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Fantasy ๐ฏ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐'๐ ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ - IC
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[OPEN SLOT] ๐ฏ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐'๐ ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ / ๐ฐ๐ ๐ฐ๐๐-๐ป๐๐ ๐
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๐ฏ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐'๐ ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ - IC
๐ฏ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐'๐ ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ - CS
๐ฏ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐'๐ ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ - OOC
๐ฏ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐'๐ ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ - LORE
๐ฏ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐'๐ ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ - CASE FILES
๐ฏ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐'๐ ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ - PROGRESSION
prologue: the princess and the pauper
chapter one: the knights of the round table
s e v e n
RPN's goth resident - art: peritwinkle
October 15th, 1866.
Rejoice, all of London! Rejoice, the whole world! For tonight, two new knights have joined our family. Hand-in-hand, to rid our world of evil. Protecting the innocents, standing for GOD. May we grow prosper, as we are doing the work of the good. Brother and sisters, may I have your attention, even for a brief moment, for tonight we gather to celebrate! Raise your glasses, sheathe your swords. A bright future awaits you all, my dearest lambs. God speed!
Rejoice, all of London! Rejoice, the whole world! For tonight, two new knights have joined our family. Hand-in-hand, to rid our world of evil. Protecting the innocents, standing for GOD. May we grow prosper, as we are doing the work of the good. Brother and sisters, may I have your attention, even for a brief moment, for tonight we gather to celebrate! Raise your glasses, sheathe your swords. A bright future awaits you all, my dearest lambs. God speed!
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s e v e n
RPN's goth resident - art: peritwinkle
12-Course Menu
xxxxxxx1. Hors d'oeuvres: Shallot and pancetta tortilla crisps
xxxxxxx2. Amuse-bouche: Sweet potato chips with goat cheese and caviar
xxxxxxx3. Soup: Pumpkin sage bisque
xxxxxxx4. Appetizers: Mushrooms stuffed with Pecorino Romano, garlic, and bread crumbs
xxxxxxx5. Salad: Greek salad with olives, lettuce, red onions, and feta cheese
xxxxxxx6. Fish: Crispy trout with a parsley-caper vinaigrette
xxxxxxx7. 1st Main Course: Roasted duck with an orange-ginger glaze
xxxxxxx8. Palette Cleanser: Chilled prosecco lemon sorbet
xxxxxxx9. 2nd Main Course: Herb-crusted, sous vide venison medallions
xxxxxxx10. Cheese Course: A platter of selected cheese, accompanied by crackers and jams
xxxxxxx11. Dessert: Rich, flourless slice of chocolate cake with a glass of sweet port wine
xxxxxxx12. Mignardise: Miniature butter madeleine biscuits, served with a potted tea of choice
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s e v e n
RPN's goth resident - art: peritwinkle
The table was ready.
Sheet as white as snow veiled the wooden table, extravagant mahogany imported from the far lands of the East. Candles lit in golden holsters, every single utensil has been polished clean as an untouched mirror, not an inch of it stained should they not be run back to the sculleries. A household that prides itself of its utmost elegance, a sense of luxury only few could possibly dream to afford, royal jewels encrusted almost every corner of the room. Finest of china, finest of dining, only bestowed upon the finest of guests.
The heroes of our land. Ones who risk their lives, fought courageously within the front-lines of justice. The modern times angels, wielding weapons in one hand, prayers in the other. When all cowered behind closed doors, they destroyed barricades that no man had touched before. When all had preached, yet stayed silent, for they all had strayed so far they have forgotten: โFor as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Madam Magrath scrunched up her already crooked nose, her hands hastily reached over to her tiny metallic rimmed round spectacles. She huffed, then puffed, tapping the sides of her cane with her finely gloved hands. Truly, she would have been very old if it were not her behavior that appeared to spell out otherwise. Her back was straight, eye still very much clear, thank you (it was her left eye that had problems, not her right, though the lady refused with all her might to wear a monocle, as it would make her look much older than she was supposed to).
She bears the posture any good lady in the United Kingdom should, mannerism that lacks in not a single place- and she believes everyone should! Perfectionism would have been her middle name if only her birth certificate has not dictated it for her already, as she demands it in everyone and everything. As she scowled, her wrinkles only enhanced. Despite this fact, and her hair that has whitened significantly that not a single lock of brown remains- even in a house of knights, no one dares speak up to her. The head housemaid of their family, and she adores her work.
โBernadette!โ she snapped, clapping her hands together. Another maid, much younger and pretty in look, flinched, plates nearly slipping off her thin fingers.
โYes Madam Magrath!โ
โWhat is this?โ The older woman narrowed her eyes, sliding her index finger over the surface of the table. She squinted real hard, so much that young Bernetta feared that the latter had already fallen asleep. Then she snapped her eyes back open, glaring in the young girl's direction. "Who was in charge of plates?"
"That would be Little Piper, Madam," said Bernadette, to which it triggers the yelp of another young girl, hiding herself behind her friend. The lady had simply locked her gaze at her, and soon enough a small sigh was heard, followed by reluctant steps. She bent over.
Spank!
Murmurs flooded the room, slight of giggles and averted eye contact. Poor Little Piper could only hold her head down, tears welling the sides of her eye not from pain, but shame. Her short hair did not help at all to hide her tattered expression. Madam Magrath let the other girl go, tapping her cane in her hands.
"Go back to the pantry and fetch us a new set, will you?"
"Yes, Madam Magrath."
She bowed, scurrying herself out the doorways almost immediately as it opened. A pair of men made their way in, followed by a mass behind them. Arthur and Merlin. Then the knights followed. Immediately the rest of the maids fell into a scurry of panic, their heads snapping back and forth to eye that everything must be perfect. Everything must be aligned: the plate, the bread plate, the butter knife, large knife, salad fork, regular fork, soup spoon, desert spoon. The napkins, doved peach in colour, were folded neatly at the sides, in the shape of an opened fan.
โDid we come to early, Madam?โ asked the redheaded male, to which she shook her head upon.
โNot at all, Anselm. My girls are all simply much too slow.โ
In that exact moment, all the maids had flinched at the same time. Their movements only quickened, the clinking of china became frantic before they all stood up, marching out one by one after a solemn bow. Passing them was Little Piper, who returned with a single plate. She then ran out once more, forgetting the bow in the heat of the moment. Madam Magrath nodded her head, giving Arthurโs shoulder a slight pat, then excused herself out, too.
โAre we all here?โ asked Anselm, though it sounded more a whisper than anything, as he pulled a seat at the head of the table. Mr. Wainwright, or rather, Merlin, seemed content enough to occupy the seat right next to him, instead of the foot of the table. He watched as everyone had begun to take their seats, including the two new-comers. The man gave them a subtle nod and a smile of greeting.
Clinking of the glass.
Everyoneโs attention shifted to the man, who had stood up with a glass in hand. It was not a common etiquette, though it was much better than to shout. Merlin set it down, then among the rest, he stood up. A smile, a professional one as any could tell, as he slowly glazed his sight to the rest of the group.
โFirst things, before we start our fine evening, I would like to address our two guests of honour,โ he extended his arm towards them, then bowed his head. โLady Galahad and Sir Gareth.โ
Briefly the room filled with joyful applause, cheering perhaps. It was until Mr. Wainwright had raised his hand when they stopped. The door has reopened again, to start off their ten-course meal with amuse-bouche (as hors d'oeuvres are often served prior to entering the main dining hall). Another few made their way between their shoulders, popping fresh bottles of champagne before pouring them in each guestsโ respective glasses.
โA quick toast. To our new knights. And to our new beginning.โ
Filled glasses were raised towards everyone. Anselm did the same, though the empty chair that has rested two spots from him could not have been more starking. After a while, he turned back to Merlin, lowering his voice. โOthello. Where is he?โ
Darkness has shrouded London, a blanket for the weary souls. It was not uncalm, it was simply quiet, as the twilight fell to welcome the silence. The glare of daylight has passed, we allow ourselves to soften in the night. The stage has emptied, the curtain falls. All the actors have made their way home, clothes pressing against painted faces. It shall reopen in a matter of hours, but for now they will rest.
The porch laid cleanly swept, the slightest dust would not dare to venture. A thin line laid upon the comfort of their premises, an entrance to autumn paradise. Leaves that browned, snapping off the branches, crunching underneath the soles of shoes. The air has chilled, cold as the blight of dew as it opens its gates to greet the rush of winter. Gardens laid bare once more, as the seasons changed so shall they. As the final petals brush against the firm cobblestones, he could not help but admire the beauty of it. The beauty of the ephemeral.
It was a Monday, he had recalled, a day despised by all besides the insane. Except that today, as the final spark of light perished in the consumption of shadows, every man laid on their beds, knowing they were two steps safer than the day before. Truly a fine time to rejoice after all- the noise of celebration rang loudly in his ears. As though the church bells had not tolled enough through the day, the merry of trumpets and the drumming of march.
