The New Kingdom

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They trotted along as usual, The King in his Caravan more bored than ever. So... he decided to play one of his cards in his hand now for a bit of entertainment.
"Stop for a moment please." He told his Guard, and so they did, albeit every member of his party looked at him confused. Regardless, he got out from his dwellings and took a step outside, stretching big and looking out forwards. And then... "Yoohoo! You back there. You can join us now. I know you're there." The King called out to the one following them behind, without even looking in that direction.
Instantly, his guard were alert, weapons drawn, but Archibald raised a hand to get them to sheathe their weapons. "He's a friendly." He told them as he turned to acknowledge the Knight following them. "Aren't you, uh... Aloys was it? Yes. Aloys." The King acknowledged the surprised Knight as he approached. Being King, he had to make it his business to know who each and every one of his knights was.
The thing about Archibold Rintz was that... he was so used to escaping from even the most elite of his knights, in particular, Risit, he was always alert when one was following. He'd been aware that Aloys had been following them from the start. Regardless... "Now... the question is what to do with you. Normally such insubordination would have to be punished. However, your King, 'me', is as I'm sure you are aware, a nice guy. I like your spunk, kid."
He patted the Knight on the shoulder playfully. "Besides. Where we're going, we're going to need any hands available. You've got good eyes too, kid. So I'll need you to be alert for me."
The King turned away and next regarded Risit who had been travelling with them this whole time. "Make sure the boy is equipped better than he is with any of the spare stuff we have with us. He packed well, but we've got some better gear we can give him. Also, make sure you give him some more rations and a chance to eat before we set off again. The poor lad has been so uptight about not getting caught, he hasn't eaten properly all day. I'm going to need him at full strength if he is to join our party for this voyage." ...That's right. The King had even noticed the boy's eating habits for the day. Damn he was good. "On this note, everyone may as well take another break. Once we start moving again, we don't stop until we make it to the city. Kay?" He told them all rhetorically, before he headed back into his caravan, a smirk on his face from the amusement of the events that had just happened. His boredom was lifted for now.

 

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There was something Gwen quite liked about being the only one who got to see the Queen when she wasn't all dressed up and elegant, with her guard down. It was nice to see and made her seem not so different from everyone else. Just because she was Queen, didn't mean it wasn't hard to wake up some days and she had bad hair days too, although it was part of her job to sort that out before anyone got to see. Either way, on the whole Abigail was fairly good at getting out of bed, it didn't normally take too much work (of course there were exceptions).

Gwen's face beamed when Abigail commented on the dress, she was nervous about picking one most days but today was important so there was an added layer of pressure. "I'm glad you like it, my Lady, we have to have you looking nice in front of our guests" She said politely, attempting to not let her relief show in her voice. She walked over and carefully picked up the dress, they'd done this many times before. There was a screen set up so that she could change her undergarments without her seeing and then she could help her into the many layers of the dress. It was a complicated thing and not the easiest but plenty of practice of doing it, meant it didn't take that long.

"Where will you be taking your breakfast today? Also will you be needing me to do any specific tasks?" She asked, working out what needed to be done now and attempting to work out her plans for the day. She'd planned a little beforehand but she had to keep herself flexible as the Queen's needs came before daily errands, also with so much going on today, there was no knowing what she'd be required to do.

 

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She locked up the cart after everything was out.​

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"Let's go back for the next load..." ​

"Makesh-"​

"It's Keeva in town John."​

"Keeva. Are you well?"​

"Yes."​

"Do not lie to me, I have known you since you were small."​

"I need water, I'll wait until we get back to the farm. This is more important."​

"No it-"​

"John."​

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He was quiet as he watched her get on the horse, it was only morning and she was already this way? Keeva motioned for Grasshair to get on the 2nd horse and he quickly followed through with it.​

"How many loads are we bringing?"​

"Just one more for now. If more is needed we will know."​

"How?"​

Keeva looked at him and put her hand under her chin, "Have you ever heard of the "out of food, find the source" method?"​

