1x1 rp w/ alpha, (new thread)

[Hannah Grace]

“Ah, uh, well, if you wish, we could probably make the trip within three weeks, I don’t want to be an inconvenience, holding the group back…” Her voice trailed off once more, a hint of guilt at its edges. Part of her felt bad, feeling as if they had to stop their entire world for her, one little minor inconvenience. Sure, they could easily get to know each other, and the other men within three weeks, let alone six, right?

Gesturing to the tray, she signaled she was finished, done with the food. “That’s probably what I need, as I know nothing about your kingdom and its culture, I apologize for sounding naive or ignorant.” She muttered, and raked a hand through her hair in more of an embarrassed gesture. Maybe she should have studied more in world geography. Sure, she was a good student, or was a good student, but she wasn’t the one to show much interest in learning from those specific books.

Her looks seemed to soften as the people were mentioned, and she smiled, more wistfully, than anything. “-I suppose you’re right. And if it’s orders, we can’t exactly go-against them, or who knows what would happen.” She sighed, and scooted towards the edge of the bed, a little closer to him.

“You and your men haven’t given me a reason to fear any of you yet. I don’t have a reason not to trust you.” Looking down at her feet, she tried to hide the disappointment of leaving. It was her home country, where she’d been raised. The warmth, and the beach was one of her absolute favorite parts of her country. And she was almost sure they wouldn’t be back in quite awhile.

“I just have to remember…. It’s not for me, it’s more so for the people… And I’m sure, time will tell, and being married to you won’t be that bad, you know…”

(Here we are)

[Alpha*]

(Woo!!)

His eyes find the fragile woman beside him and his mouth ticks up on one side in a faint almost-smile. "You aren't an inconvenience, " speaks Rith, "it was a ... rough ride, to get to the battle grounds from my fathers' kingdom. And, whilst my men are eager to return home they do need a more sedated pace." Excuses the king-elect quietly. "And, this way our injured have more time to heal." There is a secret there, black as night, cold as the winter.

He notices that she doesn't eat much; perhaps it is her stature, perhaps it is nerves. Regardless, the man polishes off the meal - except for the strawberries. "Have you any preference on foods? Any allergies?" The tray is set aside to a small stand with care to not break it. The prince is careful to not admit an allergy when he offers, "never liked strawberries, " because showing weaknesses... even to his 'wife' isn't safe. She may be married to him, but that doesn't mean he entirely trusts her.

He hesitates to speak again, "I'm certain that this... is all frightening to you. All new, " It's the price for the war to be over; the binding of two people. The taking away of their choices. "I am more versed, it seems, with people and travel." Particularly because his father enjoys starting and waging wars that he has no real part in, then reaping the benefits once Riths army undoubtedly win. Why his father had agreed to this peace treaty, let alone the wedding, is beyond him - another game, perhaps? Some new plan?

He doesn't voice those concerns, those fears. "I'm pleased that my men, and myself, have not given you cause for concern." It's nice that she isn't afraid of him, nice because he is SO tired of fear and bloodshed and hatred and curses. Her being afraid of him, or his men, would make things that are already hard, harder. And he ... has never wanted to be feared.

The bed has dipped a little as she shifts her weight closer to him, he doesn't move to meet her, letting her take the lead. "For both of our peoples." Is agreed softly, solomnly, "i know neither of us wanted this." Rith swallows as unbidden, unwanted, memories surface. "Our duty..I'll try to make things easy for you. I ask, only, honesty,.. and perhaps, eventually, your trust, your friendship, my Lady."

Perhaps that is asking too much.

[Hannah Grace]

“Ah, well even though I’m not too familiar with any sort of traveling, doesn’t mean I can’t acclimate myself to it… I’m sure after the hardships each kingdom has faced, they’re probably ready for some sort of ceasefire, some sort of break.” Mae matched his half smile, shifting ever so slightly to sit somewhat beside him, her legs dangling down from the bed. “My kingdom has lost more than we’d like to admit. Any more of this war, and it probably wouldn’t take much for defeat.”

Her gaze met for the floor for a few seconds before she smoothed a strand of hair out of her face. “No, I’m not a picky eater. Mornings aren’t usually a good time for me to eat. Don’t have much of a morning appetite. Thankfully, I’ve been blessed. I’m not allergic to any sort of food, none that I know of.” She shrugged her shoulders. “But if it’s ever necessary while we’re traveling, I know how to cook and clean, if I can be of any assistance.”

It didn’t take much of an effort to slide off the bed. Part of her was still shy, unsure of what to do with herself. After standing for a few seconds, she sat back down, trying not to fidget with her hands. She wasn’t scared of him, just shy, feeling a little more then out of place. “I can tell you weren’t a fan of the strawberries, your demeanor changed last night after the cake.. It’s alright, I’m not upset about it, but I don’t understand why the cake was of something you were allergic to..”