Haymitch Donnelly. Replaced in just a matter of days, after all, to them they were just names. Code names, even, one that belonged to fairy tale heroes, legends of an old wife's tale. An empty seat to the table, a small pawn to a grand game of chess. This was what they have signed up for, for blinded faith and baseless loyalty. A coin has simply been tossed. One soul, in exchange of many. Would that be fair?
A cold surge of wind had suddenly blown through, carrying leaves that dance and dreams that passed. As the clock strikes twelve, the ghosts of London come alive- the dead and the undead. It would be unwise to be alone at night in such an era. Vaguely he recalled when things were different- where vampires could live alongside humans. How long ago has it been? It was only a year, though never had something felt so far. The world has changed as so, and he was part of it.
Light poured out from the doorway, where it had been laid ajar. A small face peeked through, a young girl no more the age of fifteen. Her fingers fumbled nervously upon her frilled skirts, gaze distracted and unfocused. A new one, he had thought, so young at that. He paid her no more regards than a subtle nod, his back leaning against the railings.
"Sir Lancelot?"
"Hm."
"The dinner is ready."
"That," he tilted his head back, allowing his sight to wander. Then he closed his eyes, indulging himself in the grace of witching-hour. The stars would dance above him, twinkling and blinking. How he had loved the stars. And he would remember the scene of a ballroom, crystal chandeliers and towering champagnes. Golden dressed, amber hair. "I am aware of."
A silence break, and somehow he could tell the young maiden's thumps of anxiety. She spun her fingers against the rims of her apron as she searched for words. "Master Cavendish expects you. Also, he thinks you are cold."
"Hm."
"It means he wants you there."
At this he reopened his eyes, letting his brow furrow as he narrowed his eyes towards her. "I am educated, young lady. I have heard you loud and clear, there is no need to reiterate what you say. Now, is that all or will you continue to bother me?"
The poor young maid yelped, her hands clutched to her chest tightly. Her body trembled, eyes glued to the floor. It had almost made him pity her. Before he could speak, the girl had made her way towards him. In her hands, she shoved something, before bowing awkwardly. "From the Master," she said. "Excuse me."
With that he saw her rush back in, in small steps the heels of her shoes clicking swiftly over the panelled floor. The male gazed down at the stack of folded cloth- a thick fluffy blanket, he observed. An amused smirk curled up his lips, then a mild scoff. He wrapped the cloth around him regardless.
"Idiot," he sighed, resting his elbows against the banisters, once again gazing upon the sky. And as always, the sky gazes back.
Sheet as white as snow veiled the wooden table, extravagant mahogany imported from the far lands of the East. Candles lit in golden holsters, every single utensil has been polished clean as an untouched mirror, not an inch of it stained should they not be run back to the sculleries. A household that prides itself of its utmost elegance, a sense of luxury only few could possibly dream to afford, royal jewels encrusted almost every corner of the room. Finest of china, finest of dining, only bestowed upon the finest of guests.
The heroes of our land. Ones who risk their lives, fought courageously within the front-lines of justice. The modern times angels, wielding weapons in one hand, prayers in the other. When all cowered behind closed doors, they destroyed barricades that no man had touched before. When all had preached, yet stayed silent, for they all had strayed so far they have forgotten: โFor as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Madam Magrath scrunched up her already crooked nose, her hands hastily reached over to her tiny metallic rimmed round spectacles. She huffed, then puffed, tapping the sides of her cane with her finely gloved hands. Truly, she would have been very old if it were not her behavior that appeared to spell out otherwise. Her back was straight, eye still very much clear, thank you (it was her left eye that had problems, not her right, though the lady refused with all her might to wear a monocle, as it would make her look much older than she was supposed to).
She bears the posture any good lady in the United Kingdom should, mannerism that lacks in not a single place- and she believes everyone should! Perfectionism would have been her middle name if only her birth certificate has not dictated it for her already, as she demands it in everyone and everything. As she scowled, her wrinkles only enhanced. Despite this fact, and her hair that has whitened significantly that not a single lock of brown remains- even in a house of knights, no one dares speak up to her. The head housemaid of their family, and she adores her work.
โBernadette!โ she snapped, clapping her hands together. Another maid, much younger and pretty in look, flinched, plates nearly slipping off her thin fingers.
โYes Madam Magrath!โ
โWhat is this?โ The older woman narrowed her eyes, sliding her index finger over the surface of the table. She squinted real hard, so much that young Bernetta feared that the latter had already fallen asleep. Then she snapped her eyes back open, glaring in the young girl's direction. "Who was in charge of plates?"
"That would be Little Piper, Madam," said Bernadette, to which it triggers the yelp of another young girl, hiding herself behind her friend. The lady had simply locked her gaze at her, and soon enough a small sigh was heard, followed by reluctant steps. She bent over.
Spank!
Murmurs flooded the room, slight of giggles and averted eye contact. Poor Little Piper could only hold her head down, tears welling the sides of her eye not from pain, but shame. Her short hair did not help at all to hide her tattered expression. Madam Magrath let the other girl go, tapping her cane in her hands.
"Go back to the pantry and fetch us a new set, will you?"
"Yes, Madam Magrath."
She bowed, scurrying herself out the doorways almost immediately as it opened. A pair of men made their way in, followed by a mass behind them. Arthur and Merlin. Then the knights followed. Immediately the rest of the maids fell into a scurry of panic, their heads snapping back and forth to eye that everything must be perfect. Everything must be aligned: the plate, the bread plate, the butter knife, large knife, salad fork, regular fork, soup spoon, desert spoon. The napkins, doved peach in colour, were folded neatly at the sides, in the shape of an opened fan.
โDid we come to early, Madam?โ asked the redheaded male, to which she shook her head upon.
โNot at all, Anselm. My girls are all simply much too slow.โ
In that exact moment, all the maids had flinched at the same time. Their movements only quickened, the clinking of china became frantic before they all stood up, marching out one by one after a solemn bow. Passing them was Little Piper, who returned with a single plate. She then ran out once more, forgetting the bow in the heat of the moment. Madam Magrath nodded her head, giving Arthurโs shoulder a slight pat, then excused herself out, too.
โAre we all here?โ asked Anselm, though it sounded more a whisper than anything, as he pulled a seat at the head of the table. Mr. Wainwright, or rather, Merlin, seemed content enough to occupy the seat right next to him, instead of the foot of the table. He watched as everyone had begun to take their seats, including the two new-comers. The man gave them a subtle nod and a smile of greeting.
Clinking of the glass.
Everyoneโs attention shifted to the man, who had stood up with a glass in hand. It was not a common etiquette, though it was much better than to shout. Merlin set it down, then among the rest, he stood up. A smile, a professional one as any could tell, as he slowly glazed his sight to the rest of the group.
โFirst things, before we start our fine evening, I would like to address our two guests of honour,โ he extended his arm towards them, then bowed his head. โLady Galahad and Sir Gareth.โ
Briefly the room filled with joyful applause, cheering perhaps. It was until Mr. Wainwright had raised his hand when they stopped. The door has reopened again, to start off their ten-course meal with amuse-bouche (as hors d'oeuvres are often served prior to entering the main dining hall). Another few made their way between their shoulders, popping fresh bottles of champagne before pouring them in each guestsโ respective glasses.
โA quick toast. To our new knights. And to our new beginning.โ
Filled glasses were raised towards everyone. Anselm did the same, though the empty chair that has rested two spots from him could not have been more starking. After a while, he turned back to Merlin, lowering his voice. โOthello. Where is he?โ
โโโ ๏ฝฅ ๏ฝก๏พโ: *.โฝ .* :โ๏พ. โโโ
Darkness has shrouded London, a blanket for the weary souls. It was not uncalm, it was simply quiet, as the twilight fell to welcome the silence. The glare of daylight has passed, we allow ourselves to soften in the night. The stage has emptied, the curtain falls. All the actors have made their way home, clothes pressing against painted faces. It shall reopen in a matter of hours, but for now they will rest.
The porch laid cleanly swept, the slightest dust would not dare to venture. A thin line laid upon the comfort of their premises, an entrance to autumn paradise. Leaves that browned, snapping off the branches, crunching underneath the soles of shoes. The air has chilled, cold as the blight of dew as it opens its gates to greet the rush of winter. Gardens laid bare once more, as the seasons changed so shall they. As the final petals brush against the firm cobblestones, he could not help but admire the beauty of it. The beauty of the ephemeral.
It was a Monday, he had recalled, a day despised by all besides the insane. Except that today, as the final spark of light perished in the consumption of shadows, every man laid on their beds, knowing they were two steps safer than the day before. Truly a fine time to rejoice after all- the noise of celebration rang loudly in his ears. As though the church bells had not tolled enough through the day, the merry of trumpets and the drumming of march.
