The Royal Fae Ball (Accepting!)

[TheRegularTerrarian]

Bernard Illsbury | 34 | Male | Royal Physician | Physician's Quarters -> Balcony Doors | Tags: Andromeda, Nova, Orion, Maraquan Royalty
It would seem that he had been left alone to his business. That was good. He watches as the spell finishes, and the nerve calming potions become ready. "Good... Those have come out quite nicely. Now, I should probably get these to those Wispearls before the ceremony starts..." He takes the potions and leaves his quarters, locking the door behind him with his key, and while no one was looking, magically locks it as well. Then, he heads back to the Balcony Doors.
Needless to say, he was quite surprised when he saw that not only had Orion arrived, but so had the Maraquan Royal Family. What regal company! He had to be sure to be on his best behaviour now...
He approaches the group, and bows. "Greetings! It's so lovely to see the Maraquan Royal Family here. I am Bernard, the Royal Physician. Oh but you must excuse me, I must ensure that the young mistress Andromeda Wispearl and the young master Nova Wispearl get their nerve relaxants, it's a big day, and I want to ensure that they are feeling their best..." He bows again, and then makes his way to Andromeda and Nova, and of course, Orion. Once again, he bows. "Ah! Your Majesty! It's lovely to see you, as always." He pulls out the two nerve relaxants he made, and hands them to Andromeda and Nova. "I have just arrived to deliver the nerve relaxers to Miss Andromeda and Master Nova. I am positively certain that everything will go just perfectly, your Majesty." He bows once again, and steps off to one side. It seemed that things would be starting up quite soon, and he was certainly not going to stand outside and watch from far away. Besides, he had an excuse, at the very least.


Orion Wispearl | 61 | Male | Ruler of Solvale | Balcony Doors | Tags: Andromeda, Nova, Bernard, Maraquan Royalty
He smiles upon hearing his daughter's words. He couldn't be happier that she was ready for today. And of course, how wonderful! The Maraquan Royal Family had arrived. He returns the Queen's warm greeting, and shakes hands with Caelum. "Welcome to my castle, all of you. It is so wonderful to see everyone getting together for this occasion." He turns to Caelum. "You seem like a fine young man. I'm certain that you and my dear Andromeda will get on just spectacularly." He smiles again, and sees someone else approach. Bernard, the Royal Physician. He watches Bernard introduce himself to the Maraquan Royalty, and then approach him. "Ah, Bernard! It is good to see that you have made it." He watches him pull out two potions and give one each to Andromeda and Nova, and then explain what they were. "Ah, I see..." he quickly turns to Andromeda and Nova, and then back to Bernard. "Very well, I suppose it is only natural that you two would be nervous. Thank you, Bernard. You always are very helpful." Now... Everyone was there, and hopefully ready, so he imagined that things would start up quite soon. He was ready, though. It was now just a matter of when...

[Consulting_Angel]

Andromeda Wispearl
25 | Female | Solvale Heir
Location: Balcony Doors
Tagged: Nova, Bernard, Orion,
The Rieths

She remained silent as the two Rulers greeted one another and - sort of - introduce their heirs. She did give a curtsey, waiting for a moment in the conversation before she spoke. "My name is Andromeda. I'm looking forward to getting to know you all." She said, giving herself a formal introduction. Andromeda's attention shifted to Bernard when he made his re-appearance, quickly garnering the attention from everyone. She smiled as he handed her a potion, thanking the physician, turning away from the others quickly to drink it, which she carefully sipped at - she didn't really need everyone to completely see her drink the potion, but she wasn't going to down it. Once she had finished it, she handed the empty bottle back to Bernard. It took a few moments, but soon enough, she felt her nerves alleviated, and a bit more relaxed. Another Bernard Miracle.
Soon enough, a member of the royal court approached, bugle in hand. "Everyone ready? Knights, remain inside if you would please - this won't take long."
The balcony doors opened, and the new person stepped outside, playing a fanfare on the bugle to get everyone's attention in the courtyard, before announcing loudly, "And now, formally introducing your hosts, the Royal Family of Solvale, and our esteemed guests, the Royal Family of Maraqua!"

The six royals stepped out onto the balcony. Andromeda smiled brightly, as she stepped out and looked out over the courtyard and at all the nobles, knights and servants that were in attendance. Normally, this would probably make her more nervous, but thanks to Bernard's potion, she had no nerves of the sort. She waved, stopping and waiting as King Orion made his speech, and once it was all over - faster than she expected - they all went back inside after another wave.

Atlas Drake
26 | Male | Maraqua Knight
Location: Castle Corridor
Tagged: Keenan, Adria, Caelum
The Wispearls

There was little else for him to do while introductions were made, and connections were formed. Well... perhaps not so much in the form of connections, given he noticed Caelum didn't speak and barely seemed to look at his to-be-betrothed, and other conversations just didn't happen. He couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the arrival of the court physician. He was certainly respectful enough, and seemed to be well liked and trusted by the Solvale Royal Family. He didn't know... maybe it was just because he was already a little on-edge as it was. Whatever. He turned his attention to the Solvale Royal Family - the family of Faeries that would be taking a more prominent part in the lives of the Maraquan Royal Family that he'd sworn to protect. The King, Orion, was regal and commanding, but friendly. The heir, Princess Andromeda, was very pretty, and she seemed to know it, as well as friendly. The younger royal - the 'spare', of sorts - had been quiet, but Atlas did notice that he had looked at him, and seemed to nearly blush.

