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Post by noah on Sept 15, 2007 8:30:23 GMT -8
The grand hall smelled, no, reeked with different colognes and perfumes from all four corners of Alyssus. Of course, one by one each would have it’s own unique sweet or strong smell but mixing them together made the vampire’s stomach lurch. Honestly, one would ask why would they wear so much cologne to smell like a walking garden? Humans, they never ceased to amaze him.
The vampire cradled the small, glove covered hand of a fairly young noble woman in his hands as he led her out to the middle of the ballroom. His long blond hair was tied back in a loose ponytail by a silk white ribbon that matched with his robes of white and light grays that ‘floated’ behind him as he walked. The noble woman had the smell of roses as her perfume, a nice smell, overly used but nice. He flashed her a charming smile revealing straight white teeth, his fangs reduced to what appeared to be any normal sized canines.
Once the couple reached the center, they quickly began to follow the quick beat of ballroom dancing. Occasionally the woman giggled whenever he turned her or dipped her slightly and politely he returned her giggles with a chuckle. Oh how much he hated it, but alas, it made humans so much more predictable and in this case, the vampire had to stay one step ahead of the game. A very big step ahead of the game.
He was in the middle of enemy territory and to worsen the case, Osirus could show up at anytime. Noah was constantly looking over his shoulder when no-one was looking to make sure no-one was seated in the throne. Besides having to constantly look out for the king, he had to keep up the image of a foreign prince from one of the neighboring countries.
The dance soon ended with a small smile on Noah’s face as he gently kissed the lady’s hand and he gave her a final charming smile. “If you’ll excuse me, my lovely lady.” he said, his voice with the full ‘exotic’ accent of the neighboring country he posed as, soft and seductive. Well, the seductive part coming from him being a vampire but it worked. Noah let her hand slip from his as he took a few steps back before turning and vanishing from her sight with a small sigh of relief.
Honestly, the vampire could be considered desperate for any valuable information.
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Princess Naahra
Knights of Osirus
Princess of Alyssus[/u]
The Pet of Queen Marcelle
Posts: 49
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Post by Princess Naahra on Sept 15, 2007 13:38:11 GMT -8
The sound of the music, the merry laughter of the young ladies and gentlemen as they danced, and the chatter was almost overwhelming for the young princess as she stood in the shadows, awaiting her father's arrival before she made herself known. Naahra was dressed rather like any of the other ladies there, in a pale rose dress with translucent white sleeves partially cloaking her arms. Her silver circlet rested on her brow, the small ruby pendant brushing the bridge of her nose every time she shifted her position. Her hair was brushed out and cascaded down her back and over her slender shoulders like a silver waterfall. The sweet scent of one of the most expensive perfumes in Alyssus wafted from her, making her seem pleasant to more than one of the senses. Her ghostly blue eyes watched the couples whirl round and round across the floor like tops, never seeming to tire. Sighing, her pale hand reached up to touch her necklace again. Suddenly, the image of Laties and her dancing the previous night flashed into her mind. She glanced around the room, hoping she could catch sight of the general.
"I...hope he's here..." she mouthed silently, staring out at the couples. Among the dancers, she did catch sight of many of her father's knights, but Laties was not among them. Slowly, she leaned forward slightly, looking through half-lidded eyes at the dancers. So far, no sight of him...
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Post by Laties on Sept 15, 2007 14:05:38 GMT -8
A gloved hand suddenly took her small hand just before it touched the necklace and pulled it away to be gently kissed, "I'm sorry, did you wait long for me?" A certain dark haired man asked as he flashed the Princess a warm smile. "You see, I normally go through the stables to get here faster and most of the time while I'm there I either see a duck or chicken cross my path. This evening however, instead of a duck or a chicken I saw a turtle thus I stopped and stared at for hours. I hope you’ll find it in your heart to forgive me.” He chuckled.
Dressed in the full formal Knights' uniform that was decorated in the various ribbons and medals and a golden rope dangling from his shoulder to the middle of his chest distinguishing his rank, Laties stood out from the entire room. Not to mention, holding the Princess' hand gave him bonus points. “How are you, my princess?” He asked.
