Golden Princess-closed

[Veroe]

IC: Thoren Von Rondel IX

"That is relieving. You will have to be vocal, opinionated, strong, and clever as my queen," Thoren told her, "My mother set a hard example you would have to live up to. So did my grandmother, and great grandmother and so on all the way back to Helena the Fair who married my namesake Thoren the Great. My people and I would expect much from you. Rondel queens are expected to take part in ruling the kingdom in conjunction with their husbands."

At this Tatiana blushed and Thoren allowed her a moment to settle before saying to him, "When this is all over, I give you my word that I will consent to you courting me if that is your wish."

He smiled broadly to her, "Oh that indeed is my wish, my lady, and your consent means more to me than either your father's or your brother's would."

"With all that we are about to undertake, I think that we should all remain focused on the objectives at hand."

"Sound advice," He nodded, "But it will prove difficult when your beauty is so beguiling."

"You told me last night you sought affection of the heart. My wish is that you are sure of that before you propose to me," She continued, "I know that you are taken with my appearance, for that has been the weapon my father has used against all. But there is more to me then that."

Her hand came up to close her fingers over his and gently lowered it to his side. "Win my heart Thoren, and you will win my hand."

She stepped back before taking his hand again and they walked on through the planters of bright red firedrop blossoms, sweet smelling jasmine bushes, daisies, Dreamstars, Marastears, and tulips. He was thinking of her last words and it bolstered his resolve to win her love. Afterall just last night Tatiana was deadset against the notion of marrying him and now she had conceded the possibility of his courtship. It was certainly a sign of favorable progress as far as Thoren was concerned.

They walked on under the veil of small conversation hiding what both wanted to speak. With a formal bow he bid his betrothed good night and returned to his quarters. Tomorrow would be the last day in his visit to King Harold's court. The morning after he would return to Auchenbridge castle and the soil of Rondeland. As far as Harold knew to await his, Jared's, and Tatiana's arrival during the midsummer festival for the wedding ceremony in three months. However according to Tatiana's conspiracy they had hatched the day before in the Alenvale he would really marshal his northern garrisons in order to support Tatiana's coup attempt in removing Harold from his throne.

He slept and breakfasted with Jared that morning before he was summoned to speak with his father.

Thoren left Jared's quarters worried for his friend and brother in all but fact. It had been clear he had not slept well what with the weight of their plan burdening his mind. Still he knew if anyone could bear such a burden with the focus on unflinching duty, it would be Jared.

Back in his quarters the few possessions he had brought were being packed for the trip back to Auchenbridge. Baron Auchen overseeing the task like a mother hen. Avoiding the whirlwind of maids and servants hurriedly scurrying to obey his instructions Thoren went down to the courtyard of the castle to see to Strider's grooming personally though moreso to search for Tatiana so he could see her one more time before he was swept up in affairs of state or protocol or somesuch again.

He found her practicing with a wooden broadsword in a dueling circle. He stood watching her dispatch one Turnarian gaurdsman after another with a certain obvious skill.

"That one's a wildcat, sire, isn't she," Captain Bardolowe asked from behind him.

Thoren turned to look at him startled to find the big veteran had snuck up behind him. The words may not have been very appropriate for the captain to have said about his future queen, but Bardolowe looked as Tatiana parried and placed what would have been a felling blow to the man's neck if it had been a duel to the death with a certain appreciation. Thoren nodded in answer to his question. The grizzled old soldier didn't give anyone's respect without them earning it first, but it seemed Tatiana had earned the captain's approval.

Captain Denton then entered the circle and showed some skill for thier duel lasted twice as long as any of the ones before and a lovely skein of sweat beaded both their skin as they fought.

Thoren watched entranced by the graceful skill and elegance and agility she displayed. Tatiana was at a disadvantage strength to strength but she compensated for that with greater precision in technique and speed. She'd certainly test his own skills with a broadsword-in fact-she may be skilled enough to best him. He smiled thinking Jared had not been boastful when he said she was the best duelist he had ever seen.

When Denton was forced to yeild to her Thoren caught her smirk as she said, "You know, you should let me train your men George."

"Indeed, my lady, you are quite skilled," He said stepping over to the rack of practice swords. "Your guards would do well to learn how to counter that sidestep and parry combination you use to such devastating effect upon them."
He found a wooden sword to his liking and hefted it in a swing to test its balance. "Also how to recognise when they're oponent is baiting them with a feint."

He looked over his shoulder to her saying, "I must say I am surprised to see you weilding a broadsword, Tatiana. I would have thought you'd favor the rapier where your speed and agility could be used to your greatest advantage." He turned to face her and purposely stepped within the circle. "My own instructor, the grand champion: Sofreddi Del Ambruglio, used to say the broadsword was the weapon of a butcher for the battlefield. The rapier was the weapon of a civilised man for life, love, and death."

He raised the blade, thinner and longer than hers, a practice foil for a rapier before him and swept it in a duelist salute to his side. If Tatiana knew anything about duelist ettiquette she'd know she couldn't refuse a duel with him now without insulting him and making a diplomatic incident.

His smiled broadened that belied the wolfish gleam to his eyes, "I beleive you are in search of a quality opponent." He raised the practice foil to point between them at her. "I offer my own humble skills to remedy that."

This should be fun.

 

[Perplexia]

"Indeed, my lady, you are quite skilled," Thoren said stepping over to the rack of practice swords. She wiped the sweat from her from and smiled at him. The sun seemed to glisten off his hair. "Your guards would do well to learn how to counter that sidestep and parry combination you use to such devastating effect upon them." He advised her. "Mi Lord has been observing my footing i see." she retorted with a smile.
"Also how to recognise when they're oponent is baiting them with a feint." Tatiana couldn't help but laugh at the expression on the guards face as if they suddenly had an enlightenment.

Now his eyes glanced upon her over his shoulder, her hand moved to get a wisp of hair from her face. "I must say I am surprised to see you weilding a broadsword, Tatiana. I would have thought you'd favor the rapier where your speed and agility could be used to your greatest advantage." "perhaps if i was dueling for sport, or his Lordships honor i would use a more petite sword" she teased. in return. He turned to face her and purposely stepped within the circle. "My own instructor, the grand champion: Sofreddi Del Ambruglio, used to say the broadsword was the weapon of a butcher for the battlefield. The rapier was the weapon of a civilised man for life, love, and death." "Well he was correct Mi Lord. However if the need should come to which i need a sword to defend myself, i would more likely find a broad sword at hand would i not? Especially per say if i were upon the battlefields."
She could tell by his expression he wasn't too fond of her last comment. For Tatiana was just the sort to go where women had no place.

As he raised the blade, and swept it in a duelist salute to his side. Tatiana sighed. She truly did not want to do this. Her limbs were tired from her work out. Handing her broad wooden sword over she was handed a foil one that matched his own. With a graceful wrist action displaying this wasn't her first time holding such a sword she did a bow as well.

His smiled broadened that belied the wolfish gleam to his eyes, "I beleive you are in search of a quality opponent." He raised the practice foil to point between them at her. "I offer my own humble skills to remedy that."

I am most gracious for the offer Mi Lord. It is rare that i'm graced with such apparent skills as your own. Perhaps we could schedule this for later this afternoon, when I've had the opportunity to recover from my morning workout. At the moment you have me at quite a disadvantage, you are fresh and revived, and i am deflated and weathered."
"Perhaps in the morning Princess, before i leave since you're not quite up to it today" he was teasing her and she couldn't help but roll her eyes as she backed out with the bow of to be resumed.
"Since you are a guest, i would hate to see you disappointed, perhaps you'll allow me the opportunity to get cleaned up and join you in the garden for a walk?"
"as you wish" he replied giving her a royal smirking bow. She raised an eyebrow at him and rolled her eyes. Handing the practice sword back and climbing over the ring and hopping down to the ground. She didn't look back but she could feel his eyes upon her. Reaching up she undid her hair and let it fall to her back and sway as the wind from her quick pace let it fly.

Jared caught up with Thoren as he entered the garden to wait for Tatiana. "I'm sorry brother" he said upon greeting him with a handshake, "but what we feared would happen will. I would estimate an hour after your arrival you will receive notice of the cancellation of the treaty. I truly had hoped just this once he'd let go of her."

A lavender bath and with a day gown upon her Tatiana made her way to the garden to hear her brother talking in whispers to Thoren. "what is it?" she questioned knowing simply from their expressions that it couldn't be good.
Jared then explained to Tatiana what he did to Thoren. "This is what we expected" she stated matter of factually. "I know that we all wished it to go another way. But this is our father we're talking about. It wasn't as if he was going to miraculously surprise us."
Jared nodded and looked at his sister as if he realized that again she was dressed like she ought for a suitor. He then gave Thorn a smirk and excused himself.

Tatiana simply shook her head at her brother as he left and her eyes went back to Thoren. Taking his arm they walked leisurely around the garden. "I know that you were both hoping this would go as Jared originally planned. Unfortunately, I think he still wishes for our father to be the King this country deserves. I have been bartered enough to know that it will not ever happen." she sighed and stopped sitting on a bench and waited for him to join her before continuing. She opened her mouth then closed it looking around to be certain they were completely alone. "On the fourth night of each week as the moon hits the center of the sky (midnight), I shall meet you or one of your men at the rock you were at with my brother." Her eyes catching movement she switched the topic. "I particularly adore the smell of jasmine and lavender. That is why the garden has so many of the plants. They are great for bath water."
One of her maids came to her and advised her that her mother was seeking her. She wanted to go over arrangements for the wedding.
"Please advise my mother i am seeing to our guest, and that i trust her judgement." The girl nodded and curtsied and headed back quickly to the castle.

She enjoyed the time she had with Thoren. Each time they were together seemed like less of an effort. Her mannerisms relaxed around him. It was almost as if she were talking to her brother, yet there was a chemistry she couldn't explain. That smile he gave and the way his eyes danced when it was about something that was important to him.

After that interruption, they kept the conversation light and cordial. Yet it seemed he had no problem teasing her for backing out of the duel. It only fueled her desire to best him in the morning.

Soon enough he was called away for a meeting. She sat in the garden alone for a bit. Their time together had flown, as it was almost time for dinner. Gathering herself she made it upstairs to get ready for it.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Thoren Von Rondel IX

His smiled broadened that belied the wolfish gleam to his eyes, "I beleive you are in search of a quality opponent." He raised the practice foil to point between them at her. "I offer my own humble skills to remedy that."

She took hold of a wooden practice foil and regarded him tiredly. "I am most gracious for the offer Mi Lord. It is rare that i'm graced with such apparent skills as your own," She said, "Perhaps we could schedule this for later this afternoon, when I've had the opportunity to recover from my morning workout. At the moment you have me at quite a disadvantage, you are fresh and revived, and I am deflated and weathered."

"Perhaps in the morning, Princess," He said with a mocking lilt to his voice, "Before I leave, since you're not quite up to it today." Technically he could press the technicality of the ettiquette of a duel and demand she immediately meet his challenge. However Thoren didn't want to humiliate or defeat her. The purpose of his challenge was to see the breadth of her form and skillset with a blade.

"Since you are a guest, I would hate to see you disappointed," With that she bowed out of the dueling ring eyes rolling at the tone he had used. "Perhaps you'll allow me the opportunity to get cleaned up and join you in the garden for a walk?"

He bowed with an arrogant smirk more to get her riled up for their postponed duel than any ego-stroking on his own part. "As you wish." He watched her climb down from the circle and walk away unbinding her hair. Throren watched it come loose fluttering in the warm spring breeze and couldn't help but imagine how that spectacularly golden waterfall would feel slipping between his fingers. How those bright eyes would regard him if he gave her the kiss he suddenly wanted to now. She was beautiful.

He too stepped down from the ring and returned the foil he had intended to use. Then he decided to sit in the garden and wait for her. As he sat down on a bench facing a bed of red and yellow blooming firedrops. The sweet scent of their fagrance pleasant and soothing to him.

Jared came up to him then saying, "I'm sorry brother, but what we feared would happen will. I would estimate an hour after your arrival you will receive notice of the cancellation of the treaty. I truly had hoped just this once he'd let go of her."

