ｆｏｕｎｄａｔｉｏｎｓ ｃｒｕｍｂｌｉｎｇ

[herald.]

♜ J a n n i k♠♠D a h l ♜ gender: male | age: twenty two/four hundred and sixty-three | Clan: The Dahl | persona: The Guard
♠♠“Glory ikke vente. Glory does not wait.”♠'' tagged: Fayette | location: the Elder Clan mansion
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♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠I wonder if I'll be forced into the heavy metal clothing and ridiculous vision obscuring head pieces they called armor and helmets once I begin life in the castle, a particular dragon warrior thought in equal parts defeat, bitterness, and most strangely of all amusement. The humans with their soft, pale skin and their weak, oh so easily crushed bones went to such lengths to guard themselves that it had at first comical to a younger Jannik Dahl when he first encountered it. He had no titles back then, no achievements for his name save the one he had brought into this world with. Even then, honor was something that each dragon had to bring upon him or herself, to earn, and simply being Aage's offspring did nothing to advance that goal. In those times, when his uncle Kaj had first taken him into battle with the man's son, his cousin Bodil, he had looked upon the casing that the humans had shielded themselves inside and felt a bit sorry for them, that they could not be born with scales stronger than steel as he and his brethren had been. Nonetheless, the armor proved to be quite effective, especially with paired with weapons. It had not taken Jannik long to learn to be wary of humanity's inventions. Still, when he started training to fight as one of them after his mother's death, the absurdity of it all came back full force. He could not fight with this inflexible iron weighing him down! How could his movements be truly fluid when so much of his body was covered? Those were the accusations that had rushed into his head then, and the blond let out a sigh as they returned to him now once again, as a distant memory. The chainmail and broiled leather he had only just finished dressing himself in were items that he had grown used to wearing in his human form. They were a compromise that he had accepted, adapted to, and found a bit more practical. His flesh and bones may still have been more durable than most, but he could easily be run through with a sword and killed just like that if he was not careful. Nonetheless, he hoped that he would not have to wear the full body armor that the Royal Guard did once he moved there to provide security in the human dominated structure. He may soon live there, but he didn't have to conform to all their customs.

♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠With that, the green scaled dragon finished his pondering and grabbed the last article of clothing he would need as he headed towards the guest room's exit: an armlet of white gold, given to him as a family heirloom as a child. He couldn't help but smile faintly at the accessory as he clasped it onto his upper left arm, the memories of wearing it proudly as a kid on the end of his tail washing over him in a moment of sentiment. Honestly, if it had been designed to fit an adult dragon and not an adolescent, he wasn't sure it would fit on his human form at all. Armlet secured, Jannik took one last sweep of what had served as his bedroom for the night. It was impersonal, for he had only arrived yesterday to stay at the mansion overnight in preparation for his journey today. Chelsea and Mira had both gone ahead of him, the former to make sure the way was safe and clear and perhaps to gain some insight by blending in with the human masses, and the latter presumably to sustain peace and help prepare the castle for the arrival of the prince's betrothed. He, however, had humbly offered to stay the night here at the mansion, to depart with Miss Draco and guard her on the way to her new home. And not to be able to spend your final moments of you old lives together. Not at all, he reminded himself quickly, pushing past the physical frown that was threatening to take over his face and the emotional ache that resonated in his heart. It was a difficult thing, being smitten with someone who was above his rank, his best friend, and been promised to another all at once. A very difficult thing indeed.

♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠ But, he was a loyal little warrior, and as always it was his job to keep his mouth shut on his opinions. It really did gladden him that both sides were making the effort to solidify the peace treaty after a century, but it pained him that the "greater good" impeded his own happiness. Ah, Jannik, you idealistic buffon, quit standing around and make haste to get going already, was the last thought to run through his mind as he shook his head and schooled his face into a mask of calm features. The green eyed man left the room and hurried his way down to the main floor, his chainmail clinking lightly, his sword swaying at his hip, the sunlight reflecting off the white gold on his arm and the dark honey of his hair through the windows. It was quite a sight this day, Jannik's gaze shifting about as maids and servants dashed from room to room, finishing preparations and shouting to do this and do that. A few stopped their mad rushes to wish him a brief farewell, continuing their tasks the moment the notion was returned. At last, he found the one he was traveling with, and didn't hold back the hint of a smile that seeped its way into his expression as he paced along to stand by the Elder Clan Princess. "My Lady Fae. I should hope you are having a pleasant morning on this important day? We will be leaving shortly, so I suggest you make the most of it," he stated, his eyes not making contact with hers (it would improper, especially with so many people around) but the warmth still there in his tone. The sorrow remained omitted from the last of his words; Fae was probably somber enough about leaving his childhood home, and he had no intention of making her even sadder. He couldn't help but wonder when he would be allowed to speak with her again after this; he would mostly be accompanying the diplomats and hanging around with the Royal Guard, what with Chelsea being Her Highness's personal protector. Mira was a good friend of his, at least, but it did little to ease his worry. Honor first, son of Aage.

