her kill someone who had tried to rob their carriage, and the worst part? She had no remorse or a single second of hesitation when she decided to kill someone. It was just blink, bam, they were dead. "Don't even worry about it though ok? We've already figured it out ahead of time, we have it sorted, just... Think of me in the ring, next to nothing on and getting all hot and sweaty wrestling with another woman in a mud pit." She said with a light laugh and a teasing wink. That? Should turn that frown right up side down!

Speaking of upside down though seeing his reaction made her laugh as she handed him a napkin, her head tilted back as that sweet bell like laughter just tinkled around the air, loving how he took the information. "Kid? No sweetie I'm virtually a baby compared to you... Shame on you cradle robbing such an innocent little thing like me..." She said before she slid to a stand and came over to whisper into his ear with her lips just softly caressing the shell of it. "I love the fact you're older than me it's incredibly hot... I got a thing for Daddy figures... And you are a REALLY Hot Daddy Figure..." She teased before she'd step just out of his range, it was dangerous playing with herself like this but hey, crash course on control maybe? She mentioned his birthday and then in turn mentioned her own, though when he said a huge party she balked, instead telling him she was way more of the type to prefer something small and intimate... His response made her blush all the same and smiled up at him with some very sweet and tender doe like eyes. "You know you're impossibly sweet when you want to be..." Quite the amazing turn around considering this afternoon he had called her a whore and a slut while he fucked her like one right now? He was all teasing sweetness and gentle romanticism... Utterly addictive.

Talks about titles and how she suddenly had a whole world, lineage, and royal position tossed on her. It was... A good conversation, she needed to vent it out a bit and the maid who had come to help her from Har Ganeth was NOT the person she should even think to vent to, which had left a lot of it all bottled up inside. "The thing is that I can't know something and not DO something about it... I'm not trying to say I want to eradicate generations of tradition over night, but I do think it can be specified, like removing the trade of children for instance. Some people chose to be put into slavery, did you know that?" She asked before she'd go on. "There are very poor people on the surface and in various other plains where they'd prefer to be sold as a slave because at least they'd have money to give their family that gets left behind, as well as a better living situation than what they are leaving behind. I have no issue with this sort of thing if I'm honest but I can't abide the selling of children. They have no choice or understanding in it and I'm not remotely ok with that. That's what I'd want to change..." Though she knew as much as she might try to work in a change that didn't mean she would get it, somethings were too deeply engraved in the mind and hearts of others, some habits far too hard to change but... She could try. "I was made aware of this today yes, and not just any ore but apparently they have red damascus steel and even small bits of Mythril, and that's just some of the higher end ore... They have everything down to copper and all in between and the diamonds? I wore some of them this this morning for the presentation. Red. Diamonds. We can master the market on that alone..." Of course she had a good head for business, she'd worked in a tea shop for years, she'd learned a lot about the supply and demand of these games.

The comment about witch elves having trouble giving birth wasn't lost on her, she knew it and it showed in the whitening of her face, the sudden fear that ran through her eyes before she pushed it away. She would worry about that when it was time to deliver. Worrying about it now wasn't going to help anything. Instead she focused on the rest of his words and she reached up to catch his hand in hers and hold it against her cheek for a moment or two longer. "If you want the truth? I'd rather try to make small changes and let it go as it always has... Just because it's claimed my background doesn't mean it can claim my future. I'll always just be Rose and I'm ok with that... The rest? It's just frosting..." Not much else to it than that after all. It was a great time to change the theme though and she stood up, bringing the chess table over and she smiled at his words, meaning this was going to be a good deal of fun. She settled it between them and topped off his whisky for him and pouring herself a glass of wine before they'd start and she'd up the stakes a bit, laying out some added rules and of course the final prize. She had her finger on the queen piece but didn't move it, she watched him make the first and moved her own pawn two over from his two spaces up. "Which ones do you mean?" She'd ask in response. "These ones?" She'd ask as she slid the top of her dress off her shoulders and down her arms so her breasts were free, indeed a good deal fuller than they had been when they first met, a delicious rounding to them and with such pretty pink little nipples and the golden bars in them? Divine... "They're healing up perfectly of course, thought they do keep my nipples erect all the time, and if I get really turned on well... It's pretty hard to deny I'm pregnant at those times. Another bit of my genetics at play apparently." She said with shrug that caused her breast to move and jiggle just a bit, causing that pearl to sway, to roll against the fullness there. "Your move, My King." She said idly, running her finger along the King piece then, stroking the sides casually as she key eye contact with him.

[Deleted]

-he nodded as she spoke about the Paramour book and what she had learned from it.. -.. mmhmm.. Splinter is a completely different kettle of fish.. you have barely even dipped your toes into that my dear.. but that is not something that can be learnt from the pages of a book.. -he took a drink from his whiskey-.. it requires hands on knowledge and practise.. its all about learning ones limits.. ones needs and desires.. for something might sound utterly exciting on paper and be incredibly dull in practise.. you wont really know until you try it.. thats precisely why what happens in Splinter.. Stays in Splinter..

-he tilted his head.. curious as to wether she would recall anything from any of their future visits to that very establishment.. it kind of made the whole thing pointless if she didn't.. she wouldn't learn a single thing..-.. but there's plenty of time for that.. there's never any rush to experience all the more richer things that life can offer you.. -the two of them spoke more on love.. and how they both saw it.. from love at first sight to something more deeper.. to long loves and quick ones.. infatuation and lust.. it was quite deep really and intriguing.. they both had different ideas and yet neither were wrong..it would come down to age, life lived...actions seen.. they both had completely different upbringings.. different stories to tell and yet.. they couldn't get enough of one another..

the one thing they agreed on though was that Jacob was one in a million, they both adored the guy.. no doubt for different reasons.. but together they held a love for him that showed true.. the comment about making him put on weight had him laughing-.. mm.. yeah no.. Ill take a hard pass on that one thankyou.. I work hard to keep this body in the shape it is in.. Im not about to let it all go now.. even if your cooking is to die for.. -he shot her a wink.. they spoke about where the couple would be residing wether it was in Arvandor or the surface.. it made a lot more sense for her to remain back where the family could help her out.. -.. Ahh good.. yes that makes sense.. The white house.. is mine.. you're more than welcome to stay there until you both find something a bit more suitable..I..well its a bit more complicated..whilst I would love to set roots I am unable.. I will be there when I can. but until I can sort things out here with Ryker I will need to be a bit more..in attendance.. so to speak.. but im not far..really and Ill be back around as often as I possibly can.. you have chosen two men in your life that dont settle in one place really well.. as long as you are aware of that..

-he nodded.. he didn't want to frighten her.. or lead her to think they werent being serious.. it was just a fact..-.. I will be swinging back and forth.. Arvandor and Silverthorn yes..and you wont be tagging along in your current condition.. it wont be safe.. Jacob will look after you.. -he rubbed his lips together.. the conversation on kinks was certainly an eye opener.. hearing that her world was rocked when the two of them urged her to be their little breeding mare..-.. mmhmm.. well.. that wont be uttered again until you can control that side of you my dear.. for in as much as you enjoy it.. we kind of like having you around.. and well.. if you were to get pregnant again.. you'd probably not survive.. I'm not about to have you hauled up in a hospital because the two of us guided you down a path you did not need to be on.. -he chuckled and nodded-.. after the fact.. and when you're sorted with control.. Oh you'l hear it.. maybe just not right now.. -she teased him about his age and he tossed a few cheeky barbs right back at her..

she was a baby in comparison.. a spring chicken and he was the much older..rather distinguished gentleman.. he grinned when she said he was a really hot Daddy figure.. stepping just out of his range when she did so.. otherwise she would have got a firm smack to that ass of hers-..Ill be robbing the cradle till I head to the quiet lands my dear.. so you best be prepared for it.. -he downed the remainder of his drink.. it was warm and smooth.. it went down really well.. the food.. the company.. the whole evening was just perfect.. she had gone to so much trouble for him.. this was just what he needed to relax.. to get this whole princess drama off his back.. he was worried about her fighting.. but he figured so long as she chose Sydel as a partner it should be ok.. Should being the operative word..

it sated a few concerns in his mind.. though he was sure Jacob would probably be beside himself thinking about it.. -.. You just need to realise that just because you can do something doesn't mean you necessarily should.. I wont stop you from going and pleading your case in your home.. its not my place.. but just be aware it is possible it will fail.. and you need to be ready for that.. tradition can be incredibly strong.. and whilst one voice can be as powerful as a hundred.. sometimes it just isn't enough.. -he understood what she meant and he got it.. he really did.. childhood slavery was shit.. and shouldn't exist.. but there was no way he was going to tell a chaois god what to do with their people.. he kind of liked his head where it was..-.. Just be careful.. dont try and do this on your own.. at the very least take Nautilous with you.. his Mother on your side will no doubt be in your court..