It saddened him that Harold had lived up to their low estimation of what he would do and how much he regarded his own daughter. Poor Tatiana and Jared, they deserved better than that. "He is mistaken if he believes I will not take umbrage at the sudden and unexplained cancellation." He shook his head, "I suppose he thinks he could fetch a better suiter for Tatiana's hand than me. Most likely one of the many eligible Selonian princes in the empire, but he'd be a fool to marry her to them. Within a generation or two Turnaria would have a Selonian puppet on his throne, and my country would be alone to fend off their advances."

Tatiana returned refreshed after a quick dip in the castle's bathouse. Jared explained what their father was planning on doing.

"This is what we expected" she stated and Thoren admired how casually she treated Harold treating her like a broodmare at a horse market. "I know that we all wished it to go another way. But this is our father we're talking about. It wasn't as if he was going to miraculously surprise us."

Jared being the smart, bright man that he was realized he was the third wheel of a handcart and deftly excused himself so his sister and her new suiter could have a moment privately.

Tatiana took his offered arm and they walked deeper into the gardens toward the wooded meadow they had spoken to eachother the night they met. "I know that you were both hoping this would go as Jared originally planned. Unfortunately, I think he still wishes for our father to be the King this country deserves."

"I had hoped Harold would be reasonable," He nodded, "However I was not prepared to beleive a man of harold's short-sightedness would change his colors overnight. Not like our brother did."

"I have been bartered enough to know that it will not ever happen." She sighed and sat on another bench, this one under the shade of a pear tree. A secluded area perfect for maintaining their fragile privacy. She looked to see if their were any of the groundskeepers about that could hear her as Thoren sat down beside her. "On the fourth night of each week as the moon hits the center of the sky (midnight), I shall meet you or one of your men at the rock you were at with my brother."

"Our nuetral ground," He nodded. His eyebrow perked as she stilled when a servant approached them.

Tatiana immediately switched to a safer topic when the woman came within earshot. "I particularly adore the smell of jasmine and lavender. That is why the garden has so many of the plants. They are great for bath water."

"When you move into my palace, Princess," He told her in a casual but innocent tone equal to hers, "I will have to speak to the royal garden's groundkeeper. We'll have many jasmine and lavender bushes planted to your liking."

The servant had come at her mother's behest before Tatiana dismissed her. They began to talk again. Small talk, about the weather, childhood experiences, their equal love of horses, and the conversation never strayed back to her father or politics or what the future may hold. Time passed without either noticing. The laughed freely, smiled without restraint, and by the end his hand had found itself holding hers tenderly. It was the most enjoyable time Thoren had experienced since becoming king the year before.

Still he could tease her about her withdrawal from the ring at his challenge remembering well Maestro Del Ambruglio's words: "Cast fear or confusion or frustration into your opponents my young Rondel Prince and you would already be victorious against them before ever stepping into the circle."

However such rare blissful moments never lasted forever. Another servant came summoning him to speak with Harold and Jared in the castle's throneroom. He entered a little puzzled. Had Harold had a change of heart like Jared hoped after all, or was he going to have the decency to cancel the alliance and betrothal to his face?

 

[Perplexia]

"don't be a fool father" Jared continued bantering his father. "You must allow this union to take place. If you don't you will have place us again at the brink of war. Reports have come in that state Chief Caleb, head of the Druenic tribe has begun to form an alliance with the Selonans. If they join in alliance, and you have dismissed King Thoren with such little disregard, we will be lucky to survive. Not only will they plunder and burn our lands, they will also do the same with us."
Harold was a little taken back by the blow his son had just delivered. Rising from his throne he paced. "What we need to do is continue this alliance with King Thoren and can use the pending war as a reason to delay the wedding. Once the threat is over, so will the treaty."

Jared sighed and shook his head. "Conditions of the treaty states he marries Tatiana in a month. He is quite enamored, i don't think you'll be able to put him off."

Harold dismissed that remark from his son and dispatched a guard to obtain Thoren.
*****
Tatiana blushed slightly as Thoren tenderly held her hand. The more they talked the more she knew he had the ability to sweep her off her feet. She frowned as they were yet disturbed and Thoren was summoned to the great hall.
"I think i shall take a ride to visit a neutral rock" she advised him casually as he reluctantly got up to follow the guard.
Her eyes followed him observing his stride, and his shoulders. She made her way to the stables and changed into her boy clothes. With a whistle her steed came. Gripping his mane she swung her body upon his back and clicked him forward into the woods.

She took her time riding today as her mind went in whirls about Thoren. They truly had other things to think about other than him courting her. But she couldn't help but smile in remembering his laugh. The way his eyes glistened when he talked of childhood things and horses. Yes he was king, but he was also a good man.

********
Jared was looking not to pleased as Thoren entered the hall and the great doors shut behind him. Harold went about his plan. "It appears that we have a potential threat to our kingdoms that reluctantly delays the wedding. The Druenics are being allied with the Selonians. It is my estimation that with in a month they will have joined forces and begin to attack." Harold advised.

Jared shook his head lightly to give indication this wasn't all there was.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Thoren Von Rondel IX

Another servant came summoning him to speak with Harold and Jared in the castle's throneroom.

"I think i shall take a ride to visit a neutral rock" she advised him casually as he reluctantly got up to follow the guard.

"Perhaps I might join you after I am done with King Harold," He nodded to her as he left.

He entered a little puzzled. Had Harold had a change of heart like Jared hoped after all, or was he going to have the decency to cancel the alliance and betrothal to his face?

Harold's throne room were lined with statues of his father and grandfather and great grandfather, all the kings of Turnaria going back to the founding of the kingdom right around the same time his own ancestor, Thoren the great, forged Rondeland from a fractured disparate people. Above them were high stained glass windows depicting the great deeds of Harold's ancestors. King Ronald's valiant but tragic stand against the first Druenic horde, King Edmond who crushed the uprising of the rebellious union of seven of his Turnarian vassals two hundred years before, and a window depicting the battle of the Alenvale where Harold himself as a young man defeated his brother King Howard in the war of succession after their father, King Terrence's death. The sunlight cast colored patches of warm light down on the cold stone floor the edges reaching the plush red rug forming a path from the door to Harold and his throne.

Thoren steps down the rug was measured and even. To one side was several of Harold's scribes and aids, and two men in the uniforms of Turnarian generals. They stood around a table with a map of Turnaria on it.

He looked up at Harold and saw Jared standing back to one side behind him. The look on his brother's face was not what Thoren would call encouraging.

"You wished to speak with me, King Harold," He said with a bow of his head to his fellow sovereign.

From his throne Harold nodded. "It appears that we have a potential threat to our kingdoms that reluctantly delays the wedding."

Thoren quirked an eyebrow. "What news do you have?"

"The Druenics are being allied with the Selonians."

"An alliance," He asked, "That's an odd scheme. The Selonians see Turnaria and Rondeland as uncivilised barbarians. They would see the Druenics as nothing more than savage animals, and the Druenics would see the Selonians as outsiders just as much an enemy to them as they see us." He ran his thumb and forefinger over the hairs of his goatee thoughtfully. "If this alliance is true one may be using the other or both of them."

"My lord," One of the generals to the side put in bowing to Harold. Harold nodded to him to continue. He turned and gave a quick bow to Thoren. "I am General Mason, garrisoned at Castonbury."

"Your fairly far north of Castonbury, General." Turnaria formed a great peninsula thrusting south into the great sea. Castonbury was the large seaport at the very tip of that peninsula.

"An armada of close to one hundred selonian galleons came and blockaded the port." He glanced back at Harold defensively, "We did everything we could, but by the end of a week the city had to yeild to the Selonians."

"Who commanded the invasion," Thoren asked quickly.

"A Selonian Prince named, Anrigo-"

"Anrigo Castiel Del Rubio," Thoren cut in eyes tightening.

"You know of this prince?"

"Only by reputation," Thoren said in a tone that said there was so much more. "According to whom you ask he's either eigth or second in line to succede his father to the Selonian throne. All reports say that the Selonian Emperor's health is fading. He may have launched this invasion to garner himself in so much glory that he'd return to Selon and his father would have no choice but to name Anrigo his rightful successor."

General Mason nodded, "He was unloading supplies and Legionnaires to march north when I made my escape of the city to inform my King."

Thoren glanced to Harold and it was clear the Turnarian King regarded this soldier as nothing short of a coward that neglected his duty. Instead Thoren asked, "How long?"

"It is my estimation that with in a month they will have joined forces and begin to attack."

"We can't let that happen," Thoren said, "Wait how do you know Anrigo allied with the Druenics?"

This time the other Turnarian general from the table with the map spoke up. "If I may my King?" Harold nodded to him and he continued speaking over to Thoren, "King Thoren, I am General Stuart."

"I've heard of you, General. You are called 'The Rock of the North'," Thoren nodded, "But please continue."

General Stuart nodded at the compliment, "Druenic's were seen in the Alen gap. They attacked two of the villages his majesty has established there. They wore the warpaint of atleast eight of the tribes two of which the Blackrocks and the Dragonsbanes were bitter enemies. And the warcheif of the Dragonsbanes, Caleb, hefted the headress of the cheif of cheifs."

Thoren glared at Harold. "Your silver mine at the foot of Mount Alen. That is the only thing that could have made them put aside their generations long feuding amongst one another. I knew it was too much of a risk."

"You forget yourself, King Thoren," Harold said returning the glare back at himself. "You are a guest in my house, and will treat me with the respect you would expect of a visitor in your home."

"It doesn't matter now anyway." Thoren shook his head. "Generals, what makes you beleive the Druenics and Selonians are acting in alliance with eachother?"

"All reports say that a man in Selonian dress is among the Druenics. That when he speaks Cheif Caleb listens."

"Did he have a wicked scar," Thoren asked running fingers over the side of his face, "From here at his eye down to his cheek."

"You know of the man?"

"His name Antone Del Zucco, a completely amoral mercenary of a man. He is Prince Anrigo's agent," Thoren said, "His spy. I can see why you suspect an alliance based on his presence among the Druenic. Del Zucco won't do anything without his Prince's say so."

"Now that you know, King Thoren," Harold stated, "We must decide the best strategy to meet these clear threats to both our kingdoms."

Thoren nodded knowing Harold was just telling him what he wanted to hear. Harold wouldn't have lifted a finger if Anrigo had landed at Rondelsberg rather than Castonbury. Still if the ambitious Selonian prince conquered Turnaria it wouldn't be long before his gaze turned on Rondeland. "We have to marshal our armies as quickly as possible and defeat them before they can unite against us. First the Druenics at the mouth of the Alen gap where the valley spreads out to become the Alenvale. It will be a hard battle but together King Harold we should prevail. Then march south to force the selonians back into the sea."

"You would have us fight one battle then march hard to fight another, and you accuse me of taking risks, boy," Harold glared at him. "Our men would be in no shape to face the fresh selonian legions in the field."

Thoren's eyebrows raised at the dropping of protocol. "Do you have an alternative plan?"

"Yes," Harold answered, "The Druenics are barbarians we will indeed crush them together as you have suggested, but there are other more diplomatic ways to eliminate the Selonian Prince as an enemy."

"What do you-" Thoren paused as a bolt of intuition hit him. "You-you're going to offer Anrigo Tatiana's hand in marriage, aren't you?"

"You see the logic behind it," Harold nodded. There was a certain amount of a callous kind of logic behind it. Harold would virtually halt Anrigo's conquest of his kingdom, and his daughter could very well become the Empress of the Selonian Empire.

"You have already promised her hand to me," Thoren barked angrily causing the scribes and Generals to flinch with the sudden increase of his volume.

Harold shrugged, "The situation has changed. I am asking you to make this sacrifice for both of our kingdoms and relinquish your claim to my daughter's hand."

"I will not," Thoren fumed, "I know of Prince Anrigo, Harold, Tatiana would be his fourth wife, and his three previous wives, including my mother's neice. was beheaded or confined to a nunnery against her will. He uses and discards his wives like peices on a chessboard, and it will be over my dead body when he lays one greedy finger on my betrothed. You would confine her to a life of fear without love."

