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Post by Eruanna's Menagerie on Nov 15, 2011 23:03:53 GMT -5
ooc | Oh my gosh I am sooo sorry for the huge hiatus from this! Musical and huge projects really sucked up all my time. =B I should be able to keep up a bit better now, though. Oh and I got an idea for the rebels. Since Swann is a self-exiled Meridell noble, she could bring some authority to their cause. If they have someone among their ranks that knows who she is, they could take advantage of that and try and kidnap her or something. Maybe another disenchanted Meridell noble? Lol I feel like the rebels are your idea so you should control them. xD ic | Swann stiffened. Like Leonardo, she was only too aware of the "unwelcome company" that he referred to. Indeed. One might be led to suspect that some disapprove of thy presence here, she said somewhat stiffly, completely altering the mood of the previously neutral banter. She knew it was wrong to be so rude, but she simply couldn't help but let some of her own emotions--those which, she reluctantly admitted, were tempted to side with the protestors--reveal themselves. Not, of course, that she would ever actually take part in their efforts, which were entirely out of line.
The mood was a decidedly awkward one all the way back into town. Swann regretted her rude statement; not that it was untrue, but that it was uncalled for. As she and Leonardo walked through town, back towards the debris where they had previously been, she suddenly felt aware of... eyes. Swann glanced to the left and right of the busy sidestreet, but she didn't see anyone watching them. Still, the feeling was unnerving. Merely overreacting from yesterday... calm thyself, she thought, trying to shake her nerves.
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Kit
Youngling
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Post by Kit on Nov 17, 2011 2:26:50 GMT -5
((I was wondering what happened to you. But no worries, I completely understand how hectic things can get. Hmm I think I understand what you are thinking of...Psh the rebels are vague characters, no reason why you can't join the fun a little bit))
"I was hoping they would not recognize me," he replied to her softly. The tone of his voice proved it difficult to tell if he was truly disappointed or offering a final playful jab. Still, he feel silent as they journeyed back to town.
Leonardo was both surprised and suspicious when the presences he felt around them did nothing. He knew they still followed, watching, waiting..waiting for what? If they had wanted to attack to most tactical decision would have been to grab him in the forest out of town. Especially with the cart strapped to his back. The cart, of course. If he did not return it, the owner would be worried which would not bode well for the rebel's public relations to try and get the rest of Faerieland on their side.
Arriving at the Ruki's place once again, Leo was not surprised to find the older gentleman waiting for them. Nor was he surprised to hear him ramble and stutter out, "You are f-far too kind dear sir and my l-lady. I can h-handle the rest on my own, so good day to you both!" while remonving the cart from his back. He watched him walk with determinedly measured steps, back to his home. One glance at the even larger debris pile destroyed the Ruki's lie. But Leo expected this. Sighing softly he turned to Iluni, opening his mouth to speak only to shut it again and flick his ears back against his head.
"Your quarrel is with me and me alone. Intimidating the locals will provide you with no support," he suddenly called out, facing Iluni but not speaking to her.
A low grunt of scoffing laughter met his challenge before a voice in turn replied mockingly, "Well, well, looks like good old Meridell actually has some potential among its ranks again. Haven't see that in awhile." It was at that moment the streets seemed unnaturally empty, though in fact they were still quiet busy. Only one figure clad in hues of dark navy approached them but Leo's senses were alive, picking out the followers hidden within the crowds appearing to be nonchalant, but always watching.
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Post by Eruanna's Menagerie on Nov 21, 2011 22:44:12 GMT -5
Swann's eyes widened. She felt her stomach give a sudden swoop. Not again--were they about to be jumped yet again by these protesters? She took a step closer to Leonardo. These protesters had now attacked she and Leonardo twice. Perhaps it was vanity, but she had to wonder--were they really after Leonardo, or her as well? Leonardo had not been in her company long; why hadn't they attacked while he had been by himself?