-she had brought the chess table across.. all the little pieces set up and ready to go.. a wager had been placed down.. they would be learning little bits and pieces about one another.. new things they might not already realise.. it all came down to who lost pieces first.. he asked her about those piercings an that was probably a pretty dumb move.. she slid down the top of her dress with an unnatural ease and suddenly his throat ran quite dry.. he cleared it.. reaching for the now empty glass of whiskey.. before he put that one back down.. -.

. Uhh.. good.. to see.. they do look incredibly well placed.. and yes.. I noticed the let down earlier this morning.. your body is definitely you its ready and waiting for those children.. -he'd only really seen lactating women from a far.. never really bedded one.. so it was new.. intriguing .. but mostly just new.. he reached back and scratched his neck when she began to stroke the King figure.. her eyes.. those golden pools remained upon him as he struggled to focus.. taking a bit longer than he should have to move his next piece-.. You are teasing.. Thats cheating.. -he grinned and laughed.. wagging a finger at her-..

[BadInfluence]

"So I've been told." But that was all sort of weird for her. She had yet to run into something that she couldn't learn from a book, it didn't really mesh with her and perhaps never would, though she wasn't saying he was wrong either. For instance she was pretty positive she was strickly dicktly till she met Sydel and took on the role as a Sub in Splinter to her and she realized she had a hell of a lot of flex on that rule. Then again, maybe it was just in that role with Sydel? Not like she'd have the chance to explore it any time soon. "There's nothing wrong with rushing either you know... Some things are like a fine meal, if you rush you get to it while its nice and hot, you can spend your time savoring it before it gets cold... Where as if you wait too long? You might as well forget it as it will be cold and congealed before you even get a bite. It's all about the situation really..." Their conversation shifted then, back down into the things about love, such heavy conversations and such different points of view... Yet not so much as to cause strife, moreso to perhaps enlighten the other person to a view that was not their own, a bit of an intellectual shift in perspective. Jacob was their one common point, and without him neither of them would be here, she would have been very happily with her Jacob and their baby on the way... Looking for a house to share with him and going on with her schooling without much stress outside of school. Now? Well it definitely had taken a turn no one could have seen.

It was fun to tease him about getting a bit of a pudge on him, his come back was funny though, it made her laugh and shrug her shoulders with a smile. "Well you know it's normal for men of your age to struggle keeping in shape, it's why men of your... Ah... Refinement tend to drink prune juice, keep everything right on track, after all a cup of prune juice a day keeps the gastroenterologist away!" He had no idea what he was getting into with her and she knew it sometimes, it made her wonder if she should take it easy on him, to try and hedge in some of the teasing she was naturally prone to doing... But if she did that? Then he'd only be learning to love a part of her, wouldn't he? What good did that do anyone? Getting down to the house bit though? She heard his offer but she shook her head on that one. "No offense but I'd rather buy my own home, especially if you two will be back and forth with work and duties, at least I can say it's mine." And there was that independent streak that Jacob both adored and resented at times. She was worse than a donkey with a carrot when something stuck in her head and she was damned determined to do some things on her own. Entirely. Though the more he talked? The more she wanted to put her hands on her hips and set some things right in line before both he and Jacob managed to get their heads on wrong about her. As it was she tasted blood a bit on her tongue from biting it. "I was an orphan Ace, I do very well with being alone and I have been for a really long time, I'm not going to wilt and die if you two aren't around me all the time." Yes, she'd miss them but it wasn't like she would turn to dust and just blow away if she didn't have them around her. "And on that note if I want to come along you can't stop me. Outside of Splinter you don't own me, I'm a very well educated young woman and I have a mind of my own in regards to what I do with my life, and as much as I am falling in love with you that isn't going to change." Yeah... Good luck with that one. She saw an opportunity though and she took it. "Weren't you just saying that there are things you can't lean from a book? That you have to be there, hands on in order to understand it, see how it works for you? How can you ask me to participate in this Race, ask me to be your Queen, only to tell me to stay at home? I need to learn your country, I need to lean the castle and how it runs, not to mention let Adelaide teach me how she worked as a Queen." Yep... Took his words and served them back to him on a platter and dared him to refuse it.

The situation was getting a bit heavy and it turned towards lighter things, the admittance of a kink she had, that same fetish that lead her to her current position. His words though had her laughing and shaking her head. "As soon as these babies are out I'm getting my tubes tied or something. Birth terrifies me, hell the state of being pregnant scares the ever living hell out of me, you really can't imagine this weird limbo I'm in." A part of her was so happy to be able to give Jacob something to be utterly joyful about, he wanted to be a daddy so badly but a part of her, a part of her couldn't shake this terrified feeling that had been haunting her the moment she conceived again. Rather than stay on that topic she teased him about his age, the fact he was a good deal older than her and that made her laugh, his comeback was just perfect as she rested her chin in her palm as she watched him. "Saying you can keep up enough to catch me. I should run with my legs tied a bit at the ankle, just to make it fair sport." It was a bit of ups and downs but it wasn't bad for it, they were still very new to each other and so far? This was actually the most they had talked one on one, and it was perfectly normal to hit some snags, to realize they wouldn't always get along like butter and toast. What mattered was how they handled it, how they grew and shifted, what they did with those little hiccups. Over all she really had done her best to spoil him and show him how she'd care for them behind closed doors, that she was so much more than a sex craving minx, she had a very warm heart and a caring disposition she would like to share with him if he was open to it. They talked about the fight that was coming up and she did her best to try and put his fears at ease before they got into the bit about her family and... Yeah... She understood his words but... Did he? "I don't know... Having all this dropped on my lap I feel obligated to do things now even though I didn't chose this. I'd rather just go back to what I was before but now that I know I can't do that. It's almost a guilt now that I know...If I do nothing I feel it makes me a monster but I don't even know if I should try... Why beat against a wall?" When he mentioned Nautilous's mom she turned away for a moment and nodded her head. "Sure..." And she dropped that part like a hot potato and instead chose to change the whole heaviness in the air by bringing over a game she had got just for this date, a chess game that while on the surface looked oh so run of the mill? Hid several secrets... On top of that she had made a wager, for each piece lost you had to tell a personal truth, a secret no one else knew. The winner? Got to ask the other to do anything they wished, no holds barred. Once he took it up? Oh she could tell he was trying to play dirty and she just shoveled it all back onto him with an unnatural ease when she dropped the top of her dress. When he told her that she was teasing? She laughed and shrugged a shoulder. "You were the one who tried to start it you know. Maybe now you'll keep your dirty little thoughts to yourself hmm?" She teased as she shot back and removed her hand from the king piece and slit her top back up. "Now be good and let's take this seriously, shall we? I'd hate for you to whine when I kick your ass and blame it on something silly like me distracting you with how utterly enchanting I am." She teased as she playfully stuck a pose like a model before she'd erupt in a peal of laughter and turn her attention back to the game.

His next move was indeed slowly made and it allowed her just the right movement to catch his pawn with one of her own, and when she took it? It suddenly exploded in a shower of glitter and confetti in the air with a bright and playful pop, causing her to clap her hands in delight as she waved all the falling bits off of the board, and maybe tossing some of the glitter at Ace. "I was hoping the enchantment would work! I just learned it a couple of days ago, I saw Jacob do it for me once and said it was perfect for the kids, I thought this would be a wonderful chance to try it out myself." When all the dust and glitter settled in the middle of that little space was a little bit of candy, hardly bitter than a tic tac which she read the strip of confetti which said eat me. "Huh! Well each enchantment is entirely random and I didn't pick them all sooo... Bottoms up!" She said as she popped it in her mouth and crushed it, the flavor in her mouth was quite strong, tasting of tobacco and whisky with jerky. She ended up immediately making a face and sticking her tongue out, wincing and rubbing her tongue on the roof of her mouth, making soft gagging sounds before she got the taste out of her mouth. "Good God that tasted like what a lumberjacks ass probably does!" She said but it wasn't in her voice... It was in a very deep, rugged, massively baritone sound... Indeed it was perhaps the most manly voice ever and the shock showed on her face as she slapped her hands over her mouth and gasped. "Is that- Is that my voice?!" She said and sure enough it was and she let out a wail which... Given she sounded like a man? Was hilariously bad! "Noooo! Oh my God WHY?! Aaah! Go go go! Make your turn! It wont go till you do!"