Snarling Harold rose from his throne, "How dare you dictate to me how to conduct the marriage of my daughter. You are as arrogant and as rude as your father was." He raised a hand pointing an accusing finger at him angrily. "Guards, escort this Rondel boy out of my castle. He is no longer welcome here."

"Fine," Thoren turned to storm out, "Without Tatiana, our alliance is broken. From this moment on Turnaria stands alone."

He rushed out of the castle and gathered his people, his baggage could be sent after him. He mounted Strider still furious and rode hard putting distance between himself and his poor gaurdsmen as he drove his mighty steed at a reckless gallop deep into the Alenvale towards their neutral rock. He had to warn Tatiana immediately.

 

[Perplexia]

Jared shook his head turning and slamming his fist against the wall. "What have you done father" he hissed turning and finding a back bone that had long since been lost. "you will not do this, you will not hand over my sister to save the mess you've created."

Harold rose to the occasion standing up and walking toward his son with a fire burning in his eyes. "you will not tell me what i will or will not do. You are both my property and i will do what i wish with you."

"We are not your property, we are your children"Jerald yelled. "same thing" Harold advised gripping his sons shirt tightly pulling him to his face. "I've made my decision, I am King not you boy."

"That can change quicker then you think" Jared hissed back. "You don't possess what it would take to dethrone me boy" With that he shoved Jared hard into the wall. Swords were then drawn between father and son as they moved with deadly glares. The loud clanking of steal blades echoed through out the castle.

****
Tatiana arrived with a smile on her face to the neutral rock. She was glad he understood her meaning and would meet up with her once the dealings with her father were done.
Taking a seat she laid back and closed her eyes letting the warmth of the sun wash over her. Her future had seemed so bleak until she had met Thoran.
Could it actually be possible for her to fall in love? To have the kind of marriage she had seen others enjoy. Was she actually worth more to someone then an object?.
Her brother had always told her how it should be. Yet when she looked at her only example of a marriage. She could only vow to never have one. Now what was to become of her if their plan failed? Or even if it succeeded, would Thoran still wish to court her?
She drifted lightly as her horse grazed pondering a million thoughts. It must have been a hour or more when she awoke to the loud trampling of hooves. Sitting up she looked smiling at him as he arrived. Until she saw the look upon his face.
He was filled with a mixture of fear and anger. Thoren had his men surround the parameter so they wouldn't be disturbed. He told her then of what was said and the danger was now in. This was an unexpected complication in their plan.
Slowly she got down on her knees before him. "King Thoren, i beg of you to allow my people, my brother, and I sanctuary and refuge in your kingdom. My brother will serve your military, and i will humbly join the maid staff."

 

[Veroe]

IC: Thoren Von Rondel IX

He rushed out of the castle and gathered his people, his baggage could be sent after him. He mounted Strider still furious and rode hard putting distance between himself and his poor gaurdsmen as he drove his mighty steed at a reckless gallop deep into the Alenvale towards their neutral rock. He had to warn Tatiana immediately.

He came up to the ford of the silvercrest river, the border of Turnaria and Rondeland and the neutral scratch of an island splitting the water of the river in two. Once there he flew down from strider to tell her everything that had happened between him and King Harold. His words touched with both an unrelenting rage for what her father was going to attempt and an unwavering fear for her future.

After he had told her Thoren looked back towards the way he had came. The thickly green forest of the Alenvale and the kingdom of Turnaria. "I should have stayed a little longer. Spoken to Jared. Asked him what he thought I should do, but I was just so upset by what happened I didn't think straight."

He looked back to Tatiana, "This is a serious complication to our plans. The Selonians' invasion of Castonbury has cast it all in doubt. What good is taking Harold's throne from him if we're to lose it to Prince Anrigo the next day?"

She lowered to her knees before him then and looked up at imploringly, "King Thoren, i beg of you to allow my people, my brother, and I sanctuary and refuge in your kingdom." She said, "My brother will serve your military, and i will humbly join the maid staff."

"The maid staff," He repeated in shock. Thoren knelt down so they were eye to eye in the clearing atop the hill. He reached out and cupped the back of her head the other lighted upon her shoulder. He said slow and in a steady voice, "I would never permit that Tatiana. A maid, never, you will be my Queen. Come to Rondeland with me right now and marry me. I don't care about Dowries or treaties or alliances or politics if any of those try to bar me from you. I don't care what your father would say or do about our marriage. He can go straight to hell for all I care. I will take Jared and any of your people across the border and protect them as if they were my own subjects, I swear it in the name of the royal house of Von Rondel, any person loyal to my Queen shall have my loyalty." His hand lifted from her shoulder to cup her chin and tilt her face ever so slightly so he could press his own to hers in a kiss. Their first and hopefully not their last. "Tatiana of Turnaria, will you do me the honor of being my bride?"

 

[Perplexia]

"The maid staff," He repeated in shock. She nodded humbly he then knelt down so they were eye to eye in the clearing atop the hill. His strong hand reached out and cupped the back of her head the other lighted upon her shoulder.his smooth deep voice spoke agian "I would never permit that Tatiana. A maid, never, you will be my Queen. Come to Rondeland with me right now and marry me. I don't care about Dowries or treaties or alliances or politics if any of those try to bar me from you. I don't care what your father would say or do about our marriage. He can go straight to hell for all I care. I will take Jared and any of your people across the border and protect them as if they were my own subjects, I swear it in the name of the royal house of Von Rondel, any person loyal to my Queen shall have my loyalty." His hand then lifted from her shoulder and delicately cupped her chin tilting her face ever so slightly. A soft gasp came from her as his lips touched hers. If she were standing her knees would have gone week. It was their first kiss. His deep smooth rich voice then spoke again to her."Tatiana of Turnaria, will you do me the honor of being my bride?"

Tears welled in her eyes looking into his. "No" she said softly. "I'm not saying never, but before I can consider myself, i must think of my brother and my people. I will be your guest if you wish it. You may court me and win my heart as i know only you can." tears fell from her eyes as she looked at his.

"I have to go back and talk to Jared, and get the people moving. Do not hate me for my first answer Thoren. But there are other things that must be placed first." her hand slowly went up to his face and stroked it lightly. "I promise you that i will come as soon as I can to live with you in Rondel. I have to get my brother and my people and I will be there." slowly she rose to her feet and waited for him to do the same before stepping into his arms and hugging him tightly.

Slowly she released him and smiled softly before stepping heading down from the rock. A whistle and her horse came to her. Effortlessly she flung herself upon his back looking at Thoren. "As soon as i can, i promise" her words came in a tone of pleasure and peacefulness as Valiant turned and headed to the place that would no longer be her home.

Arriving at the castle she headed in through the servants entrance. Hearing that her brother was in the hall with her father she headed there. The doors opened as the sight before her caused her to scream. Her father stood over her brothers lifeless body with a bloody sword.

Her life ended in that moment as she sank to her knees loosing herself in grief. Her father did nothing but stare at what he'd done. Eventually he spoke. "this is what happens when you disobey the king."

Tatiana rose and fled to her room tossing items into her trunk with no care. Once packed she had her maiden summon one to take them to Rondel with haste and silence. With little time to act she summoned all the servants she could in her quarters. "The King has murdered my brother, I am seeking sanctuary at Rondel. King Thoren is welcoming all of us to his kingdom. Arrangements are already being made. I will not think ill of you if you stay. But I pray for the safety of you and your families that you flee as well while you can before Turnaria falls to the heathens of Seloniana over come our walls and murder our people." Fear radiated through the room as she continued. "I urge you to go to a kingdom where the people will be loved and looked after. You are all dismissed." With that the began to file out of her room in whispers. Tatiana made her way quickly out of the castle and to the barracks. It was there she sought her friends Captain Bardolowe and Captain Denton. Explaining quickly to them that the King had murdered her brother. As well as the war that was almost to their steps, and the sanctuary and safe place for them and their families. Gathering the rest of the men they spread her word. With a whistle her horse came and she headed to the villages.

By the time Tatiana had hit the last village a line of torches could be seen on the road to Rondel. Joining the caravan they headed with the army to their new home.
Camping for the night Tatiana helped care for those that were too tired to move. Her people loved her and her brother. It was always their generosity and caring that gave them the will to flourish and over look a great deal her father had done.

She hadn't the time to stop and grieve properly. There were too many things that needed to be done, too many people to help. In the wee hours before the sun had the opportunity to think about rising she had them up and moving again. Soon they were over the border and hope was in view. With in a few miles an escort of solders and villagers met them. It was one of the largest displays of generosity she had ever seen displayed. They truly loved and admired their King.

With in a few miles the castle was in view. Tatiana was escorted to the castle. The large stone walls and design was breath taking. As she reached the last step she saw Thoren walking toward her. It was then her thoughts went to Jared's lifeless body and she collapsed unconscious upon the steps.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Thoren Von Rondel IX

His hand lifted from her shoulder to cup her chin and tilt her face ever so slightly so he could press his own to hers in a kiss. Their first and hopefully not their last. "Tatiana of Turnaria, will you do me the honor of being my bride?"

Tears welled in her eyes looking into his. "No" she said softly.

"No," He repeated in shock.

"I'm not saying never, but before I can consider myself," she continued tears beginning to well up in her eyes and one rolled down the side of her cheek. "but before I can consider myself, i must think of my brother and my people."

"Of course," He swallowed and nodded, "As nobility we must always mind our responsibilities above anything else."

"I will be your guest if you wish it," She asked.

He nodded again, "I do, wish it."

"You may court me and win my heart as i know only you can." tears fell from her eyes as she looked at his.

He ran his thumb tenderly over her cheek wiping away each of her tears. "I want that Tatiana. I want to go back to my palace in Rondelsberg, sit in my throneroom and reach over and hold yours in the throne next to me as we conduct the affairs of our kingdom. When I awake in the morning I want to see your face smiling beside me."

He stroked her cheek now unmarred by tears. "I am not a romantic, I can not serenade you the way you deserve. I can not string my feelings for you out in flowery poetry. My father was the Von Rondel with a gift for romance. I take more after my mother direct and honest in that. But there is one area I take after my father, when I make a promise I see it through." He leveled her with the sincerity in his eyes. "So believe me when I say: I will win your heart."

"I have to go back and talk to Jared, and get the people moving."

"You do that, and tell him...tell him...I am sorry for being unable to make the alliance work with your father." He replied, "And I will send back with you Captain Bardolowe obstensibly to oversee the the return of the baggage I left in the castle but his mission will be to safely escort you and anyone who wishes to go with you across the border."

"I promise you that i will come as soon as I can to live with you in Rondel. I have to get my brother and my people and I will be there." slowly she rose to her feet and waited for him to do the same before stepping into his arms and hugging him tightly

He rose with her. "I will wait for you at Auchenbridge. At the battlements of the castle so I can see you coming. I will not rest until you and your people safely set foot on Rondel soil," He told her, "Just come as quickly as you can."

Slowly she released him and smiled softly before stepping heading down from the rock. A whistle and her horse came to her. Effortlessly she flung herself upon his back looking at Thoren. "As soon as i can, i promise"

Thoren watched her leave their neutral ground. Locks of blond hair wafting in the breeze as she forded the river with Captain Bardolowe not far behind her. She was his White Rider, and like the myths, she had rode off with his heart.

Now if only he could win hers as easily.

----------------------------------------X

IC: General Edward Mason

"I don't know if I can do that." Edward looked down at the map. Not far was the cold still pool of blood. Their Crown-Prince had died-murdered by his father-their king-in this room, and Edward had done nothing to stop it. What could he do when a madman sat upon the throne.

Two servants-no more than girls really were dutifully trying to scrub up the stains. The body was already taken off. Prince Jared's body would be interred within the Royal crypt with all the honors due him. Edward doubted Harold would bother attending the funeral of his own son.

General Stuart shook his head. "I know his majesty, Edward, he blames you for Castonbury's fall."

