|
Post by Eruanna's Menagerie on Jun 26, 2011 9:09:13 GMT -5
ooc | Private RP between Swann (myself) and Leonardo (Kit). OK I'm kind of fluffing because this RP doesn't really take place in Meridell; Leonardo is just from there. But I didn't want to put this RP in the Misc. section and there's no Faerieland! xD So there you go.
ic | Northeast.
Swann was always aware of what direction Meridell was in. It was as if her heart and it were magnets always pulling towards each other. The mare was certain that even if she were blindfolded and taken to an unknown location, she would still know what direction Meridell lay. Thankfully, other than the constant tugging at her mind, Meridell itself had thus far seemed content to leave her alone in Faerieland. Yes, thank Fyora for that relief. Swann was not quite sure what she would say to a Meridellian; she had not interacted with one since all those years ago, at the end of the war.
With a sigh, the Uni turned back to her journal. One thing that was nice about Faerieland being grounded - there wasn't nearly as much wind as there had been up in the sky. Swann had always found it nearly impossible to work outside when Faerieland was skybound, with the wind being a constant annoyance. Down here, however, she was able to sit in one of the many gardens, her journal set before her on the picnic table. Her pen was poised above the page via the common magic of Unis, which came from her horn.
She wasn't working on anything in particular - merely observing, writing down her thoughts, expanding on this and that idea. She was currently between works, as of now unsure of what to begin working on. Perhaps submit some poems to the Poetry Gallery before tackling another play.
|
|
Kit
Youngling
Posts: 95
|
Post by Kit on Jun 26, 2011 14:30:38 GMT -5
occ: I'm tired, but was too excited to wait before replying so it is a bit long and little rough.
ic: Sometimes Leonardo wondered if he had joined the military for all the wrong reasons.
Actually he wondered about it quite often, and it was his thought of choice at the moment. His squad marched purposely through the streets of Faerieland, the combined falls of each soldier's step creating a low rumble in the air. They had been sent from Meridell to assist in the rebuilding and protection of the fallen city, though Leonardo had a suspicion his king had done it more out of the prideful rivalry he had with his brother than a genuine desire to help. And while Leonardo enjoyed the idea of helping those in need, several of the soldiers under his charge did not. It took every ounce of authority he had to keep them in line. It was only mid day.
Sighing, he halted the march, still standing tall and poised despite his irritation. Sharp orders were called out as he separated his squad, sending those who had had enough of helping individuals to a construction zone in need of hard labor. "For the next few days we will assist those with a desire for help in this area," he explained to those left, "Small groups, door to door, I expect a progress report tonight back at camp." It went without saying that they were to be polite and respectful, he had kept only the troops he trusted to follow this for not all were interested in the assistance of another kingdom.
Dismissing the teams, Leonardo trotted off alone for he was in desperate need of some peace and quiet. It wasn't long before he found himself in a garden, wandering aimlessly through the flowers and shrubbery.
|
|
|
Post by Eruanna's Menagerie on Jun 26, 2011 16:32:30 GMT -5
ooc | lol no prob. ic | Swann looked up from where she had been staring at been staring hard enough at a blank page to bore a hole into it. Violet eyes blinked. Someone had stepped into the gardens and was walking around silently. A closer look revealed him to be a Uni. He was walking steadily, quietly, without disturbing anything. She watched him as he walked. From the way he was wandering around, Swann believed that he didn't have a destination, or was waiting for anyone. She narrowed her eyes. In fact, she thought that perhaps he didn't know his way around at all.
Her eyes passed over the regalia on his flank. Some sort of military Uni... suddenly, the mare felt her heart jump into her throat. The bright red and blue were unmistakable. Meridell. What were Meridellian forces doing in Faerieland? Time to take my leave, Swann thought firmly. With a nod of her head, her book closed; it and her pen fell into the bag that lay across her side. Standing as quietly as possible, Swann went to move in the opposite direction of the stallion, praying he would not notice her.
|
|
Kit
Youngling
Posts: 95
|
Post by Kit on Jun 26, 2011 20:30:03 GMT -5
But he had heard her.
Though he couldn't see her at first, his trained senses easily picked up the faint sounds of movement. Curious he picked up his pace, doing his best to navigate the unfamiliar garden. Cobalt blue eyes just barely caught the sight of another uni moving away from him.