[Deleted]

-This was good for them, it was quite possibly just what they needed, for in as much as the two of them had become quite committed to each other.. they hadn't really had the chance to talk.. to just get to know each other properly.. bouncing ideas off one another ..they would not always agree on everything.. there could well even be some heated arguments.. but not tonight.. she spoke on how there was nothing wrong when it came to rushing some things .. like certain relationships-.. mm.. no you are right.. but I dont know.. I guess I think the elves really understood it when they made the traditions.. the rules so to speak.. to give it a minimum of a year before one could even begin to think about marrying.. divorce is not something that happens so easily.. it forces you to take things a lot slower.. the courtship rules.. the asking of the parents..all of it.. whilst it might seem daunting.. -he took a drink then-.. and believe me it most certainly does.. especially now.. but.. I guess if youre willing to go to all that trouble.. then that other person must really be worth it.. for you.. so whilst some relationships might seem quick.. deep down they are slow.. there are a lot of hoops to jump through.. We only ever really see peoples highlight reels..

-he rubbed his lips together..reclining back in his seat.. the whole evening was utterly precious.. the treasure hunt at the start.. the meal was spectacular.. more than he could have ever hoped.. the conversation was strong.. intelligent.. she had quite a head on her shoulders.. that and she was a little on the stubborn side.. something he was learning very.. very quickly about her.. he had offered his home to them and she had rejected it.. holding his hands up in defeat-.. No harm, no foul.. its up to you..the offer is just there.. Ive had that white property for quite a while.. a lot of the family resides in it when they feel the need.. though most have properties scattered here and there.. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.. bringing your thoughts to life.. in house form.. -she seemed to misunderstand him a little when he suggested she stay home.. taking it quite personally almost as if it were an attack.. he shook his head.. placing his glass back down-.. mm.. no.. I simply meant whilst you were in your fragile state.. thats all.. when you arent heavilly pregnant you are more than within your rights to go where-ever you please.. there is no way I would even attempt to hold you back.. I would be a madman to even consider it..

-he laughed.. there was genuine fear that she'd probably shop off his hands at the very least if he even attempted to make her a home body against her will.. she was far to adventurous for that.. he was curious as to how she was taking the new titles.. and how they had been sprung upon her.. it was a Big deal.. Huge even.. and your regular joe who wasn't pregnant and being pushed into a Princess race would have struggled.. let alone her with all the added extra bullshit she had to go through.. -.. I think you should perhaps spend a bit more time with Sydel.. maybe even Nautilous.. to pick up on things from your home.. They could accompany you back there.. so you werent quite so open and vulnerable.. I cant go there without a guide.. Its not my god.. not my chosen religion so to speak.. so Id be wandering into the lions den..

-Oh he caught the look away when he mentioned Mala.. it was enough to make his brow rise.. just what was that all about.. he poured himself another drink then as he settled forward in his sea-.. is there something the matter pet?.. -he swirled the amber coloured liquid around.. -.. forgive me if Im speaking out of turn.. but the mere mention of Nauts Mother seems to have put you on edge.. -he placed the glass back down as his hands came down to rest there upon his knees-.. whats wrong?.. -he was genuinely curious.. he had No idea what she knew.. or what she had been told..he had heard she was in the Kingdom.. somewhere but he had yet to lay eyes on her.. that would no doubt be an interesting encounter..

she brought out the chess board though and the two of them settled down to play ..she had upped the stakes a little.. they would be telling each other little things.. secrets .. new bits that neither knew about the other if they lost pieces.. Oh she was utterly enchanting with how she was acting on this evening.. her laughter was so precious.. she was incredibly cheeky.. just naughty enough that it made him growl every so often.. he had made his move.. and she countered it quickly.. removing his piece from the board before it erupted in a shower of glitter .. he blinked.. and laughed shaking his head.. Oh his slacks were covered in it.. he'd be sparkling for days he just knew it.. you never really get rid of glitter.. not completely..

he brushed his hands down against his pants then.. -.. Why am I not surprised that Jacob has had a hand in this.. -the corners of his lips curled as he grinned..-.. Ahh you two will be the death of me.. -he laughed.. -..hmm.. alright.. something you dont know.. about me.. -he rubbed his chin.. leaving a few flakes of glitter in that dark stubble there-.. I was blonde as a child.. so dont die of shock if more than one of those come out with platinum coloured hair.. all our portraits were made with it so much darker as my Father felt it looked a lot more.. distinguished.. slowly ...as I grew older it darkened..-he nodded.. taking a drag from the cigarette-.. Though I think he hid his reasoning.. of it looking better.. behind a veil of him being concerned I was his.. He always accused Adelaide of cheating..

-he shook his head-.. always.. she barely left the castle ever..-he watched as she reached for the little bit of candy that was left behind after the glitter bomb went off.. -.. Are you sure thats a good.. -he got as far before she just popped it between her lips and he just shrugged.. chuckling a little to himself.. and there it was.. when she pulled a face he figured it tasted terrible.. -.. Well I didn't figure they would pair something sweet little glitter with something palatable.. I had a feeling it would be nasty.. and look it is.. clearly.. -he reached for his glass then..

taking another healthy swig of that whiskey before she spoke with a deeper voice than Garafins.. Oh he choked on his drink.. coughing and spluttering a bit as he wiped the back of his hand across his chin.. -.. What the Fuck.. -oh he laughed.. and laughed.. and laughed.. hearing her distress in that voice was fucking precious.. the wailing.. the pleading of him to take a turn so her voice would come back nearly made him fall out of his chair-.. Well.. yeah.. thats just not near as sexy as your voice.. as entertaining as it is.. and it certainly fucking is.. -he grinned shaking his head once more-.. best I take a turn.. -he plucked up the next piece and went to move it..sliding it into position.

. it would be then that those bells would begin to sound.. soft in the city at first.. its prime target was to alert the King who was not in residence.. he was off somewhere.. no one quite knew his location.. the people of the city would stop whatever they were doing.. there would be no wide spread panic.. not yet.. it would simply be shops would begin to close.. the gates around the city would lock down.. everything would run as usual until they heard a secondary set.. but that only happened during war time.. the first set was an emergency.. something that would clear the streets.. to give room to whomever needed aid at the castle.. everyone hoped and preyed it was nothing serious.. they did not need to lose a royal family member.. not now..he glanced up when he caught the sound.. his brows furrowing as he turned to look over his shoulder.. he paused.. a million thoughts crossed his mind.. his features took on a more thoughtful expression..-.. Thats odd.. 

Thats really very odd.. -he settled back into the chair.. turning to glance back to the board there as he made sure his piece slid into position.. the bells continued.. -.. ah.. it's our war bells.. when they ring in succession it means the city has gone into lock down.. generally when we are at war.. theyve only been rung like that the once.. they are also used in emergencies.. like.. something going on at the castle.. -he glanced back once more.. he couldn't see anything.. so it was an action that meant nothing but he was clearly becoming perhaps a little agitated.. a little concerned-.. somethings wrong... 

[BadInfluence]

It was funny that with Mr. Many Faces she was having the most down to earth conversations with where as her beloved Jacob who was so very straight forward had never really had this discussion with her. While there were definitely parts that they didn't quite meet eye to eye on? They didn't fight on it, they voiced their points of view, their opinions on them and then agreed to disagree. It was interesting to see the world through his eyes, and perhaps he might feel the same, seeing it through hers. Either way? They talked like very old debate partners and she found herself enjoying it even though there were times she couldn't really understand how guarded he was or... At others... How Jaded... It hurt her heart at times to think how much he had felt break inside him and if he was even willing to let her help him heal through those. "I'm not saying their wrong at all. I think given the long lifespan of elves versus humans and how intrinsical their lives are with nature and magic it makes sense to take that time and ensure you are fully compatible with this other person. I'm only saying that it is entirely possible to feel love at first sight and for it to be real." But then again she'd only been in love twice, once with Jacob and once with Ace, so maybe she didn't have a right to speak on the matter? Or perhaps because she had only ever fallen in love with the people who were assigned to her in the book, maybe that made her a professional on it? Who could really say? All she knew was that she believed love was love and it would stand up to a lot more than infatuation and lust would... Love had her standing up to fifty born and bred princesses for a man who she loved but had only been with perhaps around a month at most. Infatuation and or lust wouldn't have driven anyone to this sort of madness... She'd withstood a rape attempt and the death of her own self in regards to Jacob so no one could ever question her loyalty to him.