"You're going to starve the royal family?!"​

"Oh my lord... No." She said as rubbed her temples, "When they run out of food or run low they will send out for us. You are worse than Skippy."​

They both turned the horses and started heading back to the farm to pick up the next load.​

 

See, soon after Romeo left instead of going directly to the castle like he was suppose to, he instead pretended to be headed that way and instead found a place to sleep. So when morning rose, he got himself in a good stretch and looked around. No one seemed to notice him. That was good. The last thing he wanted was for his boss to find him. Still he might as well get these supplies delivered to the castle. While he still had time before the wedding actually started, he knew all to well that his boss would kill him if he messed this up. So, he restarted his journey to the castle, this time with no sleeping breaks.

 

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Tears ran down his eyes as her mourned for his fallen mother and father. His prayer to his God he hoped would be heard. "Blessed be my parents as they sleep in your home. You have shown them mercy and have spared them from an eternal fate. Show me the path for the next day. It is in your decision whether the king dies or my life is taken instead. Grant my parents the knowledge of my love, in your name, Amen." Beta got up from his knees and bowed to the graves. ​

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It was time to head back. The king would surely be training the knights with Beta out and about. He wondered if the king actually new about his missing or if he even cared. The king would probably be beating the knights as well. Although he hated the king, his strength was recognizable. Beta only earned his rank of Captain for coming close to beating him. If only he hadn't been distracted by that girl, he could have won. He has never wanted a rematch. If the king requested one, he surely would turn him down. He feared that if he beat the king, he would be seen as a threat. It was quite... kind of him... to train his knights while the captain was away. Beta shook the idea off, he was an evil man that needed to be dealt with. ​

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He walked into the small house and grabbed some things for the plans tomorrow. The only way for this to work was if the king of Lazinth would not try anything himself. It was war, anything could happen. A maiden even could try to take the king's life. It isn't like it would never happen. Beta grabbed his horse and began to ride back after locking the house and bowing one final time to the graves. ​

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The journey back was just as peaceful as the journey there. Quiet, peaceful, and just relaxing. It wasn't as long as he planned, but he had arrived back to the capital and castle. He tied up Moca and headed into the barracks. His men were all really tired. The king was here that was for certain. Some of the men wished him a good birthday as well as welcomed him home. During his birthday he only asked that his men treat him like the normal man. Today was a day to be friends, not ranked officers. He wanted to give them all the day off too, but the king would never have that.​

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Speaking of the king, it couldn't have been too long since he arrived. The men were recently in combat. He couldn't be too far away now. Today was special, maybe he would try his luck at sparring. One last time. The king or he would die tomorrow. It would only be fitting. He sent one of his officers to request a duel with the king of Korr. This should surprise him. Maybe he'll acknowledge today's worth.​

 

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Kaileigh slid the tray of food away from herself and stared absently at the ceiling. There was a knock on her door and she pulled a robe on over her shoulders. She tied the drawstring around her waist, concealing the sleeping gown underneath. Kaileigh tossed her hair over her shoulder and smoothed out the creases in her robe. She would have to look her best for any visitors today, especially if it was her soon to be mother-in-law. The servant that had been in here prior did not make it sound as if the Queen would be arriving so soon. This caught her a bit off guard. Maybe she wanted to be here before the seamstress. It was the only conclusion she could come up with.

The Princess slipped her feet into a pair of slippers and walked gracefully across the room and to the door. Whomever was on the other side must have unlocked it first, because it pulled open easily. The door stood ajar as she stared dumbfounded into the eyes of the Prince and her soon to be husband. She gazed at him curiously, feeling far too under dressed for his unexpected arrival, then corrected herself and smiled up at him. ❝Ah, good marrow,❞ Kaileigh greeted him before stepping out of the way so that he may enter the room. ❝And to what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?❞ She moved to a seat in the corner and gestured for Varion to join her. They had little interaction in the time that she has spent in the castle. She wondered if he was as nervous as she, but she did her best to cover up any and all jitters she may have.