Perhaps if he had been anyone else, the stranger would have escaped, but Leonardo had spent his years mastering navigation and tracking. Despite the armor, bow and arrow quiver strapped to his body, there was no clanking or flutter of fabric. He moved with swift, almost elegant, movements, catching more and fuller looks at the one he pursued.
He lost her for a series of turns but the garden's maze suddenly left him in front of her. Blinking in surprise he managed to quickly regain his composure, dipping his head in a respectful manner, "Good day fair lady, I do hope I have neither disrupted nor frightened you from your previous engagements."
Leonardo did his best to smile and speak warmly to the mare for as he stood tall with his electric blue hair tied back and tan coat mostly hidden by his military attire, he knew many saw him as regal and frightening. That or they were just nasty towards Meridell in general. He hoped none of these were the case for the one before him.
|
|
|
Post by Eruanna's Menagerie on Jun 26, 2011 23:00:31 GMT -5
Swann winced as she heard the voice call out to her. Fyora's staff... she swore inwardly. Why had the stallion taken such pains to follow her? She wasn't surprised that she had been caught trying to escape - this close, Swann could see more clearly the medals upon her pursuer's uniform. He was clearly a general or someone of notable rank in the army. The glint of his armor unnerved Swann; gentlemanly as his manners might be, she was quite sure it was merely a facade. Her large white feathered wings tensed against her sky-blue flanks, revealing some of the tenseness that she was trying to keep out of her graceful posture.
Good day, my lord, Swann replied. Some stiffness made its way into her normally melodic voice. Have no fears, sir, I was merely on my way out... As if to prove her point, Swann's violet eyes shifted to one side as she took a few tentative steps away from the stallion. It was clear she wanted to get away as quickly and smoothly as possible. As she moved, however, a nearby branch from one of the bushes caught on her bag, causing her journal to fall. Oh - ! Swann exclaimed, stopping short and moving to retrieve the fallen object.
|
|
Kit
Youngling
Posts: 95
|
Post by Kit on Jun 27, 2011 1:48:33 GMT -5
But he was faster, picking the fallen journal up and offering it to her in a single easy motion. "Despite your words, it seems I have upset you none the less my lady," he frowned slightly. His eyes caught the way she tensed, the way she glanced at his armor warily; his ears picking up on the slight edge in her voice as she spoke. "Why do I feel that if I had chanced upon you at a time when I was not dressed in armor, our meeting would have taken a different tone?" he sighed, quietly upset that she immediately showed such unease around him when in his mind he had done nothing wrong.
"Please," his voice softened and he shifted his weight so his navy cape fell over him in a way that covered all hints of his military profession other than his bow and quiver, "I do not desire to trap you here against your will. I only ask that my lady blesses me with her company awhile longer." To emphasize his point he stepped aside, giving her a path to escape if that was truly what she wanted. He hoped that wasn't the case, for she seemed intelligent which always made for interesting, if not good, company; especially after the morning he had had. Still, he was no fool and did not wish farther than he could swish his currently tied up tail.
|
|
|
Post by Eruanna's Menagerie on Jun 27, 2011 12:45:57 GMT -5
Swann nodded her head, her magic scooping up the journal from the stallion and into her bag in one smooth movement. She murmured a small Thank you as she did so. It was probably true that Swann would have enjoyed this Uni's company more without his armor - his armor gave him away, revealed who he really was. She inwardly shuddered at the thought of striking up a friendship with the stallion if she'd known him like that. This way, he couldn't pull any tricks on her.
Not that he wasn't trying. Swann's eyes hardened as the stallion shook his cloak over his armor. Why in Fyora's name was he so bent on being "blessed by her company?" Ridiculous talk that made Swann even more suspcious as to the stallion's intentions. Then again... perhaps she could get some information out of him if she stayed for a few minutes. Surely a few minutes wouldn't hurt.
May I inquire as to the business of the Meridellian army in Faerieland? Swann demanded, frowning.
|
|
Kit
Youngling
Posts: 95
|
Post by Kit on Jun 27, 2011 15:59:12 GMT -5
He internally cringed at her demanding question, but kept his outward appearance calm. Well it is a start, she isn't running away anymore. After all her question was very reasonable and he had expected hostilities towards him and his squad from Faerieland's natives. Though he still wasn't sure why exactly.