Her stubbornness though... Yeah that was something Jacob had run across too, but it was no different than say Jacobs one track determination or Ace's overwhelming demand for obedience. They all had their singular quirks things very different from one another, things on a level that was uniquely them, and while it might make it hard at times to mesh? It would also be something that held them all together. Kept them strong. Kept them safe. His offer for the house sat poorly with her though and she had wanted to explain the why of it, even if perhaps it might not make a good deal of sense, she hadn't meant to offend him after all and had gone on to apologize. "I know my Love and honestly... Thank you for it, it is a very kind, warm gesture. My issue is that if I keep letting you or Jacob take care of me, when do I lose my independence? When does my status as your Pet become a permanent thing outside of Splinter and our Bedroom? I don't want to lose my individuality, I don't want to become like so many women with rich husbands, they stop learning and striving to do things for themselves. They'd rather enjoy a padded and velvet life while popping out babies every year and...I don't want to go that way and I'm afraid I might..." How easy would it be to take the smoother path? To let them coddle and protect her, give her every little thing she might want because Gods knew they had the money to do it, and all she had to do was provide heirs and daughters to spoil? As an orphan with nothing she was suddenly having the world and all it's lovely ribbons and bows thrust into her lap and it was pretty damn overwhelming. "If you want to help though, come and help me do the heavy work like repairing a roof or the fence, teach me how to make a fairy garden for our kids... Show me how to do things but don't just give them to me. My ass didn't get this shape by sitting on it all day after all." She said with a wink and a smile at that point, knowing he adored her back end, was mad for it really and she had no issue letting him fawn over it either. It was a great way to lighten the mood, something which she kept doing because tonight? Was their night. It was meant to be fun and sweet, lighthearted and full of smiles, a happy memory for them both. She did put her foot down when she thought he suggested that she stay at home her entire pregnancy and she was not about to have a damn whit of that though! She thought he was going to try and be one of those husbands who consigned her to a damn wheelchair or something. "Fragile state? It's pregnancy not spina bifida or subdural hematoma." She said but then a smile crept on her face and she shrugged. "If you did try I would just make sure you regretted it instantly. Physical trauma isn't quite my forte, it's hard to be intimidating when most tables are taller than you are and you need a boost to get into a bar seat, no I'd be quite a bit more subtle... Like something in your coffee or tasty morning omelet... Uncontrollable flatulence, perhaps? Something to numb the tongue so you lisped for a whole day? Or if you were really obscenely rude I think some sphincter leakage and seepage might be in order... Order me from your throne and I'd ensure you sat on the porcelain one for the rest of the day." She said with a wink and a smile before he'd ask her about the titles...



That was hard and she didn't like it at all. If anything she hated it and if she could have? She would have ignored the whole thing and just went right on back to being anOrphan. Why not? It was better to have people look down on you because you came from nowhere and everyone thought you'd amount to nothing. Sure it hurt but she wasn't the only person with that issue in her life. Now? Here she was, a Witch Elf Princess with blood so pure and blue she'd make a sapphire pale in comparison. Her lineage was better than most every other royal in the elvish plane and she... Wanted nothing to do with it. People switched they way they looked at her from mild pity now to fear, they were afraid of her because of what her people did, what they were known for. She was a beautiful murdered, all seduction in golden curls and copper freckles, eyes the color of the sun and lips the softest shade of pink and rose... The most adorable bag of raw assassination. She would be happy when this was all over and she could forget who she really was and the baggage that came with it. "We talked about it actually... Sydel and I... We get along like a house on fire, understand each other in a lot of ways so we mesh well, and she's trying to teach me about certain things I need to learn to control. Apparently she has to return for Death Night on the orders of her father and I am likely to go with her and Nautilous." Did she know what it was? Yes she did. Did she have to participate in it? No. Her bloodline was too fucking precious to risk being spilled. Her duty was to sit with her grandmother and oversee it. Helbron wouldn't go down until it was in it's peak and she had the opportunity to become young once more in all the blood that was spilled. "Don't be afraid for me, I won't be involved in it, I'll be in the Pyramid observing and safe with my Grandmother." She spoke to ease his fears before they even started. It was when he brought up bringing Nauts mother that yeah... She looked away and took a drink, leaving her response very monosyllabic and refused to go into it after that, but leave it to him to pick up on that... And she had no one to blame but herself. She bit her lip and looked away, she wouldn't make eye contact with him and she did her best to remain silent, to try and formulate her thought into something... Smoother... When she did speak? Her hands were around the glass in her lap. "She was my Grandmothers Messenger... She put me under a mind link so I could learn everything I'd need to know about my people and the ins and outs of it, as well as how to comport myself as a Princess, things of that nature... When she wished me luck with you I sort of didn't get it at first..." She hadn't understood why she'd need luck with Ace, especially when this woman was speaking from such an intimate tone of stance, like she knew something no one else did and it had rankled her. She'd demanded an answer and she got one and it wasn't one she liked... Complete with the memory of Ace confessing his love to her in such a heated passion, knowing he was going to propose to this woman all before she turned him down, having no interest in anything outside of a bit of fun... "She told me about you two... You were mad about her, I saw it myself in her revere, the way you chased after her like she was the one thing you wanted in life." It stung a bit and she was so glad she was the only one who saw it... If it hurt her? She could only imagine what it might do to Jacob... "She knew you were going to propose before she broke it off..." She said softly with a shrug of her shoulder before raising the glass to her lips and took a sip. "No offence but the last thing I want to do is be around a woman that my prospective future husband was crazy enough about to want to marry bad enough to forego the traditions he feels so strongly about now." She felt a little bittle about it still and she wondered if they could salvage the night after this? She wanted to... But how? I sucked...



Somehow she'd manage though, perhaps with his help before they'd move on to a happier moment, the game placed between them as it was played out on the table and off, his attempts to distract her were shot down by her own... And hers? Were much worse! Enough so that he withdrew the tricks and they went back to the game with smiles and laughs, she managing to take the first piece with a shower of glitter and confetti, lighting up with how it had all gone quite nicely to plan. "Because Jacob is wonderful and the source of a good deal of delight, education, wonder and just a dash of fairy tale prince." Said with a smile and a wriggle of her nose at him before she'd get her answer from him, the cost of taking his piece and she looked at him for a moment with a bit of shock on her face, brows raised. "Your father really was a prime doucheasarus... Most every baby starts out blond! I don't care if our children come out bubble gum pink so long as they're healthy who cares?" And she meant it to. There were so many more things to worry about having children than their stupid hair color. She picked up the little tick tac candy and popped it in despite the start of a warning from him. "If your mother did cheat I hope she found happiness. She deserves a good deal more than she got, even if she doesn't quite like me." Said with a shrug as she git into the candy and sure enough the flavor was god awful! As it went down and she began to talk she realized it was a gag reward and her voice had dropped down to something resembling the deepest male baritone EVER. She was in denial at first but sure enough it was her voice! She began to wail and beg him to take a turn so her voice would resume to normal and all he did? Was laugh at her. "Stooooooop! It's not funny Aeson! I sound like I ate a tuba!" She whined before he finally pulled himself together and took that turn and thankfully, bless all the Gods, the moment he moved his piece the voice began to fade off and she'd speak normal in a few minutes. It was around that same time the bells began to ring and she stopped, listening to him as he too focused on it, wondering what it all meant... The first time was because Ace had come home right? At the second set of tolling she could tell that something was bothering him and she knew that bell tolling might as well be a death knell to their date night... And they had really only just started. It was with a sad look on her face that she swept the pieces back into the chess boards hollow inside and set it under the table where it would be kept safe and dry. "Come on... Duty first, right?" She'd say as she stood up, offering her hand to him before they'd leave that hidden grotto together, and she? Closed it all up behind her with that soothing magical caress he knew so well now... No one would find it again, their secret space was safe, hidden away once more.



As they got closer it was obvious smoke was billowing from somewhere in the castle, people were running buckets of water in a uniformed line while mages stood on raised ladders and directed water into the blaze from the ponds and ocean nearby, all the while that beautiful sky looked on utterly devoid of compassion for the scene below. She'd follow Ace up the stairs when people began to notice the King was back and it was a babble of many voices shouting to one another as well as to him, trying to explain what had happened, what was going on... The blaze in Ace's room had gone on for some time before smoke was seen billowing out and at that time? The blaze had reached incredible heat, feeding on the plentiful fodder in the king's room, reaching up into the ceiling and eating away the room above... That room had been her own, everything she had brought with her from Arvandor, all the clothes Jacob had bought for her that Anouk designed... Gone... Up in smoke... Her new wardrobe was in the Princess's chambers she was supposed to be moving into tonight for the first time... More than the loss of clothes and gifts from Jacob? Was the fact that her balsa wood flower was in Ace's room, set side by side with his the morning she had to leave, and she knew... It was gone just as surely as the one she had given him... Both of them had lost everything in a way in that moment... Her books, her journals, an entire years worth of study and notes... Every single breakthrough she had been starting... Everything...