 

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Once dressed the queen moved to a tall mirror in a corner of her room, fixing herself so no loose strands of hair would fall in her face and that her dress was straight. While doing so she spoke once more. "I think we shall invite the princess to eat with us in the dinning hall. Could you see to it so the kitchen has a plate for her? I'm off to make sure she knows now."

She waited for the other woman's response before exiting the room. Once out in the hall she made her way to the chamber where the princess had been staying, entering it to discover her son in the room as well. Smiling at the two Abigail greeted them. "My timing if off, as I do not mean intrusion. It is wonder, however, to see the couple-to-be together," her voice was light, gentle, as she looked the two over.

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For all his cleverness it would seem had been discovered long before any of it could be put to the test. Though if the knights had not seen nor heard him it should still prove his worth. And this meant he could travel with them now, well fed and without anymore worries.

Once finished eating and getting what was offered that matched his needs he went to the king's side, ignoring a grumpy knight's protests about rules and things of the sort.

"Good hearing, for an old man."

 

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She quickly drank down water before she went and hooked the horses up to the cart.​

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Keeva decided to take Scars with her this time. When they headed off and made it halfway to the village one of the cart wheels broke.​

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"Damn!"​

"We are ahead of schedule anyway, it is no trouble."​

"How do we fix this?"​

"Do we have any tools?"​

"With us, no?"​

"Run into the village and buy some." She handed Scar money she had on hand.​

"Tis not faster for me to head back to the farm?"​

"If you head back to the farm, might as well bring a whole wheel."​

"That's where I will head then."​

He spoke as he handed her back the money and released his horse from the cart and ran off towards the farm.​

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Keeva always brought her flail with her in case something like this were to happen. You never know if someone may attempt to rob and in this case it would seem to the normal citizen that she was vulnerable. She was clearly not.​

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Keeva started to attempt to repair the wheel on her own. On occasion she had to scare birds off the crops which sat openly at the top of the cart.​

 

Romeo had delivered the crates to a knight at the castle. Once that was taken care of, he made his way back to the market to report on his delivery.

Carrying the heavy crates filled with supplies, Creed carefully placed them down when he found the right place to do so. Since the start of this morning, he's been helping out in preparation for the wedding, still it was slowly turning into him doing most of the work. He shrugged away these thought before proceeding to open the crate. Once it was open, many different servant started grabbing some of the delivered good and continued their work. Creed on the other hand was charged with some more task that only he could handle.

 

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The prince awoke that morning, his faithful companion still curled up at his feet. Varion was less than a minute into the day before he was adrift in thought. "Tomorrow i am to wed the princess" he silently mused to himself. H e still had had little interaction with Kaileigh since she arrived in the kingdom. He decided today he would go talk to her, study her, and hopefully catch some insight to the future.

Varion dressed in casual wear, and calling to his friend, shut the door to his room and left to find his princess.

❝Ah, good marrow,❞ Kaileigh greeted him before stepping out of the way so that he may enter the room. ❝And to what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?❞ "You have been in this kingdom for over two months now and i have yet to see you, i decided we should take some time getting to know one another" the prince said suppressing his emotion.
Kaileigh nodded at him before taking a seat on the bed. "That is true. I am pleased you stopped by. It is only right for us to get to know one another before we inevitably wed." she said smiling brightly at him. Her white hair fell in her face and she brushed it aside with her fingers. "Tell me Kaileigh, in this land that is to one day be yours, what do you find most beautiful?" She tapped her pointer finger to her chin lightly for a moment before responding. The princess appeared to be well in thought. With a light grin she glanced out the window. There was a distorted view of the harbor and she turned back to him smiling. "I find the sea to be rather beautiful, but I have yet to actually visit it. Lazinth has no major bodies of water. It would be nice to spend some time out there." She paused briefly. When Kaileigh opened her mouth to speak again, she abruptly closed it at the sight of another figure enter the room. The princess stumbled to her feet and smoothed out the creases in her robe. "Your Majesty," she greeted the Queen.