None the less he gave a small smile and responded smoothly, "We have been charged by our King to assist in the rebuilding and restoration of this fallen land." Leonardo refrained from saying more than what she had asked for, not wanting to upset her further with his ramblings. Questions burned on his tongue but he dared not ask her, not yet any way.
|
|
|
Post by Eruanna's Menagerie on Jun 27, 2011 21:59:27 GMT -5
Swann sniffed, raising her head slightly. Her light purple hair, dotted with diamonds, shimmered in the early afternoon sun. This information did not surprise - or faze - her at all. It was just like Skarl to send out his armies to an area of Neopia as soon as he realized the danger was gone, after all the real work had been done. It was late enough that he'd missed getting caught up in the initial hysteria, but just soon enough that he'd still appear noble and kind to most Neopians. It's been some time since Faerieland became grounded, she observed coolly. ]It appears as if your king is rather slow. One wonders as to his true intentions. Her statement came of a bit more cruelly than she had intended. Swann berated herself for the comment - as much as she disliked Meridell, that had been going too far.
Oh -- I... I do apologize, Swann amended herself quickly, her eyes going to the ground. So much for trying to pry information from this soldier. She doubted he'd speak another word to her after that rather blunt observation. It is not my place to say such things. If you would excuse me.... She tried to slip off to the open side of the stallion, not meeting his eyes.
|
|
Kit
Youngling
Posts: 95
|
Post by Kit on Jun 27, 2011 23:13:06 GMT -5
He was caught off guard by the rather cruel tone her voice carried. But instead of growing angry at such a blatant insult towards his king, Leonardo almost felt the urge to laugh. "Truthfully, I have wondered the same thing my lady," he mumbled under his breath. Perhaps he would have been more upset if it had not been for her immediate apology on the subject. Instead her reaction enticed him, sparking his curiosity. What memories of Meridell haunt her, what actions of Skarl's have hurt her so badly? he wondered, having pieced together all the small hints gained by watching her behavior.
Leonardo redirected his focus as he realized she was trying to leave again. As a gentleman he would never force his company upon her, however she interested him too much for him to simply let her slip away without trying one more time.
"Wait," he asked gently, lowering and turning his head slightly to try to capture her down turned gaze, "please." He cut a fierce image, cream washing over the tan on his face, highlighting his cheek bones as chocolate brown streaked down from his eyes like war paint; but there was a softness and warmth to his features that melted hearts. "The battle may be over, but there are still many that suffer. It takes only moments to destroy years of hard work, the damage is as much sentimental as it is physical. I come here not only to rebuild homes, but to rebuild lives," he paused, finally managing to meet his eyes to hers, cobalt to violet. "Surely you know of someone in such a need?" his voice was soft, a whisper if not for its rich tone.
|
|
|
Post by Eruanna's Menagerie on Jun 28, 2011 15:46:04 GMT -5
Swann actually stopped and, in fact, paused as the stallion called out to her. Though her dislike was fairly obvious, Swann had been raised a lady, and would always act as one. This soldier was polite and courteous, and for her to leave so abruptly without cause was incredibly rude. She still refused, however, to let herself be swayed by the Uni's deep voice. She still didn't trust him any further than she could spit (which was not far at all, considering that Swann would never dare spit).
You are correct, my lord, Swann replied, her gaze looking out beyond the gardens to the visible walls of several pet and faerie homes. Though the land is basically restored, it is not as it was while in the heavens. She bowed her head slightly, remembering the glory days of Faerieland in the sky. Well... those were gone. And rebuilding was a painful and daunting process. Many Neopians had forgotten about Faerieland after the initial shock and wave of assistance. Now it was mostly Faerieland natives who were left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.
Still, excuse my asking, my lord, but... should you not be attending to your troops and Faerieland? Yet you are here, relaxing in the gardens, she observed, eyes shifting back up to stare accusingly at the stallion.
|
|
Kit
Youngling
Posts: 95
|
Post by Kit on Jun 28, 2011 16:15:07 GMT -5
Leonardo nearly sighed in relief when she stayed. He didn't relax fully, but his muscles eased slightly from the previous moment's tension beneath his cape. He almost wanted to chuckle to himself for he could see the way she forced herself to stay, A lady, through and through, he thought, resisting the smile that tugged his lips, and a clever one at that!