But the night was not done with her... It took only a moment, perhaps two after arriving, taking in the scene that she felt it... That sudden ripping sensation from her solar plexus down to her groin that blossomed out like a ruby red rose of pain in her core, nearly making her double over as agony ripped through her and a cry was ripped from her throat that she quickly smothered, the tears welling in her eyes before they cascaded down her cheeks. She knew this feeling... She knew it well because she'd felt it before when she lost Jacobs baby... She'd been about this far along the first time and it felt the exact same... No... It felt strong and she knew with agonizing pain in her heart that she had miscarried again... Those four little lights flickering inside her were gone out, little flames blown into darkness before they even had a chance to start, a future she was terrified of but wanting to try all the same... All this she had to smother down... She knew how to be strong for others even when she was breaking down herself, she'd learned how to master it at a tender age and it had gotten stronger with each year she lived and right now? Right now Ace needed her... She knew everything in that room mattered the world to him, it was everything he cared about, everything that was personal to him... Private and precious... She opened her arms to him and if he went? She'd hold him close and begin to rock him slowly, protecting him from the world and the scene before him, holding him tightly and letting him get it out before she'd realize there were too many people... Too damned many people and she would guide him to his feet, lifting him if she had to before she'd take him away, making the commands for him if he couldn't himself to save the structure and control the fire... Evacuate the surrounding rooms and set them up in the guest cottages on the castle grounds... Everyone was to get extra beer and food tonight for their work and would not have to work tomorrow, extra staff would be hired on from the city to take over and access the damage and an investigation would take place. She might be new as a royal, she might be young in years, but she knew how to take over and take command. She was smooth and efficient, she knew how to raise her voice to be heard, how to catch the ears of even the most scurried ears... Setting up the calmest in the situation as the ones to help make decisions and telling them she was taking the King to a safer location until things were stabilized...



She took him to her rooms then, ones picked out for her not because of her own preferences but because of what they thought a witch elf would like, which was of course not a damn thing she enjoyed but whatever... She'd lead him in past the bedroom and directly into the bathroom where she'd start to draw a hot bath for him. He was in shock and the last thing he needed was to be doing anything... She added minerals and oils to the tub and yes... Drugs too though these she administered quietly, secretly, not wanting him to know but knowing he needed it. "Come... Doctor's orders..." She'd say softly as she began to help him out of his clothes and into the bath where he'd find water just perfect, scent and temperature were meant to relax and calm, and the drugs doubled down that effect. While he rested she got up and changed into something else, dripping out of the dress and into one of the items that had been sent along... A softly sheer white creation of cashmere mesh and silk lace that floated around her...She took her hair down and brushed it out a moment before slipping into the half bath where, thanks to medical training in both hands on and magical she was able to check herself as Jacob had, seeing herself she was right... They were gone... And for five minutes she was in extreme raw pain as she underwent what could only be described as a rushed miscarriage where the evidence of pregnancy was removed and she was left bare... A set of Vials from Sydel had her tucking away into one so she would never, ever have to go through this again, turning off all working parts of her fertility into a permanent off mode. One vial every three months for now to test the waters before getting into something more permanent if needed... The second vial she took was for pain so she could face Ace without wincing. Tomorrow? Tomorrow she could mourn, she could let all the emotions pass that she was suppressing right now, someone needed her and she couldn't be lax...



When she came out? She looked as if nothing had happened, her hair turned in a lose braid over her shoulder to keep any pheromones from slipping out, a pair of delicate white underwear under the nightgown which was meant to be wore with nothing under it but... No... Not tonight. In her hand was a black lacquered box and inside it was sin itself... She'd sit by the edge of the in ground tub and lifted the lid, pulling out the opium pipe and a ball of blood red opium, a deeper hue than blood itself... She'd warm it between her fingers before she'd give him a taste of it from her skin, it was surprisingly sweet and addictive smooth, no burn to make the mouth tingle or the throat ache... Once it was warmed up she'd pres the pipe to his lips and light the opium for him and guided his head back to her lap so it was cushioned on her soft thighs. "Red opium from Menzoberranzan, grown from the poppies deep in the caves that are tended by Lolth's spiders... Exceptionally rare and nearly impossible to get..." Unless you were the granddaughter of Helbron... She had a suitcase of the stuff to use at her own leisure much as her grandmother did but she? Was choosing to save it for extreme needs. "Smoke and talk... Tonight is all about you... I'm here to support you, to help carry your sorrows, to be your shoulder, ear and arms when you need them... What ever you need is yours... You but have to ask... Lle're il- ereb sina coiasira. Lava amin a' be mani lle anta" She spoke elvish much more fluidly now but she still didn't speak it often, wanting to learn more than she currently did but for the moment, for the moment it fit...


Nightgown

Bedroom 

Bathroom

[Deleted]

he nodded as he listened to her concerns.. especially when it came to her independence.. how she didn't want to just become another one of those housewives that was well kept and did nothing.. -.. mm.. no.. You have the power of your own future in your hands.. -he semi reclined there a moment.. his hand rubbing across his chin-.. Ok.. think about when you first saw Jacob..and then even when things started to get closer.. Ill wager you did not know he had a grand amount of wealth behind him.. that he had houses and estates.. that he could purchase every hospital he worked at.. -his head inclined a little-.. and then.. -he motioned to himself-.. Now you havent known me near as long.. but.. for the time you did. back in Arvandor.. those little meetings.. was I tossing money around like a King would?.. did I have staff behind me.. guards and people practically paving the ground I walked upon.. I was not ferried anywhere.. and I certainly wont be when I leave here.. Whilst yes.. it would be easy to just lose yourself in it all.. I know you wont.. because we dont let it do that to us?.. Splurging can be a bit of fun.. but its not our daily lives.. I work hard when Im not here.. I go to the same stores.. I pour my own drinks.. I do my own repairs.. Im just Aeson .. Not King Aeson Koehler.. Jacob is just Jacob.. Not the heir to the Deathhaze fortune not to mention what he has earnt from his work atop that.. and You.. will always be.. Just Rose to us.. not Rose Ganeth.. the heir to yet another vast fortune.. You're just that hard working, little blonde pop of sunshine that longs to be a doctor, a mother and a wife.. Jacob will always be that studious young doctor with a heart of gold.. and me?.. Im just Ace.. the tall guy that toys with the weather.. that tends to fix things a lot.. and is one hell of a gardener

-he shot her a wink.. chuckling quietly as he took a drink from his glass once more..this was nice though.. just spending a moment. .just the two of them.. he had a feeling these could well be few and far between with what their futures may contain.. he asked her about the new titles and just how they were sitting.. listening to her concerns.. -.. as long as you're safe thats my only concern with it all.. everything else comes secondary.. -he had a feeling Nautilous would make sure she was well looked after.. he noticed the way she turned and looked to the side when he mentioned Mala and his curiosity spiked.. making him place his cup down as he questioned her.. though her response was not something he was expecting..

his brows drew inward.. why did everything always have to end up being so damn complicated.. so many people were tapping into things that werent meant to be shared.. and it was just making things difficult.. for all parties involved.. he exhaled and nodded-.. Alright.. ok.. yes.. we were involved.. for quite a while.. i fell for her pretty hard.. -his gaze that strong steel grey lifted to look to her.. gauging her reactions.. he was just being honest.. he wasn't out to hurt her-.. and I was going to propose.. I thought.. in that moment in my life that.. she was what I wanted.. what I needed.. and.. she made sure to educate me otherwise.. -he rubbed his lips together lightly-.. I know that.. you have not had a lot of experience.. when it comes to relationships.. and the like.. but please understand that.. Im not 18 years old.. Im not.. young.. Im not fresh to any of this.. I have had more than my fair share of relationships.. I do have ex partners scattered here and there.. Its not that unusual to come across them in a place like Arvandor.. or Silverthorn.. What is unusual though is that they pass on that kind of unnecessary information.. -he shook his head-..

I am sorry she felt she had to do that.. and I am sorry that it put you in a weird position.. I did nothing wrong to Mala.. I loved her..and she shot me down.. if I had of been an asshole to her.. or.. something of the like.. I could perhaps understand her coming to you like that.. but.. no.. she's just stiring up trouble.. -that did not sit well with him at all.. he Hated it.. he Hated when people weaselled their way into his life and shared information that was not theirs to share.. he felt fucking violated.. he took another sip of that whiskey then.. nursing the cigarette ..he looked a little bit rattled and no doubt so did she.. but together a little distraction with a chess board seemed to do the trick.. on the surface anyway..

they settled in together.. a wager was placed.. secrets would be shared.. didnt have to be anything really juicy just something fun.. their pieces were moved atop the board.. and she got the first kill.. he laughed.. musing over what to tell before he gave up the ghost on his hair colouring.. how he was a blond bombshell as a youngster.. and how his Father HATED it.. so many accusations flew around when he was a child.. that she had been cheating.. he often wondered if his Father knew he could hear it.. all of it.. and that he could see how much it killed his mother.. -.. mm thing is she never did.. she was always completely faithful.. utterly so.. regardless of the offers she was given.. and on more than one occasion Father tried to trick her into it.. but no.. she'd never stray as long as she were married.. .. She likes you Rose.. she's just very protective.. of both Ryker and myself.. thats all.. I assure you.. there is no dislike.. just caution..