[Speak]

ｍｉｒａ--ｐｏｒｔａｔｈ

❝ｔｈｅ ｄｉｐｌｏｍａｔ❞

[age] twenty|four hundred [dragon] diplomat [ location ] garden [ tagged ] eden

Brushing a few locks of black hair from her face Mira continued on her solitary walk through the gardens. The fragrance of flowers enveloping Mira on her walk she let her mind wander to a the few days before she had been called away from Fayettes’ side for yet another meeting. It frustrated the diplomat to no end how casually the human court had called her away for another pointless discussion that could have easily been postponed until she had arrived with the princess, but no almost as if to spite her they insisted she come. The thing that troubled her most though was that now Fayette had only one of her three companions were now with her and though true that, that one was Jannik she still felt uncertain. It was true that she had known Jannik for a long time and she knew that he would defend Fayette with his life, it would have made her feel better if she could be there.
Silver eyes moving over the scenery Mira noticed the few people that, like her, were escaping the hustle and butle of the rest of the castle, normally there wouldn’t be so many people here but with the ball this evening there were many noble families now crowding the halls. This also gave Mira a sinking feeling in her chest, with so many people in the castle the danger only grew for Fayette and the rest of the dragons. Treachery and lies were common in any court and Asiali was no exception, within these walls it was hard to know who to trust, something she hoped Fayette would not need to learn the hard way.
It was in these thoughts that Mira came across the Lady Eden sitting on one of the many benches that lined the pathway with her nose in a book. From what she had seen of this elegant lady Mira had to admit that she was an exceptional human, beautiful, intelligent, and with her finger on the very pulse of castle gossip the diplomat knew she could be a very valuable resource. The arrival of Fayette would surely stir many in the court and to know even a whisper of what they thought would be extremely helpful. Approaching the lady with soft steps Mira inclined her head slightly “Morning Lady Eden, I trust you slept well.” she said her voice soft and clear.

[Little Rebel]

Fayette Draco
*of the Elder Clan*

[ tagged: Sir Jannik Dahl ]

Caught up in her thoughts, Faye didn't hear the man's approach until her spoke up. Turning, she caught and held the garden green eyes. She knew it wasn't really proper; her eyes should always be above her lowers. But she had known Jannik for so long she rarely even thought of him as anything but an equal. Not that she would dare tell her father this. He would be furious. A small, warm smile curved the edges of her lips. Speak of the devil and he shall come. Turning, she faced him. Her skirts swished lightly around her ankles showing black riding boots. She had insisted they ride to the castle. She would not ride in a carriage like sone defenseless human girl. Of course, her father was displeased by this but he had sullenly agreed as he so often did. The stableboys were preparing their horses as they spoke, with a small carriage to carry their things.

"To be completely honest, Jannik, I would much rather crawl back into bed and have this day be over." She admitted with a rueful smile. She never had been able to lie to him... even when she was a little girl. At one point, she had actually told him that his curly hair made him look like a girl. They had been at a ball, one in her honor no less, and a dignitary from a distant clan had been within hearing range. Her father had been horrified, but the man had just chuckled and pointed out that 'kids would be kids'. Reaching up, she tugged at a stray curl uneasily. Jezebel would likely have a heart attack were she here. She firmly believed Faye should look no less than perfect from head to toe. The pattering of footsteps drew her attention. Damien, one of the younger Stableboys, stopped before them. Eyes locked firmly on his feet, he went down on one knee and bowed his head before her the way he had likely been taught since birth.

"Lady Draco, Sir Dahl. Your horses await." The child squeaked, lifting his eyes a fraction before dropping them again.