Before long, it was time for the balcony appearance. As he was a knight, he would be remaining inside. Atlas wasn't sure if he was comfortable with having to stay inside while the Royal Families were outside. He knew it wouldn't be long, but it was still uncomfortable. There was no arguing the decision though - not that he would have said anything anyway. Atlas watched as the group went out onto the balcony, listening to the speeches made, glancing towards the other Knight, and also the physician that was still there. He looked back out onto the balcony, waiting until everyone came back inside. Soon enough, they'd be due to go down and into the courtyard.

Damion Sterling
29 | Male | Solvale Noble
Location: Courtyard
Tagged: Cadence, Seraphina

Damion raised an eyebrow as Cadence spoke about Maraqua. There wasn't a lot of information, he was figuring that perhaps there wasn't much in the way of information that he could use. He also shook his head. "Ah - no, I don't think I'd have the time to visit. I'm a busy man outside of these sorts of events." Damion replied, "I was curious about your opinion about it. That, and I doubt I'd have much in the way of someone to feed off." He added, giving a quick smile where he flashed his fangs. He liked being able to drink blood fresh - but only from other beings, not animals, and they had to be able to consent to him feeding off them. He highly doubted that anyone would be quite so willing to let him feed off them in Maraqua.
Damion was about to say something else, when a bugle fanfare rang out across the courtyard, and Damion turned his attention up to the balcony. He watched as the two royal families stepped onto the balcony and waved, and King Orion made his speech. He glanced up at Princess Andromeda and Prince Nova - both of whom he'd often spent time with while growing up, when his father brought him to the palace for noble and royal court meetings. His jaw very slightly clenched as he looked over to the other royal family - direct from Maraqua - and he took a slow sip of his drink as he stared up at the Prince and Princess of Maraqua, almost as if he was carefully studying them. After speeches were over, his attention refocused, his jaw relaxing as he smiled, and he set his drink down on the hi-top table to applaud, until the royal families had gone back inside.

"Well - wasn't that nice?" Damion asked, as he turned towards Seraphina and Cade again. "I expect they'll all be coming out into the courtyard soon enough."

Katrina Casus
36 | Female | Solvale Advisor
Location: Courtyard.
Tagged: Elenara

She listened as the knight had introduced herself - just as she'd thought, she was a knight. And, to Katrina's interest, the knight had whispered, admitting that she was uncomfortable and had nearly got lost. Katrina was almost tempted to use this to gently tease Elenara, though she supposed it was something she could use later. She didn't really know what for, and it didn't really matter, but it was an interesting bit of information nonetheless. She prided herself on knowing such things, little tidbits of information about others.
She laughed lightly, good naturedly. "It is a big palace, I'm a little surprised that they'd have you go off on your own to figure out where you're going." Katrina said, empathetically. "I'll slip you a drink, I don't see why guests should miss out." She then added, with a wink. She glanced around, before spotting a servant some distance away, standing still with a full tray of fresh drinks. Without a word, Katrina teleported off in a puff of smoke, appearing in front of the servant, where she picked up two of the drinks from the slightly startled servant, before teleporting back to Elenara. She held one out to the knight. "Here we are!"

At the sound of the fanfare, and the announcement of the royal families, Katrina turned to look up at the balcony. She watched as the royal families stepped out onto the balcony. "That's Princess Andromeda and Prince Nova. And King Orion, of course." Katrina told Elenara, through telepathy, so that she wouldn't be talking outloud while King Orion was making his speech, and to make sure the knight was informed as to the names of the Solvale royals.

[Spiritstar3]

[q]b]Nova Wispearl[/b]- m- 23 y- Solvale ‘Spare’- Homosexual- crush: Atlas, Kaelan- significant other/date is open- he’d like to have kids, adopt them, if he could, but he doesn’t have to- Tags: Andromeda, Bernard, Orion, the Rieths, Atlas, Keenan

The boy noticed the Maraquan knight noticing him looking at him. He wanted to blush again, but this time from embarrassment. He’d almost blushed earlier because the other was attractive. Being caught looking made him just want to blush with embarrassment. He shook his head, and turned his attention to the others. Saying “I’m…my name is Nova.” He bowed a moment, then looked as Bernard arrived back to where they all were. He let out a small sort of sigh of relief. He took his potion as well, and quietly said “Thank you.” He glanced at the others, then half turned away and drank it. He likely drank his faster than his sister drank hers. He just wanted to get his over with, so he’d stop feeling so nervous. He finished the potion, and turned back to the others. Handing his empty bottle over to Bernard as Andromeda did with hers. He began to feel relaxed, and let out a quiet, contented sigh. Looking at the Maraquan royal family and even smiling at them now.