-he watched as she devoured that little piece of candy before her voice came booming out like an old sea sailor and he choked on his drink.. laughing as he shook his head.. Oh it was precious.. even beyond that.. utterly hilarious and she was struggling so much with it.. dainty little whines and whimpers were coming out all gruff and deep.. ahh it was perfect.. he quickly slid his piece into play so it would begin to fade.. but then everything would change.. something caught his attention.. bells tolling in the distance.. he knew what it meant.. n some sense.. something was wrong.. but.. what could possibly be going on?..he glanced back across to her there as she began to pack up the chess pieces-.. Im sorry.. I really am.. can I take a rain cheque?.. I .. -his brows furrowed as he moved to stand.. brushing off the rest of the glitter from his slacks-.. I just need to make sure everyone is ok..

-he followed her out of that little private grotto.. still unsure on just how she found it or even really where it existed.. the smoke on the air made his eyes widen.. quickened his pace as the hastened walk turned into more of a run.. he dashed through the main gates.. the guards were dotted around everywhere..a lot of the staff had been evacuated and were waiting out in the gardens of the front yard.. he ducked through the front doors.. making his way to the main staircase..


Ryker: NO.. Ace dont.. please.. -he called out to his Brother.. going to reach to grasp a hold upon his jacket though missing it completely-.. Dont..


Ace: turned his head when he heard Ryker calling out.. seeing the shock in his eyes.. the tear stains upon his cheeks.. confusion settled in.. -.. Out of my way.. -he pushed through the groups of advisers.. the guards that had been placed at the end of the long corridor that would lead to the family bedrooms.. there was a bit of resistance.. but not a lot.. who would refuse a King?.. they all stepped to the side and he took off down the hall.. the smoke was strong.. it smelt of wood and plastic.. glass and paper.. he rounded the corner and stopped dead in his tracks.. where his door used to be was now a large gaping hole.. everything was black and charred.. hot burning coals where furniture used to be.. melted curtains and clothing.. puddles of metal and shattered glass.. his face paled.. all the colour just vanished as his shoulders dropped.. -.. no..-he uttered under his breath and suddenly his feet felt as if they were lead weights..

his hands rose as he raked his fingers back through his hair.. his throat was dry.. his heart was aching.. getting to the doorway he toppled to his knees.. -.. Everythings gone.. -his voice was shattered.. he was utterly defeated.. everything he knew.. from childhood up until now was kept in that room.. his paintings.. his pictures.. everything to do with his family was in there.. his crown.. his coronation gear.. sceptres.. gifts he had been given.. his weather device.. the histories on Silverthorn.. and the working books.. and then of course.. courtship flowers.. the first he had ever given.. and the first he had ever accepted.. gone..

he broke down.. and he broke down hard..he was not one to cry.. he was not one to get overly emotional about anything.. sure he got angry but not like this.. his heart ached.. he had trouble catching his breath as it hitched in the back of his throat..her arms were welcome around him.. he'd likely not admit it.. but he needed an anchor in that moment.. and she was going to be it.. he leant into her as he just let it all out..he was shot.. utterly and completely.. a shell of himself.. whoever did it.. knew just where to hit him.. where to stab with the knife and twist it deeper and deeper.. she guided him away.. he didn't say a single word to anyone.. he didn't even acknowledge another soul.. not even his brother..a couple of guards would follow her.. but remain at a distance where they would not intervene or cause any problems.. it was just protocol

..the bedroom could have been decorated in shining pink and purple and he wouldn't have noticed.. she slowly peeled off his clothing.. the shirt and slacks.. before he would step down into the bath.. it was warm.. thats all he would really remember.. he was comfortably numb.. the drugs would do their job to take the edge off.. he had no idea what she was going through.. his brain had had a mental switch flicked off.. she returned to the bathroom.. he hadn't moved from his earlier position.. his back pressed to the side of the bath.. his gaze just staring off at the wall there.. she offered him the taste of the opium.. the pipe slid between his lips as he drew from it.. letting it linger before the scented smoke would float lightly above.. he could feel her fingers in his hair.. her soft touches as she tried to calm his stuttering heart.. he exhaled long and deep..

she'd feel that soft magical energy.. the one that they seemed to pair well with.. before the smoke bubble would clear and a red eyes Ryker would be standing there-.. Brother.. -he called out softly.. though his voice was raspy and it hurt to talk-.. Send the Princesses home.. all of them.. I will not be held responsible should one of them be injured or worse from whatever this is that is wandering out halls. -he looked deafeated.. they both did.. -.. Please offer my apologies .. they will be compensated for their time..and their inconvenience.. -he nodded-.. Thankyou.. -Ryker nodded in understanding.. notes were taken around him by those in attendance.. before the smoke drifted and the image with it..

she told him about where the drugs were from.. -..Its all about who you know.. -he spoke softly.. letting his eyes close over..-.. I dont need anything.. just this is fine.. thankyou love.. -he would have to process it all and he no doubt would come morning.. but for right now.. he was in far to much shock to really think too much on it.. -.. Amin just anta lle..-he whispered softly.. a little surprised at how quickly she was picking everything up.. but she was incredibly switched on -.. just lirilla yassen amin.. -thats all he would ask of her.. to just lay with him tonight.. he didn't want anything.. it would probably take some time to get to the point of sleep.. but he just didnt want to be alone-

[BadInfluence]

"I see your point..." She had no idea Jacob was literally rolling in more money than he could spend in a lifetime, even if he pushed himself to buy every little thing his heart desired he'd need at least two lifetimes to make even a little dent, not exactly the vibe he gave off... Ace she hadn't figured to be a King either, more like a good looking playboy with a little bit of pocket change and not much else, so he really did have her there... "I guess I'm just afraid of losing what little bit there is left of me. My work used to be a very certain way, never deviated from its course, I had a happy life even if it was tough. I knew who I was and where I sat. Then I met Jacob and it was like part of the blinders I had on were suddenly ripped off and it was just this... Huge sensory overload, my first kiss and falling in love, becoming a doctor and then finding out I was pregnant." She felt like she'd been thrown into the middle of a badminton match and she was the birdie, life kept popping her back and forth in the air, turning her this way and that and she was starting to spin. "Then I met you and at first I really didn't like you, so damned chauvinistic and cocky, oh my God I wanted to put your head in a book press and squeeze some of the ego out of it. Jacob told me to look under the skin and once I did? There went the next set of blinders and now? I look back and I can't ever get to that place in my life again. I'll never have that safe routine again. All I have ahead of me is a whole lot of unknown and it feels like my feet aren't even really settled on the ground. It's enough to make me wonder, if I take one more hit, will I just change entirely and I won't have a shred of that old me left?" For all she could play it off on the surface that she was taking all these hints without flinching? It was far from the truth, she was really carrying a lot on her shoulders but she'd done it all in silence sine the start, if only because when your an orphan you really don't have anyone to tell... No one to lean on... Jacob and Ace both had a lot on their plates too, hell everyone she knew was fighting their own battle, it would be a shit thing to do to go and ask them to help her with hers. They talked about her possible visit to Har Ganeth and getting to know about her people, she'd explained her side of that invitation, how it'd already been set up and so on... It was when the topic of Nautilous's mother that he caught on to something about it not being quite kosher.



"Did you ever think she did it out of Jealousy?" She'd ask softly. Why in the HELL she was standing up for a woman who looked like that was beyond her. Way... Way beyond her but... That was just who she was. She'd defend someone unless there really was nothing to defend and when it came to Ace? Hell even Jacob... She was seeing a whole different side of women that she had ever imagined, just these mean things, catty and jealous and all too eager to rip the dress of another woman who dared dream of being Cinderella. Though if either he or Jacob used her age as an excuse to explain why they thought she might not understand something? She was going to walk the hell out of the room before she hit someone. "I lived under a whore house, worked in a tea house, and volunteered at a hospital. If you want to see a lot of different sorts of romances and walks of life? That's the way and place to do it. You can understand something very well even if you never lived it before..." Just... Trying to help him understand she wasn't exactly a chick with part of the egg shell still stuck to her head. "You're handsome Ace, a blind woman would likely be able to sense your attractiveness from across a room, that's just how it is. You're also in your prime so you've easily had more than a few relationships both light and heavy, I'm not going to think for a millisecond that I'm the first person you cared for and loved, I'm young but not naive." But even so... It still stung a little... "Malaika did what she did probably out of jealousy, just like what Grace does to me over Jacob, and chances are I'll likely get a lot more of these type of women hurting me because I'm with you two. It's just the lot I've chosen. Don't hate them for it though, that's like blaming a snake for biting you, it's a natural instinct for some women." And it fucking sucked too, because it would be so much easier to blame, to be petty and whine but she didn't. She took the moral high road every single time with situations like this. "I'm sure if you ever ran into some of the boys I've dated at the college they'd do the same to you or Jacob. Fact is I was just as desired as you two penniless... Now? I'll have to carry a walking stick to fend them off when the world finds out I have a title and funds of my own." Which would be funny... How would they act she wondered, seeing her on a date with a male friend from school, dressed up and having fun? Would they be jealous too for once? Would it prick them? Sting them? Would they know a little of how they made her feel every time one of their ex's got a stick up their ass and decided to hit her with it?... Hmm... Probably too much to hope for.