"You may rise, Damien. Did you prepare Cielo for me?" She asked. Cielo was a young, spirited stallion who often tortured the poor grooms and stableboys by nipping and kicking them whenever possible. Faye was one of the few people the horse allowed upon his back. He was a gorgeous animal with a glossy black pelt, a white blaze on his forehead, white socks on all four legs, and a white mane and tail. He had been an engagement present from Prince Dareos's Family. The child nodded quickly and she smiled her thanks. "That will ne all, thank you." She said. The child nodded again and rose, scurrying off.

|| I will probably have Cedric enter when Faye and Jannik arrive at the castle ||

[~Erica~]

ЄDEN ВELLASIS
Շhe Ըady

[ Tagged: ] Mira Portath

Reading soon became merely a pretense for Eden as she noticed the dragon diplomat, Mira Portath, wandering in her direction. With one eye on the dragon woman and one on her book she waited patiently for her to approach. She would of course, and the young noble woman well knew it. It was no small secret that many of the other nobles confided in her, whether by choice or orchestrated accident it mattered not, but then she was also known for her discretion. Most information she kept merely to herself, or perhaps sometimes informing her elder brother if needed. There was only one exception to this rule.

Payment.

She asked only to be told something no one else knew in payment for what she knew herself, and, in that way, the lady Eden had gathered a very large storehouse of information. Few knew quite how expansive it was and that was the way she preferred to keep it. Making enemies because of her knowledge was not something she wanted to do. In that way she walked a very fine line by revealing certain things and asking for others. So far, she had managed to succeed but that did not guaranteed the future. One day, the lady knew, she would make an enemy and there also would likely be her downfall.

When Mira approached and spoke, Eden feigned surprise at the woman's appearance, smiling gently as she rose and gave a dignified curtsy. It was a movement that, in its elegance, was almost intimidating. "My Lady Mira, thank you for your concern. Yes, I had a most excellent rest, although I must admit I could have slept longer, since waking early like this is most difficult. It leaves me feeling rather dull. I really admire you for looking so awake and bright at this hour."

Retaining a wisp of a smile, Eden sat back down draping her skirts about her before patting a space on the bench with a pale, white hand. "Do sit down and join me. I was just reading the most delightful play before you arrived, it's titled Romeo and Juliet. I wonder, have you ever heard of it before?"

She arched a slender brow, waiting to see if the dragon representative would recognize the line she had just tossed out or not. It had been subtle, but she trusted the other woman to know how to dance with words as well, she was a diplomat after all.

[Nocturnal Creatures]

|| Chelsea Kairen || Female || 23/250 || The Protector || Crush; None || Tagged; Elric Averill ||

Finally after a few more minutes in the inn Chelsea decided to vacate the place in favour of somewhere a little brighter and with a slightly nicer smell. She stood up and walked over towards the door, exiting onto the reasonably quite street outside, it was still early and not many people were up. She looked around the street, it would not be long until the streets were filled with celebration as the dragon's daughter arrived in town to wed the youngest prince. Chelsea had been asked by the young dragon herself to be part of her protection detail and she had made the choice to go on ahead and to try and familiarize herself with the rather large human city. She had been there for about two days now and was already slightly bored of the menial human customs.

She began to make her way towards the palace, she had free entrance there as part of the company of the soon to be new princess of this realm. She intended to explore the castle grounds and to maybe meet some of the humans that lived there, she had of course been told to try and socialize and to get along with the humans there. After all she could end up living in the city in the near future if all went according to plan. She entered the castle grounds without hindrance, it was her second time there and she was still slightly intimidated by the grandeur of it all.

Her attention was caught by the sound of swords and she walked in the direction of all the noise, as she rounded a corner she came upon the training grounds of the knights of this kingdom. She stood on the sidelines and watched as a few of the knights practiced with their swords. It made her slightly nervous, watching them all, she had fought against them before and to watch them practice with weapons that had slain her kind made her uncomfortable. Still she tried to not let that bother her and continued to watch them. Her black gaze followed one of the knights in particular, a young male with a mess of curly black hair atop his head, perfectly balanced as he practiced and hardly expending energy, he seemed to be more showing off than practicing for a war.

She walked closer to the training field and stood on the sidelines watching the knight as he practiced, she was more comfortable in a place like this than she was drinking tea with ladies and talking about dresses. Perhaps that made her a bit different and if they were to fit into this place then perhaps she wouldn't be to comfortable. Still she watched as the knights practiced those thoughts lingering in the back of her mind, pushed down so she wouldn't be troubled by them.