His eyes lowered to the southern tip of the peninsula that was Turnaria. The circle and letters spelling out the city he had spent ten years making his home and serving his king as any soldier should aspire to. He had found a wife there and she was expecting when Castonbury fell under siege. Edward did not know for certain for whether Elisa or their baby had made it to safety or not. And he had done his duty as he always had and rode north to warn the King leaving her behind. His duty was the foundation of his life, service to king and kingdom was how he defined himself. "I swore an oath of loyalty to him."

"He'll have you rot here before giving you a new command. You know that right?" Stuart was relentless.

He shook his head. "Harold's practically giving Prince Anrigo southern Turnaria on his own."

"You should go with the princess to Rondeland," Stuart repeated. "You can't let that fester in your heart like that, Edward, not with the mood the King is in these days. If he even smells a whiff of it he's liable to throw you in the dungeon or..." He glanced over to the bloodstained floor and the servant girls scrubbing away. "...or worse."

"I can't," He told Stuart, "I have a pregnant wife somewhere here in Turnaria, sir."

"And you still won't be able to search for her while you're kept cashiered here in the castle," Stuart pointed out, "And what of the princess. Now the line of succession rests upon her or whomever marries her."

"What does that have to do with me sneaking off with her to Rondeland?"

Stuart shook his head. "What are Turnaria's chances against both the Druenics and the Selonians without that alliance with Von Rondel?"

Edward looked away. The answer of course was: very slim to none.

"Oh don't get me wrong," Stuart said smiling predatorily, "I have some ideas on how to make life miserable for both Caleb and Anrigo, but that is basically just buying time in the hope that the ruined situation between the king and Von Rondel will change." He rose up and placed his hand on Edward's shoulder. "Von Rondel is our best hope for victory. With Tatiana as his bride despite Harold's wishes he'll have a tremendous incentive to swoop in and rescue us, and when he does I'd much prefer that army to be commanded by a loyal Turnarian and a damned good soldier."

Edward Hands tightened into fists at the table. "It feels like turning my back on everything I believe in-everything I love."

Stuart nodded. "I am asking you to sacrifice yourself for the good of the kingdom. Will you answer this call to service as you did at that farm so long ago."

The fist opened and his eyes rose back to the elder general. Years ago in what felt like a different life Edward had been nothing but a lowly farmboy working his father's feild when the army came and it's general seeking conscripts had given him much the same speech. He had answered it then and rose solely on his own merits up from pikeman in the van expected to be the first to die, to skilled armsman in the core of the army, to Captain of men, to Commander of hundreds of men, and now to General of the south. He had served. He had answered the call, this man's call.

"I will do as you ask, sir."

Stuart patted him on the shoulder proudly, "You always have, son. Now go pack what you can carry and join the Princess, and pray to the one god that King Harold does not catch wind of it."

"My wife and baby?"

"I will look for them," Stuart told him firmly, "And I will do what I can to protect them. I swear this upon my honor."

Edward nodded in grattitude. General Stuart was a man that always kept his promises. He then began to unbuckle his swordbelt.

"Keep it."

He looked up, "But this sword is the king's property."

"You still serve your kingdom if not your king."

So Edward had kept his sword and had joined with the number of servants and commonfolk that had assembled during the night to leave the castle for Rondeland. As they traveled he kept his eyes on the Princess but did not bother her. He figured if he could no longer serve his king he could still serve his daughter. Service and duty were the foundations of his life after all.

----------------------------X

IC: Thoren Von Rondel IX

Thoren had been true to his word he had stood on the battlements of the Castle Rivergard knowing the servants were talking, gossiping about him standing awaiting anxiously for his betrothed. He supposed he did cut a rather romantic image for them to talk about, but doing it didn't feel very romantic. When you got down to it he was just wasting time waiting. But he couldn't tear himself away from watching the bridge.

Baron Auchen, Thoren's host away from Rondelsberg had tried to convince him to go to bed noting several matters of state he needed a clear head for in the morning, but Thoren would not leave his watch in the night.

Finally as the sun was rising over the pasturelands of Rondeland at his back he saw a line of figures and carts coming down the roads but his eyes focused on the rider of a white horse whose flowing hair reflected brilliant gold in the morning light.

Thoren turned and immediately went for the stairs down the battlements as Tatiana led her people over the bridge and into the village. He did not see the people's reaction to her arrival. If he had he would have regarded it with deep approval for his subjects. He hurried down the stairs eager to see her again meeting her at the last step of the doors to the keep proper.

He regarded her for a moment reminding himself of her face. Absently he reached out and brushed a stray lock of hair from before her eyes.

"Welcome home, Tatiana."

She then feinted where she stood. He grabbed her wrapping her up in his arms protectively calling for his surgeon to come immediately. Hefting her in his arms he carried her to the rooms he had set for her. He looked up at the Baron impatiently, "Where is the surgeon?"

"I will go get him, my lord."

He didn't bother watching the Baron leave but turned back to the princess and tenderly ran fingers over her cheek. "Tatiana, please, wake up."

 

[Perplexia]

"Tatiana, please, wake up." The voice seemed familiar and so distant. She was trapped with in her mind. Too many things aided her condition. She hadn't eaten since breakfast. The overwhelming shock of her brothers death, the scavenging and racing she did to the villages in haste. Helping those that couldn't help themselves.

A cool rag lightly pressing against her fevered brow. Her eyes fluttered as her hand felt a slight squeeze. "Thoren" she said with a rasp in her voice seeing his concerned furrow brow. Her eyes went around the room grasping where she was. "Jared.." tears welled in her eyes as she forced herself up. "he killed him" she got out before her arms went around him and the tears fell like a storm. Her body shook as she cried loosing her voice from time to time when her hard wails came.

There had never been a time where she lost herself so completely with another person other then her brother. He had always been her rock, her hero, her partner in crime, and her best friend. He hadn't always agreed with the things she did. But he had unconditional love for her.

Her heart was broken into a million pieces. Never did she think she would recover from the pain of seeing her brothers lifeless body. "this is all my fault" she whimpered blaming herself for the loss of his life. "he would have never stood up to him if i hadn't goaded him into it. I should have just done what was asked of me. It would have kept him safe." the tears began to fall again as she laid back into the bed she had been placed. The tears staining her cheeks as her body wretched in a heart felt sob.

The doctor felt her head. "Her fever hasn't broken completely, but i think she's mostly out of the woods. Grief can do terrible things to a body. Be sure she stays hydrated and fed. It wouldn't be uncommon for her to refuse to do this. Given her state and all she's accomplished to get here, she could pull through this." The doctor patted Thoren on the shoulder as he stood up. "I'll be back to check on her in the mid morning."

Slowly again the tears stopped and she stared at blankly at the room. The beautiful curtains shielded her eyes from the light of the fast approaching dawn. The room couldn't have been more perfect for a princess if she had designed it herself.

That unfortunately wasn't something she could coo about at the moment. Her mood was bleak and her body wished to be lifeless. Closing her eyes she drifted back to sleep.

******
King Harold awoke and went down to his breakfast. Though there were no servants to feed or cook for him. "Where the hell is everyone" he cried out in a deep bellow that echoed through the walls. His wife soon joined him complaining about having to dress herself.

"wheres the food?" she questioned him in an uproar. "Wheres your ungrateful child?" he questioned her. "You killed him" she advised with little empathy. "the other one" He retorted. "Probably out riding or some such nonsense." she replied heading into the kitchen only to find it bare of people. It had also seemed they took a great supply of food with them.

"What did you do?" she turned and yelled at the king. "The kitchen is empty, there's little if any food, and no servants. How can we eat if there's no one to cook the food?" she squealed at him.

"You're a woman get to it" he said pushing her into the kitchen only to be responded to with screams and cursing as he locked her in there.

"let me know when food is ready" he yells back at her through the door.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Thoren Von Rondel IX

"Tatiana, please, wake up."

She stirred but did not wake up. He pursed his lips sick with worry for her. Thoren took a cloth in the washbasin and wiped it across her brow. "Tatiana."

His hopes rose as he notice her eyes flutter in response to his voice. "Tatiana." He repeated and squeezed her hand.

Her eyes opened and focused upon his face. "Thoren," She asked in a raspy voice.

"Tatiana," Thoren said with a relieved smile. "You had me very worried for a moment there."

She glanced about the room.

"This is the room I've prepared for you," Thoren supplied, "I hope you find it to your liking."

"Jared.." tears welled in her eyes as she forced herself up.

"Jared," He asked afraid suddenly afraid of what she meant.

"He killed him," She said wrapping her arms around him and burying her head against his shoulder.

"What," Thoren exclaimed in shock. Jared dead? He could scarcely believe it. The very thought was unthinkable. Jared was his brother in deed if not in blood. He couldn't be...gone.

The tears came and Thoren wrapped his arms around her fighting his own as Tatiana sobbed into his tunic. He held her patting her back and stroking her hair as she cried. It was cold comfort, he knew, but it was he or anyone could do now that their brother was...gone.

No, this was a nightmare he needed to wake from. Jared couldn't be dead.

"This is all my fault," She whimpered laying back in the bed, "He would have never stood up to him if i hadn't goaded him into it. I should have just done what was asked of me. It would have kept him safe." She gave a heart felt sob.

"No, Tatiana, its not your fault. You didn't hold the sword that murdered him." He frowned as he ran a hand over her cheek again. She seemed unnaturally warm. The surgeon came and examined her. He said she was suffering from a fever and he made a cordial to help her sleep and fight the fever he left giving Thoren instructions to look after her because Thoren trusted no one to the task but himself.

But when he returned to Tatiana he found her already asleep. He sat on the edge of the bed looking down on her slumber. Time passed and the day grew late but Thoren did not leave her side. He postponed his matters of state and threw Baron Auchen out of the room for trying to drag him away from Tatiana.

He kept a constant vigil over her.

Finally he admitted to her sleeping form, "No Tatiana it's not your fault, if its anyone's fault its mine." He looked down to his hands marshalling all of his strength to say it without the tears in his eyes falling, "If I hadn't gotten angry with Harold....If I had stayed...If I had tried to work it out...If I had thought to say something else...tried anything else...If I could've convinced your father...Jared is dead because of me."

He lay beside her arms around her and eventually the night staying up on the battlements in wait for her and the strain of hearing Jared's murder caught up with him. Eventually his eyes closed and sleep came to him as well.

 

[Perplexia]

The morning and went without her body waking. She was physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted.
Even though the world seemed to be falling apart. Despite her loss of magnanimous proportions, Tatiana slept sounder then she had in a while.
Perhaps it was the exhaustion and the fever, or perhaps it was because now her safety was in the hands of a man that her brother had trusted his life with.

When she awoke her hand stretched out feeling warm on the empty sheets beside her. Mumbling was outside her door. First a smile came to her lips when she recognized Thoren's voice. Then everything seemed to come to her at once. Where she was, what had happened. The emotions hit her hard as the tears sprung to her eyes.

Her eyes became fuzzy as she gasped at the cool air. Sob after sob rolled off of her like a succession of waves. The pain washed over her causing her heart felt wails to echo in her confinement.

It wasn't too long before he was there embracing her once again. She rocked against him as her tears drenched him until she had no more to shed, or wails to be heard.

There didn't need to be anything said at that moment. For together they mourned the loss of a brother. Tatiana had often thought that Jared was the best part about her life. Now he was gone. Taking a deep breath she lifted herself up from his chest. "I will not let him die in vain"

Her determination to avenge her brothers loss was evident and chilling. Her crisp words cut through the silence. If her father had walked in the room at that moment, it was evident she would have grabbed the sharpest object and scraped his eyes out. Perhaps even one blood vessel at a time.

Regaining her composure her body stiffened slightly pulling lightly away from him. Her face had loss its smile, her skin had lost its glow. Purpose, determination and vengeance were present and evident with in her eyes.

"I think i would like a bath if i may and then perhaps something to eat." her tone was soft and light to him. It maintained a hint of the warmth she held for him.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Thoren Von Rondel IX

He lay beside her arms around her and eventually the night staying up on the battlements in wait for her and the strain of hearing Jared's murder caught up with him. Eventually his eyes closed and sleep came to him as well.