Suddenly, Swann heard a hissing voice, raspy, chuckle from somewhere behind her. "The locals"... that's a good joke. This Meridell fop clearly has no idea just whose company he has been keeping for the past two days. Swann's heart jumped in her throat, and she leapt forward so that she was standing beside Leonardo, looking wildly to where the voice had come from. Show thyself, speaker! Thou art in a cruel jest, she stammered out, peering anxiously over at Leonardo and wondering if he had heard.
Leonardo... Swann said weakly, watching the approaching cloaked figure with trepidation. A braver Neopet would show his visage, she commented, trying to sound strong despite being horribly shaken.
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Kit
Youngling
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Post by Kit on Nov 21, 2011 23:52:15 GMT -5
((Sorry this is so long! I'm trying to give you something to play off of))
Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, Leonardo did not hear the hissing voice of the shadows that Iluni did for he was far too focused on the figure approaching them. He didn't flinch as the mare moved closer to him, in fact he positioned his body at the best possible angle to protect her. His mind ran non stop, calculating scenario after scenario and not liking many that came to him.
They were surrounded and out numbered, the environment was already distrustful towards him, he had no weapons and most importantly he had a companion to protect. Glancing down to the mare he whispered gently, "I will protect you." Standing tall and composed, he waited for the approaching ring leader to speak. It didn't take long after Iluni's comment.
"Alas dear poet, I am a coward. But then again so are you. Not sharing your true identity with such a fine knight? Such a shame. Do you know who he is?" the obviously male figure drawled out with a sly smirk. He continued, "This fine lad here is Meridell's one and only Golden Lion!"
Here Leonardo narrowed his eyes, frowning grimly. "Enough," he demanded, voice deep and unyielding. The war name bestowed upon him was one he chose to ignore. He ignored it because it only emphasized the number of enemies he had defeated in his first battle. Gold, the color of the sun high above equaled a high number of deaths by his hand. Lion, the king of the jungle, a creature that portrayed the unforgiving aggression with which he fought as well as the nobility and dignity he possessed while doing so. Such word play was common within the ranks of the army, reminiscent of poetic bards. He only hoped Iluni did not catch on.
"Of course, why don't we turn our attentions to the lady at your side." the stranger laughed with a wave of his hand. "No," Leonardo commanded again, "you will tell us what business you and your men have with us and you will be gone from my sight." The light in the man's eyes turned cruel, "Tsk, tsk, always so demanding boy. But I shall indulge, we have come for her obvivously, and you have unknowingly created the perfect opportunity."
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Post by Eruanna's Menagerie on Nov 22, 2011 12:23:45 GMT -5
Swann's eyes narrowed. She had finally composed herself again, and now that this Neopet was speaking directly to her, she found it easier to speak for herself. Her mind rapidly began putting together the pieces of the puzzle. She knew of the "Golden Lion"--he as a famous Meridellian noble, after all. She had not known, however, that Leonardo had been the keeper of this title. Somehow, though, she was not surprised. How else had such a young Neopet worked his way up through the ranks so quickly?
Your knowledge is becoming quite trite, sir, she said somewhat venomously. If you are seeking to shock or impress me, you are quite mistaken. Clearly thy quarrel is with myself. I should think it wise for you to refrain from including a knight of Meridell into your childishness. She stepped in front of Leonardo slightly, pursing her lips. Her eyes were steely. These wild actions to intimidate are hardly to your favor. Had you perhaps paid visit to my cottage, we could have discussed the matter over tea and crumpets.
A smile played on the edges of Swann's mouth. Speaking freely had straightened her backbone. She didn't mind at all if she maddened these foolish hooligans. If they really needed her for some purpose, they weren't going to hurt her, no matter how much a fuss they put up. I believe 'tis best you take your leave, Sir Leonardo, Swann said stonily, not turning to face the Uni.
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Kit
Youngling
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Post by Kit on Nov 22, 2011 17:44:41 GMT -5
Leonardo was only mildly surprised by Iluni's sudden display of defiance strength. In truth he had been more surprised by the fear she had shown just moments before, so used to the fire and steel of her personality from their earlier encounters.