The chess board was set up and pieces placed, she taking the first piece as he shared a bit of a story, how he came out a platinum blond prince no less and not to be shocked if their own came out that way. Going on to talk about how his father always felt he and his brother weren't his, that his mother had cuckold him, and how it was so far from the truth. "I can see that though now I wonder what is stopping her... She's beautiful and she's free to find a romance now... It might help her heal..." She wouldn't speak on Adelaide though, at first she had thought they'd get along very well but the moment she saw her in Ace's room it was like she became a pebble in her shoe, annoying and somewhat painful to have around. From there on though the mood had lifted and they were laughing once more, the piece was taken and the surprise candy eaten to hilarious results, but even that... It just wasn't meant to be. She could tell the moment those bells started to ring that it was over for them before it really even got to start. Before he really even got to say much she was already packing up the game... No point in dragging out the inevitable. "Let's go..." She was pretty sure you couldn't raincheck something she had spent most of her day on... She'd planned out so much, really devoted a lot of time and thought to every little detail, all of it was just meant to make him smile... It was starting to get to the point that she was starting to draw up real close to her limit these last couple of weeks... People and life really needed to stop fucking her about or she was going to start fucking it up right back.



When the arrived the whole world for him just... Shattered...



His room, that place which bore the physical representation of his soul, the space that she had learned about the man who resided in it... Had been the first step into her voyage of falling in love with him and now? It was gone... Fire had ravaged the space and left nothing but chaos and destruction in it's wake, his whole world past and present were up in smoke, still smoldering with the scent of a lifetime lost in moments... She did the only things she could do, she took over for him with an apparent natural ease, setting down the orders and steps to follow as she held Ace close to her as he just broke... She stood strong despite her own personal tragedy, her own loss that hit her but she couldn't break right now, he needed her and badly... And in his stead? She stepped into the role and made sure he didn't have to worry about anything before she'd help him to his feet and they'd go to her room, well away from the smoke and scent of loss... No crowds to watch his pain or to gawk at his strength suddenly vanishing as the facade fell... No it was just him and her in her new suite, she'd go and run him a nice hot bath and strip him down before she'd held him into the in floor tub, making sure he was settled before she'd go and handle her own loss... She'd pushed the emotions away with it for now, she could mourn later, she could let the pain take its course when she had time for it. Changed into something softer and simpler she devoted her time to him, bringing him exotic drugs and anything else he might need, knowing none of this was going to be easy... Hell if anything tomorrow was going to break his heart anew and after that it would be this raw, angry hurt that would take a very long time to dull but she didn't think it would ever completely vanish, things like that never did. She had his head in her lap as she stroked her fingers through his hair, softly silent as she let him float in that pool of numbness, unwilling to rush him through anything. It was soon after that Ace had summoned on the magical plain and got in touch with his brother, the Princess Run was canceled, everyone was to be sent home... One small mercy at least... She looked at Ryker Sympathetically while trying to convey through their meeting eyes that she would take care of Ace as best she could...



A slight switch she explained what the opium was, where it had been collected and made, asking him if he needed anything else, she'd do all she could for him without hesitation. "Or who you blow..." She said very softly, wondering if the tongue in cheek would ease a little smile onto his face, but if not? That was alright too. Her elvish? Well that was well over three months worth of work, she'd started into it really hard when Jacob had mentioned it, so she was getting there. His request? Was small and soft... Easily granted... "Tenna' i' giliath tyela sen shinien ar' i' ithil lanta a' huine..." She whispered back gently as she began to rend him slowly, she'd gather up a soft leather cloth and begin to wash him down from head to toe as she'd slide down into the water with him, washing his hair and rubbing his scalp and shoulders... Turning him to soft butter before they'd get out of that cooling tub and into her bed, pulling the covers back she'd run the hot pan over them to make sure they were deliciously warm as she dressed him in a pair of simple lounge pants and a button up top for him, and from there? She'd guide him in and settled him into the center, his head against her chest as she held him close, wrapped up in her arms so he could hear her heart... Beside the bed was a little music box she began to wind, the melody was soft and slow, just the sweet tinkling of notes... And as it played? She'd begin to sing for him, the first time anyone had ever heard her sing, something she'd been writing just for him... Something she'd completed today during her date prep that she had planned to unveil for him...




"How does a moment last forever?
How can a story never die?
It is love we must hold onto
Never easy, but we try
. Sometimes our happiness is captured
... Somehow, our time and place stand still
. Love lives on inside our hearts and always will
. Minutes turn to hours, days to years and gone
But when all else has been forgotten
Still our song lives on
.

Maybe some moments weren't so perfect
. Maybe some memories not so sweet
. But we have to know some bad times
Or are lives are incomplete
. Then when the shadows overtake us
, Just when we feel all hope is gone
, We'll hear our song and know once more
Our love lives on.


How does a moment last forever?
How does our happiness endure?
Through the darkest of our troubles
, Love is beauty, love is pure
. Love pays no mind to desolation
, It flows like a river through the soul
. Protects, persists, and perseveres
And makes us whole
.

Minutes turn to hours, days to years then gone
, But when all else has been forgotten
. Still our song lives on
, That's how a moment lasts forever:
When our song lives on"

[Deleted]

The day as a whole.. was a roller coaster from start to finish.. so many incredible highs and some of the deepest lows he has probably ever felt.. Waking up with her after spending a night he wont soon forget.. a mid morning tryst with Jacob and her in a little private location.. seeing her announced to the Kingdom..as a Princess.. not that her true status ever mattered.. for the first time in his life he had made a choice when it came to his heart.. it didn't feel rushed.. it wasn't lust driven.. there was so much there behind it all.. it was deeper.. he could feel it all the way down to his bones..

it was reminiscent to how he felt about Jacob and honestly he never thought he would feel that way about anyone else.. courtship flowers were shared.. and she surprised him with a treasure seeker game.. a dinner all home cooked.. games with laughter and some truly intelligent conversation.. before it all just went to shit.. everything just shattered.. he was so high in the clouds and something dragged him back down like he had lead weights attached to his feet.. and he hit that ground So hard it left a permanent imprint.. she scooped him up.. and took him away.. out of it.. no one needed to see their King destroyed like that.. Ryker knew it.. but no one outside of the family would..

she took control.. organised everything and took him back to her new unit.. he was stripped down and settled in a warm tub.. the drugs were quick working.. taking root in his mind and sending in all matter of fog to make him comfortably numb.. he asked of her to stay with him.. to lay with him.. he didn't want anything else.. just her.. and to sleep.. he wanted to forget.. all of it.. even if it was only for a few hours.. his heart and body ached.. he found the bed beneath him.. his head to her chest.. he could feel her bodies warmth.. he could hear her heart .. his hands rose to rest atop hers.. his fingers curling in she sung for him then.. something he had not seen from her.. something he didn't know she did.. her voice was soft and soothing..

the song choice was delicate.. she was helping to ground him.. to give him the anchor he needed otherwise he would surely just float off into nothing.. and if he were honest.. he would have probably been gone by morning.. another disappearance.. quite possibly to never return this time.. his lids closed over as he listened.. the soft music.. her voice..those words.. that tone.. all helped to ease him a little more.. and then a little more than that.. before she would feel the hold he had upon her arm lessened.. as the drugs.. her warmth and the safety of it all helped him drift off into the blissful state of unconsciousness.. his mind would take no more.. but he was safe.. he was comfortable.. he was with her and thats all he needed.. all he would ever need-

[BadInfluence]

Taking charge came easy to her, maybe from years of taking on duties and responsibilities at the orphanage, maybe from her work at the tea shop which mostly ran like clockwork due to her diligence. Maybe it was everything? Maybe it was not any of it? Maybe it was just genetics, something she was born to do, to be? Was there something to that blue blooded genetics that made her a better ruler when push came to shove? Or was it just the reality of the world she had grown up in where she had to take control of her own life or she'd never get anywhere? No matter what it was or how it came to be she was happy she had the knack for it, to be able to step in for Ace when he was at his weakest, to shift that burden from his broken shoulders to her own. It might seem strange that she knew exactly how Ace felt. When she'd broken her melodica over Ric's head her whole world had shattered in that moment and she hadn't felt the same since, and for Ace, his own world had gone up in smoke. They'd bost lost everything material that mattered to them and they both knew how it felt to suddenly feel as if you are rootless in a world spinning far too quickly. Her heart broke for him and she wasn't sure if he would be able to bounce back from it? He confessed with his own lips that when things got too hard he ran away and this was probably going to be the hardest thing he had ever encountered. When he woke, what would he do? Would the moment his feet touched the ground decide he would give up his life as a King and abandon his right to rule? If he did, what of his mother and his sister? Then again more than his kingdom needed him... He had been born with that rare gift to control the weather and that meant the whole of Arvandor needed him, not just these people, not just his family... Maybe he needed this in a way? To roave the world and heal while he tended to nature and restored the balance that could at times go awry? But then what of she and Jacob? Jacob put his roots in far too deep to wander far, but she? Had always wanted to see the world... Oh... What a tangled mess the world now was...



