forum Songs of Storms and Magic // oxo // private, stalking welcome

Started June 22, 2020 by @croccin-champagne

tune

As the two royals left, the Sorcerers entered one room, Markus immediately throwing himself onto the large canopy bed with a long sigh.

"What a drama queen." Zarya muttered. She was glad to see their few bags had made it via the servants, rifling through one of her own as Markus grumbled something unintelligible. "You have to speak up darling. There is hardly a point insulting me if I cannot even hear you."

"I'm the drama queen?" Propping himself up on his elbows, he shot a tired look to his friend. She didn't seem bothered, already setting up her hygiene items–there were a lot–at the vanity in the room. "After that showcase you made of our arrival? It's like you're trying to get us kicked out."

"Of course not. I am simply making sure that everyone is aware of my abilities. If they focus on my magic, and flair for the dramatic, no one will pay much attention to my listening. It is a subconscious thing. There exists something to focus on already, leaving the other things I do less notable, especially when concealed as normal."

"That's absolute Sand-Mite dung."

Huffing a laugh, the Sorceress shrugged a shoulder in admittance. "Mayhaps. But you have to admit, it certainly made a good show."

Instead of responding. Markus tossed himself around, burying his face in one of the many pillows.

((figure some quick interactions, and then a skip?))

(sure!)

Rose looked over at Korain as they started walking back towards the throne room. "Korain, how are you doing today?" She asked softly.

Korain blinked, focusing on her. "I…don't know." He said slowly. "It's…fuzzy today." He ran a hand through his dark curls, shaking his head a little bit.

She nodded slightly. "Alright. Do you want to just go back to your room and rest for a while?" She knew her brother would always need help with this, probably for the rest of his life. She knew that he couldn't control it, and she didn't blame him. Not anymore.

He shook his head slowly. "No." He said softly. "I'm…I'm okay."

The two Sorcerers spent a good two hours in each other's company, trading jokes and discussing the excitement of being in a new place. Still, something loomed over them. A cloud, heavy and foreboding, always in the back of their minds to remind them why they were here.

This was no leisure trip. Unfortunately for them, most never were.

Luckily, Zarya had experience on her side, as far as sneaking around went. Markus, not so much. But that's why they made a good team. Hopefully, this would be no different.

"Ahban, you wretch, did you eat one of my ribbons again?"

At Zarya's questioning, the small water snake on the vanity coiled up guiltily. Very faintly, it hissed, almost as if responding to her. All she could do was huff disappointedly, and the poor creature almost seemed to droop at the reaction. Still, it stayed coiled.

While her familiar was busy eating ribbons and getting caught, Zarya herself was getting dressed. She planned on attempting to go out. So instead of her normal coat, she opted for a cream-colored skirt, the garment ankle length and featuring a slit in the side that showed the shorts underneath. Paired with said skirt was a blue silk shirt tucked in to the waist just enough to keep it there, with long and large sleeves.

After making sure to tie her boots so they wouldn't come undone while she was moving, she checked over her hair. Everything was in order, as always. All then that was left was gathering her troublesome snake and leaving the note for Markus.

It was early in the day, likely somewhere around eight in the morning. It was likely enough, but she still hoped to find at least one of the royals, to get permission to leave. She wouldn't be out for long, but often she'd found that royalty saw un-per missed leaving as an insult. And she needed to be allowed to stay as long as possible.

((can't find anything directly matching the skirt but as a skirt, so imagine a pencil skirt but not. it's straight all the way down to her ankles and with the slit, but it's made tight up where it starts at the waist, because it's supposed to hug your figure until your figure starts to thin cause legs. i think there's a dress out there that matches it but uuuhh. fashion is important to me))

Rose was training with one of the guards, dressed in a pair of leggings and a long shirt that came down to the middle of her thigh. Her soft dark hair was tied back in a braid that was more serviceable than fashionable, and she wore no crown, or even jewelry. On her feet was a pair of leather boots, worn and old, but of a good make. All in all, she looked nothing like a queen, more like a peasant girl if peasant girls learned swordplay.