Haymitch Donnelly. Replaced in just a matter of days, after all, to them they were just names. Code names, even, one that belonged to fairy tale heroes, legends of an old wife's tale. An empty seat to the table, a small pawn to a grand game of chess. This was what they have signed up for, for blinded faith and baseless loyalty. A coin has simply been tossed. One soul, in exchange of many. Would that be fair?
A cold surge of wind had suddenly blown through, carrying leaves that dance and dreams that passed. As the clock strikes twelve, the ghosts of London come alive- the dead and the undead. It would be unwise to be alone at night in such an era. Vaguely he recalled when things were different- where vampires could live alongside humans. How long ago has it been? It was only a year, though never had something felt so far. The world has changed as so, and he was part of it.
Light poured out from the doorway, where it had been laid ajar. A small face peeked through, a young girl no more the age of fifteen. Her fingers fumbled nervously upon her frilled skirts, gaze distracted and unfocused. A new one, he had thought, so young at that. He paid her no more regards than a subtle nod, his back leaning against the railings.
"Sir Lancelot?"
"Hm."
"The dinner is ready."
"That," he tilted his head back, allowing his sight to wander. Then he closed his eyes, indulging himself in the grace of witching-hour. The stars would dance above him, twinkling and blinking. How he had loved the stars. And he would remember the scene of a ballroom, crystal chandeliers and towering champagnes. Golden dressed, amber hair. "I am aware of."
A silence break, and somehow he could tell the young maiden's thumps of anxiety. She spun her fingers against the rims of her apron as she searched for words. "Master Cavendish expects you. Also, he thinks you are cold."
"Hm."
"It means he wants you there."
At this he reopened his eyes, letting his brow furrow as he narrowed his eyes towards her. "I am educated, young lady. I have heard you loud and clear, there is no need to reiterate what you say. Now, is that all or will you continue to bother me?"
The poor young maid yelped, her hands clutched to her chest tightly. Her body trembled, eyes glued to the floor. It had almost made him pity her. Before he could speak, the girl had made her way towards him. In her hands, she shoved something, before bowing awkwardly. "From the Master," she said. "Excuse me."
With that he saw her rush back in, in small steps the heels of her shoes clicking swiftly over the panelled floor. The male gazed down at the stack of folded cloth- a thick fluffy blanket, he observed. An amused smirk curled up his lips, then a mild scoff. He wrapped the cloth around him regardless.
"Idiot," he sighed, resting his elbows against the banisters, once again gazing upon the sky. And as always, the sky gazes back.
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Wandering Soul
โค
Lunar_Cosmos
Space and Flowers are my Jam, don't @ me
Cavendish Manor was a large estate, is an understatement in all honesty. It was able to house the master rooms, the 14 large rooms, a large library, kitchens, dining room, an armory and training hall and more, spanning 3 whole floors including the bottom, as well as an attic. It was amazing that they didnโt have a basement to go with it!
In one of the 14 rooms, if you paid any attention to the sounds of the Manor, you could hear the quick pacing in one of the rooms. And if you wanted to disturbed and listen further in what is, very obviously, a woman's room, you would hear the muttering of Alixa Occisor. She was never very good at parties, despite the fact that her upper middle status allowed her to go to many. She was particular in her dislike for formal ones especially, because she was always forced to wear a specific dress, act a specific way, be chaperoned like a child, and throughout this time she couldnโt even read!
Luckily, this was a private formal party, and at this point she was pretty sure that no one would bat an eye if she came with a book and read, which was the norm. The only ones who would be confused would be the new Knights, but she was sure with theโฆ more eccentric characters in the Manor, theyโll learn to get used to everything fairly quickly.
She chuckled to herself, feeling slightly bad for the new recruits, knowing how overwhelming being new could be. She inhaled and exhaled slowly, focusing back on her predicament at hand. She was currently deciding on a dress to wear, because while she went against a lot of the social etiquette most hold firmly, She still had to play some sort of part and make a bit of effort. The choice was fairly simple but the problem was that she had already worn the dress she wanted to wear already.
Her father, before she left, gave her two dresses. One was a dark navy blue dress that had minimal frills and complimented her figure well. The other was a bright emerald green that was quite busy which was not only not her colour, it was also her least favourite colour. You can guess which one she had already worn.
โIn case you need to go to Formal party, take them.โ He had insisted, and she eventually did cave, taking them both when she moved into the Cavendish Manor. While grateful she didnโt have to find a tailor at the last minute, she was worried about her Father's Memory. She was sure that she had clearly stated multiple times that green wasnโt her colour, either favourite or complimentary to her, and yet she was given the bright emerald green anyway. In the end, she chose to wear the navy Blue dress, if only because this was a private party and she last wore it publicly. So no one else was really going to see it.
Getting the dress on was always a nightmare however. The green one was fairly simple to slip into, but the Navy blue one needed to have a surprising amount of finesse to get in. Once on, she brushed her hair and left it down, letting it frame her face and curl at the ends, and touched up her blush and lipstick. No need for foundation as she was pale enough already.
With everything set she recounted if she needed anything and debated whether or not she should take her book on the Science of Physics, or read something fictional from the Drawing room. On one hand, taking the physics book would mean that she would finish it by tonight, but she would lose out on picking up social cues and miss out on important details. On the other, she could gently distract herself with a fictitious book which she could put down at a moment's notice, but she would have to stay up later to finish her book.
Since there wasnโt anything too big happening tomorrow, an hour later to bed was surely to be okay. And so, she left for the drawing room early, picked up a book to read. Once everyone had Gathered and they were led by Arthur and Merlin themselves to the Dining room, She took a seat by Zane as normal, clapped appropriately, not too loud, not too quiet, and took note of who was there. Arthur and Merlin, obviously, two new faces, a male and female. She felt bad for the female, no doubt will Othello try and flirt with her. Speaking of Othello, he wasnโt there. She looked around and she noticed the open chair.
Not sure if it was her place to say anything, as it was still a formal party, she didnโt say anything. instead she turned to Zane and gave him a leveled look.
"Zane, Please try to behave around the two new Knights. It might be hard for you, but you can at least try." She says quietly enough so only Zane could hear her. When he muttered back, she huffed slightly. "Because they'll have to deal with everything and everyone else. Don't make it more complicated by being a total asshole." She explained, eating the served food. she waited until she had finished her bite before continuing. "Now eat, I doubt you've eaten anything in a while." He says, eyeing him ciritically.
In one of the 14 rooms, if you paid any attention to the sounds of the Manor, you could hear the quick pacing in one of the rooms. And if you wanted to disturbed and listen further in what is, very obviously, a woman's room, you would hear the muttering of Alixa Occisor. She was never very good at parties, despite the fact that her upper middle status allowed her to go to many. She was particular in her dislike for formal ones especially, because she was always forced to wear a specific dress, act a specific way, be chaperoned like a child, and throughout this time she couldnโt even read!
Luckily, this was a private formal party, and at this point she was pretty sure that no one would bat an eye if she came with a book and read, which was the norm. The only ones who would be confused would be the new Knights, but she was sure with theโฆ more eccentric characters in the Manor, theyโll learn to get used to everything fairly quickly.
She chuckled to herself, feeling slightly bad for the new recruits, knowing how overwhelming being new could be. She inhaled and exhaled slowly, focusing back on her predicament at hand. She was currently deciding on a dress to wear, because while she went against a lot of the social etiquette most hold firmly, She still had to play some sort of part and make a bit of effort. The choice was fairly simple but the problem was that she had already worn the dress she wanted to wear already.
Her father, before she left, gave her two dresses. One was a dark navy blue dress that had minimal frills and complimented her figure well. The other was a bright emerald green that was quite busy which was not only not her colour, it was also her least favourite colour. You can guess which one she had already worn.
โIn case you need to go to Formal party, take them.โ He had insisted, and she eventually did cave, taking them both when she moved into the Cavendish Manor. While grateful she didnโt have to find a tailor at the last minute, she was worried about her Father's Memory. She was sure that she had clearly stated multiple times that green wasnโt her colour, either favourite or complimentary to her, and yet she was given the bright emerald green anyway. In the end, she chose to wear the navy Blue dress, if only because this was a private party and she last wore it publicly. So no one else was really going to see it.
Getting the dress on was always a nightmare however. The green one was fairly simple to slip into, but the Navy blue one needed to have a surprising amount of finesse to get in. Once on, she brushed her hair and left it down, letting it frame her face and curl at the ends, and touched up her blush and lipstick. No need for foundation as she was pale enough already.
With everything set she recounted if she needed anything and debated whether or not she should take her book on the Science of Physics, or read something fictional from the Drawing room. On one hand, taking the physics book would mean that she would finish it by tonight, but she would lose out on picking up social cues and miss out on important details. On the other, she could gently distract herself with a fictitious book which she could put down at a moment's notice, but she would have to stay up later to finish her book.