"My lady, I hardly think what you are suggesting is appropriate," he tried to reason, not taking his eyes off the thug leader. Despite her commanding presence and words, he doubted she would be able to handle a gang of thugs. No, he refused to allow her to face them on her own.
The man laughed and suddenly the streets truly were empty causing Leo's muscles to coil and tense. "Tea and crumpets? How sweet, though I do hope you'll understand if I pass," he replied mockingly. When speaking he gestured quite often with his hands, but one specific flick of the wrist caught Leonardo's attention. It was a non-verbal cue to strike, he hadn't seen it in some time but it had the distinct flair of the Meridell-Darigan war era.
Everything seemed to happen at once. Lashing out with sharp precision, Leonardo's hooves kept the thugs at bay. His appearance of a warrior was natural. Muscles rippled beneath his golden and tan toned coat, ears pinned to his head. The streaks of brown that extended from his eyes down his cheek appearing to be a natural war paint. Electric blue hair, free of its normal ties and tight braids, flew back and whipped from side to side. He was in command of the moment; calm and quiet strength partnered with skillful and efficient movements. Only his eyes, filled with an annoyed distaste, contradicted his military supremacy.
At once it was over, but not from his skill. In his haste to protect Iluni, Leo had lost sight of the thug leader. In turn he had calmly knocked an arrow into the bow on his back, but instead of a sharp point at the head, there was a hard ball. Releasing the tightened string, it expertly squeezed through the gaps of the melee to slam into Leo's face. Surprise lit his face as he caught once last glance to Iluni. Falling, his world turned to black.
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Post by Eruanna's Menagerie on Nov 22, 2011 20:53:15 GMT -5
No--Leonardo--! Swann cried as her companion leapt forward, but her words clearly fell on deaf ears. She watched stonily as he singlehandedly fought the thugs, holding his own until the leader finally stepped in and, in one fell swoop, brought Leonardo down with a crash. Swann stared icily at the leader. That is enough, she said, stepping over Leonardo's body and facing the leader.
No more... Lord Hayden. Swann raised her head slightly, eyes flashing. In that one movement of the thug attacking Leonardo, she had seen it. She had recognized him. He had been one of the generals in the Meridell army during the war. In fact, he had come to her house when her father had been recruited back to his position as admiral into the ranks. This reunion, however, was far from pleasant.
How far thy state hath fallen. Yet somehow I find myself hardly shocked, she continued coolly.
ooc | Lol I hope you don't mind my naming the leader. xD
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Kit
Youngling
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Post by Kit on Nov 23, 2011 3:51:59 GMT -5
((Perfectly fine with it, he needed a name anyway haha))
Had Leonardo been awake the name Iluni uttered would have triggered his memory in an instant. He would have remembered working with the general for a brief amount of time during the war. Both he and Hayden were skilled archers and natural leaders so they had not been put in the same sections. He would have remembered hearing rumors about Hayden's jealousy towards Leo's quick achievement of high rank at a young age, but ignore them since rumors were always spinning about. But the fallen stallion would not remember or think about any of these things for he was not awake, but instead unconscious.
"Ah so you do remember me, I'm touched," Hayden replied, putting away his bow. His men had stopped attacking but stood waiting all around them. "You have grown since I last saw you Miss Swann. I hear you've made a name for yourself as a poet, though under a pen name that isn't your own," he recounted, eyes never leaving her.
"But enough games," he finished sharply. Suddenly his playful and taunting demeanor vanished. "I will not enlighten you as to what my plans are because, honestly I find it tacky. Just rest assured, you won't die... for now." With that he made another gesture with his hand, bringing it down low with a quick snap, and his men leaped forward to capture the knight and playwright.