The guard was a good six inches taller than Rose, if not more, and he didn't seem to be holding back as he battled his queen, the clash of their swords ringing through the training grounds.

Wisps of hair floated around Rose's face, having escaped their braid, but she didn't seem to notice.

Korain was still asleep, lying on his bed with the blankets tangled around his body, evidence of a night spent tossing and turning.

(Alright!)

((i know i talk too much but i did find something that works as a reference, however, it's on pinterest))

It was fairly easy to find the Queen. Zarya had come upon upon a young guard, who seemed all too happy to let her know the Queen was training, and walk her to the training grounds. She wasn't sure if it was true, but he claimed her path was along his own. Either way, it benefitted her. He took to holding up a conversation almost entirely by himself, not really noticing Zarya's lack of a talkative nature.

He seemed sweet. From what she gathered, as he proceeded to dump his entire life story to her while escorting her, he was a year younger than she was. Grown up on the grounds of the palace, he said, chasing his father's career as a knight.

When they eventually made it to the training grounds, it didn't take much for Zarya's attention to be drawn to Rose.

"Her Majesty trains with you? Does she not have a private teacher?"

Rin, the guard who had walked here there, shook his head. "If she ever did, it wasn't while I was working here. She's out here regularly to spar. Which is fair, I guess. Sometimes the people protecting you aren't quite enough, and aren't always there. I think it's smart to make sure she's always ready to defend herself."

They came to a stop just close enough to watch, but far enough to not get in the way. And Zarya found herself enraptured, much the way others tended to become around her, by the way Rose fought. It wasn't decorative. No fanfare, or showy moves. It was, honestly, the kind of fighting one learned to defend themselves in the face of harm.

"She's quite the Queen."

(I'm at my grandparents house rn and they don't have internet controls, so I can see Pinterest links for now!)

Rose eventually called a halt to the spar, straightening and sheathing her sword, chest rising and falling with quick breaths. She looked over to where Zarya and Rin stood, and started over, grabbing a flask of water and taking a sip. "Can I do anything for you?" she asked Zarya, cocking an eyebrow at the other woman. A thin sheen of sweat lingered on her forehead, and she stayed slightly further away than she normally would, since she was sweaty and panting from the exercise.

The guard she had been sparring with had sheathed his own sword, and got his own drink and a towel. He brought a second over for Rose, handing it to her with a nod.

She took the towel and returned the nod with a smile, wiping off her face and hanging it around her neck. The guard looked like he was in his early thirties, with a wedding ring on his finger.

((oh yay! it would be like this just longer and obviously cream colored. also not sure what the layout related to the palace is so let me know if i'm wrong lmao))

Zarya nodded, stepping forward. As she did, she took a half bow at the waist almost in greeting. "Apologies for bothering you, your Majesty. But yes, I am here hoping that you can help me. I wish to visit the city outside the palace. I read somewhere that it is known for a large amalgamation of merchants." On the more respectable side of her interest, she had been looking for the perfect gift for a friend back home. On the less, she was also attempting to track down a certain someone.

Rin stood in the same spot, seemingly unsure whether to leave or not. Zarya figured there was a chance she'd need his guidance again. He wasn't watching the Queen though. His focus, with an almost enraptured attention, was on the Sorceress speaking. Her curse, as she called it. Beneficial only sometimes, were her looks and the aura she put off. Often though, they presented a distraction. She blamed weak willed men.

(ooh pretty! Alright lmao)

Rose nodded a little. "Of course. Would you like me to send a guard with you, to help guide you?" she asked, capping the flask and setting it aside. "The official marketday is tomorrow, and that's when vendors will come from the towns and farms nearby, but there is still a good-sized market right now, that of course you can take advantage of if you wish to." her gaze flicked to Rin, and she sighed faintly. Try as she might to make sure all of her guards were good men, there was no controlling their stares. But then, there was of course a difference between staring, and harassing, and so far Rin seemed only to be staring. She didn't want to even try to count the number of guards she had had to investigate and then throw out for past behavior towards women. andrew (Our Supreme Lord and Overseer), the guard she normally sparred with, was a good man. He and his wife had been married for seven years, and their oldest child was five, a darling little boy with a gap-toothed smile and his father's brown hair.