In the moment all she could do was offer him her love and her support, to give him a soft place to rest his weary body and let him collapse, to drop it all and float on poppy milk waves and downy feathers with silk sheets... She sang to him, the first time anyone had ever heard her singing, perhaps it might be the last as well. Her heart was in it all the same to ease him into slumber, her arms wrapped about him securely, guiding him into the waiting arms of Morpheus... When he was fully asleep she might have betrayed his trust a little as she sprinkled some golden sleeping dust over his face to ensure he did not wake up, the drugs ensuring he knew no dreams either good or bad, just a purely restorative sleep that would do much to heal him as his mind ran through things as it needed. She would gently disentangle herself from him and replaced her body space with pillows so he did not lose that warmth, the feeling of support, the weight of another person beside him. She then got changed into something that protected her as well as allowed her a good deal of movement, which apparently was pretty high on the witch elf wardrobe must because she had several outfits which served the purpose, settling on a black leather jacket that was fitted like a glove and suede pants of the softest leather... A pair of thigh high leather boots without a heel on them allowed her absolute freedom of movement as well as protecting herself. She'd grabbed out several vials of poison as well as blades that she attacked to the leather waist cincher she had on before she'd pull her hair back into a high, ultra tight and sleep ponytail, a large canvas bag over her shoulder as she headed out the door.



It wasn't a surprise to see Malaika among the wreckage of Ace's room, she was quickly learning to have a very strong dislike for this woman, even if she was Jacob's paternal grandmother...





Rose: "Get out of here. You're not wanted or welcome."



Mala: "Excuse me? Are you perhaps confused about something here?" 


Rose: "Honestly I wish I was. I would have really liked to have gotten along with you, strife and dislike does not come naturally to me by nature but you're in short, well your a man eating bitch."



Mala: "Oh well now! Kitten has some claws and teeth on her. Good. Jacob will need your protection, sweet boy is terribly kind and doesn't realize the world would love to eat him alive, just gobble that golden heart up in one bite like it did his grandfather."



Rose: "Well you have that right on both counts, I will always protect him from the world that would much rather shit him out than give him a favor, but that's not what I said. I said Get. Out."



Mala: "Oh? And why is that? I can wander wherever I please."



Rose: "You broke his heart when he handed it to you on a platter, you hurt him when he was vulnerable, and now you're here skulking about in the wreckage of his whole world. I can't stand it and I am telling you to leave. Leave his room, leave Silverthorn, leave Arvandor. You aren't wanted or welcome here."



Mala: "Is that so? And who are you to tell me that?"



And that is when the world for her would shift, the anger bubbled and boiled to the surface and her eyes glowed a vivid gold, her lips curling in an all too confident smile.



Rose: "I do, Princess Rosamund Briar Ganeth, Daughter to Queen Helbron. Heiress to Har Ganeth, chosen Daughter of Hanali Celanil, Child of Silvanus and Slaanesh. I am more than you, you fragmented Avatar of She Who Thirsts, Primordial of Destruction and Death, go back to the echoes of history where you belong. You are not welcome here without invitation and I rescind it, you are banished from Arvandor and all her sister planes and cast into the Webways of Chaos once more, and there you will remain until I invite you back."



See... There was an issue with what Malaika had done in her mental link... When you open a door it stays that way and she had gone into Malaika's mind as well, absorbing information as she always did, soaking it up like an ever thirsty sponge. She'd learned all about her beloved Jacob's grandmother and she had found out in a vicious crash course just why she went through men harder and faster than Hanali herself, not to mention why Nautilous hated her guts, but on top of all of that? That she didn't have half the power she used to. The closer Cegorach came to the completion of his prophecy the less and less power she had, indeed She Who Thirst was nearly entirely lost, her power absorbed by the other chaos gods in her destruction and all that was really left? Was this Avatar... Nothing else. That meant that she, Rose, had as much power if not a little more than her, and right now? Right now she was wielding it for the men she loved, the family that had welcomed her in, those precious people who loved her and couldn't protect themselves... She was surprised though when Malaika came over to her though and raised her hand, she herself fully expected a slap and braced for it but instead it was the softest of touches, a gentle caress that turned into a hug.



Malaika: "Oh, dear child, how long I have waited for someone with your strength to come along and set me free... I am weary and worn out by this life and yet I could not return home for none had the strength to send me thusly... I thank you for this little one and I will not forget how you stood up to me, the Primordial which even Slaanesh and Khorn fear, such a brave little elfing... Be good to my Grandson and take care of him, he needs you more than he can admit, especially now..."



With that the image before her faded and spun into something like glitter and dew drops, spinning up into the sky before it simply vanished as if it never were and she, well she waved goodbye as it did. She knew Malaika would come back some day, she'd invite her to the birth of each grandchild before she'd send her back home to rest, but until then? This world was hers... Right now her focus was to find whatever she could salvage in the wreck of Ace's room, guided by moonlight and her own little mage light, sifting through the broken timbers and mountains of ash and slag... Going off of memory of how it had been and after some time she was able to find several treasures, and while none of them were in perfect condition they were all salvageable, her heart singing as she did... The bag was half full before she'd settle down in a clean area and begin to work, spinning magic like Rapunzel had spun straw into gold, turning nothing but scraps into beautiful things... Oh how hard she worked, flexing muscles she had not known she had, embracing the voices that always whispered to her instead of constantly fighting them. She was done running from her own past, the complex nature of her life and her birth, giving it all up... All sense of control... The desperate fight to keep things in order and so simple... Fuck it, she thought to herself after seeing how hard Ace had broken, she had more things to worry about than trying to maintain the life she had always lived. This was her life, she was going to make of it what she wanted, even if that meant she had to undergo changes herself...



She worked for a couple of hours straight before she had two of the things she had saved repaired of a sort, and these she would bring back into the room where Ace slept, setting them beside him in the bed with a note...



"My Dearest Aeson,



         Before you run away into the wilds beyond the castle, wait for me...

I Love You, 

            Your Rose" 

Beside him would be her balsa wood flower, singed but intact, as well as the peony she had given him. The peony was charred a touch here and there but intact, the gold he had placed on it had melted down and coated the petals and kept many of them intact, still in their shape and perhaps more beautiful for it. The balsa wood rose had been saved in a similar fashion by one of the royal paintings on the wall that had fallen onto it, the gold leaf in it had fallen down to save it before the vanvas had actually protected it through the worst... Beside that was a little portrait, burned on the corners but these she had patched with gold, filling in the damaged parts until it was whole... And then the last one, the biggest one and while she couldn't salvage the frame she could the canvass, and this was of his oil painting of himself. Chunks of it were missing, but she had sewn in fresh patches of canvas with golden thread, the black parts of his face were filled in by the ash of what had been his room, a contrast in charcoal work and oil of the original painting... Gold went down his face as it had been when she first saw it, it was as close a replica as she could get and it was damn close indeed, the crown? Well she had changed that out, taking up the melted coronation crown he had worn for it after she had found it in a pile of slag in his closet and cleaned it up, sewing the real thing into the painting since there wasn't a good deal of it left... Indeed what had melted off had been the same gold she had used in the painting itself.  

What was left of it? It wasn't like before, she couldn't undo the fire damage to it but she had filled it in and replaced it with new things taken from the old, blending his past and the present into something that might represent his future... He was broken but he could be made whole... Someone just had to find his broken parts and help put him back together with a bit of their own soul...  

It was when she was leaving that room after carefully adjusting the sleeping powder so he would wake up around eight or nine in the morning when she got the very urgent, almost panicked message from Nautilous which honestly scared her, that man was never panicked... She would teleport there though that in and of itself unsettled her, she wasn't exactly the most comfortable with how many voices she had in her head, teaching her everything she should have grown up being taught... Power, control, precision... Oh she could be an absolute terror if she wanted to be... Right now though? Her main focus was going to help someone who might one day become her father in law if Jacob ever wanted to go down that path with her.



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