He then looked over as one of the royal court members approached. This one had a bugle in hand, though they probably all used bugles. He dipped his head a moment, as words were spoken. The balcony doors were opened, and said buglist went outside. They began to play, and called out to the guests to make the announcement. Nova glanced at the balcony a moment. He then looked to the others, as the buglist called to the guests. He then shook his head, and turned his attention to his family. As they stepped outside, so too did he. He glanced over to see the Maraqua queen and her two children step out as well. He nodded to them all a moment. Then focused his attention on the speech his father was making. He smiled at his sister, and waved as well. Then stopped and listened to his father’s speech, and looked to the others below. He then stepped back with the others. Turning to head back inside, as now they’d have to go down to the courtyard.

Dominique Morres- f- 26 y- Royal Gardener- Faerie- pan; Seraphina- Amos x Annabelle: Marcus- Tags

The cocoa skinned and deeply dark brown eyed woman continued to watch the three. She then shook her head, and looked up. Hearing the bugle as well as the call to them. She saw it was one of the members of the royal court, of course. She then watched as the two families stepped out. The king made his speech, and the queen of the other kingdom likely did too. It didn’t seem as though the heirs would need to. Though considering she knew how Andromeda was, the other probably had one prepared.

Marinn Quinto- f- 26 y- Servant- Kelpie- pan; Seraphina- knight x nursemaid- Tags: Kaelan

The creamy peachy skinned one smiled as she looked at the phoenix male. She nodded as she looked at him, though not for any particular reason. She didn’t even seem to realize she was nodding. She looked over again, and noticed another faerie. This one was watching the same two nobles and servant. Marinn tilted her head and studied the faerie…then shook her head. Turning her attention to Kaelan again, she’d spoken to him. She smiled when he smiled at her when she’d been talking. She said “Oh, just like…a horse, you know. Not a pony, not a draft horse, not a zebra, just a horse. Though I can go under water in that form,” she said with a little giggle. She then said “I could show you some time, if you’d let me see your wings; if…we can like get away from the others for a moment.”

Keenan Wittmore- m- 25 y- Knight- Siren- homosexual; Kaelan, Atlas- Date/ SO is open- may want to have or adopt kids one day but isn’t really sure about it- George x Nina: Hyram, Issa, Morgan- Tags: Atlas, Caelum, Adria, (queen)

The curly haired golden-brown haired male tilted his head a bit. Acting much like a curious cat or dog would do. Though he was neither, seeing as he normally had a fish tail so he should be fish like. Then again, fish and sea creatures could be curious too. Shaking his head, he glanced to the faeries once more. Watching as a man came up to them and gave the heir and her brother some drinks. He tilted his head again, studying said concoctions. He wondered if those were actually potions, not drinks. He’d seen the ‘spare’ looking at Atlas for a moment. He’d seen how the other had very nearly blushed. The other glanced to them again, before the physician had arrived. He’d looked away quick and almost blushed, having been caught looking by Atlas and Keenan.

The knight shook his head a couple times. Noticing said faerie was kind of cute, and was quiet but well mannered it seemed. He took a moment to also study the queen and heir. He’d rather call her an heiress since she was female, but put that out of mind. She was quite pretty, and the king was handsome. The royal families soon were being announced to the guests. Then they had to step out onto the balcony, all six of them together. He stood back, since the knights had been ordered to stay where they were. They couldn’t, and wouldn’t, go against their orders. He could tell Atlas didn’t like it, though. He knew why…since there could be dangers anywhere. He met eyes with the other knight, then looked to the balcony as the two royal families began to come back in.

[TheRegularTerrarian]

Bernard Illsbury | 34 | Male | Royal Physician | Balcony Doors | Tags: Andromeda, Nova, Orion, Atlas
Excellent, it had seemed that his arrival and greetings had gone quite well indeed. And of course, the two potions he had made worked quite a treat. He takes both the empty bottles and puts them in his pocket. "It is no worry at all, I am quite glad that you two will be feeling ship-shape for the ceremony." Speaking of, it would seem that it was starting. "Good luck Your Majesty, Miss Wispearl and Master Nova." he says with a smile and slight wave. After they had all gone out, it seemed that it was just him, Atlas and Keenan now that all the royals had gone outside. "So... how's Maraqua…" He looks at Atlas. "I do apologise, it would seem that I haven't quite caught your name. I am Bernard Illsbury, the Royal Physician. It is quite good to meet you."