Zarya considered the question for a moment, hands clasped neatly in front of her. "Actually, I would like to ask you to accompany me." It served two purposes. If she could convince Rose. She could possibly fish for information, and also just learn more about the Queen. She was a fascinating person, judging by their letter correspondence and the things she had gathered.

"Consider it an offer of a break from your duties, just for a bit of time. You could show me around, and I can offer my companionship, as well as pay for any expenses. I have been told I am a 'absolute hoot to be around', though I am not quite sure what that means."

Rose blinked, a little startled by the invitation, then nodded slightly. "That does sound like fun." she replied. "Although I shall need to wash off and change before going anywhere; I cannot wander the city dressed like I am now, after all." she gestured to the clothing she currently wore, one side of her mouth quirking in a faint smile. "So if you will allow me a half an hour or a little more than that to bathe and change, I would be glad to accompany you." she was beginning to find herself a little fascinated by the magician, whose magic was so different from her own.

For just a moment, Zarya couldn't help the soft–but brilliant–smile that crossed her features. "Of course. I owe you no less." Zarya glanced to the still loitering guard, and then back to the Queen, eyes shimmering slightly in the light. "Might I walk with you? I do believe I am taking up too much of…Rin's time." That was mostly true.

Rin beamed, apparently surprised that she had remembered his name. "Ah, uh, yeah, might be a decent idea for me to get back on patrol. Your Majesty, miss Taj." After bowing in farewell, he began to leave, sparing one last glance over his shoulder at the two.

Rose smiled again, glancing at Rin as he walked away, then returned her gaze to Zarya. "Of course." she started walking, rather expecting Zarya to fall in beside her. The towel was still slung loosely around her neck, her eyes still sparkling from the exercise. Usually her sparring lasted a bit longer, but with today's interruption it would be cut short. She didn't mind that, though; she had still gotten in some sparring time, and that was what mattered.

"How long have you been fighting?" Zarya questioned as she followed, coming to the queen's side before matching her pace. "You seem practiced. If I had to assume, you appear more skilled than fresh knights." Once again, her hands came to clasp in front of her, the ends of her sleeves accentuated by the collection of gold bangles on each wrist. As always, she was put together. Almost immaculately so, which was her goal. Dressing confident had always guaranteed a bit of confidence for her, which in turn offered the respect of her peers.

Rose looked over at her, considering the question. "A long time." she replied, considering for a moment longer. "Probably since I was 16. Korain is better than me, though." he always had been. He was a natural swordsman, whereas her skill came from diligent practice, built up over years. That wasn't to say she didn't enjoy it, she did, but it didn't come to her in the same natural way that it came to her twin brother. "I actually…when we audition people for the royal guard, I make them fight me. If they can beat me or we come to a draw, they're in. If they lose, they're out. There's no point in having guards that can't even beat the monarch they're protecting, after all."

Zarya's lips twisted into a smile that was half awed and half proud. She had full respect for her princess, but something about Rose was built for being a queen, strong on all fronts. "Brilliant. I cannot say I am much of a swordswoman, but I like to think I handle a knife well. Does your proficiency only lie in the sword? Or other weapons as well? Dare I ask, as well, how you handle fighting against or wielding magic, your Majesty?" Zarya herself preferred a knife when the fighting became physical. It didn't often come to it, but she took pride and comfort knowing she was well prepared. She had her mentor to thank for that.

"Magic is more natural to me than swordsmanship; I mainly learned that because magic can be difficult when fighting face-to-face with someone, so swordsmanship gave me a way to defend myself if an enemy got closer. It also taught me self-defense, which was…rather necessary." she didn't choose to elaborate, merely paused for a moment and then continued on. "I would of course like to say that my magic is the best it possibly can be, but I'm still young and have much to learn." she gave a small smile, shrugging her shoulders.

