ＯＵＲ ＬＡＳＴ ＨＯＰＥ

[-Starchild.Keith-]

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➳ Kai
Kai Saunders
20, male
assassin/guard

tagged: Val

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Being around Val instantly calmed Kai down. He was still extremely stressed about the banquet and everything that happened there, but she was cheerful enough for both of them. At her offer, he shook his head. A small, tired smile rested on his face. "I'm fine, thank you. I had enough to eat at dinner." That was actually a lie, seeing as how he had been talking or fighting a good deal of the time and barely had any time to actually eat. Later tonight, he would just head to the kitchen. He knew which workers were friendly in terms of midnight snacking and which weren't.

While Val chose the table, Kai headed to the window. There was a large, cushioned beneath that sat underneath the large panes, covered in the softest blue material. Kai wasn't really sure what it was, but he didn't know many materials besides leather and silk. Taking a seat, he leaned against the wall behind him and glanced out. The sun was starting to set, casting long shadows everywhere. The hills were beautiful at this time of day, though they were also a bit spooky. He would normally go on another round about now, but he didn't want to. He was still upset at basically everyone and decided to just stay firmly where he was.

Still, his curiosity was there to bother him. The window seat was close enough to the table for him to speak to Val. "What are you reading, there?" He highly doubted it was anything about military or strategy of the like, meaning Kai could barely make out any of the words. Perhaps he should teach himself to reach, since asking would be far too embarrassing.

[duckworth]

{

➳ I'll post for Leonidas later, because I'm really busy right now and I'm actually sneaking onto my computer. >>
➳ cadillac., maybe you can have K'Joor's reaction to Aeron's drunken rage, or K'Joor could be in the library conversing with Kai and Val, if their users are all right with that? ^^

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ＥＶＡＮＧＥＬＩＮＥ
Princess Evangeline "Evan" Blythe
female | eighteen | Isoth
tagged: Aeron, Alvere, Kai, Valoria
leaving the balcony
feeling insulted
no crush & single
❝ If we don't end war, war will end us. ❞
— H.G. Wells
format © vitality.

Princess Evangeline had actually felt comfortable for the first time since the envoy had arrived and she had been forced to bow lowly, even to the prince, who was technically her equal. She felt nice, just standing next to Aeron and Alvere, even if one of them was recovering slowly from intoxication and the other was injured and bleeding. It felt almost like friendship, something relaxed that was rare for Evangeline to find. Really, her only friend was Kai, a guard who doubled as an assassin. It was certainly strange to feel so comfortable, especially around two older men from Seulghem, an enemy kingdom, not to mention Aeron was the rival prince and Alvere was his best friend. Still, Evangeline didn't care, conversing with them rather easily and even going so far as to help Aeron out with a special tea that would help chase away his drunken state.
Of course, it couldn't have lasted. Prince Aeron had to make a scene, but Evangeline couldn't help but blame it on his drunkenness, even though she suspected he had come to his senses enough to at least be civil now. Hissing through her teeth, Evangeline glared at Aeron, taking her hand away from his shoulder. Why had she kept her grip on him for so long? Feeling extremely hot and bothered now, Evangeline felt all the original discomfort she had felt when the envoy had first arrived bubble back up in her chest. Kneeling down so she was looking Aeron right in the eye, she grabbed the collar of his shirt and tugged him closer until their noses were nearly touching. They could almost be kissing, but that was the last thing on the fiery princess's mind. Baring her teeth furiously, Evangeline narrowed her angry gaze, ice-cold slits glaring daggers at the arrogant prince. "Ulterior motives?" She spat out almost in disbelief, a sharp, humorless laugh sputtering from her lips. "Ulterior motives," Evangeline repeated, shaking her head. Still gripping his shirt rather tightly in her white-knuckled fists, Evangeline dared to lean even closer, feeling sparks just flying from her face, although they were not from chemistry, rather, from her fury at being so bluntly disrespected by Aeron. "All I've shown you is kindness, and you repay it with being a complete bastard! I'm insulted, Prince Aeron, that you think so little of your hosts. Yes, you may have brandished a knife and become seriously drunk, but you must be insane if you think that I have ulterior motives! The only motive I have is to keep the peace, something you don't seem to be very keen on. It doesn't matter what idiocy you manage to pull off; the last thing either kingdom wants is another war. But if that's what you want, a war restarted, then that's what I'll convince my father to do."
Finally stepping back, Evangeline released Aeron and got back to her feet a bit unsteadily. Whirling around, her dress spinning wildly around her ankles, Evangeline turned to Alvere, her tone a fraction more gentle, as she said, "If you'd still like that healer, come find me in the library."
Her voice cracking just a slight bit, Evangeline glanced at the two men over her shoulder before storming out of the balcony, saying it so quietly they might not have even heard her, "Isn't this whole thing about friendship?"
Shutting the door roughly behind her, Evangeline ran, her bare feet cold against the chilly ground, biting the inside of her cheek until it bled. She refused to cry over something so petty, someone so petty. Prince Aeron was worthless, a poor candidate for a friend. But she might as well find a healer for Alvere, who had done her no wrong and was just overall rather polite to the princess. Arriving at the library, she found Kai and Val talking. Marching up to them, hoping her face was calm and betraying no signs of emotion, she asked in a clear voice, "Have you seen any healers walk by? A Seulghem one would be preferable, as it is a Seulghem soldier who is injured." Even while she spoke, managing to control any shakiness in her voice, Evangeline could just feel the blood rushing to her face and turning her cheeks and neck a blotchy red. Still, at least she wasn't upset and crying, just a little bit flustered. Her voice was steady and rang out confidently, so that was another win.