Mae hadn’t left the castle ground for months, maybe even years. It had been deemed as dangerous to set foot outside of the walls of the palace, and even those who would consider it a palace were of poverty. War had taken a toll on the kingdom very apparently. “Ah, I agree. Neither of us wanted this, but it is what it is. And I’m alright with a friendship, I wouldn’t mind getting to know you better, and maybe seeing where it leads us… it might take me a minute to soak it all in, to realize that we’re actually married, but I should be alright.”

She smiled sheepishly. “I can play the role if it’s needed, uh- people can believe what they see plenty of times… If you know what I mean… If anything I’d like to try and make this whole journey easier on you all, and if you’d be willing to tell me about your wedding traditions from your country, that’d make things less stressful. Because I know nothing about your wedding history and parties.”

[Alpha*]

Rith Rhun Barness

His eyes soften as he listens to his wife, "i fear the corners of our countries will not accept the declaration of our bond, for a while, " he scrapes his teeth against his inner cheek. "I wish I could say that it will be easy, but the horses needed for the assent to my fathers' kingdom aren't your little ponies, and if you aren't accustomed to riding long hours for days at a time ... it may be arduous. " He watches her feet dangle off the bed and resists the urge to swing his own childishly, deciding that his legs are too long to do so. As she admits that her kingdom has lost more than they like to admit he nods; knowing that while they'd lost some men his father would not agree that they'd lost anything at all. As far as his king is concerned Apinumera had won the war, and gained so very much; people, resources, land, trade partners.. the list goes on and on.

"That is good to know, Princess, as the fare on the road often varies in quality as well as content." He slips his crown off, setting it on the bedside table. "I appreciate it, and hope that it won't be necessary very often. " warmth fills his eyes and he decides it is now or never. Soon, or never anyway. "I do not expect you to attend my needs for food and fire, it isn't ... befitting your station and I do not wish to offend you."

Maevely stands and then sits and he wonders if he HAD offended her, briefly, before she is speaking again. Speaking of cake. Of strawberries.

She's noticed more than he'd guessed she would, he notes with a certain gratitude for the fact that she is more than meets the eye.

"My father, my king," is spoken without any affection or warmth, "has a .... sick... sense of humor. A, at times, cruel one." Briefly he chuckles, the sound dry and bitter, "most of the time, actually. " He bites a little harder on the inside of his cheek before continuing, stopping that scoffing sound. "In Apinumera, and the lands that my king has conquered, " (the lands HE has conquered on behalf of his king, he doesn't say.) "it is... easier and safer to be callous and cruel over any modicum of kindness, or softness." Does she understand? Is he not blunt enough? "My father finds he ... enjoys exploiting and... in his mind.. nullifying, weaknesses. Allergies are one, kindness is another." Would she survive until he is King? Until he has more than his steel and strength and men to keep her safe. Would she be an ornament upon his arm, or as he fears, another grave? "I want to change that." He admits softly, like a secret, like a sin.

"We can be friends then, and get to know one another." Almost nervously he starts to gnaw at one thumbs' nail and then pulls it from his mouth almost ashaimed by the bad habit. "I'll teach you what i can, but I have never been permitted to attend one. Only read about them, or heard about them from others. My father is quite against .. joyful traditions."

Then, he changes the subject, before he can chicken out. "I have a question for you, as... my wife, not just a friend. " is spoken softly. "I need an honest answer, and I'll... I'll explain, if... if I can."

[Hannah Grace]

“Well, it’s fairly important, neither of our countries nor people are quite ready to accept this-this marriage, but over time, once it resolves more peace than war,I think it’ll be alright.” Mae nodded as she glanced towards the door for a few seconds. It was true. Mae was really only accustomed to hee own kingdoms ponies, ones who were used to light traveling, over easy terrain and territory, used to the mild and decent weather. She couldn’t fathom having to go anywhere near the horses they had brought.

Clearing her throat, she nodded in agreement. “Ah, well royalty set aside, I’m still a woman, a girl, and if it’s needed I can care and finish tasks as someone from the village would, I can promise you that.”

“Hmm. Well I’m sorry your father doesn’t know how to treat his son properly.” The princesses voice softens, and her eyes meet his for a few moments. “But I understand. We’ve dealt with a few generals similar to what and how your father acts. Not great men.” She shrugged her shoulders before changing the subject once more.

“Being friends is better than anything else. It won’t be hard to figure out some sort of traditions, I’m sure your men know something about weddings…. Ask me anything, I mean I am sort of your wife now, and I’m willing to answer any question you might have.” She smiled, her cheeks turning a light pink in a little more of a flustered state.