Zarya laughed, the sound somehow almost magical. Her magic was her voice for the most part, after all. "Would we not all like to say we were as good as can be? However, there is something thrilling about knowing you have more to learn. Knowing there is more power waiting for you. More knowledge. Though, the two tend to be intrinsic. It would be wonderful to see what you are capable of. You have a good head, and are smart. I do not doubt your skill."

Rose smiled again. "Thank you." she replied, shrugging her shoulders a little bit. They had reached the royal wing, and she continued walking through the halls, headed towards her room. She opened the door, turning to Zarya. "You are welcome to come in and wait, if you wish, or you may wait out here." she didn't really care which Zarya chose; the other woman might be more comfortable in the sitting room, but if Zarya didn't wish to come inside, Rose wouldn't pressure her to.

Zarya thought for a moment, before following Rose in. "Waiting outside your quarters may seem incredibly suspicious. At least this way it is obvious I am welcome." She said, her tone just light enough to be joking. She took a seat on the edge of a chair, one leg crossed neatly over the other. "Take all the time you need, of course. There is no hurry great enough to warrant not putting yourself together." Obviously not exactly true, but the point still stood in her mind.

Rose nodded slightly. "Alright." she closed the door behind them, and then headed to another door, which led into her bedroom. From the bedroom was the access to the bathroom and closet. "I shall be back in a half an hour, most likely. You're welcome to read any of the books on the shelves in here, if you like."

Zarya did just that, spending a few minutes scanning the shelves before settling on a book detailing the history of magic use in the country.

When Rose eventually finished, she would find Zarya curled up in the chair she had claimed when she'd first come in. The Sorceress, undisturbed for so long, had completely wrapped herself up in the book. Her brow was furrowed just slightly. She was careful to keep her boots off the seat, but had sort of tucked her legs up and shifted to get comfortable.

Rose came out of her bedroom in leggings and a skirt, with a white blouse tucked into the top of the skirt. Her hair had been tied back and was, while still a little damp, now clean and fresh. Light make-up had been put on her face as well, and a pair of dark shoes completed the outfit. She smiled a little at the sight of the sorceress so focused, and cleared her throat quietly. "Ready to go?" she asked, that little smile still tugging at her lips.

Zarya startled slightly, glancing up and almost looking confused at her surroundings for a moment. After gathering herself, she nodded. "Yes. I am. Though, I may have to find myself a copy of this book while we are out." She mused, carefully unfolding herself and standing. She took a look at Rose's outfit, gesturing to her own. "We match, just a bit. You look lovely."

She smiled a little, looking at Zarya's outfit, and then laughed. "Oh, oops. I must have subconsciously mimicked your skirt, my apologies." She gave a quick, joking curtsey, straightening back up again after only a moment. "Thank you, though. You look quite nice too. Are we ready to head out to the market now?" She wasn't worried about being attacked; she could hold her own against nearly any attacker that could have come after her, and she wasn't very worried about Zarya betraying her.

"Your Majesty, there is no need to apologize. Frankly, I am flattered." Zarya said, lifting a hand to brush a dark lock of hair away from her face. "And thank you. I am ready if you are." Something like excitement sparkled in her eyes, the color seeming to grow a playful, light hue. She set the book back on it's shelf, making her way to the door and holding it open for Rose. "After you, my lady."

Rose smiled again, ducking out the door. As they walked down the hallway, there was a crash and a curse from behind a closed door, and she paused. "Excuse me, I need to check on my brother. It will only take a moment." she shot Zarya an apologetic smile, slipping into her brother's rooms and closing the door behind her.

Inside, she found Korain sprawled on the floor, blinking hard. He seemed to have fallen, and his eyes looked vague and confused, with violence brewing in the back, and she crouched beside him, putting a hand on his shoulder and shaking him. He had the same expression that he had often had while under their uncle's control, and she did not want a return of those times. "Kor, come back." she whispered, hand moving to his forehead. "Be here, not there."

He blinked again, staring up at her for a long moment, wherein he didn't seem to recognize her, and then he returned to himself, looking up at her in confusion. "I…Rose, I don't think my…I don't think I'm getting better." his voice was quiet, but broken. The remnants of a man broken apart too many times to be stitched back together right.