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Post by Eruanna's Menagerie on Nov 24, 2011 22:50:38 GMT -5
Spare me the details of thy plot, Swann interrupted disdainfully. Why exactly Hayden even desired to tell her the details completely eluded her. He was like a poorly-written villain in a play, and just as tiring to listen to. She stiffened as Hayden's thugs surrounded her, shaking their grasp as they leaned in to grab at her. I shall walk by mine own power, gentlemen, she sniffed, watching with satisfaction as they backed off. Hayden must really be scared if he was ordering his men to capture her like this, when she was clearly unarmed and not any danger to him. The thought gave Swann courage.
Well? Thy dallying bores me. Lead on or I shall simply leave myself, she said with dignity, violet eyes flashing at Hayden with contempt.
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Kit
Youngling
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Post by Kit on Nov 25, 2011 19:08:19 GMT -5
Hayden smacked his forehead, rubbing his eyes with a sigh as his men backed away from the mare when she snapped. Looked like she was going to be a bigger pain than the captain..maybe he should just knock her out as well. But he knew that wouldn't be wise, as tempting as it was- and it was very tempting- she was too popular and carrying her around unconscious would raise too much suspicious, far too fast.
"My, my aren't you the sassy one," he remarked as she made her impatient demands. "I was going to be a gentleman by carrying you so you won't have to walk and get tired, but if you insist on walking yourself so be it." His tone was turning nasty, he could see she didn't respect or fear him. He would have to fix that.
The Meridell captain was tied up and blindfolded, thrown into the back of a cart and covered up. A couple of his men pulled the cart along side Hayden who motioned Swann to follow him with a mocking bow and arm gesture. Only two other thugs hung around, the rest scattering ino the nearby surroundings. The ones walking with them carried bags and were dressed to be traveling merchants or farmers.
"Don't try to run or call for help dear, it won't end well for you," he threatened, voice falsely sweet. The member of his gang walking beside her snorted softly in amusement, drawing her attention to the fact that his dagger hovered at her side, ready to cut if she rebelled, but hidden to any passing by.
((Uhhh I don't know why they are taking her..any suggestions? Haha))
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Post by Eruanna's Menagerie on Dec 3, 2011 20:31:44 GMT -5
ooc | See, I was thinking it was to strengthen their anti-Meridell campaign. Lord Hayden was also, at one time, a Meridell noble, so it seems like he's using some of Faerieland's general displeasure with Meridell to stir up the pot and start something more sinister. The question is, why?? What happened to Lord Hayden that he would exile himself from Meridell and then want to disgrace their army in Faerieland? Or is he starting something even larger? And why didn't he just hole himself up in a cottage and write pretty poetry like Swann?? (lol)
HOLY CRAP WHAT IS THIS WE JUST STARTED SOME MASSIVE PLOT OR SOMETHING 8|
BUT ANYWAY he's using Swann as leverage. Or perhaps to see if he can persuade her over to his side and gain more power. She is, after all, still technically a noble. If she returned to Meridell and reclaimed her title before King Skarl, she would be the rightful heir to her family's property.
Swann watched the proceedings with an impassable face. If she felt any guilt or regret seeing Leonardo roughly blindfolded, tied, and tossed into the back of the cart, it did not show on her face. She read Hayden's intentions as easily as a children's picture book. So the mighty Lord Hayden's mind does contain some gems of wisdom, she sneered as she fell into step several feet behind him. He certainly wasn't being comparely gentle with her out of the kindness of his heart. Swann mentally steeled herself--she did not know Lord Hayden well, but she knew him well enough now to know that nothing he did was without motive or an ulterior purpose.
My pride is wounded, sir, by thy insinuations, she continued passively after his last comment. Although, she admitted to herself, her rudeness was really as hypocritical as his kindness and warnings--they both knew that neither one was a fool. As they walked along the streets, Swann kept her face stony, looking straight ahead. Acting without fully understanding the situation was completely unwise, she knew; it was better to wait this out and see what the general had in store for her and Leonardo. Acutely aware of their surroundings, Swann slowly realized that she had no idea where Hayden was leading her. That was one bad thing about Faerieland crashing--Swann now didn't know the city as well as she once did, since everything had been misplaced. Hopefully she'd be able to get her bearings soon...