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Princess Naahra
Knights of Osirus
Princess of Alyssus[/u]
The Pet of Queen Marcelle
Posts: 49
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Post by Princess Naahra on Sept 15, 2007 17:18:00 GMT -8
"Laties!"
Naahra's voice was barely above a whisper, yet you could still hear the shock and apparent delight of seeing the general. "I haven't been waiting long at all!" she said, shaking her head, "About five minutes at most! No need to apologize!" She quickly bobbed a curtsey and glanced around. "I just hope no one sees me..." she commented quietly, taking a tentative step back deeper into the shadows. "Father wanted me to stay out of here until he arrived, and I just couldn't resist! I wanted to dance! I wanted to hear the jovial conversations! I wanted to see you! I--" she immediately cut herself off, staring down at the pale pink slippers that adorned her feet. Her other hand immediately rose to touch the rubies on her necklace.
Slowly, her gaze rose back to the general's face. "Please, don't tell Father..." she said imploringly, her eyes full of silent pleas. "And, for the love of all that is beautiful, please don't allow Nikanoru to find out! Her gaze flickered back to the crowd, "I thought I saw him prowling about, trying to find something..." she whispered. "Of course, with my terrible luck, he'd probably be looking for me to get me in trouble..." Slowly, her gaze traveled back to her feet. A pale blush had crept onto her cheeks. "Forgive me...I'm rambling now..."
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Post by Laties on Sept 15, 2007 17:40:19 GMT -8
Laties chuckled before he spoke, "Princess, there is nothing to sorry about and there is nothing wrong about being here without your father here. I am here to protect you and escort you." Slowly, he took her other hand in his and kissed them softly. "So please, put your attention on me and not those rubies around your neck." He moved a hand to her chin and gently lifted her face, "Look up and never down. Show these people who is Princess Naahra Sephiran Valhalla of Alyssus and I will show them Laties."
He grinned as he led her into the hall leading into the grand hall. "Since your father has told you to wait for him, I shall wait with you and then escort your properly." Laties paused before giving the princess a nervous smile, "Perhaps I should've asked him first to allow me to escort you."
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King Osirus
Knights of Osirus
King of Alyssus[/u][/i]
Slayer of Shade, Imprisoner of Innocence
Posts: 48
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Post by King Osirus on Sept 15, 2007 18:32:46 GMT -8
"Ah, a banquet...its been some time since I've granted one of these," came a sultry and deep voice. Maidens who stood at the royal entrance quickly pulled back the heavy maroon curtain as King Osirus walked slowly and with grace into the grand hall. He was at the top of the royal pedestal where the main table and the thrones were seated. He walked in with his hands behind his back, looking down on all those who were in the grand hall. A smile graced his lips as he stood at the table for a moment, watching the nobles and everyone else dancing so beautifully in the middle. "Its such a delight to see people who actually try to have fun. Bravo," he muttered to himself as he glanced at his throne and slowly sat. The King was in a particular pleasant mood tonight. For tonight would be the night that Eltana Remarque and Israfel Deu Ausgard present him two of the four swords. Excitement built in the King like a young child at his birthday. But it was well hidden under heavy royal garments and jewels. He even saw it fit to wear his royal crown.
Once seated, his let his eyes roam as maidens and servants rushed up to him. "May I bring you wine, sir?" "Would you like a rack of lamb, sir?" "Or maybe some pork cutlet, sir?" "What about some sugared fruits?" "Would you like some hazel nuts?" But the King simply turned them away with a wave of his heavily jeweled hand. "No, no, and no. I just want to know when Eltana Remarque arrives and have someone order Sergeant Major Israfel to my table." "Oh, yes sir!" "Right away sir!" The King watched the crowd again. His eyes could easily pick out certain nobles and their families. Surely, they would be displeased that instead of the King surrounding himself with the finest lords and ladies of the economy, he had chosen to sit his princess, his generals, and his adviser next to him. He had some very important details to share with them once they arrived.