"My timing if off, as I do not mean intrusion. It is wonder, however, to see the couple-to-be together," her voice was light, gentle, as she looked the two over. Varion felt odd at being addressed as part of a couple, but i guess he would just have to get used to it. "Mother would you like to join us for breakfast and a little chat?" Varion offered up to his mother.He waited for a reply before leaving the room and together they walked to the dining area, with much left yet to be discussed, who knew where the day would wind up?

 

Alacasta arrived Korr’s Capital, the castle and surrounds looked like they were preparing for a festival or something similar. He still wore his Black Knight armour with his claymore strapped to his back and horse right behind him. “I wonder where a good place to find information would be?” he muttered to himself, he decided to head to the main gate and see if he was allowed in.

 

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"But father... I want to run out there and hurt something."​

"Like a bird?"​

"More so the bastard next door."​

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"Isaac!" Derrick hit him in the back of the head harshly but not in full force as he spoke, "A bastard is one who's parents never wed. That boy really is a bastard."​

Isaac rubbed the back of his head with tears in his eyes​

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For a child of eight years you really still have the emotions of an infant.​

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Isaac coughed as he layed back down in bed, "I'm not going to die am I?"​

"Good heavens no. You just caught yourself ill, it will be over tomorrow."​

"Will you stay with me?"​

"Isaac I have work."​

"You lie to me, most of the kingdom is on holiday since everyone is in Korr!"​

"Watch your tongue... can you care for yourself?"​

"...yes father."​

"Good, behave yourself. I will be back later."​

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Isaac was not entirely wrong, there were a lot of people gone and pushing off their duties to the kingdom whilst the king was gone. He enjoyed his work and it was more fun than work. Sure, he may not have any orders today but he could still be open and make basic training swords.​

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Derrick chose to first stop at the market. He was running low on food at home but was certainly not running low on funds. Taking his time, he looked through the produce and stopped to smile.​

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I wonder how Keeva and Uncle Sceolan are fairing.​

 

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The final strap of her battle shoes were secured tightly by her ankles. The energetic young adult shuffled her shoes in place to verify its comfort. Satisfied, she grabbed her battle axe and walked out of her home and into the busy streets of the Kingdom of Korr. She breathed in the familiar working air, strapped on her weapon to her battle gear and with a smile, made her way to the castle. Billie didn't live far from the castle - she didn't want to. She made her mindset to always be there for the Kingdom and she found that it would be most convenient for her if she lived close by to those who ran the kindgom. Her bright blue eyes looked up at the majestic castle that was ahead, 'I really hope the lieutenants or knights have something for me to do today!' Not all base soldiers always had to report to the castle immediately, Billie just chose to - complimenting her mindset for life. She was just a mere soldier - a base soldier, but what more was there to do anyway? Soldiers were there to serve the kingdom and the people of the kingdom. Billie was always at the castle to lend a hand but always tried to not bother anyone too much, working with a never ending smile on her face.

Humming a soft tune, she skipped through the busy streets of her route to the castle. She reached up and scrunched some of her curling pink locks to make sure they stayed fluffed up and in place and also readjusted the goggles that rested on the top of her head. She ten looked down at her gloved hands and tugged at the laces that braced them there, making sure they were set properly. She fixed up her apparels - readjusting her collars, flattening the wrinkles of her top, brushing out the pleats of her skirt and pulling at her belt and corset. She always did this routine check as she closed in towards the castle. Billie liked to be prepared and didn't want some kind of malfunction with her gear that could hinder her actions. The people she passed every morning probably thought it was a bit odd, but it was just a preliminary caution - or possibly, OCD.


ooc: lol sorry I didn't really know how to start ><;;

 