Orion Wispearl | 61 | Male | Ruler of Solvale | Balcony | Tags: Everyone
It was nearly time. Andromeda and Nova drank their potions - nerve relaxants he assumed. And of course, Bernard took the empty bottles, perhaps to be cleaned out and used for another potion. He had quite enjoyed the pleasantries, but now, it was time for his speech. And of course, the doors opened, and he steps outside with the other royals. "Greetings people of Solvale, and visitors from Maraqua! Welcome to my fair city! Today marks the first day of celebrations for a very special union, one between my lovely daughter Princess Andromeda, and the charming heir of Maraqua, Prince Caelum!" He pauses a bit to let the applause happen, and then continues. "The celebrations for this wonderful event shall take place over the course of a week, and I invite each and every one of you to enjoy the celebrations to your heart's delight! I truly look forward to seeing how this beautiful union brings our two fantastic kingdoms together. It is wonderful to see so many people gathered for this momentous occasion, and I shall finish my speech by simply asking you all to celebrate! Thank you all, and enjoy the celebrations!"
With that, he takes a deep breath. He had gotten his speech out without a hitch, that was perfect. "I do love how many of our people have gathered for this event, it truly makes you realise the grandeur of it all. Now, let's go back inside, I wouldn't want to keep our knights from joining in the celebrations. They truly deserve it for all their hard work."

[MoonlitWolf2022]

Name: Lillian Rieth
Age: 47
Location:Balcony --> Indoors
Tagged: Caelum, Adria,
The Wispearls --> Everyone

Lillian Rieth was silent, although she had exchanged pleasantries with the Royals of Solvale before they stepped out onto the balcony. She paused, glancing at Caelum, then Adria. Of course, Adria had not worn the dress Lillian had set aside, but wisely so. It was a test of sorts, to see whether she paid attention to her lessons on fashion. She spoke quietly and quickly. "Remember to stay calm" She reminded them both.

She stepped out, following the Wispearls, her pearlescent dress of soft lilacs and purples flowing behind her, embellished by the pearls of her kingdom. Her hair was left down, and in the light, the purple seemed to glow, while the black seemed to darken. Her eyes, in the sunlight, danced with light, observing the Royals by her and then the crowd. Lillian listened to the King of Solvale, before speaking herself.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your warm words and gracious welcome. People of Solvale, and my loyal people of Maraqua, it fills my heart with joy to stand here today and witness the beginning of a union that signifies not just the beginning of something wonderful between my son, Prince Caelum, and the radiant Princess Andromeda, but the strengthening of bonds between our two great kingdoms.

This moment marks the start of a new chapter, one written with hope, understanding, and unity. For too long, our realms have admired each other from afar, like the sun and the sea meeting only at the horizon. Today, however, we bring that horizon closer, joining our strengths, our cultures, and our futures as one.

As we embark on this week of celebration, let us remember that it is not just about this day or this union alone, but about what it represents—the promise of friendship, mutual respect, and a brighter future for us all. I am deeply grateful for the kindness and hospitality shown by King Orion and the people of Solvale. May the joy and harmony of this occasion echo throughout both our lands, setting an example for generations to come.

So, with my deepest wishes for peace and prosperity, I invite you all to join in the festivities, share in our happiness, and celebrate this historic union. Let the bond forged here remind us all that we are stronger together. Thank you."

With that, she turned and left the balcony, dress flowing like the waves of the sea. She nodded in agreement with Orion's words. "Of course. I'd like to speak with my children first, however we will join you's promptly." She said with a dip of her head. "Caelum, Adria, will you follow me for a moment?"She said, more a demand then a question or request. She turns and strides away, not bothering to glance back and see if her children are following.

Name: Kaede Inari
Age: 25
Location:Courtyard
Tagged: Open

Kaede was there in the courtyard, sipping her drink, when the Royal's stepped out. She scowled and turned to face them. Of course, stupid speech for a stupid celebration. It should be her up there, leading these people, not her land in the east of Solvale.As a young Lady of Solvale, she was underrated, but she made sure she was well known.

Being well known was a step closer to taking the throne, the crown. She had been scheming for months, but never found a suitable way to overthrow the Wispearls. She really just wanted to be all-powerful, as her species once were. Kitsunes used to be feared and reveled, and now she was just another subject ruled by a group of faeries.And soon, a Merman. Gross, fishy things that stink. Especially to her foxy sense of smell.

Of course, she seemed happy and presentable on the outside, but if you looked in her icy blue eyes, you'd see the same fire she can command lying in wait for it's moment to strike. She ruffles her dress absentmindedly, finding herself drifting through the crowd, drink in hand. To where, she didn't know.

[baby blue]

𝐀𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐀 𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐓𝐇

────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
x✧xxxx21xxxxspare heirxxxxmermaidxxxxlocation: castle corridorxxxxtags: atlas, keenan, caelum, the wispearls, lillian
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

adria observed the solvale royalty across from her, noting the potions their royal physician handed them. she wasn't sure what they were, but she could guess, and if she was correct she wished she could have one as well. she wasn't nervous. she would deny that until her last breath. but she despised all the formalities she was being made to partake in and a potion of the kind andromeda and nova were given would relax her enough to not work herself up into a tizzy over the presentation. she side-eyed her mother followed by caelum. both appeared the picture perfect of regality and she couldn't help but blow out a breath. she didn't fit in and as much as she told herself she liked it that way, she just once wished that she could be like her mother and brother...perfect.