"Oh, but what's this?" Just beyond the large open doors into the Grand Hall, the King could pick out a familiar face. Two familiar faces to be exact. Hovering just beyond the doors were in fact his General and his daughter. With a slightly bemused smirk on his face, he brought both his hands together, laying finger tip against finger tip as he watched them speak in what looked like a hushed manner. Hmm, it seems my dear Laties has a taste for danger and my dear daughter...it seems like she does not know her limitations...This could turn out very troublesome indeed...But I will not interfere now...I will let them do as they please... As a goblet of wine was brought to the King, he plucked the silver cup up to his lips and drank with a dark smile. "This night will surely prove to be amusing..."
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Post by Laties on Sept 16, 2007 8:53:07 GMT -8
Laties paused slightly as he tilted his head back towards the grand hall. "Oh, it looks like we caught his majesty's attention, shall we, my princess?" He said as he held his arm out to link with hers. Once linked, the general began to lead her into the room, one arm linked with the princess while the other was resting on the hilt of his sword. "Remember, look up, never down. I'll be sure to bring out that more confident side of you out." He said with a cheesy grin.
Once they arrived at the table where King Osirus sat, Laties gave a low bow of respect before he gave a sharp salute. "My lord and master, King Osirus. Forgive me for not asking your permission to escort the princess, you see, it was only last night she requested it. Should you feel the need to punish someone, by all means, punish me and not Princess Naahra." He let his arm snap back to his side as he grinned, "You know how much I love danger."
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Post by Lord Nikanoru on Sept 16, 2007 9:09:11 GMT -8
Who better to be sitting at the right side of the Dark King than his right-hand-man and personal advisor, Lord Nikanoru? The creepy official was sitting at his lord's side in a state of absolute silence, those piercing brown orbs of his surveying the crowds with great interest. Had this particular banquet been for any other occasion, Nikanoru would have avoided it like the plague--after all, he had nothing but the most absolute disdain for being surrounded by not only brutish generals, but also those annoying nobles whom he sucked up to in order to rise in the ranks so long ago.
But he had to attend this particular banquet; for it was the king's birthday--and, from what he knew, some event involving the legendary swords was going to occur. Not only that, but he was also looking forward to meeting with his old friend, Lord Eltana Remarque. A small sigh escaped the advisor's lips as his gaze perused over the congregation of nobles, soldiers, and other high-ranking officials. He caught a glimpse of his wife chatting away with some of her friends, and his daughter dancing with her escort. Though he couldn't see his son, he was probably fraternizing with the other pages.
The Shade quirked an eyebrow in mild surprise as he saw none other than General Laties Luhma dancing with the Princess herself. Glancing to the side, he noticed that King Osirus was smirking slightly and resting those terrifying eyes of his directly on the two. Nikanoru smirked with his liege, deciding that it wouldn't be such a dull evening after all. But a far more interesting sight near the entrance caught his attention--Lord Eltana Remarque, the prestigious and widely-renowned weapons dealer. Easily noticing the extravagant outfit the man was wearing, his belief that Eltana was a complete cross-dresser was instantaneously confirmed.
The middle-aged man shot General Laties a death glare as he approached the table and addressed King Osirus. He sincerely hoped that the king wouldn't "admire his bravery" and let him off the hook for such a transgression--if so, he would lose a bit of respect for the esteemed Dark King. "Pardon the interruption, milord," began Nikanoru in the usual monotonous and sharp voice, eyes resting on his lord's visage; "I have spotted Lord Remarque in the crowd. Shall I fetch him for you?"