The sun rose over the pasture lands of Rondeland. It ascended in the sky shining down on the Silvercrest river, the border of Rendeland and Turnaria. It shined down on Auchenbridge and Castle Rivergard. Early morning became mid morning, and eventually Thoren awoke to the sound of his own stomach's rumbling.

He should not have skipped supper last night. Thankfully it did not seem to disturb Tatiana's slumber. Thoren raised a hand gently over her forehead. It seemed her fever was breaking. That was good, but he was more worried over the ails of her spirit. Grief, hatred, self-loathing these were cancers to the soul-including his own. He could not deny he was feeling all three now that....Jared was dead.

Slowly he slipped from Tati's bed and left finding Baron Auchen outside nervously pacing in wait for him.

"Sire," The Baron said as he closed the chamber door softly so as not to disturb his betrothed's slumber.

"Fetch some good warm broth, for her," Thoren told him.

"I will but there a matters that need your attention, my leige."

"When Tatiana has recovered fully, and not a moment before."

"But sire, with the Selonians and Druenics invading Turnaria preparations need to be seen to should they cast their attentions East to us," Baron Auchen pointed out, "Which is a near certainty as long as we harbor that Turnarian strumpet."

"She will be your Queen," Thoren growled, "Treat her with the respect due her, Baron."

"Do I have your leave to marshal your northern levies to safegaurd the border in your name, my king," Auchen said with a stubborn pout.

"You may, Baron," Thoren said with a dangerous gleam to his eye, "But first acknowledge Tatiana as your Queen."

Baron Auchen's face screwed up as if he had just bit into a lemon seed, but he nodded. "As you command, Sire."

"Say the words, Baron."

Baron Auchen shook his head, "She is not my Queen until you are wed, and I pray to the one god you come to your senses first and select a fine Rondel bride instead."

"Baron," Thoren glowered, "You will acknowledge her as your leige."

"As I said not today," Auchen said turning to leave, "I will send up that broth for her though. Despite being a bloody Turnarian, she seems to be a lovely girl and I do not wish her ill."

Thoren glowered after him not liking this defiance at all, but he said nothing as he returned to Tatiana's bedchamber. He found her sitting up in bed tears rolling down her cheeks and sobs racking her body.

Thoren was there instantaneously, his strong arms wrapped around her, supporting her as her face nestled into his chest and she shed her tears again. They stained his shirt, but he didn't care for it in the slightest. For his sake Throren rested his head against the side of hers his eyes pinched shut against his own tears and grief and pain. They remained that way for a long time until Tatiana had no more tears to shed.

Eventually she pushed up to look up at him, her eyes rimmed red from weeping. "I will not let him die in vain."

The words sent a chill through and look at Tatiana in a new light. There was a warrior to this golden haired princess, fierce and determined. Awakening and marshaling his own warrior spirit. Something precious had been taken from them, and they would avenge that loss, together.

He nodded, "Yes we won't, but we must not succumb to the desire for blood above the desire to move forward. My father once told me vengeance can be like an anchor, Tatiana. It will weigh you down unable to move on under its crushing weight. Jared will be avenged but not at the price of our own lives. He would never have wanted that."

She got up. "I think i would like a bath if i may and then perhaps something to eat."

"I have some more broth being sent up," He said rising and heading for the door, "I'll escort you as far as the bath house and arrange for you to bathe in private." He opened the door. "After you bathe and eat. I would like to walk with you through Castle Rivergard's gardens. The Baron's an avid gardener and you'll find it beyond comparison."

 

[Perplexia]

"I have some more broth being sent up," He said rising and heading for the door, "I'll escort you as far as the bath house and arrange for you to bathe in private." He opened the door. "After you bathe and eat. I would like to walk with you through Castle Rivergard's gardens. The Baron's an avid gardener and you'll find it beyond comparison."

There was something in his tone that caused her to smile slightly. For a moment she could see her brother in him. It was more then evident the fondness Jared had found in him.

Rising off the bed she slowly walked to him and took his arm. "It would be my pleasure Thoren to see the castle gardens." she spoke lightly. Her body was week from her emotional and physical strains. Luckily he seemed to have enough strength for them both.

Her feet stopped as they reached the Bathhouse. A loud neigh seemed to echo off the walls. "Valiant" she gasped. "He's not use to being stabled. He could hurt someone." Her first instinct was to run to where he was, but the arm that held hers was strong. Her body turned to face him. "You already took that into consideration didn't you." she questioned her eyes searching his. "You probably even saw to him yourself." she smiled lightly. This man, this friend of her brothers was more then she anticipated. She knew she liked him, but it was more then that. He was all she had left of Jared.
She entered the bathhouse, which he ensured her privacy for. Leaving his arm made her almost feel as naked as she was when she took off her tunic.

The warm water soothed her flesh as she entered it. The scent of lavender oils clung to her pale flesh. Taking her time she enjoyed the quite serenity that surrounded her being. Clearing her mind she simply existed with the soft ripples of the water. After a firm washing, and scrubbing, she rose from the bath about an hour after she entered.

Toweling off she partially dressed before requesting the aid of a servant to assist her in properly dressing. Pinching her cheeks for color she walked back to her room where her broth waited. Even though it was now cool, she wouldn't let it go to waist. Drinking it down placed the empty bowl on the tray. With a piece of bread in hand she walked over to the window and looked out. Chaos it seemed. The look of fear and uncertainty among some of her people wretched her heart.

When the light knock came from her ajar door, she turned smiling with a sad softness. The way his eyes danced when he looked at her made her blush. Taking his arm she walked with him down the stairs and out to the garden. It was exquisite. It seemed like so long ago since they had sat together in her garden.

The scents of the flowers intoxicated her. They seemed to transplant her to a happier time. The softness of their silky petals glided across her fingers as she looked about several species of flowers she'd never seen before. She couldn't wait to see what his castles garden would look like when they reached his home.

"I don't know how to begin to thank you for what you've done for my people." her voice erupted disturbing the birds songs that filled the air. "Jared was lucky to have known you and had you in his life. Just in the past few days in getting to know you, I see where my brother picked up some mannerisms. You two must have had deep thoughtful discussions. I always envied his thirst for knowledge." she smiled softly once again. Part of her spirit was broken, but it would mend, once it had she would be fiercer then she ever had been before.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Thoren Von Rondel IX

"I have some more broth being sent up," He said rising and heading for the door, "I'll escort you as far as the bath house and arrange for you to bathe in private." He opened the door. "After you bathe and eat. I would like to walk with you through Castle Rivergard's gardens. The Baron's an avid gardener and you'll find it beyond comparison."

Rising off the bed she slowly walked to him and took his arm. "It would be my pleasure Thoren to see the castle gardens."

He noticed how she walked without the confident grace he had seen her weild in the dueling circle. Jared's murder had robbed her of that, and Thoren felt a new stab of anger at that monster of her father for what he had done to her.

He escorted her down through Rivergard keep. Past the murals depicting the glories of past dukes of Auchenbridge. The grand hall and down to the house behind the keep past the furnaces tended meticulously by servants that heated the pools in the bath house.

She stopped at the doorway. "Valiant" she gasped. "He's not used to being stabled. He could hurt someone." she looked up at him. "You already took that into consideration didn't you." she questioned her eyes searching his. "You probably even saw to him yourself."

"I think he likes me. He certainly didn't like any of the castle's stable-hands, but he allowed me to lead him to stable calm and gentle," He answered, "Your, Valliant is a smart one, Tatiana, and loves you. I think he was concerned for you, and saw in me the same concern as well." He nodded to the interior of the baths. "I will visit him to make certain as you refresh yourself."

He watched her enter the bathing room but left her to maintain her modesty. He told the servants to leave her alone, being Turnarian, she was innocent of the laxed ettiquette of bath houses in Rondeland and the servants that tended them. She might gain a shock if the servants came to wipe and scrub her body clean for her, and after her illness that could prove unwise.

Thoren had done as he had promised and gone to visit Tatiana's stallion. Valliant had been restless in his stall, but he settled down as Thoren ran a brush over his fur and said in low words that Tatiana was awake and recovered. He returned to Tatiana's room and knocked lightly on the door.

Looking upon her again the small smile that graced her made his own mood lift. She came to him some of the assurity and grace in her movements that he had loved in her from the first time he had seen her.

He escorted her first to the stables, and kept a respectful distance as she reacquainted herself with her friend. He layed an effectionate hand on Strider's snout as he watched her.

Afterward they did go to the garden's and walked among the flowering swallowood trees and fireblossom and silverstar bushes of the Baron's gardens. Thoren watched pleased as the flower's beauty and sweet aroma continued o lift her spirits. Songbirds gathered around them as they held seed out for them to eat.

"I don't know how to begin to thank you for what you've done for my people." She said causing the birds to scatter away from them, "Jared was lucky to have known you and had you in his life. Just in the past few days in getting to know you, I see where my brother picked up some mannerisms. You two must have had deep thoughtful discussions. I always envied his thirst for knowledge."

"Tatiana, soon I will have to leave South to return to my palace in Rondelsberg," He told her, "I would like you and your people to go with me there." He took her hand and ran his thumb over the back of it. "My kingdom needs me at my capital if we are to gaurd our borders, and I want you at my side as I do. Will you do that for me?"

 

[Perplexia]

"Tatiana, soon I will have to leave South to return to my palace in Rondelsberg," He told her, "I would like you and your people to go with me there." He took her hand and ran his thumb over the back of it. "My kingdom needs me at my capital if we are to guard our borders, and I want you at my side as I do. Will you do that for me?"

"I look forward to getting to know your people, as well as having my people safe and secure within your protection my liege." she said softly.

It was true at that moment she did formalize her response. She had vowed to be his guest and relocate her people among his once again, just as she had before Jareds murder. Thoren deserved all of her, and at this moment she had barely begun the road to heal. In the last twenty four hours she had lost her brother and took her frightened people from homes they had spent all their lives in.

"When you're ready to go, we shall follow you to Rondel." she added with a soft smile. Taking his arm she walked silently with him. "Does Rondel have a bath like the one here?" she questioned. "I have never seen anything like it. It's like a world away from the world. So elegant and refined. Jared use to tell me of things like this and I would laugh at him saying he wasn't going to pull one over on me that easily." a soft smile with a tad of sadness hung in the air as they took a moment to reflect on their lost one.

She was calm and at ease with Thoren. He had simply that effect upon her. Despite goading him, or being a bit of a brat, he had impression-ed himself upon her, just as he had Valiant. "will you allow me to fight beside you?" she questioned. Ideally he'd be behind the battle lines. But in the event he made his way upon the field she wished to be there. All though she was as good as fighter as any man, he may not be willing to risk her being injured. It suddenly struck her that if Jared had told her no, she would have done it anyway. But if Thoren said no she would abide. Partly because she was his guest and legally had no rights. After all she denounced her kingdom and was now under his rule. Yet it was also something different, something she hadn't ever come upon before. If she married him would she feel the need to 'obey' as well?" Although perplexing, she still awaited his answer ready to accept whatever decision he made.

Following his lead back into the castle excused herself to freshen up and dress for dinner. The broth was good, but she was starving for something substantial. Meeting him dressed at the top of the stairs she took his arm, and they descended . It was hard to discern the looks that traveled from the servants and people that had gathered.

Her gown a deep sea blue trailed flowed with their moves down the stairs. Her face flushed with color from the fresh air. Her hair up neatly, with a hint of wild curl tracing down her face. She smiled to Theron as they entered the hall and was seated to his right. Even this castles dining hall was exquisite and this wasn't even the main castle. There had been no detail left undone. What he must have thought upon entering her castle. It was simply barbaric in comparison. How could her father have been so far behind in modernization?

A woman in a maroon gown scowled at her as she took her seat at the table. Thoren didn't seem to notice as he seemed focused on eating and talking with her as the conversation carried on around them. This basic meal seemed to even over shadow that of one of their grander ones. There were utensils she had never seen before, but she watched and ate slowly so she could appear as if she wasn't from the dark ages.