[Alpha*]

Rith wets his lips, "you'll be safe with the horses, I assure you. They... can be bribed, but don't tell." There's a soft smile full of self-deprecating humor, "i often snuck them honey glazed dry fruit as a child." Or at least until he'd been caught by his father.

Her determination to serve and aid in whatever capacity she can brings a surge of warmth. His wife has a caring side, a hopeful-to-serve side and he is very pleased by it. "Thank you, i will keep that in mind." He... had been worried she'd be like other ladies of high stations or standing whom he had met, he is so very thankful she isn't afraid to pull a share and get her hands dirty.

He listens and considers what she has to say; a shock goes through him as she apologizes for how his father treats him. Apologies like what his father acts like isn't commonplace? Apologizes and he isn't sure how to reply. His hearts hammer in his chest, and for some reason he feels the urge to-to do something . (Hug her, though he doesn't know it's a thing to do.) "....im not entirely sure what to say to that... thank you, " is murmured, cheeks staining a lovely shade of pink.

Then she is back on traditions and he pushes down the feeling, almost ruthlessly, though silently. The prince takes a breath, "I'm sure Lyle and Reese can help, or any of the five i trust most. They uhm..," he scratches at the stubble beginning to show on one cheek. "They helped me make my vows, yesterday.. pick your ring and my shirt.." those rare flowers, however, had been completely himself. "They may... give you grief but I assure you that if they weren't teasing and picking on you it means they don't like you. " Fondness enters his expression and voice.

"Now, my lady, i have to ask you something. Theoretically, " he again licks his lips, turning his eyes on her, his whole body in her direction. "What... how would you feel.. if someone kept a secret from you.. but only because they wanted to keep you safe?"

[Hannah Grace]

“Ah, I’m sure the horses are easy to bribe. It won’t be much of a task or a chore to win them over.” Mae smiled cheekily as she nodded in slight agreement. Maybe this whole marriage thing wouldn’t be ask scary as she thought it would be. Sure, she hadn’t ever met this man before, and there was plenty enough not to trust him, but he seemed stable, somewhat sort of like a stone base, stable and solid throughout its interior.

“Your men seem to know what they’re doing. I take it that they fought for quite awhile, and have experienced quite a bit of violence?” It probably wasn’t an easy task, bodyguarding the king, or soon-to-be king. And it probably was fairly stressful, almost as if you had someone looking over your shoulder every few minutes. It didn’t bother her, it was necessary. And at this point, both her own kingdom, and the neighboring kingdoms had lost so much. Lives, valuable farming land, and a sense of security had long since been stripped from them.

“Ah, well they did a wonderful job picking everything out, the ring fits perfectly.” A blush, similar to Rith’s, makes itself known as she holds her hand out, allowing him to look it over if he wished. It glittered in the sunlight shining in through the curtains, almost casting reflections throughout the room.

At his question, she goes quiet for a moment, seeming to mull over a few ideas, thoughts, possibilities. “Well, I suppose that if it’s intended to keep me, or others safe, then I’d be alright with it. As of right now, you haven’t given me any sort of reason to not trust you. It’d only scare me, or make me feel wary, if it became of lies, and unnecessary words, just to get away from the topic when the time comes and it needs to be spoken about, you know?” She shrugs her shoulders, still a little uncertain.

“I have yet to stretch the truth to protect my family yet, but as much as I dislike stretching the truth, I will, for my family and my kingdom. I didn’t think much of it until now.”

[Alpha*]

Rith resists, barely, the urge to gnaw at his thumb nail again; instead he tugs at the lace on the blanket they are both perched on. "Just ... don't wander among them, they're large, and you arent." Is said slowly, "besides, I don't know the temperaments of all of these beasts, just a hundred or so." And some, he knows, are foul creatures like their masters.

The prince watches her, "you're asking if they and I have fought together or not, and the answer is yes. Since I was nine I have fought in my fathers' wars, many men with me." She holds out her hand, ring sparkling and he is suddenly aware of the metals' cool weight on his own hand. "I am glad it fits, my lady." He murmurs, feeling satisfied that she is happy with his choices though they haven't known eachother a full day yet. As she speaks the giant of a man hums softly, feeling particularly selfish. "This isnt stretching the truth, Princess."

He rises from the bed and sheds his armor in a somewhat fluid motion, "Valaris." Is called to one of his men outside the door. Cautiously the door opens and a thin man steps through; he barely is five foot tall, dark haired and dark slanted eyed, his hands don't appear to be very calloused and he has a peculiar bird-like way of standing or walking.

"Rit'?" Is questioned and those slanted eyes widen at the silent answer. "Here?" He hisses, " Now?"