She closed her eyes for a moment. "You will. You have to, you…you're all I have left." their parents were dead, their uncle imprisoned by Rose's own hand. They had no other close family left, save themselves.

"But what if I don't? I…Rose, please, there are days I want to die more than I want to live, because I've hurt so many people. And…and I'll hurt them again because I can't control this thing inside of me, I…I'm so empty, all of the time, and…and…" he looked up at her, shaking his head.

She bit her lip, looking at her twin brother and wishing she knew any way to help him. Any way to help soothe his troubled mind. "Have you done any sparring lately? I know that…that in the past it has helped you, would it help again?"

He stared at her, then slowly shrugged his shoulders. "I haven't…but…maybe?"

She nodded. "Take a hot bath, have some tea, and do some sparring. Maybe– maybe it will help. And I'll speak with more magicians, doctors, see if…if there's some way to help you." the last thing she wanted was to lose her only surviving family member, but she hated to see him suffer like this.

"Okay." he said, pushing himself up from the floor and standing up. "I…I'll do that. I think." he glanced over towards his bathroom. "Bath first?"

"Bath first." she agreed, giving him a gentle push towards the bathroom. "Then a black tea, then sparring. Or, you can visit Harun, you both always like that."

He nodded again, going into the bathroom. "Okay." he repeated, closing the door. After another minute, she heard the water running, and she took a moment to compose herself again before going back out to the hallway. She still couldn't completely erase the worry for her brother from her features, though, and it showed in the tightness in her eyes, and the slight pinch at the edges of her lips, in the way her hands were fidgeting faintly.

(went a little overboard, oops, sorry)

((fdhjghdf totally fine))

Zarya had waited patiently outside, not quite concerned about what was going on. A crash didn't always mean bad things. No, she was more curious. It was obvious to her that there was something going on, something almost like an ailment affecting the prince. And she'd be a fool not to note the effect it had on his sister. A curious thing, one that she wanted badly to inquire about.

When Rose returned, she kept quiet, allowing her a moment. Almost tentatively, she reached out a hand. Placing it on the queen's arm, she spoke softly, allowing just a hint of her magic to seep into her voice. "Are you all right?" The magic wasn't to pull anything from her. She knew better, and she had no want to drag any truths from Rose, not unwilling ones. No, the magic itself was more for a calming effect. As though her words themselves were wrapped in something soft and welcoming, something kind.

Rose looked at her, taking a breath to calm herself. "I'm fine, yes." she replied. She paused for a long moment, deliberating over what exactly to tell Zarya. "My brother is…not quite mentally sound some days. He was there when our parents…died, and he's never been the same." the official story was that their parents had been killed in a terrible carriage accident, but that wasn't the full truth; that day, when the twins were fifteen…that had been the first time the monster surfaced, and Rose knew that what really had happened, was that the monster had killed their parents, and then the wreck had happened. Her parents had been dead before the carriage left the road, and she and Korain both knew that. She could still remember, clearly, the shadows in his eyes when the guards had brought him back, how the captain had told her a stammering, confused story of three of the four carriage horses being dead, torn apart, of the king and queen's bodies hopelessly mangled, of the driver lying dead in the wreckage, and her brother…being something else entirely.

Zarya nodded, not yet retracting her hand. "Death changes people." She agreed. There was something more, she could tell. It was in the way Rose almost seemed to be not saying something, more than saying something untrue. Whatever it was, it obviously wasn't something for her to know. Not yet. "Especially of one's parents." She knew that herself, from experience.

Shaking her head, Zarya stepped back, pulling her hand back. "Time often aids in the process of healing. I hope it helps your brother. And should there be anything you can think of that I may be able to do, tell me."

Rose nodded a little bit. "Yes. He…he just needs time." I hope. She tucked back a strand of hair that had drifted into her face, and summoned up a smile. "Thank you. Shall we get going, though?" she led Zarya out of the royal wing, hoping Korain would be alright on his own, hoping he wouldn't lose control without her there to help keep him under control.