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Kit
Youngling
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Post by Kit on Dec 4, 2011 2:33:20 GMT -5
((Ah okay, that was my general thought, just needed a bit of clarification. YES. YES WE DID. GO TEAM.))
Hayden decided his best tactic at the moment was to ignore the young ex-noble for the duration of the trip.
As they walked the forest slowly changed and the chances of Swann recognizing and determining their position diminished. Had Leonardo been awake and able to see the world he would have noticed the way the trees thinned and darkened, the way the lush vegetation grew sad and note from the sky that they were headed vaguely north, but even his advanced tracking skills ended there. Somewhere outside of Faerieland, but not quite the Haunted Woods nor the Royal Kingdoms.
By the time they neared the base camp for Hayden's operations, it was growing dark. Lengthening shadows both natural from the falling sun and from the essence of the forest itself, hid the camp and scattered guards and patrols well. In fact as they neared Swann would see that the camp resembled more of an abandoned village that had been moved into rather than a tent pitched camp like Leonardo's was back in Faerieland.
The little procession walked straight in, with Hayden at its head, making a beeline for one of the larger building complexes. "You know where to take him," he gestured to the two men hauling the cart with Leonardo inside. He continued walking without pause, as did the men beside Swann who now encouraged her silently to follow their leader through the thrown open doors of the building. Warmth and light spilled out from within, a surprising change from the now chilly forest air.
"My dear lady, let me apologize for my earlier rashness," Hayden started, gesturing elegantly with a tone that sounded genuinely apologetic. "Please, we have a room set up for you and it would please me so if you would rest yourself there for a small while before joining me back out here in the dining hall," again he gestured, this time grandly in reference to the room they now stood. "Of course, my men will guide you, wouldn't want you getting lost." Here he gave a smile both sweet and sly with amusement, but holding an undertone of command. Swann really didn't have much of a choice.
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Post by Eruanna's Menagerie on Dec 30, 2011 19:36:48 GMT -5
Swann opened her mouth to protest, but shut it quickly with a silent admonition towards herself. This was not the time to be difficult. One wrong action could swing both herself and Leonardo into Hayden's bad book and shorten their lifespans considerably. Better to go along with it now, and plan her escape later when she had a more satisfactory idea of her surroundings. Yes, my lord, Swann said with a bow--just low enough to recognize Hayden's position, though not an inch lower.
Ignoring the Neopets that gathered at her elbows, Swann clopped to the side of the dining hall, where a side door led to a hallway. One of the Neopets opened a door along the corridor, motioning her inside. Stiffly, Swann followed the instruction. She entered what was, indeed, a small room. It was neatly furnished, but little else could be said of it. There was no fire in the fireplace, and dust gathered around the corners. It was also dimly lit, hurting Swann's eyes after a few minutes.
Clearly unsatisfied with Hayden's building, Swann swept herself into one of the chairs. There were several books on the table; she flipped through them with the glowing magic from her horn. The volumes were very dull, however; cheap romance novels of the previous owners. Or... perhaps they had come from someone in Hayden's troops. Swann smirked at the thought.
A little while later, one of Hayden's guards opened the door. Lord Hayden requests your presence for supper, Lady Julia, he intoned. Swann switched her tail as she stood. She snorted slightly as she passed the guard. His tone had been horribly ill-bred, despite the grandness of his words--was Hayden really that desperate for accomplices that could help earn him respect in Neopia?
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Kit
Youngling
Posts: 95
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Post by Kit on Jan 7, 2012 19:40:52 GMT -5
Upon her return to the dining the guards that had so dutifully stood at her side, vanished to close and stand silently at the door to the hallway and rest of the building. "Ah, my dear Lady Julia, I'm glad you are here to join me," Hayden called as the group entered. He stood by the table, pulling out a chair at the corner of the table and beckoning her over.