"Where else but where I know she is safe?" Is countered with a lift of his chin, setting his shirt aside, pooling on the ground like spilt milk. "When better? Rather than in the thick of battle? Battles you know are coming."

The tiny man nods once, "ill bar the doors then, Rit', and the windows. " He turns on his toes and slides a heavy bar across the door on its' u shaped metal hooks. Then, goes to the windows and draws the storm shutters closed, then the curtains though no light finds its way in. Valaris lifts his hood, letting it settle on his shoulders as he stands in the darkness of their room.

"All I ask," the prince says, turning back to his wife. "Is that you never tell anyone what it is that you see, hear and learn in this room." He takes a breath, "can you do that Maevely? Do I have your vow?"

[Hannah Grace]

“oh yes of course. My plans and intentions when it comes to you are to stay nearby and avoid causing any sort of unnecessary stress. The last thing I intend is to think anyone needs to babysit me. I don’t want to be more of a burden then I already am.” The princess smiled sheepishly, her eyes twinkling slightly in the dim light of the fire in the hearth. Freckles seemed to map their way across her cheeks, they appeared more prominent in the sunlight, of course.

“My goodness. I’m sorry you’ve had to endure fighting for so long..” She muttered. Never had she thought the war could drag on for how long it did, or has. It was hard to remember what life was like beforehand, mostly because they had practically been children when it had started.

Her eyes widen slightly when she realized Rith is serious about whatever mysterious topic he’s talking about. Swallowing back a little bit of anxious nerves, she nodded. “You have my promise. I’m not going to tell anyone, not a single soul. What’s said in this room, stays in this room.”

Casting a glance towards Valaris, she nodded once more. “I won’t say a word.”

[Alpha*]

Rith glances at his friend and then stares at her for what may be too long. "You arent a burden, not to me." Is clarified with a touch of sternness, "we did not choose this bond but you arent a burden. Never will be. Not to me." He wants her to understand, ro accept his belief. If she was a burden, then what will he be once he returns to his father?? Less than.

"I fought in other wars, than the one between your home and Apinumera, many wars. They aren't your fault, or mine." He swallows almost painfully, side-eyeing his trusted friend who flinches at the reminders. Neither of them had been children; he and Valaris, but they'd grown and grown and here they are. Infact, when the prince had found the man standing with his cowl on his shoulders he'd been a boy, imprisoned for the caricature his head is attached to. Imprisoned for stealing figs to eat from a pigs trough, rather than from his people. "My father wages wars without caring for his people, or the consequences. " he turns his back on her, and etched across his skin are many, many scars.

Small ones, thin ones, ones as thick as fingers and a single one as thick as a horses' leg. "I will hold you to your promise."

Valaris removes one glove, exposing a caricature of a humans hand. The pads of his fingers are more the pads of a great-cats' paw, the tips ending in curved black claws. His skin where the glove had been is scaled like armor, copper-red and hard as diamonds. At her words the man raises his hand - and then light, blue as a moon in summer, erupts from his palm, twirls through the air like so many fiddle-leaf ferns. "Now, Rit'?" Is questioned politely.

Rith sighs, "as you say." And then he frowns and before her is another man, Valaris once more. He's smaller and thinner and mimics the scars and scales that are the other mans' skin. He lets her take in the sight for a moment or three before his bones twist and snap and in his form is a mountain cat of white and black stripes, twisting again to a woman with curling blond hair, and a brown gown and a horridly scarred face. Then his wife is looking at herself, perfectly, down to every scar and every freckle, save suddenly hes wearing her night ware. He opens his mouth, her mouth, and out comes her voice. "You see? "

"I think that is enough," Valaris cautions, spotting the nod of the princes' borrowed head. Then, Rith stands before his bride, panting slightly, as himself. The self he hides from his own father; curled auburn hair and heterochromia eyes of blue and green, dimples and slightly shorter, smaller, much thinner.

Valaris moves to his side, taking a small leather flask from one deep pocket and the prince accepts it when it is nudged against his arm, takes a deep drink and passes it back. The much smaller man corks the bottle and stows it, touches his friends' cheek. "Too fast, m'lord, too many." Is cautioned while pulling the glove on, then the cowl.

Again there is that nod and Rith looks at his wife; then, he watches Valaris' light go out. Candles, instead, are lit with a wave of the scaled mans' hand.

Rith doesn't move towards Maevely. Instead he stands, rolling his shoulders at the ache that has formed from too-fast-too-many changes. The prince licks his bottom lip a moment. "Didn't show you to scare you, my lady." Is said softly, "you need to know that there are only six people i know of, like me. They are my men and myself." He swallows at the flavor still in his mouth; "and if the king of my homeland knows... noone will be safe. Not me or my men. Not my people. Not the people's of the lands I conquered in his name and not by my choice, not here. Not you."