Since there wasnโt anything too big happening tomorrow, an hour later to bed was surely to be okay. And so, she left for the drawing room early, picked up a book to read. Once everyone had Gathered and they were led by Arthur and Merlin themselves to the Dining room, She took a seat by Zane as normal, clapped appropriately, not too loud, not too quiet, and took note of who was there. Arthur and Merlin, obviously, two new faces, a male and female. She felt bad for the female, no doubt will Othello try and flirt with her. Speaking of Othello, he wasnโt there. She looked around and she noticed the open chair.
Not sure if it was her place to say anything, as it was still a formal party, she didnโt say anything. instead she turned to Zane and gave him a leveled look.
"Zane, Please try to behave around the two new Knights. It might be hard for you, but you can at least try." She says quietly enough so only Zane could hear her. When he muttered back, she huffed slightly. "Because they'll have to deal with everything and everyone else. Don't make it more complicated by being a total asshole." She explained, eating the served food. she waited until she had finished her bite before continuing. "Now eat, I doubt you've eaten anything in a while." He says, eyeing him ciritically.
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Fortuna
at midnight, darkest hour
Sophia had never tasted a more exquisite beverage in her entire life. Only twice before had she drunk champagne โ once, when she had stolen a sip from a discarded glass at Wakefield Hall, feeling giddy with daring, and another time when she and her sisters had ransacked a rich woman in Kensington. They had shared two bottles among the three of them, laughing all the while. Before, they had been strung tight with nerves, the mission one of the first thieving jobs they had taken on, the relief and victory they had felt after completing it making them feel drunk just as much as the alcohol had done. The champagne Sophia had been served now was finer than the two previous ones combined. She hated alcohol, but she would not deny herself even the smallest glimpse into what luxury tasted like.
Oh, and what luxury the whole evening was. The dining hall at Cavendish Manor had been decked with the finest porcelain, the table arrangements an extravagant sight. Sophia could hardly believe that this would be her home from here on out, this vast manor in the heart of London, living together with the most noble of knights. Already her new room outshined every accommodation she had lived in before. The Cavendish were of a noble lineage, one of Londonโs most renowned families. As one could expect from such a family, the dinner was a well-organised and dazzling affair.
Sophia inspected the first dish she had just been served and felt another wave of delight when she recognised the drops sprinkled on top as caviar. Carefully, she cut into the amuse-bouche. Her table manners were excellent, a skill her aunt had taught her, which Sophia now experienced a renewed sense of gratitude for. A knight was expected to know how to navigate a formal dinner.
The memory of the knighting ceremony she had undergone earlier today still made her feel breathless. To think she had been chosen by Queen Victoria herself and had been bestowed the highest form of honour in front of the Buckingham Palace with hundreds of people cheering for her. Never had she even dared dream of such grandeur. They had been watching her, the citizens of London, and Sophia hoped with a wild fervour that all the people who had ever looked down on her had been at the palace today, too.
A knight. This was what she had been destined for all along, not being a dirty girl in an even dirtier district, as forgettable as any common street thug. The Duchess of Whitechapel was dead. Sophia had killed her today and discarded the name like a snake shed its skin, never to be spoken again. Now, there was only Lady Galahad.
Her new weapon โ a glaive, what a fancy, beautiful word โ had been presented to her by Arthur in private after the ceremony. A sacred weapon, to kill creatures of the night. Bestowed to mankind by God himself if such a thing could be true. She had twirled the glaive around a few times when she had been alone in her room, testing the way it felt in her hands. It had reminded her of the first weapon she had ever wielded. Her older sister, Annaleigh, had gifted it to Sophia: a broomstick handle with a shard of glass attached to one of its ends. Thinking back, it had been a poor imitation of a glaive, though at the time Sophia had never even heard that word before.
A small part of her was worried about what being a knight of the round-table would entail. Sophia had earned her livelihood with fighting, but none of the foes she had faced before had been as deadly as the ones she was now expected to eliminate. Would she stand a chance against the undead? The splendour around her quickly drowned out all thoughts of doubt she had been harbouring. None of her fears felt as substantial as the champagne glass in her hand.
After Arthurโs speech, Sophia let her gaze travel over the eleven knights, taking in their features. There was Cenric, of course, whom she had to thank for her new position. Some of the others she also recognised. She knew the names and faces of most of Londonโs nobility, her position as governess having left her with an abundance of time at balls that she had spent watching and memorising the attending aristocrats. One of the seats remained vacant, the knight meant to occupy the place absent. Why wasnโt he present at the dinner? Ridiculous as it sounded, it almost felt like a personal offence to Sophia.
The missing knight seemed to be Lancelot, if she remembered his introduction correctly. Today had been a whirlwind of impressions and she had trouble keeping the code names and faces aligned. She would rectify that as soon as she was able to, not wanting to embarrass herself by not recalling someoneโs name.
Sophia raised her glass to the gathered knights. โI am deeply honoured to be here today,โ she said, trying her hardest to speak as precise and melodious as possible. During her time as governess she had nearly mastered imitating the way nobles talked, but being back in Whitechapel for four years had impaired her effort. โAnd to be given the chance to face this dire threat alongside you brave knights. May the Lord watch over us all.โ
Oh, and what luxury the whole evening was. The dining hall at Cavendish Manor had been decked with the finest porcelain, the table arrangements an extravagant sight. Sophia could hardly believe that this would be her home from here on out, this vast manor in the heart of London, living together with the most noble of knights. Already her new room outshined every accommodation she had lived in before. The Cavendish were of a noble lineage, one of Londonโs most renowned families. As one could expect from such a family, the dinner was a well-organised and dazzling affair.
Sophia inspected the first dish she had just been served and felt another wave of delight when she recognised the drops sprinkled on top as caviar. Carefully, she cut into the amuse-bouche. Her table manners were excellent, a skill her aunt had taught her, which Sophia now experienced a renewed sense of gratitude for. A knight was expected to know how to navigate a formal dinner.
The memory of the knighting ceremony she had undergone earlier today still made her feel breathless. To think she had been chosen by Queen Victoria herself and had been bestowed the highest form of honour in front of the Buckingham Palace with hundreds of people cheering for her. Never had she even dared dream of such grandeur. They had been watching her, the citizens of London, and Sophia hoped with a wild fervour that all the people who had ever looked down on her had been at the palace today, too.
A knight. This was what she had been destined for all along, not being a dirty girl in an even dirtier district, as forgettable as any common street thug. The Duchess of Whitechapel was dead. Sophia had killed her today and discarded the name like a snake shed its skin, never to be spoken again. Now, there was only Lady Galahad.
Her new weapon โ a glaive, what a fancy, beautiful word โ had been presented to her by Arthur in private after the ceremony. A sacred weapon, to kill creatures of the night. Bestowed to mankind by God himself if such a thing could be true. She had twirled the glaive around a few times when she had been alone in her room, testing the way it felt in her hands. It had reminded her of the first weapon she had ever wielded. Her older sister, Annaleigh, had gifted it to Sophia: a broomstick handle with a shard of glass attached to one of its ends. Thinking back, it had been a poor imitation of a glaive, though at the time Sophia had never even heard that word before.
A small part of her was worried about what being a knight of the round-table would entail. Sophia had earned her livelihood with fighting, but none of the foes she had faced before had been as deadly as the ones she was now expected to eliminate. Would she stand a chance against the undead? The splendour around her quickly drowned out all thoughts of doubt she had been harbouring. None of her fears felt as substantial as the champagne glass in her hand.
After Arthurโs speech, Sophia let her gaze travel over the eleven knights, taking in their features. There was Cenric, of course, whom she had to thank for her new position. Some of the others she also recognised. She knew the names and faces of most of Londonโs nobility, her position as governess having left her with an abundance of time at balls that she had spent watching and memorising the attending aristocrats. One of the seats remained vacant, the knight meant to occupy the place absent. Why wasnโt he present at the dinner? Ridiculous as it sounded, it almost felt like a personal offence to Sophia.
The missing knight seemed to be Lancelot, if she remembered his introduction correctly. Today had been a whirlwind of impressions and she had trouble keeping the code names and faces aligned. She would rectify that as soon as she was able to, not wanting to embarrass herself by not recalling someoneโs name.
Sophia raised her glass to the gathered knights. โI am deeply honoured to be here today,โ she said, trying her hardest to speak as precise and melodious as possible. During her time as governess she had nearly mastered imitating the way nobles talked, but being back in Whitechapel for four years had impaired her effort. โAnd to be given the chance to face this dire threat alongside you brave knights. May the Lord watch over us all.โ
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Paltajayd
Nรคmen ~ art: @prawnm33
Happy birthday Seven!