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Princess Naahra
Knights of Osirus
Princess of Alyssus[/u]
The Pet of Queen Marcelle
Posts: 49
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Post by Princess Naahra on Sept 16, 2007 9:16:22 GMT -8
Naahra's face had no emotion present in it, but you could see the terror in her eyes as Laties led her to the table in which her father sat. She held her head high, but her gaze constantly flickered around the room, to avoid her father's stare. As she saw Nikanoru standing beside the king, she suppressed a quiet gasp, and immediately brought her hand to her necklace again, toying with the rubies on it. Slowly, her gaze flickered down to the jewels and her pale hand touching them. The bite of the cold stones against her bare skin made her shudder slightly, but, at the same time, it gave her a warm, comforting feeling inside. Slowly, she gazed up at her father, and smiled a tiny, almost shy, smile. She was King Osirus's daughter, the Princess of Alyssus, and she was going to have fun this night, dancing, feasting, making small talk, hopefully all of this by General Laties Luhma's side. She glanced at Laties, and, if only for a moment, the tiny smile on her lips grew. Once she realized that both her father and that bastard of an advisor were present, she twisted the smile back into a small, emotionless frown. "If it is alright, father, I'd like to have Laties escort me..." she said, her voice barely above a whisper as she addressed the Dark King, her eyes fixed on his royal crown instead of looking into his eyes.
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King Osirus
Knights of Osirus
King of Alyssus[/u][/i]
Slayer of Shade, Imprisoner of Innocence
Posts: 48
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Post by King Osirus on Sept 16, 2007 11:33:19 GMT -8
King Osirus glanced at Nikanoru as he addressed him about Eltana. His smile grew even more darkly present as he gave a slow nod. "Yes, Nikanoru. Would you please fetch him. I believe he's got a few wares in which I am interested in," Osirus answered. As Nikanoru stepped off of the pedestal, Osirus then turned his attention to General Laties and the lovely Princess. As Laties saluted and gave a bow, Osirus stood up slowly. He didn't want to startle his General or his daughter. "My lord and master, King Osirus. Forgive me for not asking your permission to escort the princess, you see, it was only last night she requested it. Should you feel the need to punish someone, by all means, punish me and not Princess Naahra." Osirus stared at them for a moment, then he closed his eyes for a moment, smirking.
"Punish someone, my dear General? Now, why would I do that? In all manners of speaking, you can't believe I'd punish you for entertaining my daughter, General Laties. I'm not going to punish anyone without a just cause. Do relax, its as if I'm a snake and you expect me to strike without reason," he said in a light hearted tone.
He then walked up to Princess Naahra as she flitted about nervously. "If it is alright, father, I'd like to have Laties escort me..." Osirus smirked and took her hands into his. For a moment, he simply ran his thumbs over her delicate hands then he brought one hand up to take her face and gently force it so that she looked into his eyes. For a startling moment, his eyes gave her genuine look of calm instead of anger or spite.
"My daughter, do you really think so low of me to not allow my daughter some freedom? Of course you may be escorted by Laties," he said, finishing his sentence with a smile. He then kissed her forehead hand gently released her hands before going back to sit at his throne. Once seated, he waved his hand at them.
"Go! Dance! Be merry!" For by the end of this night, I will feel the need to run someone through with a sword... Osirus then moved a heavy lock of hair behind his shoulder and he cast his eyes over the crowd again. He was eager for Nikanoru to come back with Eltana. My General Laties...I will be rid of your happy-go-lucky attitude soon enough... Osirus thought. But no sooner had he finished that thought when he spotted yet another pawn in his giant game of chess. Coming from a small Eastern entrance was none other than Israfel Deu Ausgard. If Osirus hadn't known better, he'd say that Israfel was looking a bit under the weather and rather nervous about something.
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Post by Israfel Deu Ausgard on Sept 16, 2007 11:54:23 GMT -8
The pain was unbearable. It burned, it throbbed, and it lingered like a bad case of the flu. It was a wound that would not heal easily and it would take much longer than a few hours for Israfel to learn how to manage the pain. But at the moment, Israfel had more important matters to attend to. "Where the hell is Laties!?" Israfel growled under his breath, running a hand across his sweating brow. He limped into the Grand Hall, using the stone wall to support himself as he moved along its curved face to where he could rest against the wall. He pressed his back against the cold stone wall and shut his eyes for a moment against the throbbing headache that lingered behind his eyes.