In all it seemed to go well. Other then the one womans glares and scowls. It was apparent she wasn't happy that Tatiana was there. But this wasn't something she was going to be over concerned about. With light discussion, everyone soon went to their rooms to prepare for the next days journey. Thoren escorted her to hers. "You should sleep my liege" she said softly "I heard you hardly have since my arrival." she smiled and kissed his cheek softly before entering her room.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Thoren Von Rondel IX

"Tatiana, soon I will have to leave South to return to my palace in Rondelsberg," He told her, "I would like you and your people to go with me there." He took her hand and ran his thumb over the back of it. "My kingdom needs me at my capital if we are to gaurd our borders, and I want you at my side as I do. Will you do that for me?"

"I look forward to getting to know your people," she softly replied, "As well as having my people safe and secure within your protection my liege."

He nodded to that but said, "Tatiana, I know appearances will have to be kept between us, even if or when we are wed. However when we are alone together I would hope we can relax the protocols of our titles and you can call me by my name instead of a honorific." He sat down on the stone bench beside her and sprinkled some of the seeds for an adventurous blue swallow to peck out among the blades of grass before them. "So please call me Thoren."

He grew silent thinking on his secret meetings with Jared where they could cast aside the weight of their positions, their lineage and its expectations, and titles. Where they could just be Thoren and Jared, friends and brothers. Brothers in truth if not by blood. He would miss him.

"When you're ready to go, we shall follow you to Rondel." she added with a soft smile.

He shook his head. "You and you're people are my honored guests. You will travel within the royal procession and you, Tatiana, will ride by my side."

"Does Rondel have a bath like the one here?" she questioned. "I have never seen anything like it. It's like a world away from the world. So elegant and refined. Jared use to tell me of things like this and I would laugh at him saying he wasn't going to pull one over on me that easily."

He smiled at the reminiscence of her brother. "The bath houses like the one here was brought here by my mother from the Selonian empire." He told her, "She had the one in the palace installed as a means to keep some part of her homeland here in Rondeland. Then it sort of caught on among the nobility up here as a means to show their wealth and civility, and as a way to engender themselves with their new queen."

"will you allow me to fight beside you?" she questioned.

He looked down at his hands. "If I had my way you would never see the battlefield, but I am not naieve enough to think I could keep you away from the fighting when it is so much a personal war for you." He wished he had the strength to bar her from any fighting. He should be able to protect her and save her from the terrible price of war by himself. But Thoren knew she would never sit idly by as her brother lay unavenged and her people were under the horror of invasion by foreign armies. She would be committed to this fight and he did not have the strength to keep her from it. "Only I want you to recognize that I too loved your brother, and when we avenge his murder we shall do so together."

They parted then and Thoren returned to the keep and Castle Rivergard's great keep. Baron and Lady Auchenbridge were there waiting for him.

"Good afternoon, sire." They said.

"I am afraid I will be forced to hasten my return to Rondelsberg, my Lord, Lady Auchenbridge. With the Selonian invasion of Turnaria and the Druenic incursion from the mountains it is essential this kingdom be prepared and vigilant for any eventuality," Thoren told them.

"Your Highness, my Lord and Lady. May I present Caerelaen Rabenfeld, only daughter of the Duke of Sommerset province, Lord Marshall of Rondelland." Rivergard castle's Herald announced.

Thoren spun around to face the doorway as a woman walked through it in a riding cloak of maroon and gold of Sommerset and flanked by ladies in waiting. "Lady Caerelaen," He said suspiciously, "What brings you this far north from Rondelsberg."

She smiled pulling down the cloak's hood to reveal marvelously dark black hair tied up in the latest court fashion. "Why, I've never been to the northern frontier of the kingdom. And since our new king loves the hunting in the forest up here, I thought I'd see just what the attraction is for him."

Thoren's lips pursed, Lady Caerelaen had been his constant shadow in his own palace ever since he had gained the crown-even before his father's death. Her father Osker Rabenfeld, Duke of Sommerset, was the Lord Marshall of his army and outside the royal line the most powerful and wealthiest noble in the kingdom. But Thoren suspected-though he had no proof- that Duke Rabenfeld was not satisfied with that. He suspected that Osker Rabenfeld had designs on the Von Rondel dynasty. Which was where Lady Caerelaen came in. It was a simple plan. He was young and without a queen and Caerelaen was beautiful, and by the gossip whispered and snickered at back in the palace a master at seduction. Her tawdry escapades were legendary in the murmurs of the backrooms of his court, and so was her petty jealous temper too.

There was also one more thing Thoren suspected-though he had nothing more than a gut feeling for it. He suspected that they mysterious assasin that had murdered his father in his sleep last year had been paid with gold from the coffers of Sommerset castle. As he said he had nothing more than just intuition, and that was flimsy ground to accuse the most powerful and politically influential of the nobles in his kingdom.

He had left Rondelsberg both to meet Jared at their accustomed time upon the nuetral sliver of land between Rondeland and Turnaria and to escape Lady Caerelaen's rather transparent attempts to seduce him into making her his bride.

"I am certain you will find Rivergard keep to your liking," He nodded, though he knew Caerelaen being the spoilt little girl would find every moment here in this quaint old and more rustic than she would ever prefer little fort of a castle to be nothing short of a torment for someone as highly born and civilized as she regarded herself.

"I am certain you would be right, of course, your Highness." She said, but Thoren could hear it was nothing short of a plattitude for appearances in her tone. She yawned, "And now that I have come I hear of a Turnarian Princess come to visit this castle. One my king wishes to marry and make my Queen." She smiled with a pleasant friendly expression that only went skin deep. "Oh it is so very romantic, is it not? Why, I beleive she and I will become the very closest of friends."

Thoren gritted his teeth bristling with the need to protect Tatiana from this harpie's cruel machinations. "My Lady Caerelaen-"

"Now, I must beg your forgiveness, your highness, Baron and Lady Auchenbridge," She said bowing with the humility and formality only someone as skilled in Court protocols could feign so well. "But the journey here was longer than I was accustomed to in a carriage on such uncomfortable roads. I feel I need to seek rest and refreshment in your guestrooms before I can truly present myself to your court."

"Ofcourse," Baron Auchenbridge nodded, "My wife shall show you to your chambers."

When they left Thoren excused himself as well though he spent the time pacing the battlements trying to come up with some way to rid himself of Lady Caerelaen, and her father, without tearing apart his kingdom. Not to mention how Caerelaen would target and maneuver against Tatiana. She'd have to do something to remove any chance of him making Tatiana his Queen if she had any hopes for that second throne in his palace. He and Tatiana would have to be weary with her. So he paced and paced. In the end he came up with nothing other than a slight headache.

Evening came and he escorted Tatiana fetching in a sapphire gown that set off her golden hair magnificently to Rivergard's great hall for supper. Thoren made a point not to notice how Caerelaen in a gown of Sommerset maroon and gold glowered at them as he sat beside her.

That may be the best way to deal with this. To focus on Tatiana, and completely ignore Caerelaen. They talked about the weather and the hunting in the forests here on Rondeland's northern frontier. It was not too much of a stretch considering the roasted duck they dined upon had been caught fresh that morning.

Finally the supper was over and Thoren breathed deep in relief that Caerelaen had only kept in the background and watched them like the terrier would watch a rat out of its hole.

"You should sleep my liege" she said softly "I heard you hardly have since my arrival." she smiled and kissed his cheek softly before entering her room.

He bit his lip but nodded, "Yes, we will head south tomorrow. We both should sleep for a long journey awaits us. But first I need to warn you, Tatiana, not everyone in my court will welcome you, or even be as grudgingly respectful as Baron and Lady Auchenbridge are to you. One in particular...well, its getting late and this is not news to aid in your slumber...We will breakfast together in the morning and I'll explain further, until then stay on your gaurd." He left her for his own rooms and fell back upon his bed. Yet sleep proved elusive and he tossed and turned worried for the woman he aimed to make his bride.

 

[Perplexia]

Tatiana with the help of the maids undressed from her gown into her night dress. After they turned down her bed they left her to wash her face and sleep. She sat on the ledge of her window and brushed her hair as she listened to the people below. They sang and danced trying to lighten their mood.

Her eyes went to another window catching a figure and recognized the stance and the walk to be Thorens. He too seemed to be restless. It was exactly this type of night she would sneak into Jareds room and play a game discussing things he'd seen in his travels like the baths. Before she knew it her feet were planted in front of Thoren's door and she rapped lightly.

He seemed shocked to see her, yet it didn't stop him from letting her in. Silently she took his hand and led him to the fire. "When we were younger Jared and I would play games and he'd tell me stories of the things he'd seen." she smiled sadly sitting down with him and leaning against him. Somehow finding solace in the warmth of him. "I haven't forgotten that your heart aches for Jared as well. Her hand reached up and stroked the fine features of his face. His eyes looked sad and concerned.

"I am so grateful to you Thoren" she whispered to him. Her lips went to his and she felt his tongue slide within the confines of her mouth. She felt her body mold against his and his hands move over her curves.
She gasped and her eyes came open to find herself still upon the ledge. She had dreamt it, moments after she caught her breath a knock came on her door advising breakfast was to be served.
Rising from the ledge she stretched and glanced at his window once more before changing to her yellow morning gown.
Seeing Thoren caused her to blush. A genuine smile of delight of seeing him crossed her rose colored lips.

Chatter filled the table and it seemed to be a mission of Lady Caerelaen to goad her. "I am quite sure we'll be the best of friends Lady Caerelaen, but in my kingdom we have a ritual to determine if it will be such. Are you willing to humor me?"

The chatter had dimmed down a bit as people took an interest in their conversation. "I'm certain I shall pass with flying colors, but pray tell me of your ritual Princess" it almost seethed out of her mouth, the contempt for having to acknowledge the social standing of this woman.

"Certainly, it is quite simplistic. We believe that our mounts are an extension of ourselves. It's what allows us to be such proficient riders. We find their judge in character and intentions to be true above all else."

"Oh I do accept" she elated thinking her knowledge of horse breeding and riding would give her the advantage needed.

"Then pray, let us not wait, i am so excited in beginning our friendship, My liege if you will indulge me to show that my horse shall even let a King whose heart is true ride him." Tatiana smiled knowing exactly what would happen. As Thoren knew as well.

Of course Valiant wouldn't allow this woman to mount him, much less ride him. It would simply be an excuse for Tatiana to not have to engage her in the cat and mouse game of friendship. It was apparent that her eyes were set on the throne, and Thoren simply a by product of it.

Thoren seemed hesitant to allow her to carry out her game. But it would result in knocking this girl down a peg or two. The group went down to riding ring as Tatiana went to the stables and brought out Valiant. She simply place a halter on him and he followed her of his own accord to the ring. They entered it together and the group coed over the brilliant calm well mannered horse. She did a demonstration with him resulting in a little dance between the two of them. Showing all they really were in fact an extension of the other.

Having him bow she slid easily on his back and he rose following her voice commands. Sliding off she invited the King to ride him. To show no coerision she exited the ring. To allow Thoren the ability to approch him on his own. Valiant nuzzled him with great affection and manners. Allowing Thoren to slide easily upon his back. Trotting around and performing as a well trained horse should.

It was then Lady Caerelaen's turn. Valiant took an immediate dislike to her and reared up. Not only was she not allowed to mount him, but he wouldn't even allow her close enough to touch him. She was taken back quite a bit for the horses distaste in her. Tatiana looked around before she had the chance to claim the horses senses were false or co hersed and found Lady Chabert, "Lady Chabert, have I ever introduced you to my horse?" "No Princess" she advised rather shocked to be singled out. "If you would, please enter the ring and mount him." There was a bit of hesitation, yet she did as she was asked. Valiant, like her took an immediate liking to the kindhearted woman. He even bowed down and let her slide on his back." The crowd applauded and awed at the grace he had.

Lady Caerelaen, huffed and threw a very unladylike tantrum causing a bit of laughter as she stormed off.
The crowd soon left, leaving Valiant her and the King. "Perhaps that was a bit excessive, but I thought it proved a point quite well. I don't know what your relations are or have been with that woman Thoren, but she is evil. If you wish for her to be around, I shall be civil, but there is nothing that will allow me to take her into my confidence." She smiled up a him with a new light in her eyes.