"Forgive the hasty retreat, but duty calls for my presence at this moment." Jesse told the whole squad of young, naรฏve men around the dim lighted table with a smug smile on his face. All eyes on him, fake smiles and farewells wishing good omens tinted by their hungry fangs and lackey vibes, some who had recently lost thousands of pounds and others winning tiny percentages at the stock exchange where they discussed strategies and shared information on the activity of companies they'd cling on like the leeches they were. He added to his last words before leaving the poor bastards "Do not forget gentlemen. In times of crisis, some cry and others sell handkerchiefs"
And so with hatred gazes and praises to his wise words, Jesse left the cold, heartless rooms of the stock exchange to get in his personal carriage and set the course to his next stop. The celebration for the two souls who'd join the knight's ranks.
Dirt and stone at the other side of the window, brick buildings, lamps, stores and residences impossible to count with the naked eye, only approximate to a number that hopefully gets close enough to reality. The women on the streets wearing their best garments, showing off both their natural beauty and eloquence with simple yet concise message brought to him by their silent stares. Men too on their outfits, some well fit and others more loose-fitting, but a reigning decency could be perceived that gave him a sense of harmony. The crowds performance and overall behavior had always been worth some hours of studies to him.
His beige colored trousers and suit contrasting with a burgundy red vest illuminated the path as he descended from his carriage at the entrance of the castle. Apparent calm weather and only a couple of guards present to welcome guests and show . Clearly he was late having being told to arrive at the ceremony, but not that it mattered to him. Indeed he understood the importance of the ocasion, but becoming one of the main shareholders of important entreprises and being part of conglomerates where the nation's fate along with the royal's decision led Great Britain's destiny was more than enough of an excuse to arrive a bit off the schedule. As he walked through the corridors filled with ornaments of gold and silver, carpets and distinguished paintings, Jesse ended up joining the group from behind following together Arthur and Merlin's trail.
"I wonder..." He murmured before entering the dining hall
During the first days of his unexpected knighthood people said the Kenward boy bought a spot on the round table, a long chat with the queen in order to make sure everything was set for his knighthood ceremony. Some others said he slept with one of the older figures and that way spreading the word of his prowess as a spearman from inside. Latest rumours on the acquisition of the title spoke about old agreements, an ambassador of the high conglomerates to control and guide the group. Where did all this came from? The same mediocre humans who lead the competition against him at the industry and kept hidden under their filthy claws a whole web of slave trading. And children were the main commodity. Jesse's contacts along with himself tracked down every single one of the big dogs, blackmailed them and almost killed one of them to make sure they all understood with the first and last warning.
But this wasn't about the rumours and the children, that couldn't be further from his true intentions.He enjoyed investigating and knowing who they really were, the men and women behind their facades of elegance and exquisite palates. But he mostly wanted to know about humans, the limits of their sanity and how far does one need to go in order to stop their acts.
They didn't stop.
And so the witch hunt began. His first weeks as a knight were marked with blood and screams from his victims. Of course, nobody needed to know about this.
The celebration, clinking of glasses and taste of high cuisine appetizers charmed him. A well staged dinner by Madam Magrath, a true masterpiece for the most unaccustomed to this kind of receptions.
Familiar faces were met along the way as he looked at the table set for the knights. Odonata, Simon, Godfrey, the rest of the old lads and lassies and, the two newbies. One of them a grown, powerful man who's essence could feel chivalrous and trustworthy for a outsider, and his asperous hands communicated mastery and experience, proficiency to the queen's eyes without a doubt. The second face to which he decided to sit next to belonged to an attractive female, a deceiving youth betrayed by her eyes who spoke of tales. Her careful cutting of the mouthful portions clouded his first thought on her, a lady with a not so elegant background. Her hands weren't so delicate as a common mistress of high standards and care would accustom. Conflicting, he thought, but he kept enjoying the enveloping flavors of the cocktail snacks before the soup came to him.
"May the Lord hear your prayers. Welcome to the pack Sophia." He answered personally to the lady next to him, holding the glass on the Almighty's name and hers. Not being a religious follower of the Lord's words, Jesse had grown used to attending the masses and religious events in the city, not for conventional purposes but at least grasping on the concepts of a devote sheep of God and how to be one.
His tone and face shifted towards her with a rather sympathetic style "Though, may I ask-" getting now closer to her left ear as if whispering words of enchantment, a breathy voice suave enough to not let anyone else hear except for both of them and remarking slowly all syllables in the sentence "Who was your last victim Lady Galahad of Whitechapel?"
And so with hatred gazes and praises to his wise words, Jesse left the cold, heartless rooms of the stock exchange to get in his personal carriage and set the course to his next stop. The celebration for the two souls who'd join the knight's ranks.
Dirt and stone at the other side of the window, brick buildings, lamps, stores and residences impossible to count with the naked eye, only approximate to a number that hopefully gets close enough to reality. The women on the streets wearing their best garments, showing off both their natural beauty and eloquence with simple yet concise message brought to him by their silent stares. Men too on their outfits, some well fit and others more loose-fitting, but a reigning decency could be perceived that gave him a sense of harmony. The crowds performance and overall behavior had always been worth some hours of studies to him.
His beige colored trousers and suit contrasting with a burgundy red vest illuminated the path as he descended from his carriage at the entrance of the castle. Apparent calm weather and only a couple of guards present to welcome guests and show . Clearly he was late having being told to arrive at the ceremony, but not that it mattered to him. Indeed he understood the importance of the ocasion, but becoming one of the main shareholders of important entreprises and being part of conglomerates where the nation's fate along with the royal's decision led Great Britain's destiny was more than enough of an excuse to arrive a bit off the schedule. As he walked through the corridors filled with ornaments of gold and silver, carpets and distinguished paintings, Jesse ended up joining the group from behind following together Arthur and Merlin's trail.
"I wonder..." He murmured before entering the dining hall
During the first days of his unexpected knighthood people said the Kenward boy bought a spot on the round table, a long chat with the queen in order to make sure everything was set for his knighthood ceremony. Some others said he slept with one of the older figures and that way spreading the word of his prowess as a spearman from inside. Latest rumours on the acquisition of the title spoke about old agreements, an ambassador of the high conglomerates to control and guide the group. Where did all this came from? The same mediocre humans who lead the competition against him at the industry and kept hidden under their filthy claws a whole web of slave trading. And children were the main commodity. Jesse's contacts along with himself tracked down every single one of the big dogs, blackmailed them and almost killed one of them to make sure they all understood with the first and last warning.
But this wasn't about the rumours and the children, that couldn't be further from his true intentions.He enjoyed investigating and knowing who they really were, the men and women behind their facades of elegance and exquisite palates. But he mostly wanted to know about humans, the limits of their sanity and how far does one need to go in order to stop their acts.
They didn't stop.
And so the witch hunt began. His first weeks as a knight were marked with blood and screams from his victims. Of course, nobody needed to know about this.
The celebration, clinking of glasses and taste of high cuisine appetizers charmed him. A well staged dinner by Madam Magrath, a true masterpiece for the most unaccustomed to this kind of receptions.
Familiar faces were met along the way as he looked at the table set for the knights. Odonata, Simon, Godfrey, the rest of the old lads and lassies and, the two newbies. One of them a grown, powerful man who's essence could feel chivalrous and trustworthy for a outsider, and his asperous hands communicated mastery and experience, proficiency to the queen's eyes without a doubt. The second face to which he decided to sit next to belonged to an attractive female, a deceiving youth betrayed by her eyes who spoke of tales. Her careful cutting of the mouthful portions clouded his first thought on her, a lady with a not so elegant background. Her hands weren't so delicate as a common mistress of high standards and care would accustom. Conflicting, he thought, but he kept enjoying the enveloping flavors of the cocktail snacks before the soup came to him.
"May the Lord hear your prayers. Welcome to the pack Sophia." He answered personally to the lady next to him, holding the glass on the Almighty's name and hers. Not being a religious follower of the Lord's words, Jesse had grown used to attending the masses and religious events in the city, not for conventional purposes but at least grasping on the concepts of a devote sheep of God and how to be one.
His tone and face shifted towards her with a rather sympathetic style "Though, may I ask-" getting now closer to her left ear as if whispering words of enchantment, a breathy voice suave enough to not let anyone else hear except for both of them and remarking slowly all syllables in the sentence "Who was your last victim Lady Galahad of Whitechapel?"
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Melpomene
Destroyer of Worlds|Art by WLOP|
Solitude could only last for so long.
The sun had long since set, the orange orb having fallen below the infinite horizon, obscured by the city's buildings and landmarks before giving way to the soft velvet backdrop of night. No slumber would follow after it, the chill seeping its way into the bones of any man or beast that chose to stand out in the frigid air, inviting themselves to the clumsy aches and pains that came alongside it. It could have been mistaken for deadly if the noises of the night life of the city was not loud and distinguished, to the point that it seemed the city never would sleep.
Leon shivered once, he did not like the cold. Still swaddled in his underclothes he lit the candle on his desk. For a moment, his eyes lingered on the paper covered in shakily drawn out letters, barely illuminated by the orange light of the fire. His fingers were still spotted with dark ink, but that was the least of his concern now as the time came for the dinner party to welcome the two new knights to the round table.