The travel back to Du Aurella from Arioles was a hellish race against time. The remaining soldiers and the carts got back to Du Aurella, but Israfel had to create an illusive excuse as to why the sword was not within the carts when the trade master of the castle had asked about it. Furious with defeat, weak from blood loss, and nervous with the impending actions the King would take against him from his lack of a sword, Israfel walked about the castle in a sort of daze before finally finding the nursing cleric. Upon examination of the wound, the cleric had explained to Israfel that healing of such a wound would take many hours of magic transfusions to heal the torn muscle and stitching to close the wound. But, he had no time for such things. Allowing the cleric to simply clean the wound out and stitch the largest gash, Israfel had set out to find Laties. He had to let his General know what he had failed to do and how it would affect not only him, but the whole Knighthood. Surely, King Osirus would not be pleased with the Knights after this.
Israfel opened his eyes and scanned the huge collections of nobles in front of him. The warm air and the amount of perfume in the room was making him light headed. But his emerald eyes could not pick out the one man he needed to find. Instead, trying to avoid the King's face, he found Laties upon the royal pedestal side by side with the Princess. Israfel felt all strength leave him as his shattered hope to catch him before he went off ambling among the celebration. There's no way I'm going near that table...if Osirus sees me and calls on me to bring him the sword... Israfel glanced down at his hand in which held the empty sheath. He hadn't let go of this thing ever since Noah had placed it in his hand. He clenched his fist tightly around the ornate sheath and struggled to hold onto what strength he had left.
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Eltana Remarque
Knights of Osirus
Director of the Blood Chamber
"As the world burns down around you, you will sit there and realize your weakness."
Posts: 43
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Post by Eltana Remarque on Sept 16, 2007 12:15:38 GMT -8
Shortly after the Dark King took a seat on his throne, his advisor returned accompanied by none other than Lord Eltana Remarque. The girlish weapons dealer's appearance easily put those of some of the best dressed maidens to shame. He was clothed in an elegant, plum-colored dress that hugged his womanly frame tightly; a black, cottony puff was formed just below his exposed shoulders, wrapping around his upper arms. Entwined within his hair, as always, was a fancy silk ribbon; unlike the ones he usually wore, however, this one was a bright pink lined with a soft violet fabric. A pleasant fragrance of fresh strawberries surrounded him.
"It is a pleasure to see you again, my liege. I trust that you are enjoying the festivities?" greeted Eltana in the usual icy, strangely feminine tone that seemed to carry a hint of amusement as he gave the Dark King a respectful curtsy. The strange action earned him a few surprised and confused glances from nearby knights and nobles, but he didn't seem to even notice--and even if he did, he obviously wouldn't care. Eltana had more important things on my his twisted mind, anyway--far more important things.
Those luminous amber hues of his drifted away from King Osirus for a brief moment, quickly perusing the crowds as if in search of someone in particular. He caught a glimpse of a small group of men near the other end of the Grand Hall--his men, whom had The Saevio Sword in their possession. Eltana was glad to see that his lackies were ready to present the sword, but they weren't of interest to him. The person he was looking for was Israfel Deu Ausgard, otherwise known as his "troublesome grass man."
And there he was! Eltana quirked a thin black eyebrow in surprise as he saw Israfel keeping a distance from the table. His poor little grass man looked as if he were run over by a lawn-mower! He couldn't help but smirk sadistically at the thought. Something had obviously happened: either he went after the Odium Sword or barely escaped the traps and monsters guarding the sanctuary, or he had some problems with transporting The Cruor Sword to the castle. Either way, it would certainly prove to be an amusing evening.
"But enough with the friendly banter--you are dying to see the Saevio Sword, no? It is in this very hall, and ready to be presented to you whenever you desire it," he informed King Osirus, returning his attention to the ruler of Alyssus.
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Princess Naahra
Knights of Osirus
Princess of Alyssus[/u]
The Pet of Queen Marcelle
Posts: 49
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Post by Princess Naahra on Sept 16, 2007 16:33:08 GMT -8
((Mr. Grass Man was run over with a lawnmower... XD))
A look of shock took Naahra's face as her father took her hands in his. Slowly, the look of shock was replaced with a bright smile. "Thank you so much, father!" she said happily, wishing she could leap over and hug her father, but how that would look through the eyes of the nobles, she didn't want to think about, so she slowly took Laties hand and looked up at the general. "Come on, Laties!" she said happily, beginning to tug him down the stairs that led from the royal pedstal to the dance floor. She cast a taunting glance at Nikanoru, wanting to knock his hat off his head and laugh in his face, but how that would go over with her father, she didn't want to think about. Her gaze then turned to the man...woman...thing... with the purple robe and pink ribbon entwined in...its...hair. Slowly, she turned to Laties again, smiling brightly. "Come on, Laties! Let's go dance! I'd been practicing since last night, and I want to see how I look among the other nobles!"