as the royals made their way onto the balcony, adria hung back slightly, angling herself behind her mother as they stood overlooking the courtyard. she was here in appearances only. she wasn't required to speak and when this was done, she would promptly be finding something fun to do that was not in the courtyard. listening to her mother's voice ring out across the courtyard, she stared down at the civilians, nobles, and servants that stared back at them. she didn't recognize any other than the few servants of maraqua she had met, but she likely couldn't tell you the name of. not because she never made the effort to ask, but only because she saw them so infrequently. after leaving the balcony, adria was practically bouncing on her heels with excitement, though you could see the strain she was under to contain herself. her chance to slip away was ruined in a few short words from her mother. with a sigh and a side-eye to caelum, adria followed after her mother briskly. "really mother?" she blurted out once they were all outside hearing range of the solvale royals. "i thought i could go have some fun after this presentation, but instead i feel like i'm about to get the lecture of my life and for no good reason." it was a bold assumption that could put her in more trouble than what her mother was initially planning on saying, but she often spoke before her brain could catch up with her mouth aka tail-in-mouth.

𝐂𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐒𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐀

────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
x✧xxxx24xxxxservantxxxxmermaidxxxxlocation: courtyardxxxxtags: damion, seraphina
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

"oh, okay." cade responded to the both of them, deflating a bit. if they didn't plan on visiting, why ask? she could wonder about that later. at the mention of needing something - no, somebody - to feed off of, she paled a bit. the idea of blood in general made her queasy, but the idea of needing it for sustenance? yeah, she wasn't going to touch that with a ten foot pole. "yeah, yeah of course. i, i didn't realize." she stuttered out in response. thankfully, she was saved by the arrival of the royals on the balcony. it would give her to chance to escape this conversation as soon as they were done speaking.

she listened intently to king orion and queen lillian's speeches, although it was the same fluffed up speech she had been picturing for a minute. there wasn't much else to say other than hoping for peace and prosperity between the kingdoms. she couldn't imagine that those of lower status were privy to the information behind betrothals, but she was sure money was a driving factor. as the royals retreated from the balcony, she swiped some more empty glasses from the tables around her, but stopped when damion spoke. seems she was still involved in this conversation, she realized with a low blow of breath. "uh, yes very nice." she said quietly. "i suspect they will." she eyed more tables pointedly, too nervous to outright say that she needed to get going before the royals came down and saw empty dishware on the tables.

[Furrydogs12]

Caelum Rieth | 27 years old | Male | Heir of Maraqua | He/ Him | Demisexual, Demiromantic | Merman| Tags: Adria, Atlas, Keenan, Wisperals
As the speeches concluded, Caelum remained still, his expression an unreadable mask. He couldn't help but feel an undercurrent of anxiety despite his best efforts to stay composed. This whole union felt more like a performance than an actual celebration. He didn’t mind the attention, or at least, he told himself that, but the weight of expectations was starting to wear on him.

His mother’s words echoed in his mind as he stepped down from the balcony, his heart heavy with the knowledge that the rest of this evening was bound to be filled with more formalities, more faces, more expectations. He glanced sideways at Adria, catching her eye with an almost imperceptible nod, a shared understanding passing between them.

When Lillian turned toward him, commanding him to follow, Caelum didn’t hesitate. "Of course, Mother," he said in his usual quiet voice. As they moved through the crowd, his gaze lingered for a moment on Atlas. The knight's earlier glances hadn't escaped him. There was something about Atlas that Caelum couldn’t quite place, something unsettlingly familiar in the way he made Caelum feel… noticed. But he quickly pushed the thought aside as he followed his mother’s lead.

Seraphina Drakonis| 32 years old | Female | Noble of Solvale | She/ Her| Bisexual, Biromantic | Dragon | Tags: Damion, Cadence
Seraphina stood with a measured calmness as the royal families made their speeches. Her mind was elsewhere, swirling with the discomfort she always felt in large crowds. Being a dragon, she wasn't exactly built for staying still in one place for long periods. But she did her best to keep her attention focused on the event, her gaze flickering occasionally toward Cadence, the servant, who seemed to be quietly nervous.

As Damion spoke, Seraphina’s lips curled into a slight smile, though it lacked warmth. "Yes," she said with a dry tone, "I suspect the celebrations will drag on well into the night. But I’ll leave the grand speeches and toasts to others, I’m more interested in the outcome of this… union.” She glanced at the balcony, noting Caelum's stoic presence. "Let's just hope this doesn't end in more politics and less actual diplomacy."

Her fingers twitched subtly, as if longing to set a small flame, but she kept herself composed, using the conversation as a distraction. Her focus shifted back to Cadence, whose discomfort was palpable. "You seem uneasy. Are you not used to such affairs?" she asked, a hint of curiosity in her tone, though not a lot of sympathy.

Kaelan Emberheart | 24 years old | Male | Servant of Solvale | He/ Him| Homosexual, Homoromantic | Phoenix | Tags: Marinn
Kaelan's thoughts wandered as he observed the others, though Marinn's voice cut through his reverie. He flashed her a charming smile, his interest piqued by her offer. "A horse, you say? Now that’s something I’ve never seen before. I’d love to see it, if you don’t mind showing me." He chuckled lightly, his expression warm.