Despite the blandness and dust the building had from years of abandonment and a neglectful previous owner, it cleaned up well. Candles lined the walls and tables, casting a warm glow on to everything it reached and huge drapes of thick fabric hung down over the walls to keep the cold stone beneath from sapping every breath of warmth. The smooth wooden tables had been cleaned and set for a meal with plates, glasses and assorted silverware. At the center of each table there was even a careful arrangement of pine, tree branches and a sparse collection of flowers. It was by no means on the same level of a noble or even a well off merchant, but it was far better than dust and dirt. To Hadyen, the bareness of it all pleased him in a strange way, simply because it lack the ridiculous extravagance one always saw.
"The meal shall arrive momentarily, but I fear that since there is so much to discuss, it would benefit us greatly to begin right away," he explained, taking the seat adjacent to her at the head of the table. "I feel the best policy would be to allow you to speak any questions that weigh on your mind, for surely you must have several, before I offer my proposal to you," he began, folding his hands before him and looking directly at her. There was an element of kindness in his voice, a genuine desire to put her fears at rest so to say. "So please, ask away."
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Post by Eruanna's Menagerie on Jan 11, 2012 19:24:10 GMT -5
Just because she was being kept rudely as as prisoner did not give Swann the right to ignore all manners. As the various courses were set before her, she made sure to eat as politely as possible; her horn shimmered only with the magic necessary to bring silverware and her napkin delicately to her mouth. She had been many years removed from Meridell by now, but her manners were still exemplary of the finest noble. Such manners, of course, were really nothing more than the play-acting of nobles; Hayden ate his food just as politely, but Swann hardly considered him noble.
Lord Hayden, thou art aware as I that inquiries reach no further than thou wishes, Swann said respectfully. The passive-aggressive give-and-take that played between nobility was something that came easily to Swann; it was more of an art form than anything else, and she also knew it was an art that she could best Hayden at. I need ask nothing. Thy reasons are so clear a mere infant could perceive them. Tell me, though, how art the graces of our fine lord the King been for thee? Swann asked innocently.
She waited patiently for Hayden's reaction--she was sure she was correct in assuming that Hayden had done something that had caused him to fall out of Skarl's favor. Why else would the old general be so bitter against the ancient kingdom? Revenge often made grown men act like children.
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Kit
Youngling
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Post by Kit on Jan 12, 2012 18:02:26 GMT -5
As the food was quietly served and politely eaten, Hayden couldn't help but smile. Oh he knew the game she played, he knew it very well, but so did she. She had been playing it since they first met and so had he. A game of unspoken rules where one spoke with politeness, kindness and warmth even, but the truth of the matter was icy and cruel. Her innocent smile was an underhanded jab in his gut and to which his reaction had to remain unfazed. She was smart, almost too smart, but that was why he wanted her.
"Really? So obvious an infant could tell? Then why don't you elaborate, Lady Julia, and offer me your response. I always did prefer business to be done quickly," he played along. He refused to be ruffled by what she felt was her upper hand. She had been hiding up among the clouds writing silly stories and strings of words for too many years to truly understand the situation in the kingdoms.
Taking a sip of water he peered over the rim of the glass as she asked about the king. Ah another barb! With a too kind smile he placed the fine glass down and paused a moment before answering, "It has been sometime since I have spoken with our fine King, but I do believe the graces we hold for one another are quite merry my lady."
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Post by Eruanna's Menagerie on Jan 12, 2012 19:38:23 GMT -5
Oh, my lord! Swann exclaimed demurely, setting down her fork with wide eyes. After all, Swann was not merely a playwright--she was a celebrated actress as well. Hayden could believe what he wanted, but how was he to know when she was showing her true mind and when she was not? To anyone that did not know her, Swann's changes in character would have been very disconcerting, changing from a shy lady to a mare with a backbone of steel to a well-versed noble. All these acts, however, worked--at least, so Swann hoped--to reach certain results.