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Post by Laties on Sept 16, 2007 18:05:08 GMT -8
"Why, thank you." Laties said with a cheerful smile before it faltered slightly as he turned his head slightly. Something had the air at unease thus causing the General to be on guard. His dark eyes scanned the ballroom before falling onto one of his many soldiers under his command and a good friend. "He's hurt..." He murmured underneath his breath before looking back at the princess as she began to tug him along.
"Princess, a moment please. One of my men are trying to catch my attention." He said as he pulled her back lightly and pulled her hand to his lips in a chaste kiss. "Please stay here till I return unless you wish to dance with another noble. I'll be back though." He chuckled as he took both of her hands in his and shook them slightly as he continued speaking, "Remember, your attention on me, not those rubies."
With that said, Laties turned to the king and gave him a sharp salute and bow as he took a few steps back and turned to disappear into the crowd. He pratically shoved nobles out of his way as quickly made his way to the soldier. Once in range, Laties' hand shot out and gripped the younger man's upper arm tightly. "You're hurt." He whispered in a sharp tone. "You can barely stand on your own feet!"
"Damnit, Isra." he mumbled as he began to lead him out of the room. "We're going to to the sick bay, we'll talk there." Once they were out of the grand hall, Laties picked up the small man and held him as though he was a bride and began walking to the sick bay.
(Laties out for now)
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Post by Queen Marcelle on Sept 16, 2007 18:25:49 GMT -8
All of a sudden, the maroon curtain of the royal entrance opened and two single-file lines of maidens emerged. The beautiful young women were clothed in crimson dresses, and were dropping rose petals as they headed away from the arched entrance. The lines positioned themselves on each side of the maroon curtain and stood in complete silence. A few guests noticed these girls and were now paying attention to them, but others just kept on yapping without taking notice of the newcomers.
A morbidly obese, red-faced noble emerged shortly after and stood in front of the young ladies. He surveyed the crowds with his beady little eyes, noticing that most of them didn't even notice the arrival of the Queen's attendants and flower girls. Their disrespect obviously upset him, considering that a vein was now bulging on his forehead. The large man's face reddened at every voice he heard, his eyes narrowed at every look not given to the royal entrance. Finally, he screamed out in the loudest voice he could muster:
"EVERYBODY SHUT THE HELL UP AND LOOK OVER HERE!!"
Needless to say this attracted the attention of pretty much everyone in the Grand Hall. Couples had stopped dancing, royals stopped conversing, soldiers stopped joking around with each other. The music stopped altogether. All eyes were fixed directly on the tubby man; some jaws were agape, and eyes were blinking in disbelief of what they had just heard. The guests stared blankly at the obese man, waiting for him to continue.
The obese man cleared his throat and moved aside, motioning toward the maroon curtain. "Presenting Queen Marcelle Maria Valhalla I, Queen of Alyssus and wife of King Osirus!" he exclaimed loudly as the curtain was pulled open completely to reveal none other than the Queen herself. Marcelle was wearing a fancy, blood red dress lined with fine white silks with her crescent head-dress and high-heeled boots. The Queen was holding a crimson fan in front of her lovely face, piercing blue eyes perusing the crowds.
A small smile graced her soft face as she saw her beloved husband sitting on his throne, conversing with that weapons dealer she saw around the castle every now and then. She hoped he was enjoying his birthday--even if he wasn't currently, he certainly would once Sergeant Israfel presented him with the Cruor sword later on. That smile, however, quickly faded once she noticed her daughter holding the hand of General Laties Luhma, the desert barbarian. That certainly wouldn't do!
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