It sounded like a Fairytale, something that Emma would have shown him, unable to contain her excitement. Knight of the Round Table. They were supposed to be lost in legend, never to truly come to existence, because reality was often far too disappointing. He wondered if the public would feel at ease now, seeing their brave knight Percival, unable to read and shivering in his underclothes as a man rather than perfect and suave with every action he took as a legend would be. But they could not afford to let the public believe they were anything less. It was such a fine line to walk, between truth and fiction, needing to keep himself firmly placed in the realm of realism but never forgetting others must forever think he was larger than life.
It was quite a lot for an orphan boy having come from the mines. Everyone saw him now. In a way, his hands were bound more than they ever had been before. What did it mean to be a hero? Percival. It did not mean anything anymore. Another name put on him. It held as much significance as when he was called โBoyโ in the mines and prepared to risk life and limb to bring a manor much like this one anything they managed to find down there in the deep dark hills. Did they think of the little girl crawling alone in the dark tunnels for hours on her hands and knees only to feel the tunnel collapse around her. Crushing her. Suffocating her.
Leon pressed his hand to his throat, the fluttering pulse which danced beneath hardened fingers would not rest. A shallow fear swelled within him. The suffocation would never end.
Suffocation.
โYou ainโt done yet, boy.โ
Was this what mother had wanted? A cold sweat dripped down his face, his brow, his throat. A tired rumbling came from his stomach. They had a feast here. They kept the knights fed with fine food. It had been too rich for Leon at first. Though now he was growing used to the taste. The new knights needed to be welcomed.
He had to dress. He was still new to this, somewhat. It was lucky Mrs. Taylor demanded he looked as well put together as money could allow. It was bothersome, to a point, he wanted to wear the same clothes he would to the tavern, it was not so imperative to ensure they stayed pristine. But he did not feel like being scolded today, and it seemed anyone who was from a class slightly higher than him would feel the need to comment on any mistake he made today.
โOh for Godโs sake, just kill me now.โ For some reason ending up wrapped in satin, covered in black, violet, and white he had managed to make himself feel more naked than he was in his underclothes. He debated for a moment, then decided against a hat and instead just twisted his hair back into a bun.
He looked like a street rat in fancy clothes. He was still a street rat no matter what they put him in.
The ticking of the clock on the wall foretold the wrath awaiting him if he was so much as a few minutes late to the dinner. He wondered, briefly, if Madam Magrath would spank him like one of the servant girls if he showed any signs of being less than perfect this evening. It was nearly enough to make him snicker.
Where was he supposed to sit? Werenโt placement cards supposed to be laid out for formal parties such as this one? A woman was supposed to be on his right, no? His head spun, he had to get most of his knowledge from Mrs. Taylor and interrogating Othello, or Godfrey when he felt like having fun.
Hm. There were not enough women for every man to be able to have one to his right.
Godfrey would have to do. He was shapely enough, Leon decided, to be a fine lady that evening. Plus, he wanted to be able to have a bit of fun that night.
โGโevening mโlady.โ he greeted him as he sat down, slipping his gloves off and put them to the side, as was proper. He knew some things.
For a moment, Leon leaned back and surveyed the presence, lifting his glass as expected into the air. It was nice, the bubbly liquid was airy and passed across his tongue elegantly. There was nothing quite like the consumables of the rich. They somehow managed to make everything taste better. Or perhaps it was just so expensive that Leon needed it to taste delicious to justify the price.
Such a bother.
He inclined his head and smiled towards the new pair, letting his eyes crinkle as he fought off the discomfort. His vest was a bit too tight. He looked upon the knights at the table, the lads and lassies who were all in this with him, but he soon saw one person, one quite important person missing. He sighed and pressed his finger to his temple.
โIf Othello gets to skip this then I should be able to as wellโฆโ
The sun had long since set, the orange orb having fallen below the infinite horizon, obscured by the city's buildings and landmarks before giving way to the soft velvet backdrop of night. No slumber would follow after it, the chill seeping its way into the bones of any man or beast that chose to stand out in the frigid air, inviting themselves to the clumsy aches and pains that came alongside it. It could have been mistaken for deadly if the noises of the night life of the city was not loud and distinguished, to the point that it seemed the city never would sleep.
Leon shivered once, he did not like the cold. Still swaddled in his underclothes he lit the candle on his desk. For a moment, his eyes lingered on the paper covered in shakily drawn out letters, barely illuminated by the orange light of the fire. His fingers were still spotted with dark ink, but that was the least of his concern now as the time came for the dinner party to welcome the two new knights to the round table.
It sounded like a Fairytale, something that Emma would have shown him, unable to contain her excitement. Knight of the Round Table. They were supposed to be lost in legend, never to truly come to existence, because reality was often far too disappointing. He wondered if the public would feel at ease now, seeing their brave knight Percival, unable to read and shivering in his underclothes as a man rather than perfect and suave with every action he took as a legend would be. But they could not afford to let the public believe they were anything less. It was such a fine line to walk, between truth and fiction, needing to keep himself firmly placed in the realm of realism but never forgetting others must forever think he was larger than life.
It was quite a lot for an orphan boy having come from the mines. Everyone saw him now. In a way, his hands were bound more than they ever had been before. What did it mean to be a hero? Percival. It did not mean anything anymore. Another name put on him. It held as much significance as when he was called โBoyโ in the mines and prepared to risk life and limb to bring a manor much like this one anything they managed to find down there in the deep dark hills. Did they think of the little girl crawling alone in the dark tunnels for hours on her hands and knees only to feel the tunnel collapse around her. Crushing her. Suffocating her.
Leon pressed his hand to his throat, the fluttering pulse which danced beneath hardened fingers would not rest. A shallow fear swelled within him. The suffocation would never end.
Suffocation.
โYou ainโt done yet, boy.โ
Was this what mother had wanted? A cold sweat dripped down his face, his brow, his throat. A tired rumbling came from his stomach. They had a feast here. They kept the knights fed with fine food. It had been too rich for Leon at first. Though now he was growing used to the taste. The new knights needed to be welcomed.
He had to dress. He was still new to this, somewhat. It was lucky Mrs. Taylor demanded he looked as well put together as money could allow. It was bothersome, to a point, he wanted to wear the same clothes he would to the tavern, it was not so imperative to ensure they stayed pristine. But he did not feel like being scolded today, and it seemed anyone who was from a class slightly higher than him would feel the need to comment on any mistake he made today.
โOh for Godโs sake, just kill me now.โ For some reason ending up wrapped in satin, covered in black, violet, and white he had managed to make himself feel more naked than he was in his underclothes. He debated for a moment, then decided against a hat and instead just twisted his hair back into a bun.
He looked like a street rat in fancy clothes. He was still a street rat no matter what they put him in.
The ticking of the clock on the wall foretold the wrath awaiting him if he was so much as a few minutes late to the dinner. He wondered, briefly, if Madam Magrath would spank him like one of the servant girls if he showed any signs of being less than perfect this evening. It was nearly enough to make him snicker.
Where was he supposed to sit? Werenโt placement cards supposed to be laid out for formal parties such as this one? A woman was supposed to be on his right, no? His head spun, he had to get most of his knowledge from Mrs. Taylor and interrogating Othello, or Godfrey when he felt like having fun.
Hm. There were not enough women for every man to be able to have one to his right.
Godfrey would have to do. He was shapely enough, Leon decided, to be a fine lady that evening. Plus, he wanted to be able to have a bit of fun that night.
โGโevening mโlady.โ he greeted him as he sat down, slipping his gloves off and put them to the side, as was proper. He knew some things.
For a moment, Leon leaned back and surveyed the presence, lifting his glass as expected into the air. It was nice, the bubbly liquid was airy and passed across his tongue elegantly. There was nothing quite like the consumables of the rich. They somehow managed to make everything taste better. Or perhaps it was just so expensive that Leon needed it to taste delicious to justify the price.
Such a bother.
He inclined his head and smiled towards the new pair, letting his eyes crinkle as he fought off the discomfort. His vest was a bit too tight. He looked upon the knights at the table, the lads and lassies who were all in this with him, but he soon saw one person, one quite important person missing. He sighed and pressed his finger to his temple.
โIf Othello gets to skip this then I should be able to as wellโฆโ
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Akudon
Digital Alpaca
As Cenric gazed at the starlit night sky, he could not help but reaffirm the truth that the flow of time waited for nobody. The once roaring flames of celebration within Britain for this momentous day had now died down to smoldering embers in this frigid Autumn night. The final two remaining seats belonging to the legendary Knights of the Round table had been filled with the arrival of this generation's Lady Galahad and Sir Gareth. With the thirteen heroes and symbols of hope now gathered, the people were now safe from blood sucking menace that plagued humanity; or so it is thought. In reality they were naught but promising men and women from many a background to be thrown into this bloody war where only their small number are able to be of use. Should any fall they will be replaced: the new Lady Galahad with which he lured here was the very proof of this matter. No, this day was merely meant to enjoy and forget before the true battle began and ravaged the world and very souls of the knights.