♛

♛

[-Starchild.Keith-]

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➳ Kai
Kai Saunders
20, male
assassin/guard

tagged: Evan

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Kai kept his gaze on Val for a moment before turning away. His eyes roamed over the grounds once more as he awaited her reply. Running a hand through his hair, he let out a tired sigh. He knew that the friendship and probable marriage of Evangeline and Aeron was looming in the future, but that didn't make things easier. Aeron was the epitome of everything despicable in a man, and he just couldn't let his princess marry him. Not my princess... THE princess... Still. He had been her personal guard since he was enlisted, and he had taught Shaking his head, he grit his teeth and turned back towards Val.

As he did, the door to the library opened. Kai's eyes met those of Evangeline for a moment before he stood. The only other person in the entire library was Val, so he felt comfortable calling the princess by her informal nickname. After all, Val went my a masculine nickname as well. "You're looking to help Alvere, aren't you?" Though Aeron was dog food for all he cared, Kai hadn't really taken a hatred towards the captain. "I haven't seen any walk by yet, but I could easily find one if you'd like, Evan."

[sparky246]

Valoria Perry
Female|Nineteen|Lady of Seulghem
Library|Tagged- Kai, Evangeline

Val popped a blackberry into her mouth, relishing the burst of sweetness. Swallowing quickly, she began to answer Kai's question.
"It's called Fables and-" Pausing as the door opened, Val shot to her feet as the princess entered the Library. Bowing low, she mumbled out a greeting, mentally kicking herself for being caught so offguard. She should have prepared for company.
Listening to the casual way Kai addressed the Princess, Valoria couldn't help but wonder at the nature of Kai's feelings. Did the guard have some friendship with Evangeline she was unaware of? Clearly. However, how deep that friendship went was beyond her. Perceptive she might be, Val was no mindreader. Healers though, that was something Val knew a thing or two about. You weren't born with a weak heart and just not see dozens of healers. Standing up straight, Val addressed the Princess.
"I do not know her precise location, But Lady Adela Thibault is a gifted healer and is most assuredly somewhere in your palace." Dropping her formal tone, Val continued. "I'm sure she'd be happy to help Alvere." Val wasn't particularly close to the Captain, but calling him anything other than Alvere seemed wrong.

[Dark.]

Pʀɪɴᴄᴇ Aᴇʀᴏɴ ᴏғ Sᴇᴜʟɢʜᴇᴍ
currently;; on the balcony | tagged;; evan, alvere

When Evan removed her hand from his shoulder, Aeron almost protested. Right at the last moment, he managed to check himself - that would just be weird. Instead, he sat in surprise as the Princess crouched down and laced her fingers around his collar, wrenching him closer; until their faces were almost touching. Aeron had the overwhelming urge to look away, yet he couldn't, his blue eyes trapped in her furious glare. He'd never had a woman yell so furiously at him before, or seen this feisty side of Evangeline and, truth be told, he'd be lying if he said he didn't find it the littlest bit attractive. Swallowing that thought, Aeron took the blunt of the berating. By the time Evan had finished, a red flush had crept onto his cheeks and it looked a little like he had been slapped in the face. The Prince found himself wishing he had been slapped in the face; that would be far less humiliating.