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The king had refused Beta's offer. This was quite the surprise. The king never fought his Captain. All though the king never admitted it, Beta was nearly as strong as him. Maybe the king was just afraid. If it were really that much of a bother to put the armor back on, Beta would strip his and the two could fight like real men with just their fists and the clothes on their back. He was even hoping that the king would grant him a birthday wish and challenge him. The king was too self centered to care though. He need to get the man out of his head. He was being consumed by it. A walk around the castle might do him good, but it may not help him either. ​

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Beta came to the gate where a few of his soldiers were stopping a knight from entering. He was not of Korr, that was certain. But his armor was fairly familiar. Beta received this armor from traders back in his home country of Lesch. It was sturdy and could take arrow penetration. Swords were something to be a bit more wary of, that is why he always carried a long ranged weapon. His blood whip, it was red and prickled with thorns. A dangerous tool that he had used to behead many men of the Laziruth empire. The man couldn't have been from their either. He was an outsider and not welcome. Either he would have to leave, or a challenge would be ensured. ​

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He told his guard to stand down as Beta walked up to him. "I am Sir Beta, Captain of the Royal Knights and his majesties most trusted official. You are not permitted to enter this place without documentation and proof of such. Please move on or face the consequences of battle."​

 

“Sir Alacasta Vauntis Trios. Three Hundredth member of the Imperial Royal Guard ‘Black Guard’ and heir of the Countship of North point in the Braca Empire. I am hunting a criminal of the Braca Empire, I know he is in this Kingdom and if I have to slaughter my way through another castle so be it. But I will not turn back and should I die or be captured the Empire will bring the full force of its legions down upon this pathetically weak kingdom. So with all due respect step aside, I would rather not kill a fellow northerner” Alacasta said in a low but threatening tone, he didn’t want to fight these people, they had done nothing to him, but if they insisted in getting in his way and protect the Kinslayer, even unknowingly, he would kill all that tried to stop him. He drew his claymore in anticipation for battle and to show he was not backing down.

 

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As the teen soldier approached the castle, she could vaguely see a crowd of people blocking the entrance of the castle. No, not just a crowd of people - they were a crowd of soldiers and warriors! She could tell by the shine that reflected off of some of their armor. She gasped slightly at her realization. What could this mean? What was happening? She squinted her eyes and continued to take steps forward, picking up her pace a bit, to try and figure out what exactly was going on.

Billie stopped suddenly, 'Hold on, who's this guy?' she asks mind as if knowing the answer. There just so happened to be another man, who stood facing the castle unlike the others. She placed a hand over her eyes, blocking some blinding sun, and began to evaluate the guy from where she could see him. "Brown hair, blue cape, long sword... bold stance, probably a fighter himself... Ooh! Cool footwear!" She mutters to herself. Looks rather generic - like someone you might probably know - from behind, but at the same time he didn't look familiar at all. Was he not from here? Possibly not. Her eyes continued to dance around this man's figure, still attempting to figure out who this was. Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye a distinct knight popped out of the crowd. It was Captain Beta!


The pink-haired teen gasped again, but this time to her delight. Something was going on! Something very knight and soldier worthy! Possibly trouble! She grinned, grabbed her battle axe and sprinted excitedly toward the crowd. Now, don't get Billie wrong - she disliked the thought of trouble and mischief and chaos in its whole negative sense, but the thought of getting some action and doing good and fixing trouble? That really got her gears going! Her footwear made the little tickity-tocks as she ran and began to slower her pace so her momentum wouldn't rocket her forward into the crowd and make a mess. She came to a halt a couple feet behind the mysterious wanderer, calmed herself down and began to walk forward cautiously.