This time he really did smile as her question made him chuckle softly, "Relaxing is the key my lady, I have scarcely had a moment's breath to myself since arriving and it would be most unproductive towards my task if I was irritable and generally unpleasant with those I was trying to assist." It was not a lie, between dealing with critical and emotional natives, some too prideful to accept help even though it was painfully obvious they need it, and keeping his more unruly soldiers in line, Leonardo was exhausted.
His smile was a charming expression, reflecting the shine of amusement in his eyes. "Besides my lady," he added, "is it so hard to believe that one of a military profession such as myself would enjoy the beauty and peace of a garden? Do not be so hasty as to group those with so few, however blatant, similarities into the same bundle." His voice had softened again with his last string of words, eyes imploring her to not judge him on the actions of others in the past.
|
|
|
Post by Eruanna's Menagerie on Jun 29, 2011 16:04:25 GMT -5
Against her better judgment, Swann felt herself softening slightly towards this stallion. She still didn't trust him, but it was against her better nature to be unpleasant to people, and it was really taking all of her effort to maintain such a high wall between them. She had no real reason to be so unpleasant, besides, of course, where the stallion came from. Even worse... defended. But still. It was horribly close-minded to act as she was. Perhaps I could offer my lord some refreshment after such a long day? the mare said softly, her eyes looking back at the stallion. There is a pleasant cafe just on the other side of the gardens... A small smile lit up her face, instantly making her appearance warmer.
|
|
Kit
Youngling
Posts: 95
|
Post by Kit on Jun 29, 2011 16:25:20 GMT -5
Leonardo was still for a moment watching her, What a beautiful smile..., before a pleasant smile brightened his face, "How kind you are my lady, I would be honored to accompany you." He shifted, regaining his full stature and offering her space to lead the way. "I do ask for a small favor however, that you would tell me your name," though polite and smooth as always, there was a small hitch in his voice, a hesitation, an awkwardness, though only for a moment. "Of course it would be rude to request such a thing without first offering my own, to which I hope you do not mind. My name is Leonardo."
|
|
|
Post by Eruanna's Menagerie on Jun 29, 2011 22:59:33 GMT -5
Swann hesitated. It had been inevitable, she supposed, telling the stallion her name. For a half moment she entertained the idea of coming up with an alias - but then she quickly shook off that idea. How silly! An alias for an alias! Whoever heard of such a thing? There was no harm in telling him her name; after all, she was merely a writer in Faerieland. That was all Iluni was.
I am Iluni, Sir Leonardo, Swann replied with a nodd of her head. Always formal to the point of distraction, though she considered it entirely justified considering that Leonardo was presumably a knight. She paused, considering Leonardo as she thought about that. You have a strong name, my lord, the mare observed quietly, almost to herslelf. A name fit for a warrior such as yourself. It was the kind of name Swann would give such a character in one of her plays.
|
|
Kit
Youngling
Posts: 95
|
Post by Kit on Jun 29, 2011 23:41:52 GMT -5
It wasn't often that Leonardo offered someone his full name. More commonly he gave his nickname 'Leo' for most saw the shortened version as more powerful than the fuller one and most often he was dealing with the military type who valued power. For some reason his full name gave off a much more formal, aristocratic feeling; he supposed that why his parents gave it to him. So to hear Iluni say that his full name sound strong was new to him. He grinned, surprised but pleased, "I am glad you like it my lady."
"Lady Iluni," he repeated after pausing a moment, testing the sound of the name on his tongue. He would have returned her previous favor by complementing the sound of it but a memory caught his voice, "A lovely name, Iluni... I feel I have heard it somewhere before, yet I know I have not met you in the past. I would have remembered meeting such a beautiful lady."
The more he said the name the closer the memory came.. he had read it somewhere. Leonardo gave the mare a sly look, excitement lighting his eyes, "Would you happen to be the same Iluni that pens great literature for the paper and stage my lady?"
|
|
|
Post by Eruanna's Menagerie on Jun 30, 2011 11:51:26 GMT -5
Swann forced the feeling of comfort down. His compliments were sweet, but that was all. She wasn't going to be taken in by some nice words. She was civil, of course, always polite, but there was obviously a mask pulled over her face, a natural defense that went up when Leonardo's words became too flattering. Yes, I am, she answered with a small smile. Well, it was nice wheen Neopets recognized her name, after all.