Aeron only just caught Evan's parting comment and winced slightly. He just couldn't help himself could he? Just because he acted in such a way all the time did not mean he had to expect the same of everyone else. Perhaps he had spent to much time with the shady lower class of Seulghem; their skepticism was beginning to rub off on him. He stared down at the teacup in his hands, becoming angry with himself again. All it had been was an extension of the olive branch, but he'd thrown it back in her face.

Aeron scrabbled a little awkwardly to his feet, resting one hand on the balcony railing. The teacup still had a little tea in it, but what was the point? Seemingly even in his sobriety he acted like a fool - when he was drunk at least he had an excuse for his actions. Extending out an arm, Aeron released the teacup. It fell until he lost sight of it, and he waited in anticipation of a smash. No smash followed, just an empty, hollow silence. Aeron tensed his jaw and turned, sighing. He cast his gaze down at Alvere, "C'mon I'll help you to the library." The Castle layout seemed quite similar to Seulghem's, so Aeron had a slight idea as to where it might be. Alvere would be able to find the way himself, but Aeron didn't trust how unsteady he may still be on his feet. He stepped forward an extended a hand down to Alvere to help him up.

[Keriae]

ＡＬＶＥＲＥ.
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[ male ] [ seulghem ] [ tagged: aeron ]

Alvere was lost in pain: his head had started swimming again and he had no choice but to close his eyes and lean his forehead against his knees as he breathed rapidly. The urge to lean sideways and spew his guts was growing stronger and stronger by the second but the Royal Guard desperately wanted to keep the little food he had eaten inside him. Vomiting was simply not an option. He needed the sustenance to help him heal.

Alvere did not hear any of the words exchanged between the two young royals only feet away from him. It was therefore a shock when he found Aeron, seemingly sober once more (how in the name of the Gods had that happened?) was standing above him, offering a hand to pull him up. With dull, dilated eyes, he reached out a bloodied hand and allowed himself to be pulled upright. The movement had him swaying left and right before the man staggered over to the balcony and retched violently. The metal of the banister was soothing against his cool, pale skin as he paused, shoulders shaking, to breath the best he could with a burning throat. He was going into shock, he knew it. His body was finally reacting to being stabbed.

[Dark.]

Pʀɪɴᴄᴇ Aᴇʀᴏɴ ᴏғ Sᴇᴜʟɢʜᴇᴍ
currently;; on the balcony | tagged;; alvere

As Aeron pulled Alvere to his feet, it became clear that his friend wasn't quite right. The colour had drained from his features for one, his eyes uncharacteristically bleary and dilated. The Prince had just enough time to step to the side as Alvere staggered to the balcony. Aeron shrivelled his nose slightly, the retching sound making his own stomach flip. Gently, he reached out a hand, placing it on his friends back.

Then it became clear to him, Alvere was going into shock. In retrospect, it was quite surprising it hadn't happened sooner. Aeron looked around. They were on a balcony with not much in way of furnishings par a bench. Silently, Aeron cursed Evangeline for storming off. Meet her in the library? The bloody library?! What were they going to do, sit and read books? Unless the bookkeeper was the Castle Healer, he doubted the library was going to be much use. Aeron raked his fingers through his hair, shock was best treated if the victim was lying down. He ground his teeth in irritation.

Aeron placed both hands on the railing, standing next to Alvere, "Hang in there, we'll have the healer soon. Now listen you have two options, come to the library with me and see the healer there, or lay down and I'll run and find a healer." Aeron's voice was calm and slow. Neither option was ideal, but the faster he found Alvere a healer, the more at rest he'd be.

[Keriae]

ＡＬＶＥＲＥ.
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[ male ] [ seulghem ] [ tagged: aeron ]

After just about literally throwing his guts out of his mouth, Alvere wiped his mouth with the back of his hand roughly and let his weight fall fully against the balcony as Aeron's hand rubbed against his back in what he supposed was an awkward soothing gesture. Aeron had never been faced with his friend vomiting, Alvere realised in the very back of his mind. It was normally him who was looking after Aeron, not the other way around. Swallowing thickly, he attempted to listen to his friend but he simply could not stay standing up.

Sinking back to the floor Alvere settled himself on his back, forcing his injured arm above his head in case it started to bleed again. "I think I'm staying here." He rasped quietly, pushing out his other hand to touch the banister, to assure himself that it was there. The breeze coming from outside was cold but he couldn't move. His eyelids were heavy and he'd rather sleep than do anything else.