[invikta]

Eʟʀɪᴄ Aᴠᴇʀɪʟʟ
╾of the Royal Guard

[ tagged: Chelsea Karien ]

The training was coming to an end that morning. They only had a short time to practice every morning, their superiors expecting them to fulfill the regimen effortlessly in the allotted time. It had been quite the challenge for Elric in the beginning, and many a time he would go without breakfast as punishment for not being able to complete his training, but as time went on and his skills grew to match those who had been wielding their swords since the small age of five, he found it increasingly easier to keep up. As it stood he'd had an extra few minutes to simply swing his sword before time was called, and he carefully sheathed the blade. As the other warriors began making their way toward the Guard's dining hall, Elric caught wind of a few whispers pointing out the quiet observer. His eyes followed their not-so-subtle pointing to see a young woman clad in leather and the most interesting eyes. He needn't have heard his comrades' words to know that she was a dragon. Most noble women sported their elegant dresses, and even those of the lower classes either couldn't afford such fine material as leather and armour, be it thin, or didn't dare present themselves with such masculinity. Elric had a deep respect for a woman, even a dragon, who could express herself without a care in the world for those who saw her.

So of course, being the gentleman his comrades clearly weren't, Elric approached the dragoness. When he stood before her, he offered a low, respectful bow. No matter her class it was only polite to show such regard to women. As he rose, however, his face broke into a friendly grin and he clasped his hands casually in front of him. "Greetings, My Lady. I trust the Royal Guard's training has not disappointed your expectations?" He inquired lightly, hoping only to lessen whatever tension she may be feeling in the presence of armed humans. If this marriage was to work out, it would also fall upon both the Young Prince's people the Lady Draco's dragons to ensure the peace they strove to establish. For even if the two royals did fall happily in love and later birth new princes and princesses, it wouldn't matter if their people were constantly at each other's throats.

[Nocturnal Creatures]

|| Chelsea Kairen || Female || 23/250 || The Protector || Crush; None || Tagged; Elric Averill ||

Chelsea easily spotted the glances that she was getting from the knights whom had been training, though of course with their pointing of fingers and loud whispers anyone would have noticed them. It was only to be expected, how often would a woman be watching men training, after all it wasn't deemed 'proper' for a woman to take interest in such practices, not in the eyes of humans anyways. She had heard the word, dragon muttered a few times, of course it was probably known that two of the Lady Draco's people had entered the city ahead of time and she was hardly being subtle with the way she dressed.

She was drawn out of her thoughts when the knight whom she had been watching earlier approached her and began to speak. She watched him amused as he bowed to her, she was of no noble blood yet still the young knight had the courtesy to act towards her as if she did. She gave him a light smile as she answered him, "Yes it was interesting to see how you train, though I suspect that today it was more for show than it was war preparations?" She said to him, voicing her earlier thoughts to him, "Though if you don't mind I'd rather you not call me lady, calling me by my own name would be preferred, call me Chelsea if anything. And what should I be able to call you?" She asked.

She was doing her best to try and keep a polite and curbed tongue, normally her pattern of speech was much rougher but she felt it was better to try and speak in a more proper form of tongue. At least around people she didn't know particularly well, she didn't want to accidentally end up in a fight with someone because they felt that she had been rude to them. No if that happened then she would face trouble from both her own people and the humans. Though she suspected that had she been rude to the young knight he would have still kept a civil tongue in his mouth.

[invikta]

Eʟʀɪᴄ Aᴠᴇʀɪʟʟ
╾of the Royal Guard

[ tagged: Chelsea Karien ]

Elric's tone and expression remained light and easy, which was no difficult task. He'd never really been able to take on the stiff posture the other knights wore when speaking to anyone but each other and lower classes. It simply didn't befit him, considering his origins. His lax mannerisms had gotten him many places before, after all, so he saw no harm in letting them show now. What good would it do to force himself into an uncomfortable statuesque stance before a dragon when it would clearly only show that he himself was not comfortable around them? He saw no reason to be uncomfortable just yet, and this Chelsea certainly seemed civil enough. He couldn't fathom why the people were so against forming this treaty. Not only would it put an end to all this pain and bloodshed, but it would give both sides a new ally, both formidable in their own ways. The only proper way to approach this was not to really approach it at all. Act as if nothing was changing, as if it were the same as a marriage between any other noble household and their own. This division of races needed to be put to an end.