Cenric could only shake his head to free himself of the dark thoughts haunting his mind and sigh tiredly. "This is what happens when they make me wait all day to get a drink" he thought to himself in bitter amusement. Getting him to act like a proper noble let alone a great knight was already like trying to give a cat a bath, but it only got worse when it was necessary to parade him around to the public with all of their expectations. He supposed that was only half of it however, the other was that he wanted to hide himself from a very specific pair of sky blue eyes that haunted him. Before the candle lighting his room was used up from how long he was taking he resumed his task of getting cleaned up for their celebratory dinner.
Even after around a year of this, Cenric still couldn't help but feel like a dressed up street rat in his own opinion. Even combed; his auburn seemed to struggled to stay straight, his brown eyes were muddled with darkness unlike the gleam of a standard noble, and the scars he had gained from his reckless fighting littered his body with the most apparent running along his head. He was wearing a black suit that was left open revealing his white dress shirt and likewise black tie to go with it. Of course both his pants and dress shoes were also black as well to go along with everything else. It was a simple and classy outfit and he disliked standing out too much among these events with other choices that were too frilly or colorful.
Though he had gotten lost in his thoughts and worries, Cenric had managed to catch the tail end of knights on their way into the dining area before it was too late. After the ladies had chosen their seating, he was unfortunately met with the issue the numbers being lacking for one to accompany every man's right side. Though he would take great pleasure in showing Erza that he was capable of showing etiquette just as fine as any noble and harassing her about her dress, he decided to leave that pleasure to someone else as he took the seat next to the left of the still absent Othello. Though a man; his boss, brother in arms, and friend challenged the beauty of any woman and both took the position of and henpecked him like one during their nightly activities.
Not only in their nightly activities, Othello was just as strict with his table manners and drilled them into Cenric until it was almost second nature as much as he hated it. First, he made sure that he was neither too close nor too far from the table and sitting as straight and gracefully as he could with his napkin in his lap. With everyone seated, the great Arthur called for everyone's attention with the clinking of his glass and started the evening by drawing attention to the two newcomers. Though unorthodox from what he's seen, it didn't matter too much in this private setting and Cenric joined the applause, gave a smile towards sophia as he did so. Even if he had his regrets bringing her into this, he could not deny he was pleased to have her by his side and she seemed to truly be alive now because of it.
With the entrace of the amuse-bouche the popping of champagne, and the toast to the new knights in which he raised his glass the dinner had officially started much to Cenric's joy and relief. Although he had to restrain himself to eat slowly, properly, and with grace; the food and drink made up for these kinds of events for the most part. Other than putting his life on the line fighting for a good cause, this was what gave him life. He could simply enjoy the rich delicacies to his heart's content and drown his worries and woes with the aid of alcohol. It seemed as though it was not to last however as his attention was brought to his still empty side seat beside him by the quiet worries and complaints of the others.
"There's being fashionably late and then there's causing problems for others. Is this a case of do as i say and not as i do?" Cenric thought to himself with an amused smile. "I suppose its my turn to go correct him" With that thought decided upon, he took a slightly larger sip to get more alcohol into his system as he was unsure how long he'd be gone and then spoke in a low tone. "My apologies Arthur, as wonderful as this dinner is; i must request a chance to step away for a moment. I will be sure to return with great haste." Ignoring his disgust at speaking in such a way, he gave a quick glance towards Othello's empty seat to tip Arthur off without embarrassing the former.
After receiving permission from Arthur, Cenric began his mission to seek out his missing prince charming. The halls of the manor were cold, dark, and almost silent save for the maids scurrying to and fro while attending to the dinner. Other than the temperature, it was nice in its own way; making him feel like he was in a safe world of its own to explore and relax from the day's stresses in. His search began in the most obvious place of Othello's room, though that produced no results after a knock and a peek inside. With that he was left wandering the manor for a little while and asking any of the staff if they had seen the man. Thankfully he was in luck when he spotted a rather flustered maid retreating from the porch hurriedly, flinching and giving a slight bow a thte sight of him before continuing on. "When in doubt, follow the trail of heartbreak"
With only the stars and pale moonlight illuminating the ethereal beauty, Cenric had found who he had sought on the porch. "And here i thought i would be the one warming you tonight. Is there enough room under there for two?" he said giving a suggestive smirk as he up strolled beside the man and leaned over the porch to appreciate the night sky. "As much as this beautiful view suits you the most, i do believe there is a dinner that is missing its wonderful co-host. I've been behaving so well just for a certain someone that taught me so thoroughly as well." Cenric chuckled, giving a brief pause to enjoy their moment and work himself up to get to the topic at hand. He always prided himself on being the person that others could be at ease around but when it came to Othello he couldn't help but poke his nose where it didn't belong due to his concern. "Is something bothering you? You're usually not the type to miss these kinds of things or scare off a cute little maid.
Cenric could only shake his head to free himself of the dark thoughts haunting his mind and sigh tiredly. "This is what happens when they make me wait all day to get a drink" he thought to himself in bitter amusement. Getting him to act like a proper noble let alone a great knight was already like trying to give a cat a bath, but it only got worse when it was necessary to parade him around to the public with all of their expectations. He supposed that was only half of it however, the other was that he wanted to hide himself from a very specific pair of sky blue eyes that haunted him. Before the candle lighting his room was used up from how long he was taking he resumed his task of getting cleaned up for their celebratory dinner.
Even after around a year of this, Cenric still couldn't help but feel like a dressed up street rat in his own opinion. Even combed; his auburn seemed to struggled to stay straight, his brown eyes were muddled with darkness unlike the gleam of a standard noble, and the scars he had gained from his reckless fighting littered his body with the most apparent running along his head. He was wearing a black suit that was left open revealing his white dress shirt and likewise black tie to go with it. Of course both his pants and dress shoes were also black as well to go along with everything else. It was a simple and classy outfit and he disliked standing out too much among these events with other choices that were too frilly or colorful.
Though he had gotten lost in his thoughts and worries, Cenric had managed to catch the tail end of knights on their way into the dining area before it was too late. After the ladies had chosen their seating, he was unfortunately met with the issue the numbers being lacking for one to accompany every man's right side. Though he would take great pleasure in showing Erza that he was capable of showing etiquette just as fine as any noble and harassing her about her dress, he decided to leave that pleasure to someone else as he took the seat next to the left of the still absent Othello. Though a man; his boss, brother in arms, and friend challenged the beauty of any woman and both took the position of and henpecked him like one during their nightly activities.
Not only in their nightly activities, Othello was just as strict with his table manners and drilled them into Cenric until it was almost second nature as much as he hated it. First, he made sure that he was neither too close nor too far from the table and sitting as straight and gracefully as he could with his napkin in his lap. With everyone seated, the great Arthur called for everyone's attention with the clinking of his glass and started the evening by drawing attention to the two newcomers. Though unorthodox from what he's seen, it didn't matter too much in this private setting and Cenric joined the applause, gave a smile towards sophia as he did so. Even if he had his regrets bringing her into this, he could not deny he was pleased to have her by his side and she seemed to truly be alive now because of it.
With the entrace of the amuse-bouche the popping of champagne, and the toast to the new knights in which he raised his glass the dinner had officially started much to Cenric's joy and relief. Although he had to restrain himself to eat slowly, properly, and with grace; the food and drink made up for these kinds of events for the most part. Other than putting his life on the line fighting for a good cause, this was what gave him life. He could simply enjoy the rich delicacies to his heart's content and drown his worries and woes with the aid of alcohol. It seemed as though it was not to last however as his attention was brought to his still empty side seat beside him by the quiet worries and complaints of the others.
"There's being fashionably late and then there's causing problems for others. Is this a case of do as i say and not as i do?" Cenric thought to himself with an amused smile. "I suppose its my turn to go correct him" With that thought decided upon, he took a slightly larger sip to get more alcohol into his system as he was unsure how long he'd be gone and then spoke in a low tone. "My apologies Arthur, as wonderful as this dinner is; i must request a chance to step away for a moment. I will be sure to return with great haste." Ignoring his disgust at speaking in such a way, he gave a quick glance towards Othello's empty seat to tip Arthur off without embarrassing the former.