Such unpleasantries, a blackness upon a fine meal... no. I shan't take part in such discussion, she said firmly, switching to her spoon to take a dainty sip of the soup. It was lukewarm, but had good enough flavor. Even the food was very Meridellian. If Hayden ever had visitors, the cooking alone would give away his nationality, Swann thought with amusement.
Swann took a sip of her wine before answering Hayden's next comment. I find myself bemused, however, she commented airily, to comprehend how a prestigious knight hath remained so long removed from the hand of his king. Shouldst not a loyal subject of such admirable character as thyself remain by thy king's right hand in court? Perhaps I am merely ignorant, but do not insult me by suggesting that my lord the king hast recently ordered a street kidnapping of one of his generals during such tense relations between the kingdom and Faerieland. Her eyes sparked as she spoke the most forward words they had exchanged all afternoon.
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Kit
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Post by Kit on Jan 12, 2012 21:45:40 GMT -5
He raised an eyebrow at her antics, sighing inwardly and sampling the soup before him. It was bad enough that she was a playwright and knew all the intricacies of acting, even more so when her noble bloodlines are added in. But truly the most problematic hump for Hayden to get over was the fact that she was a woman. He did what he could to understand those of the opposite gender, and had found they followed two paths: easily predictable or ridiculously confusing. Swann seemed to be falling in the second category. No matter, he would press on.
"I did say it had been some time since I had spoken with him," he replied, voice playing with a tone of hurt that she would so quickly look over his words. "But, ah yes, the knight," he continued, changing the subject and slowly dropping all pretenses of polite nobility as required by the game they played. "Funny, how you did not ask about his well being, when I know for a fact the first words he spoke were to inquire about yours." A deep huff of a laugh accompanied his words as he turned his eyes to the dripping wax of the candle in front of him.
"As I said before, he was never truly part of the equation," his words were shifting back to the vagueness of a noble, of a politician. "If you find it within yourself to be concerned for him, do not be. He will be unharmed and returned to helping those of Faerieland like the good soul he is," Hayden's words were dismissive, declaring the subject dead. "Again I apologize for the unfortunate circumstances but I do hope you are still willing to hear my proposal. I do believe it will benefit you greatly my lady."
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Post by Eruanna's Menagerie on Jan 13, 2012 21:27:13 GMT -5
Swann tried to ignore the offhand comment about Leonardo's inquiry--for all she knew, Hayden was lying, and either way it was merely a ploy to shake her. Which it had slightly. However... the question was, would Leonardo in fact be released so easily? In the words of many famous villains, he had "heard and seen too much," particularly as a Meridellian knight who might recognize Hayden and others even more easily than Swann herself. Still, it did no good to worry about that now. One task at a time.
Swann wanted to retort that she desired to hear nothing that Hayden had to say, that any "proposal" would fall on uniterested ears, that she hardly felt like even considering any ultimatum the old general would put forth. She knew, however, that such stubbornness in these circumstances would be nothing more than foolish bravado. What is this... proposal, general? she asked mildly instead, looking over her glass of wine with sharp eyes.
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Kit
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Post by Kit on Jan 14, 2012 21:24:13 GMT -5
Hayden smiled as she finally accepted his request, leaning back into his chair and thinking over his plan of attack. Really it didn't matter what her answer was, either way he had a plan ready to set in motion. It was just easier if she was on his side, that was all. What he had said was true earlier, the king's knight was never part of his plan, at least not in such an intimate fashion as capturing him. But it still could work so wonderfully in his own favor. Meridell's Golden Lion was such a softie at heart.
"You accused me earlier of having some sort of strife with the King," he began, motioning his staff to clear the table, "and the truth of the matter is that I haven't spoken with him in some time. Because I have not fallen out of his favor my lady, but rather he that has fallen out of mine."
"And before you judge my lady, and before I continue further, I must inquire one small thing. Why is it that you left the kingdom? Surely there is reason more than simply the fact that tragedy struck your family during the war. It struck so many after all.." he trailed off, waiting for he reaction and response.
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