The mention of his wings brought a hint of hesitation to his face. "Well, it's a bit of a risk. My wings aren't something I show often. They’re a little... overwhelming." He glanced at her with an apologetic smile. "But maybe we can find a quiet moment later to share them. You seem trustworthy enough," he added with a soft laugh. His eyes gleamed with a mischievous twinkle, but beneath that playful exterior, he was genuinely intrigued by Marinn's offer.

As the fanfare of the royal announcement sounded, Kaelan straightened up. He wasn't sure what he was expecting, but the sense of formality hung in the air like a thick mist. Still, it was a night of celebration, and Kaelan tried to push his concerns aside. He wanted to enjoy it, or at least make the best of it.

Elenara Windrider | 21 years old | Female | Noble (Knight) of Maraqua | She/ Her | Bisexual | Elf (water) | Tags: Katrina
Elenara let out a soft sigh of relief when Katrina brought her a drink. Her throat was dry from the tension she had been feeling, but the warm hospitality of the Solvale nobles was a welcome change from the cold sterility of the palace. She smiled slightly, taking the drink gratefully from Katrina. "Thank you. I... really appreciate it."

As the royal families stepped out onto the balcony, Elenara’s attention sharpened, her gaze following the movement of each royal figure. She listened intently to Katrina’s quiet telepathic explanation, nodding as she processed the names. "Andromeda, Nova, Orion... I see," she thought to herself, committing the names to memory.

When Katrina spoke again, offering her insight into the festivities, Elenara shifted slightly, feeling more at ease in the moment. "It is a grand occasion," she thought, "But this palace feels so different from Maraqua. The air is too dry, the atmosphere too tense." She turned her attention to the other knights who remained inside, wondering what the Solvale court truly expected from them. She couldn’t quite shake the feeling that there was more to this union than anyone was letting on.

[MoonlitWolf2022]

Name: Lillian Rieth
Age: 47
Species:Mermaid
Location: Interior Corridors
Tagged: Caelum, Adria

Lillian led her children through the corridors, until they were out of view by the hosting royals. Her face doesn't flicker at Adria's word's as she turned to face them both. She surveyed them for a moment before letting loose a sigh."I've noticed some tension between you two." She started, looking pointedly at Adria, a sign she had heard Adria's earlier comments on her brother's priorities. "I did not bring you aside to punish you, but to remind you of who you are and what you represent. We are not just Royals, we are the embodiment of Maraqua's strength, unity and dignity."

She turned her gaze on Adria. "Adria, I understand your heart is strong and your words are passionate, but there is a time and place for expressing doubt. Your brother's role will demand balance, not just loyalty to his queen but to his people, both here and Maraqua. Trust that he knows this and support him, as family should." She said, her voice warm yet strictly in manner of speaking.

She then gazed at her son, seeing past his mask, and sighed once more. "Caelum. You must remember that unity within our family sets the foundation for Maraqua's trust in you. If they see division amongst us, they will question your resolve and strength. You are a prince, soon to be King of two powerful kingdoms, but more then that, you are a leader who must inspire confidence - not just in the eyes of our allies but in the hearts of your people. Including your sister." She says softly.

She takes their hands in hers, gaze going from Caelum to Adria as she spoke. " I only ask that you both carry yourselves with the grace and respect that courtyard behavior requires. These moments shape how others see us and how we see each other. Let today be remember for the unity we are trying to build, not siblings doubting each other."

She looked at them for a moment longer, the weight of her gaze reassuring yet unyielding. She forced a smile of courtyard grace on her face. "Now, let us join the celebration, together."[/color] She said, before leaning closer to Adria. "Good choice on the dress, it suits you much better then the one I set out." She says, a soft touch of laughter in her voice. She then begins leading the way back to the Royals of Solvale, dress flowing like the waves once more.

Name: Kaede Inari
Age: 25
Species: Kitsune
Location:Courtyard
Tagged: Open

Kaede was there in the courtyard, sipping her drink, when the Royal's stepped out. She scowled and turned to face them. Of course, stupid speech for a stupid celebration. It should be her up there, leading these people, not her land in the east of Solvale.As a young Lady of Solvale, she was underrated, but she made sure she was well known.

Being well known was a step closer to taking the throne, the crown. She had been scheming for months, but never found a suitable way to overthrow the Wispearls. She really just wanted to be all-powerful, as her species once were. Kitsunes used to be feared and reveled, and now she was just another subject ruled by a group of faeries.And soon, a Merman. Gross, fishy things that stink. Especially to her foxy sense of smell.

Of course, she seemed happy and presentable on the outside, but if you looked in her icy blue eyes, you'd see the same fire she can command lying in wait for it's moment to strike. She ruffles her dress absentmindedly, finding herself drifting through the crowd, drink in hand. To where, she didn't know.