From the way you speak, may I assume you are familiar with my work? Swann phrased her question very carefully, as she never tried to fish for compliments. She wanted to hear Leonardo's honest opinion. As excited as Leonardo was, Swann was just as excited to meet fans of her works.
As they talked, Swann and Leonardo soon reached the Faerie Cafe which laid directly outside the garden grounds. Flowers and ivy crawled along the structure, which looked like more a part of nature than an intrusive building. Swann motioned Leonardo to a table outside the cafe, and soon a young Air Faerie fluttered over for their orders.
I shall have the Twirly Fruit Parasol Faerie Punch, please, Swann rattled off. It was her usual drink.ooc | Here's the Jellyneo Item Database for Faerie Foods, by the way, in case you wanna be fun and order a real drink. I use this all the time, it's so cool! items.jellyneo.net/index.php?go=show_items&name=&name_type=partial&desc=&cat=41&specialcat=0&status=0&rarity=0&sortby=name&numitems=20
|
|
Kit
Youngling
Posts: 95
|
Post by Kit on Jun 30, 2011 14:17:02 GMT -5
Leonardo glanced awkwardly around the gardens before giving Iluni a rather sheepish smile, "A few my lady. I am rather fond of the theater and tend to read the paper cover to cover, poetry and all." Had he been any less poised and trained against giving away emotions, Leonardo would have blushed slightly in embarrassment, "I would appreciate it if you did not inform my men. I tell the nosy ones that I do so to keep up with the moods and feelings of the people, which is true, however I also enjoy it simply for being what it is. It is a small tragedy that many soldiers would lose most of their respect for their commanding officer upon learning that he enjoys the arts."
He took the place across from the mare at the small cafe table, looking over the cafe with a curious eye. Though they no longer lived in the clouds, it seemed the natives were still able to create the sense of magic and enchantment they were known for. Smiling politely at their server, he asked simply for "A Thornberry Parasol Faerie Punch, please."
|
|
|
Post by Eruanna's Menagerie on Jun 30, 2011 19:53:51 GMT -5
ooc | By the way, does Leonardo exist on Neopets? I'd love to link Iluni to him. =)
Swann nodded mutely, her eyes wandering around the cafe tables. She had little reason to believe that she would ever interact with Leonardo's troops, so the gesture was an automatic one. The atmosphere was fairly silent as they awaited for their drinks, and Swann felt somewhat relieved when their orders finally arrived. She smiled at the Air Faerie who came with the drinks. A little magic swirled the parasol in her drink before raising the goblet to her lips to sip the bubbly brew.
This is my favorite cafe in Faerieland, even before the crash, Swann mentioned; it was an attempt at some light conversation to alleviate the silence. Always the faerie owners here have striven to connect their cafe with the environment round them. It creates a feeling of great peace, I think.
|
|
Kit
Youngling
Posts: 95
|
Post by Kit on Jul 1, 2011 2:09:16 GMT -5
ooc: Unfortunately he doesn't. I've never been up for multiple accounts and the one I have is full.
ic: It wasn't often Leonardo found conversation to be lacking. It was to be expected however, he really did not have the best social and conversation skills. He was so used to being a leader, making decision and calling out orders; that or being with company that constantly talked. Then again it was also rare for someone to be uncomfortable around him for so long after meeting. He could see it in her movements, hear it in her voice. It was all a rather curious experience, a puzzle he wanted to solve. To become friends with someone who didn't show the initial desire to do so, wasn't that what Feng had always done?
Leonardo's drifting attention was cleared by the server bringing out their drinks. A smile and small word of thanks was given before he sipped his own drink slowly. "I only hope my men and I can provide the necessary assistance for the owners such as the ones here to continue such a practice. Simplistic, natural beauty is sometimes the most challenging to achieve," he replied. Leo gave her sheepish smile after a quiet pause when he lifted his glass to drink, "To be honest, I was never given the opportunity to visit this land when it lay in the heavens."
|
|