"I will never forget that you loved him too" she said softly. "I am eternally gracious for myself and my people. But when i marry you Thoren, It will be because you like Valiant are an extension of my soul." she smiled and her hand stroked his face lightly "Every day that passes I find myself falling for you." she blushed and laughed a bit nervously stepping back. "I thought you should know my Thoren. I suppose we should be getting ready to go."

 

[Veroe]

IC: Thoren Von Rondel

Morning came and he breakfasted with Tatiana in his wardroom. Through the window a soft spring breeze brought in the pleasant fragrance of the fireblossoms within the gardens below. The breeze played tender games with Tatiana's hair that Thoren found fascinating and a little distracting to their conversation-though the fact that he did not get much sleep over the night may have something to do with that.

Today the breakfasted on wheat porridge sweetened with fresh splitberries and honey. It was not Thoren's favorite, but it served, and he remembered well his father's words to him as a child once.

"The lowliest farmer would spend a year's wages for the breakfast you would turn away, my son. Often they must dine on food you would scarcely stomach. Eat in respect of the priviledges of your station."

Though the company, excluding Tatiana of course, at his breakfast table was not what Thoren would call palatable. Beside him sat Baron and Baroness Auchenbridge, and between him and his betrothed sat Caerelaen Rabenfeld of Sommerset.

"Is this swill what they feed kings up here in the north," Caerelaen said pushing her bowl away from her. She gestured for a maid, "Go to the kitchens and bring us some fruit pastries. And tell the cook she has to do much better. She is feeding royalty this morning."

"My lady," He replied icily to her, "Please refrain from speaking for me." To the maid he said, "Bring the pastries, but give the cook my compliments on the porridge it will nourish us for the long journey we have in store for us today."

Caerelaen pouted at that, and Thoren hid a satisfied smirk between him and Tatiana. He had not been able to warn her specifically about the danger caerelaen posed to her, but he was beginning to think she suspected what was going on from the way she regarded Caerelaen.

As conversation continued to flow Caerelaen tried her best to test Tatiana's defenses, looking for ways to goad her into looking foolish or petty or questioning her motives for coming to Rondeland.

"I am quite sure we'll be the best of friends Lady Caerelaen," Tatiana stated, "But in my kingdom we have a ritual to determine if it will be such. Are you willing to humor me?"

The conversation lowered and Thoren saw Caerelaen's brow wrinkle thinking of what Tatiana was planning. Apparently she decided to play along, though not without some of her petty jealousy showing in her tone. "I'm certain I shall pass with flying colors, but pray tell me of your ritual Princess"

Tatiana explained about a Turnarian custom concerning horseriding...which could very well be true. Thoren understood that Turnarians put alot of stock in their horsemanship. Though to be sure he shot an inquisitive look to Tatiana, but Caerelaen who considered herself a decent rider accepted.

Thoren smiled knowing what Tatiana had in mind now, though he hesitated on letting her continue this charade. Caerelaen had a vindictive streak, and he worried Tatiana would be unprepared for her counterattack.

Still he remained silent as They went down to the castle's grounds and Tatiana led her big black stallion, Valiant, out of the stables.

Ofcourse The big besotted animal obeyed each of her commands letting her climb on and canter about the ring jauntily.

Seeing this Caerelaen snorted, "It looks easy enough." She shot Thoren a saucy look, "I do so enjoy having a big powerful animal between my legs."

Thoren blanched at the bald-faced innuendo, but he continued watching Tatiana as she climbed down from her steed, and offered him a ride.

Thoren nodded and stepped within the ring and up to the big animal. As Tatiana walked away Valiant grew more restive and spirited. But he placed a hand on his muzzle and whispered soothing words to it. He ran his hand tenderly down the horse's flank, and then climbed into the saddle.

Poor Valiant, he never had another rider than Tatiana, and while he accepted Thoren's presence, he stood stock still unused to this weight upon his back and his eyes sought out Tatiana.

Thoren took the reigns and used the same commands Tatiana had and Valiant gingerly obeyed. He set the horse through the same routine Tatiana had just taken him through. Thoren then climbed down and smiled at Tatiana. "Thank you, my beloved, that was most enjoyable."

Then it was Caerelaen's turn. She stepped forward confidently, but before she made it even halfway the big black stallion went berserk rearing up and whinnying out loud with such a ferocity every one flinched. The look on Caerelaen's face was priceless and Thoren refrained from the smug laugh he truly felt.

The best part was when Tatiana invited lady Chabert who was plainly no rider, and quite hesitant to get close to an animal that had just reacted so vehemently to another stranger's approach. Valliant accepted, the good lady, and was very gentle towards her. Thoren clapped at the display, though not just for the horse, but for Tatiana's shrewd maneuvering. Everyone joined in though Thoren knew it wasn't just to be polite to him, but in appreciation of this spirited and clever princess from Turnaria, that may if Thoren had his way would become their new Queen.

Ignoring Caerelaen's pouting and throwing a tantrum and further theatrics he strode over to Tatiana. "That was incredibly shrewd," He told her warmly, "But you have made an enemy that savors her vendettas, Tatiana."

"Perhaps that was a bit excessive, but I thought it proved a point quite well," She replied.

He glanced back as Caerelaen was storming off in a huff. "It may have been, but it was also very amusing, and it was also a point you needed to make to her. She won't underestimate you again."

"I don't know what your relations are or have been with that woman Thoren," She said with a beaming smile, "But she is evil. If you wish for her to be around, I shall be civil, but there is nothing that will allow me to take her into my confidence."

"She aims to have relations with me, but I know better," He told her, "She and her father has designs on the second throne in my palace. The one I hope you will occupy."

He took her hand and helped her walk Valiant back to the stables. "Jared told me you were clever, but I hadn't quite realized just what he meant." He smiled to her. "When we are married. I shall have to keep an eye on you. An activity I think I shall enjoy immensely."

"I will never forget that you loved him too" she said softly. "I am eternally gracious for myself and my people."

"Why do I sense a 'but' coming," He said lifting an apple for Valliant to eat.

"But when i marry you Thoren, It will be because you like Valiant are an extension of my soul."

Her hand stroked his cheek and Thoren took it and kissed the back of it. "I shall look forward to that day."

"Every day that passes I find myself falling for you." she blushed and laughed a bit nervously stepping back. "I thought you should know my Thoren. I suppose we should be getting ready to go."

He smiled at her pleased at the progress they were taking. Tatiana's heart was a fortress he was laying siege upon, and he intended to raise his banner upon its bastions.

"We should prepare for our journey now," He agreed.

So within the hour his gaurds were mounted, his baggage and one Lady Caerelaen Rabenfeld of Sommerset province were in carriages, and Tatiana's Turnarians were lined up in the rear mounted or on foot or in freightwagons. The order had been set. But as they left Rivergard keep heading South on the King's highway towards Stonebridge Thoren trailed behind to where Tatiana rode and traveled down the road alongside her his gaurds forming back up around them both.

They road traveled southward, and he hoped Tatiana appreciated the beauty of his country as they rode through it. The Silvercrest burbled and flowed to their right and picturesque meadows and pastures were on the left of the road. Above was a clear pleasant spring day. Clouds wafted by occasional sunhawks circled above looking for a fieldrunt or hedgemouse to swoop down upon for their supper. butterflies flitted among wildflowers, and time went by slowly but pleasantly along with the terrain.

By the end of the day they had made it as far as halfway to Stonebridge where they reached a roadside tavern at a series of broad but gentle rolling waterfalls, giving the tavern the name: 'The Riversteps Inn'.

Fortunately the inn was not full and they only had to displace one or two of its patrons to sleep in the tavern's common room for their more nobly born visitors. They had settled down for the tavern's finest meal just as the sun had sunk and the dinner was fair though not the finest Thoren had ever tasted.

After dinner as the others were heading for bed Thoren offered Tatiana his hand, "Come see the falls with me."

 

[Perplexia]

Tatiana took his hand and moved her fingers over the large members until she reached his wrist. There was something profoundly intimate about this quiet moment between them. Half of her wanted to cry and the other wanted to lay her head upon his chest and inhale his glorious essence. Her hesitation for either lasted long enough for this quiet to be interrupted.

“Your Majesty” the innkeeper said handing him a lantern. Raising her head up and looking in his eyes she took his arm. “It would be my pleasure to accompany you your highness.” The tone in which she delivered these words was almost breathless as she recovered from her moment of mixed emotions.
The walked down the path until the rushing of liquid overcame their ears. “I owe you an apology my liege” she said softly. “I perhaps should not have provoked Caerleans tantrum as I did. But I could not help myself. It is my guess she is rarely put in her place. Much less made a spectacle of. Though the expression upon her face when Lady Chabert mounted him was simply priceless.” She couldn’t help but laugh. “But I shall carefully watch myself as you warned. Although she feels that she is a match for me, and wishes to be your wife. I know that you believe in my ability to handle her in such a way is deserving of her station.”

Approaching the falls the beauty swept over her, the moonlight glistened off the water illuminating them for a vision. “I have heard of these falls, these are the twilight falls are they not?” she worked her way down to the rocks on the edge. Without warning she began to undo her dress and let it drop leaving her in nothing but her undergarments as she waded into the water and dove beneath. Under the raging water she emerged behind the falls. The cave her brother had told her about was now beneath her feet. Searching for debris she gathered it in a pile and began striking two rocks for their spark. Eventually they lit shining upon the walls. Her fingers went to the markings and traced over them. They were the ancestors of ancestors that told stories of ancient battles and loves. “wow” she said softly wanting to delve further but feeling a hand upon her arm as Thoren stopped her.

Sitting upon the rocks next to the fire she sat close to him for warmth. “If I could live like this I would. I would give up all the gold, the dresses, the nobility, just to be able to enjoy nature. I would go from cave to cave and gather the stories and decipher them.” Leaning against him she spoke again “Jared told me stories of the caves I was resolved once that if I was forced to marry I shall chop off all my hair and run off to live in them as a commoner. I shall make a living hunting and selling hides.”

Time seemed to stand still in this quiet unobserved moment that held the two of them. But eventually they did have to exit their little cave and head up onto the bank. Taking her dress she slid it on without much care. Although she was aware of the proper words and silverware, as a general rule Tatiana tended to dis-guard the acceptable behavior guidelines.

There was still a great distance to get to his home. Her home, she had to replay that in her mind. Soon they would be at war, and then with luck they would both survive and be able to begin their lives together. It almost broke her heart when he left her at her door. Their time alone was too short for her liking. But excepting it she wished him a good nights rest.

The next morning she rose early to check on her people and their well being. She was pleased to see that they were in good spirit and of good health. It was rough for them to leave all they had known to follow the wild princess. But she and her brother had always seen to their welfare, not her parents. They were free to do as they wish, and once the land they once lived was won to their new king, they would be able to return. For now Tatiana ensured their safety, even now in early morning she walked among them as one.
Her cheeks were red from the exercise as she entered for breakfast. Her heart beat quickly at the sight of Thoren. She did a slight curtsy before being seated. Her eyes not leaving his as she gave him a smile.

“One would think a potential queen could make it to breakfast with his highness on time.” Caerlynn was certain to mention.
“Forgive me your liege” she said softly to Thoren “I was checking the welfare of your people to ensure they had everything in order for today's travels.”

 

[Veroe]

IC Thoren Von Rondel IX

After dinner as the others were heading for bed Thoren offered Tatiana his hand, "Come see the falls with me."

Tatiana took his hand and moved her fingers over the large members until she reached his wrist. There was something profoundly intimate about this quiet moment between them. Half of her wanted to cry and the other wanted to lay her head upon his chest and inhale his glorious essence. Her hesitation for either lasted long enough for this quiet to be interrupted

The innkeeper approached lantern in hand. “Your Majesty, It would be my pleasure to accompany you your highness.”

Thoren took the lantern but shook his head, "That would not be necessary, good sir. You've had quite the full day. You should go rest. We will be on our way south, and you'll be able to resume your normal business come morning."