[Spiritstar3]

Nova Wispearl- m- 23 y- Solvale ‘Spare’- Homosexual- crush: Atlas, Kaelan- significant other/date is open- he’d like to have kids, adopt them, if he could, but he doesn’t have to- Tags: Andromeda, Bernard, Orion, the Rieths, Atlas, Keenan

The boy noticed the Maraquan knight noticing him looking at him. He wanted to blush again, but this time from embarrassment. He’d almost blushed earlier because the other was attractive. Being caught looking made him just want to blush with embarrassment. He shook his head, and turned his attention to the others. Saying “I’m…my name is Nova.” He bowed a moment, then looked as Bernard arrived back to where they all were. He let out a small sort of sigh of relief. He took his potion as well, and quietly said “Thank you.” He glanced at the others, then half turned away and drank it. He likely drank his faster than his sister drank hers. He just wanted to get his over with, so he’d stop feeling so nervous. He finished the potion, and turned back to the others. Handing his empty bottle over to Bernard as Andromeda did with hers. He began to feel relaxed, and let out a quiet, contented sigh. Looking at the Maraquan royal family and even smiling at them now.

He then looked over as one of the royal court members approached. This one had a bugle in hand, though they probably all used bugles. He dipped his head a moment, as words were spoken. The balcony doors were opened, and said buglist went outside. They began to play, and called out to the guests to make the announcement. Nova glanced at the balcony a moment. He then looked to the others, as the buglist called to the guests. He then shook his head, and turned his attention to his family. As they stepped outside, so too did he. He glanced over to see the Maraqua queen and her two children step out as well. He nodded to them all a moment. Then focused his attention on the speech his father was making. He smiled at his sister, and waved as well. Then stopped and listened to his father’s speech, and looked to the others below. He then stepped back with the others. Turning to head back inside, as now they’d have to go down to the courtyard.

Dominique Morres- f- 26 y- Royal Gardener- Faerie- pan; Seraphina- Amos x Annabelle: Marcus- Tags: Kaede

The cocoa skinned and deeply dark brown eyed woman glanced around a moment. Her eyes landed on one woman. The other woman seemed a bit younger than herself. The other was scowling at the two royal families…and Domi sighed and shook her head. She studied the other, or at least seemed to. She then glanced to the royals, as both leaders made their speeches. She watched as they then turned to head back inside. Knowing they were going to soon make their way down to the courtyard.

She glanced back to the woman she’d been seeming to study. Watching as the other made her way through the crowd. She felt some sort of desire to go speak to the other. For one, the other woman she had wanted to speak to was already in conversation with two others. For another, there was just something about Kaede. She was pretty sure that was her name: Kaede. She quickly headed over to her, saying “Hello. Kaede, that’s your name right?” and tilting her head a bit, waiting to hear if she’d actually guessed the name correctly.

Marinn Quinto- f- 26 y- Servant- Kelpie- pan; Seraphina- knight x nursemaid- Tags: Kaelan

The creamy peachy skinned one tilted her head as she watched him. He was observing the others that were in the courtyard, it seemed. She nodded and said “Yeah.” Smiling and giggling a bit as she looked at the male of the Solvale kingdom. She then nodded as he spoke again, though sighed a bit…However, she perked up as he continued to speak. For he said maybe they could find a quiet moment later. She smiled and said “I won’t tell anyone else about it, I promise you that.”

“Also…it’s pretty hard to overwhelm me, considering where I come from. There’s so many things in the ocean that you’d think would be overwhelming. Sharks…ship wrecks, things like that. I’m sure your wings won’t be mad,” she said a bit quieter. She then looked up as the royals came out and made their speeches. She tilted her head as she watched them. Then they were all heading back inside, likely to soon come down to the courtyard. She asked “Kaelan, what’s it like working for these Faeries, anyway?”

Keenan Wittmore- m- 25 y- Knight- Siren- homosexual; Kaelan, Atlas- Date/ SO is open- may want to have or adopt kids one day but isn’t really sure about it- George x Nina: Hyram, Issa, Morgan- Tags: Atlas, Caelum, Adria, (queen)

The curly haired golden-brown haired male tilted his head a bit. Acting much like a curious cat or dog would do. Though he was neither, seeing as he normally had a fish tail so he should be fish like. Then again, fish and sea creatures could be curious too. Shaking his head, he glanced to the faeries once more. Watching as a man came up to them and gave the heir and her brother some drinks. He tilted his head again, studying said concoctions. He wondered if those were actually potions, not drinks. He’d seen the ‘spare’ looking at Atlas for a moment. He’d seen how the other had very nearly blushed. The other glanced to them again, before the physician had arrived. He’d looked away quick and almost blushed, having been caught looking by Atlas and Keenan.

The knight shook his head a couple times. Noticing said faerie was kind of cute, and was quiet but well mannered it seemed. He took a moment to also study the queen and heir. He’d rather call her an heiress since she was female, but put that out of mind. She was quite pretty, and the king was handsome. The royal families soon were being announced to the guests. Then they had to step out onto the balcony, all six of them together. He stood back, since the knights had been ordered to stay where they were. They couldn’t, and wouldn’t, go against their orders. He could tell Atlas didn’t like it, though. He knew why…since there could be dangers anywhere. He met eyes with the other knight, then looked to the balcony as the two royal families began to come back in.