[Dark.]

Pʀɪɴᴄᴇ Aᴇʀᴏɴ ᴏғ Sᴇᴜʟɢʜᴇᴍ
currently;; on the balcony | tagged;; alvere

Caring for people was not something that came very naturally to Aeron. It was never something he'd really ever had to do. Hell, he'd barely ever had to look after himself. As a child he'd had a nanny to watch his step, nowadays he had Alvere. The only place Aeron really looked like he knew how to help the injured was on the battlefield; but even then he was simply barking orders at the healers. Aeron ground his teeth as Alvere slumped to the floor. He didn't like leaving him like this, but since Evangeline showed no signs of retuning, it seems he would have too, "Stay there. I'll be back soon."

Aeron strode out of the room and into the corridor. It was warmer here than out on the balcony, which spurred him on a little. He spied an Istoth maid further down the corridor and waved a hand at her; however she took one wide-eyed look at Widowmaker and turned, scurrying away before he could catch up. Annoyed, Aeron swore loudly. It seemed his show at the feast had done nothing to instil faith in the Istothian chamber maids.

Aeron's first instinct was to look for the library, something which he later stood to regret. He moved from one corridor to the next. Most were still deserted as the feast continued in the Great Hall, and whatever staff he did spot seemed to hurry away before he could reach them. Aeron was, by now, completely lost. With every step he took, the Prince was becoming more and more agitated; his left hand was already resting on Widowmaker's pommel as a form of comfort. Perhaps that was why the staff were running away from him. The library was nowhere where he had expected to find it. Seulghem's library was a tiny thing, containing only the bare necessities on everything a Seulghem man could wish to read about; war, sailing and fishing.

"Why didn't I just go to the Great Hall and get help?!" Aeron's tone was one of exasperation. Just as he was about to admit defeat and try and find his way to the Great Hall, Aeron stumbled across the entrance to the library. He could already tell it was going to be a grandiose affair. The Istoth people liked to pretend the were more cultured (and they probably were), but could they catch a fish with their bare hands? Pft. He'd like to see them try!

Maintaining stride, Aeron pushed through the doors; immediately hesitating as his eyes scanned the room. The Guard. Lady Valoria Perry. Evangeline. No healer. He through his right hand in the air in exasperation - his left still clutched his sword hilt in it's sheath; his knuckle white.

"Come to the library she said. There's a healer there she said!" his voice was loud, and slightly sarcastic. He seemed to be stating it to himself, though it was pretty clear to everyone who the 'she' was. "Now all..." he gestured vaguely at the three of them with his hands, "...this...looks really cosy..." he hesitated, unable to keep up his loud voice. Sighing, he cut to the chase, "Alvere's body's gone into shock and he can't make it off the balcony. I could really do with that healer, now." His voice was still sharp, but this time it betrayed his worry. He'd just watched his best friend retch violently for the first time, and vomiting was never a good thing - right? Impatience overcame him and he fought the urge to turn and search every room for a damned healer. Instead he stayed put, resigning himself to his thoughts bitterly. Your castle's like a damn labyrinth and your staff are scared of me. I have as much hope of finding a healer in this place as I have a needle in a bloody haystack.

[-Starchild.Keith-]

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➳ Kai
Kai Saunders
20, male
assassin/guard

tagged: Evan, Val, Aeron

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As Val spoke, Kai mentally slapped himself. Of course Val would know the healers. She was from the same kingdom as them. He just found it hard to believe, seeing as how Val was so vastly different from the rest of them. Still, he glanced at her as he spoke. "Lady Adela Thibault, you say? She would most likely be staying with our healers in their chambers." Taking a second to calm himself, Kai turned to glance at Aeron. His eyes reflected nothing but hatred and anger, but fighting would only endanger Alvere. That is, if the drunken prince wasn't simply over exaggerating the situation.

Kai's tone was one of command as he spoke to Aeron, his eyes locking onto those of the prince. "There are a few options we can follow, but all of them involve cooperation. If Alvere is able to be moved, it would be beneficial for him to be moved to the healer's quarters. All their supplies are kept there, and everything would go more smoothly." He glanced at Evan for a moment before continuing. "I would help you with Alvere while Evan and Val go on ahead to the healer's. If he is either too weak or in too much pain, I will go with Val to fetch the healer. Choose."