"Yes, we're attempting to keep ourselves presentable today. Any other day you might have befallen the unfortunate sight of our often and many brawls." He told her with a light chuckle. He'd yet to go a day without seeing one couple or another raise their blades to each other over some trivial manner, whether it be that one fought unfairly, or overheard a snide comment from someone else. The Royal Guard was full of immaturity amoungst the newer recruits, especially. "So, Chelsea," he nodded in regards to her preferred title, "have you eaten this morning? Perhaps you wouldn't mind joining us in the dining hall. I'm sure my brethren would love to get to know you." Of course that was a blatant lie and he was sure she knew it, too. All the same there were those who shared his views on the peace treaty and they were who he mainly spoke of. He himself wouldn't mind learning more about Chelsea. She seemed like a strong fighter, probably a common thing for women to become warriors amoungst her kind. Not to mention that it would be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about dragons as a whole. They were rather interesting creatures.

[Speak]

ｍｉｒａ--ｐｏｒｔａｔｈ

❝ｔｈｅ ｄｉｐｌｏｍａｔ❞

[age] twenty|four hundred [dragon] diplomat [ location ] garden [ tagged ] eden

Mira could only stand there as Eden rose to give her an elegant curtsy, for Mira this was a strange custom of the humans that she found difficult to master. True as a dragon she bowed her head in respect but it wasn’t until three years ago that she had actually started trying to curtsy (a practice that normally sent her face first to the floor) for without a tail her center of balance was always a little askew in this form and while she had mastered walking, running, and riding things such as curtsying she had yet to master. As usual to avoid humiliating herself Mira simply dipped her head in a nod.
"My Lady Mira, thank you for your concern. Yes, I had a most excellent rest, although I must admit I could have slept longer, since waking early like this is most difficult. It leaves me feeling rather dull. I really admire you for looking so awake and bright at this hour.” The lady replied a soft gentle smile on her face.
This was true, as Mira could recall she had never really seen Lady Eden or any other ladies up at this hour, it was understandable though not many of them had any need to attend early morning meetings or go over proposals and agreements. “Thank you, but it is only an old habit.” she said softly that was only part of the reason though, her constant nightmares were also to blame for her early rises.
As Eden returned to her spot on the bench she patted the spot beside her "Do sit down and join me. I was just reading the most delightful play before you arrived, it's titled Romeo and Juliet. I wonder, have you ever heard of it before?” the invitation was polite and yet Mira quickly caught on to the true meaning of her question.
“Of course,” the diplomat said with a smile as she took a seat on the bench, “It is a very good book but I always find myself wondering about the secondary characters, I do wish the story had gone more in depth with their feelings and thoughts.” To live in court it became almost second nature to play with words.



So sorry I was at work all day!}}

[~Erica~]

ЄDEN ВELLASIS
Շhe Ըady

[ Tagged: ] Mira Portath

Approval slipped into the glint of Eden's eyes as the dragon woman picked up her cue instantly and replied in kind. To anyone listening it truly would have sounded like they were merely discussing a play and not the political situation of their peoples. It gratified the young noble woman to have the pleasure of crossing words with someone new, and sounding out the abilities of the dragon diplomat would bring her no small amount of amusement. There were few who matched the lady in this particular dance, and right now she played the lead, the left step forward.

Folding her hands, she let the poignant pause draw out for a few seconds while forming a strategy of approach. In this arrangement it would be much more interesting to help Lady Mira out instead of misinforming the woman. The dragons would need all the help they could get in the coming days, and the longer they lasted at court the longer it would entertain Eden. Such a callous way of thinking, she pursed her lips in amusement at herself. Well, it was the truth.

Doe eyes flickering to look at Lady Mira, she took the first step, "Yes, I would have to agree. I find the minor characters very interesting, for they have a story to tell too, do they not? For example the beautiful and aloof Rosaline. She plays no part in the story but imagine perhaps she is not the pure creature Romeo thinks her to be, but rather was playing coy to keep his attention. When his love moves elsewhere imagine how she must feel. Devastated and angry at Juliet to be sure. Perhaps even enough to try and harm her in some small way."

Again she paused, giving the words and their meaning time to sink in. It wasn't difficult to guess what she spoke of, in fact most of the noble women made their jealousy of the incoming princess well known. The younger Prince was well liked by many of the courtly ladies, though the elder one was equally sought after. The position as queen was no small jewel, and both men were most handsome. Strangely enough, this was one of the few things Eden had no particular opinion on. She prefered to play in the background of the court intrigues, tweaking certain things to cause the juiciest bits of drama. All accidentally of course.

A smile slipped onto her face, that, if tilted to just the right angle, could have been called sły. "Are there any particular characters you're interested in Lady Mira? I always enjoy finding out something I don't already know."

The implications were obvious, anything more than what she had already disclosed would cost. The deeper opinions were more dangerous ones to spread, especially if the trail led back to her. Some were of a delicate nature after all.