[Consulting_Angel]

Andromeda Wispearl
25 | Female | Solvale Heir
Location: Courtyard
Tagged: Open

After the speeches and being back inside, Andromeda had hoped to speak to the other prince, Caelum, to try and strike up a conversation before they were back outside and in the public eye. But, with Queen Lillian requesting to speak to her children alone for a moment, Andromeda nodded. There was no issue in going on ahead. "See you outside," she said, with a brief curtsey, then she smiled towards her father and brother. "To the courtyard, then?" she suggested, and started to make her way through the corridors, down stairs and soon enough, arriving at the courtyard. She took a few moments, to look around, watching the activity of all the guests that were in attendance. It was so nice to see the turn out, that so many people had accepted their invitations. She moved forward - catching the attention of several of the guests, one of whom pointed out the obvious by calling out, "Look, it's Andromeda!" and a few guests approached her.

Andromeda beamed. "It's good to see me, isn't it? No need to respond - that was rhetorical!" she replied, wings and the sparkling jewels on her tiara and the sleeve of her dress shimmering in the sunlight. She then approached those that had approached her, holding hands with each guest as they dipped in a bow or curtsey when it was their turn. It helped that her nerves were gone. It was as if she was entirely in her element - a princess of the people, greeting everyone personally that approached her.

Atlas Drake
26 | Male | Maraqua Knight
Location: Castle Corridor
Tagged: Bernard, Adria, Caelum,
Keenan, Lillian

While the royals were out on the balcony, the physician spoke to him. Atlas had his guard up as it was, trying not to automatically be suspicious of the physician - Bernard, as he now knew him as. Atlas did not really want to talk, but since Bernard was from Solvale, and technically one of their hosts, he supposed he should reply. "Maraqua... is different. I have not walked on land before. My name is Atlas Drake, Knight of Maraqua," he said, though he supposed his title was obvious. Still, it was only polite, even if he didn't always feel like being such.

As the royals re-entered and began splitting off - the Solvale royals going out to the courtyard, while Queen Lillian had wanted to speak to Adria and Caelum before they went outside first. Atlas did not want to leave them alone, and, being as loyal to them as ever, so he followed the royal family off through the corridors. He noticed Caelum look towards him, so Atlas very slightly nodded towards the prince, hoping it was taking as an acknowledgement of what Caelum might be feeling. He also slightly raised an eyebrow at Adria's outburst. He suspected that she would be planning to explore instead of being out in the courtyard.
Atlas stood near to the trio of royals - not too close that he was overhearing everything clearly, but enough that his presence wouldn't go too unnoticed - waiting patiently until it was time to go out into the courtyard.

Damion Sterling
29 | Male | Solvale Noble
Location: Courtyard
Tagged: Cadence, Seraphina/Open

He noticed that Cade seemed to be a bit deflated after the conversation, but had been interrupted by the royals on the balcony before he could say anything else. And afterwards - well, he didn't quite have anything else to say on the subject, and the conversation had pushed on anyway. Damion let out a hum at Seraphina's comments. "Well - we'll see what happens. I'm more hoping for something more... exciting." He replied, with another smile. Damion was sure that the events for the rest of the week would have all the stops pulled out for them, but at the end of the day, it was all for a political, arranged engagement that had yet to be properly announced - he suspected that Caelum would be 'officially' proposing at the main event at the end of the week. Something to shift things and make it more unpredictable and interesting would be great.

Damion watched Cadence as she seemed to be eyeing the empty glasses, and becoming increasingly nervous and seemingly uncomfortable. He could take a hint. He finished the rest of his drink, and set it on Cade's tray. "Ahh - we'd better let you get back to your job. We shouldn't keep you any longer." Damion said. "Besides - I should get on and make some rounds, now that the big appearance is done." He pushed off from the table he'd been leaning on, casually waved to the two ladies, and walked off. Perhaps that physician would be making an appearance in the courtyard...

Katrina Casus
36 | Female | Solvale Advisor
Location: Courtyard.
Tagged: Elenara, Kaede (mention)

Katrina shrugged, waving off the thanks as if her favour had been nothing, but it was nice to know the action had been appreciated. After the royals had gone back inside, she knew that they would all be coming out into the courtyard soon enough. She glanced at the knight, watching as she seemed a bit more at ease.
"I'm sure this is all very different from Maraqua." Katrina commented, sympathetically, and continued, "I'm honestly a little surprised by it all - the union, that is. It's set to be very sudden." Despite being a Royal Advisor, she didn't always get any sort of insight into some goings on - otherwise she would probably discourage such a thing, but that was... probably why. Oh well. She knew how to choose her words carefully, if she did happen to be asked for advice.

Hm. Katrina looked across the courtyard, at the other nobles, knights and servants, catching sight of the kitsune noble, Kaede. She waved over at her, partly hoping to call her over, to get her opinion on the whole situation, but saw that she had been approached by one of the servants instead. The gardener, perhaps? She couldn't quite see from here, and teleporting there and back just didn't quite seem worth it right now.