"...and if I have to slaughter my way through another castle so be it. But I will not turn back and should I die or be captured the Empire will bring the full force of its legions down upon this pathetically weak kingdom. So with all due respect step aside, I would rather not kill a fellow northerner”

Billie's bright blue eyes widened at what all she heard. Her eye brows furrowed at his words, 'That was actually a little rude...' she thought. She then came to a complete stop by the brown haired man. She turned to the captain, raised her right arm and hand to solute "Captain Beta, Sir! Billie Craig, soldier, reporting for duty, Sir!" she says with a stern look, followed by a smile after. This wasn't incredibly important to say nor exactly needed but she wanted to add in some panache and maybe even try to remind this guy exactly who he was dealing with. She then eyed the guy beside her, then turned to face him fully. Placing a hand to her hip, she addresses him "As for you, sir, I am just a soldier but between you and me, I'd put my weapon down if I were you and, uh, try not to get on anyone's" she cocked her head for a second and shifted her eyes, motioning towards the captain, "nerves. Such violence near the castle isn't exactly what you want to start with day 1 in Korr." She then gives him a sweet smile, then as if she remembers something incredibly important she adds, "Plus, this is our land and we've got you incredibly out numbered."

 

Alacasta went to reply to the soldier when he saw someone behind this guard captain and his lackeys, a young man who still wore Royal Robes even after his exile, it was as if he appeared to mock Alacasta. Before he could do anything the young man was gone, but Alacasta was now set on getting in, before his target could escape “I know the Kinslayer from the north is in this castle, if you do not want this to turn into a disaster for your fledging kingdom I say again step aside!” Alacasta said gripping the hilt of his claymore with both hands and taking his stance.

 

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The Prince approached her after entering the room and began to speak. "You have been in this kingdom for over two months now and i have yet to see you, i decided we should take some time getting to know one another." He made a valid point. It seemed as if neither of them had truly taken an initiative in getting to know the other. Now they were meant to be married the following afternoon.

Kaileigh nodded at him before taking a seat on the bed. "That is true. I am pleased you stopped by. It is only right for us to get to know one another before we inevitably wed." she said smiling brightly at him. Her white hair fell in her face and she brushed it aside with her fingers.

"Tell me Kaileigh, in this land that is to one day be yours, what do you find most beautiful?"

She tapped her pointer finger to her chin lightly for a moment before responding. The princess appeared to be well in thought. With a light grin she glanced out the window. There was a distorted view of the harbor and she turned back to him smiling. "I find the sea to be rather beautiful, but I have yet to actually visit it. Lazinth has no major bodies of water. It would be nice to spend some time out there." She paused briefly. When Kaileigh opened her mouth to speak again, she abruptly closed it at the sight of another figure enter the room. The princess stumbled to her feet and smoothed out the creases in her robe. "Your Majesty," she greeted the Queen. Kaileigh was definitely too under dressed for this sort of company--first the prince and then the queen.

"My timing if off, as I do not mean intrusion. It is wonder, however, to see the couple-to-be together," her voice was light, gentle, as she looked the two over.

"Mother would you like to join us for breakfast and a little chat?" Varion greeted her.

Her eyes shifted back and forth between the two of them. She had just finished breakfast. There was no way she could eat again, but it would be impolite of her to refuse. Kaileigh decided she would join, but not eat. She smiled at the pair and waited until they exited the room. "I shall be but a minute. I must change first." Kaileigh stood in front of the wardrobe. The robe fell to the floor as she pulled out a gown from the wooden space. It was a light one that a single person could put on without assistance. She had no time to call for someone to help her as the family was waiting. After a few minutes, she was finally in the dress and had her hair managed. She would need to bathe today for sure.

Kaileigh entered the hall with a smile, her white hair was in a braid over her shoulder and she followed between Prince Varion and Queen Abigail to the dining hall for breakfast. When they arrived, she took a seat opposite of Varion, so that they may converse properly. When a servant approached her asking what she wished to eat, she simply replied, "only water for me. I have already had my morning's fill." The princess brushed her bangs out of her face and nodded at the mother-son combo. "I must say, your kingdom appears to be thriving fairly well during such a troubling time. Lazinth has been hit rather hard since the villagers decided to no longer fund the war." Her hands were folded neatly on top of the table as she sat erect. Her shoulders were straight and her head up--always carrying herself in a dignified manner.