Hand in hand they walked out of the tavern's rear door, and outside was a buckled landscape making a series of seven waterfalls as the silvercrest rolled down over one then another and another. Together they walked the gently steepening hill to the final and largest of the waterfalls. The sound of the roaring falls acting like fortress walls providing them a sense of privacy that was misleading.

“I owe you an apology my liege” she said softly. “I perhaps should not have provoked Caerlean's tantrum as I did. But I could not help myself. It is my guess she is rarely put in her place. Much less made a spectacle of. Though the expression upon her face when Lady Chabert mounted him was simply priceless.” She couldn’t help but laugh. “But I shall carefully watch myself as you warned. Although she feels that she is a match for me, and wishes to be your wife. I know that you believe in my ability to handle her in such a way is deserving of her station.”

"No, Tatiana," He shook her head, "I am the one who should apologize to you. First not all of my people have not embraced you as I had hoped. And secondly I should have thought to warn you of Lady Caerlean's designs on me you'd naturally interfere with."

“I have heard of these falls, these are the twilight falls are they not?” She said stepping up to the river bank and looking straight at the last waterfall.

He followed after her nodding, "I am surprised you know of them by that name. Its called the twilight falls only locally around here." He looked at her with a mischevious wink, "-wait-what are you doing?"

Stepping out of her shoes she stepped down to the rocks and wading her feet into the river. Casting her gown off, Making Thoren blush furiously and look away. He turned his head when he heard her dive under the water.

He looked back up the hill towards the inn and then back at waterfall and the moonlit silhouette of her heading beneath the falls and behind it.

He sighed undoing his belt and pulling his tunic over his head. His boots set beside him and he dove into the water after her. He swam under the waterfalls and emerged to find she had lit a fire and was looking at the cave drawings.

The sight of her golden lustrous hair dripping wet and her shift and skirts wet and clinging to every curve of her very very attractive body in the flickering light of the fire she had just set. would be something Thoren would look back on for years. She made to go further into the cave, but he reached out and grabbed her arm.

"Tatiana," He told her, "What possessed you to come in here?"

They sat in front of the fire close for warmth as the night air was very chilling.

“If I could live like this I would. I would give up all the gold, the dresses, the nobility, just to be able to enjoy nature. I would go from cave to cave and gather the stories and decipher them.”

His arm wrapped around her shoulder pulling her in close and his heart warmed when Tatiana leaned into the embrace.

“Jared told me stories of the caves," She told him.

He nodded, "It sounds like him. Jared was always interested in far away places and odd facts."

"I was resolved once that if I was forced to marry I shall chop off all my hair and run off to live in them as a commoner." She continued, "I shall make a living hunting and selling hides.”

"Sounds like a good life, simple, peaceful," He looked sideways at her beautiful face, "But very lonely as well."

The watched the flickering firelight over the cave drawings of his people from long long ago in their barely remembered past. His hand comfortingly rubbed her shoulder as they sat together watching the flames. Thoren enjoyed these moments holding the woman he loved and the cares and obligations of the kingdom kept at bay beyond the falling water, but like all things it must end. They raised up and swam back to the river bank and got dressed again. Thoren left her in her room and lay in his bed smiling up at the ceiling of his bedroom hands crossed under his head. He had quite enjoyed their secret moment within the twilight caves.

Morning came and he dressed for another long ride down the river's highway. But first he sat in the inn's tavern hall with Captain Bardolowe and Lady Caerelean for breakfast. He nodded to the good captain and a terser nod for lady Caerelaen. The innkeeper brought out his best repast, eggs and sausage chopped with herbs together in a bowl. Though it was coarse and more homespun than the dishes Caerelaen was used to Thoren found it quite serviceable. He kept an eye on the stairs waiting for his beloved to come down.

Surprisingly Tatiana came in from the front door. Apparently she had gone out earlier in the morning to check on her people camping out in front of the tavern. Thoren nodded to her in appreciation and respect she showed to her responsibilities. She would make a great queen. When she greeted him with a curtsy and a warm smile Thoren returned it in kind.

“One would think a potential queen could make it to breakfast with his highness on time.” Caerlynn was certain to mention.

“Forgive me your liege” she said softly to Thoren “I was checking the welfare of your people to ensure they had everything in order for today's travels.”

"Princess Tatiana has put her responsibilities to her people first," He nodded, "As any Rondel Queen should, Lady Caerelaen."

He gestured for Tatiana to sit down and share their meal, "Come take breakfast with us Tatiana. We must eat up for the journey today if we are to make Stonebridge by nightfall."

After breakfast they mounted and made their way south down the highroad following the course of the Silvercrest through pastureland and thickening woodlands. They ate a quick lunch by the roadside. He made certain to sit beside Tatiana as they ate much to Caerelaen's veiled anger.

They mounted back up after lunch and returned to their journey south and as the sun sunk lower and lower they reached more populated areas. More farms and pastures at first but as the sun sunk to the horizon signally the coming of evening the crested a hill and looked out across the city of Stonebridge.

Here the silvercrest a relatively small river flowing from the mountains from the north joined the river Anaduil from the Northeast and swelled to truly impressive size. At the point of land where the two rivers met was the first true city of Rondeland. Its oldest, but only the third largest, behind Rondelsberg, and Ravensport. Here farmer and shepherds gathered their crops and wool to sail them down the silvercrest to Rondelsberg and merchant ships to Selonia and places all over the known world. Here boats and barges made voyages down the wide and now gentle river, the heart's artery of Thoren's kingdom.

As night fell they entered the city, his guards clearing the way of Stonebridge's citizens. There they reached the river front and crossed a great stone bridge to the southern point and a palace carved out of the hillside to a great watchtower rising up into the sky. The Kingfisher's keep, they called it. The rode into the courtyard at the base of the tower and the great doors of the keep.

Thoren climbed down from Strider's back to greet Baron Remin Greenberk, lord of Kingfisher's keep and Stonebridge. He exchanged words of greeting with the baron then turned to Tatiana. He reached up to help her down from Valiant. "We shall spend the night here as guests of Kingfisher's keep, and stay for a day as he and Captain Bardolowe secure a boat to take us down stream to Rondelsberg," He told her, "The question is what would you like to do tomorrow, my dear? We can walk through the city's bazaar-you may buy whatever you wish there-I'll pay for it, or visit the keep's archive's-its said to be just as extensive as the royal archives back home, or perhaps you'd prefer a visit to the bridgehouse, its a tavern with no inn but it has a cook of such expertise that everyone actually visits it to dine on her cooking...dininghalls like it and its faire are becoming quite the trend throughout the kingdom?"

"Tomorrow the day is yours, Tatiana," Thoren said tucking a stray lock of golden hair behind her ear, "How do you want to spend it?"

 

[Perplexia]

The way this man cared for her and yet didn’t try to stifle her was amazing. She had almost expected him to scold her when he had grabbed her arm in the cave. Instead she ended up in his arms with a new light in her eyes. It was playful, yet adoring. Then at breakfast, she wanted so badly to grab his hand and go running out the door making all the stuffy nobles drop their jaws. But this was exactly the type of behavior Caerelaen would use to her advantage.

Of course if she had known about their secret swim, she would be certain to make everyone know. It was very possible that she had seen or perhaps had them spied upon and was waiting for the right moment to drop it to embarrass them.
This woman was conniving, but whatever she came at her with, Tatianna would be ready.

Thoren sat next to her as they sat on the roadside with their lunch. The adventure they had last night was still very much in her mind. The warmth of the fire, the touch of his hand, and how she had secretly wished they could have spent a few days in the caves. Of course that would have definitely been inappropriate. With that a blush and a burst of giggle came from her lips.

They mounted back up after lunch and returned to their journey south and as the sun sunk lower and lower they reached more populated areas. More farms and pastures at first but as the sun sunk to the horizon signally the coming of evening the crested a hill and looked out across the city of Stonebridge.

As the night approached they had reached Stonebridge. Thoren easily maneuvered her off the horse like a lady. Gathering herself when he set her down, she did a curtsy and a greeting to Baron Greenberk and thanked him for his hospitality on behalf of herself and her people.

He seemed to be a sincere man from what she could gather of their short introduction. She listened as Thoren explained how they would spend the night here and the day tomorrow. The list he gave her was filled with wondrous things. “Perhaps Mi Liege, we may further discuss this after dinner with a walk in the gardens?” She said recovering from the pure jolt of electricity his tucking of her hair had caused.

Once inside they were separated to their own separate quarters. The flickering of lanterns throughout this small kingdom provided little view of the place they had come. If she closed her eyes she could hear hoofs upon cobblestone, neighing of the horses, laughing of the people camped below.

She could vaguely hear a mother trying to calm her hungry tired child. That was where she should be, not up in this divine room playing the part of a spoiled princess. Turning swiftly she started toward the door and stopped just short of opening it. Her handmaiden simply regained composure watching as her young mistress struggled with her impulses.

In a matter of days she was forced to grow up. No more being wild and care free. Those people below depended upon her alliance with Thoren and his kingdom of Rondelsberg. It was important that she did not make his declaration of intent something he would regret. After all, she had told him no. But every moment with him since she’d started to get her feet back on the ground had made it clear she intended on being his queen. Hadn’t she?

Her mind raced through the conversations they had. Then it hit her, she had told him before they gotten to the Riverside Inn. She had told him when she married him he too would become extension of her soul as Valiant was.
A breath she had been holding escaped her lips with relief. She waved her hand and her hand maiden rushed to help her change and get cleaned up.

Dinner was full of polite chatter and questions about Turnaria. The land in which she had once belonged. This held many happy memories of when Jared was alive. It held memories of Thoren being determined to win her affections. Their conversation and laughing in the garden. That was the first time she didn’t make an effort to sabotage the plans of her betrothal. Her eyes caught Thorens as she remembered that happy memory, which was one of their first.

Somehow she maintained her composure through all their questions. Once dinner and desert was through everyone gathered in the hall. It seemed their host was rather fond of dancing. When asked if she played the piano forte she smiled and advised she did, but it was poorly. “then perhaps a Turnara song princess.” Lady Caarealean replied. “It would be my pleasure.” Smiling politely she whispered instructions to the pianist. After a couple of moments she took her place and waited for the playing to begin.

♪Long ago in times of before, true love came to the castle door. The princess accepted and so it’s told, the world filled with joy. Dried land became oceans; paths became streams, in the face of the true love the flowers bloomed when all eyes began to gleam.♪

Her angelic voice filled the room captivating the crowd in the story. When she was done there was a moment of silence before they applauded and she curtsied. Soon after people began to disburse eventually leaving her and Thoren alone. She took his arm as he led her out to the gardens. The moon seemed to dance with the stars as they walked together slowly until they came upon a bench.

“I know that you said tomorrow we can do whatever I wish. I would like to get some food and supplies gathered up and distribute it amongst my people. Most left with haste and had little chance of preparation. I fear that some may be starving by stretching their food so thin. I would also like you to do this with me. I want my people to meet their King. I do not wish them to fear you as they did my father. Once we do that, I simply wish to spend the afternoon with you. I will let you plan the day and surprise me.” She smiled as she squeezed his hand.

Her face went solemn for a moment before she looked in his eyes and smiled again. “Thoren, I am finding myself torn. I would normally go to Jared with my thoughts…” She took a deep breath and began to speak again. “I have rejected traditional expectations my entire life. I fight like a man, I ride like a man, many times I have even dressed as a stable boy. I have climbed trees, and whipped off my frocks to swim in a river.” She then laughed a little. “At one point it was rumored there were three children to the King of Tundaria. Two boys and a girl.” ”I would go out in the fields and help farmers from time to time. That was until one decided it was ok they scold me like a stable boy. Then my identity was revealed. My point is, I have spent my life trying not to be a princess. Now we are but a few days away from Rondelsberg, and there you will present me as your intended. You will tell them I am to be their queen. How am it to be a queen when I cannot even be a princess properly?”

There was a way that Thoren spoke that reminded her of Jared. He understood that it wasn't about her not wishing to be with him. It was merely the responsibility of being a proper queen.