After receiving permission from Arthur, Cenric began his mission to seek out his missing prince charming. The halls of the manor were cold, dark, and almost silent save for the maids scurrying to and fro while attending to the dinner. Other than the temperature, it was nice in its own way; making him feel like he was in a safe world of its own to explore and relax from the day's stresses in. His search began in the most obvious place of Othello's room, though that produced no results after a knock and a peek inside. With that he was left wandering the manor for a little while and asking any of the staff if they had seen the man. Thankfully he was in luck when he spotted a rather flustered maid retreating from the porch hurriedly, flinching and giving a slight bow a thte sight of him before continuing on. "When in doubt, follow the trail of heartbreak"
With only the stars and pale moonlight illuminating the ethereal beauty, Cenric had found who he had sought on the porch. "And here i thought i would be the one warming you tonight. Is there enough room under there for two?" he said giving a suggestive smirk as he up strolled beside the man and leaned over the porch to appreciate the night sky. "As much as this beautiful view suits you the most, i do believe there is a dinner that is missing its wonderful co-host. I've been behaving so well just for a certain someone that taught me so thoroughly as well." Cenric chuckled, giving a brief pause to enjoy their moment and work himself up to get to the topic at hand. He always prided himself on being the person that others could be at ease around but when it came to Othello he couldn't help but poke his nose where it didn't belong due to his concern. "Is something bothering you? You're usually not the type to miss these kinds of things or scare off a cute little maid.
Plutoni
spin it!
GODFREY
โ TRISTAN โ
The chill night air clung to his hair and clothes like spidersilk as he mounted the mansion stairs in a quick two-step, the purpose of each stride making plain the risk of lateness that the doctor was all too aware of beginning to push his usual custom. Lights gained in number, movement flashed in crystal windows, and darkness and stillness fell away with every step until the heavy doors heaved open at his touch. Godfrey St. Clair was bathed at once in the strong, familiar candlelight of Cavendish Manor that quickly began to burn the damp veil of evening from his form, and he noted the time on the great clock that oversaw the hall with a private satisfaction. Perfect. In the blink of an eye, not even the suggestion of haste was left in the lines of his bearing - only the poise of a man at ease in a home that could almost be called his.
This bygone hurry was what he deserved for putting it off so late, after all. This manor house, lit with a glow that could outshine the evening rays themselves, was the closest heโd come to touching sunlight since yesterday. He gave an absentminded murmur of thanks as a stray maidservant alerted by the door shyly took the silk-lined coat slid from his shoulders, stride barely broken as he straightened his cuffs and continued on into the plush corridors. Godfrey considered with dim amusement that heโd spent so long studying vampires that even his habits had now begun to mimic theirs; shunning both light and human company, heโd worked feverishly through the unholy hours of eve and morning, hours that even now he could only find hazy recollection of but had produced many a scrawled note in his booksโ margins as if by anotherโs hand. He didnโt know if heโd slept or if his brain had simply shuttered as he stared at the walls, wobbling with shadows of gas-light. What had he thought about, then? But come sunrise, it had already slipped through his fingers. He swept it all to the side as he made coffee with hands trembling only just, routed the heavy air with the sharp morning breeze through his windows, and opened his practice in time for his first appointment. It had been a while, and not even illness and despair slept on such a morn of celebration. He almost craved the mundanity, in a way. But, regardless of his wishes, he still found his mind often wandered to the ceremony taking place not far from there, yet seemingly in another world to that of the street with the bronze plaque bearing his name - Dr. St. Clair | General Practitioner, R.C.P. - affixed upon such prosaic things as white stone and black-painted door. No knights. No queens. No divine duty and conquest, only medicine and the raw, base, painfully exposed humanity of the needy. And yet. Things had changed when heโd taken the knighthood. Recognition hounded him, for the odd tears and effusions of gratitude and relief of years past had, in some, become reverent. They clasp Sir Tristanโs hands and stare into his eyes like he was holy, like nothing less than the angel Raphael, and the way their illusions of the divine now took credit for his rare skill was simply a thorn in his side. This particular spite he felt this morning he couldnโt help but tie, in part, to the festivities today, and he considered that they may have expected him to attend. Perhaps driven to faint irrationality by lack of sleep, the thought only made him sink his teeth ever harder into his work.
He crashed, eventually. His housekeeper and occasional assistant, a certain Miss Marcia Monroe, found him out cold on the chaise longue in his office, and had closed up shop herself as the light began to draw in. Another reminder amongst many that he likely owed her his life, by now, and she woke him with the aroma of a brewed coffee more potent than ammonia salts and the first taste of food heโd had that day. Not her forte by any means, but half-dead gratitude will make even the most burnt fare pleasant. Heโd taken himself back to his desk to continue filing his notes from the dayโs patients as soon as sheโd left and was thus unable to comment, and had watched the hour of the dinner draw closer with growing disfavour. A day and a night of isolation and grim study had suppressed his appetite for celebration, but try as he might to pretend he had a choice in the matter, he inevitably tore himself away in time to wash and carefully, immaculately dress in evening jacket and narrow white waistcoat and hail a cab to take him to Westminster. He knew heโd disappeared for long enough.
He entered the drawing room where they all waited, sweeping an eye over faces both familiar and strange, and noted that he was, rather excellently, neither the first nor the last. Even so, he had only just greeted the hosts with the customary and now familiarly wry thanks that heโd had drilled into him since he was a child before they were taken inside. He barely noted the splendour as he took his seat, his glass quickly attended to and just as quickly drained as the table filled around him. A little cushioning for his patience wouldn't hurt tonight. And, as an all-too familiar voice slid into the chair beside him, he realised that this choice had been far, far too prescient for his liking.
โGโevening mโlady.โ
Godfrey didnโt even turn. Only a quick clench of the jaw and a slow, self-controlled breath like a prayer gave away that he was even aware of Sir Percivalโs sudden presence, and he raised his glass to be filled for the second time before all the guests had even taken their places. In such dire circumstances as these, may his manners indeed be forgiven.
โLeonard.โ His curt acknowledgement was already wary. โIf you try to kiss my hand I will deck you.โ
They both watched and toasted the newly knighted members of their order in an uncommon silence, and Godfrey took the chance to fully appraise the pair that had joined their ranks. The Galahad replacement and Sir Gareth, was it? A delicate-seeming lady who was already engaged in apparent conspiracy with Jesse Kenward, and her tall, green-eyed contemporary - Othelloโs choices? He would soon find out. Leon spoke just as his name - and suddenly glaring absence - occurred to him.
He glanced over for the first time, vaguely irritated that theyโd shared such a synchronised train of thought, giving him and his state of dress a quick, critical once-over as he tipped back the champagne.
โIโll give you that. For the record, I tried my utmost to stop you,โ he intoned as he turned back to the yawningly empty chair across the room, placing the glass before him to be filled with bubbles once more. Any other day he wouldโve remarked immediately on the wanting leadership, but even he paused to consider how borderline uncharacteristic it appeared. Othelloโs table-manners were one of the few things Godfrey could rarely fault. Strange. โThose waistcoat buttons and my sanity would both probably thank you for it, actually.โ
Three glasses in and yet to even complete the starters. He swirled the wave-edge of foam gently around the rim, musing as to whether he should take it easy as the amuse bouche began to disappear from the table to be replaced by bowls of fine porcelain. He decided against it.
โWho are they, anyway?โ Voice low enough to not be overheard, his pale gaze returned to lock itself upon the newcomers. Might as well bite the bullet. Perhaps Leonard would know, and heโd be damned if he didnโt dictate where the coming trial of the night began.
This bygone hurry was what he deserved for putting it off so late, after all. This manor house, lit with a glow that could outshine the evening rays themselves, was the closest heโd come to touching sunlight since yesterday. He gave an absentminded murmur of thanks as a stray maidservant alerted by the door shyly took the silk-lined coat slid from his shoulders, stride barely broken as he straightened his cuffs and continued on into the plush corridors. Godfrey considered with dim amusement that heโd spent so long studying vampires that even his habits had now begun to mimic theirs; shunning both light and human company, heโd worked feverishly through the unholy hours of eve and morning, hours that even now he could only find hazy recollection of but had produced many a scrawled note in his booksโ margins as if by anotherโs hand. He didnโt know if heโd slept or if his brain had simply shuttered as he stared at the walls, wobbling with shadows of gas-light. What had he thought about, then? But come sunrise, it had already slipped through his fingers. He swept it all to the side as he made coffee with hands trembling only just, routed the heavy air with the sharp morning breeze through his windows, and opened his practice in time for his first appointment. It had been a while, and not even illness and despair slept on such a morn of celebration. He almost craved the mundanity, in a way. But, regardless of his wishes, he still found his mind often wandered to the ceremony taking place not far from there, yet seemingly in another world to that of the street with the bronze plaque bearing his name - Dr. St. Clair | General Practitioner, R.C.P. - affixed upon such prosaic things as white stone and black-painted door. No knights. No queens. No divine duty and conquest, only medicine and the raw, base, painfully exposed humanity of the needy. And yet. Things had changed when heโd taken the knighthood. Recognition hounded him, for the odd tears and effusions of gratitude and relief of years past had, in some, become reverent. They clasp Sir Tristanโs hands and stare into his eyes like he was holy, like nothing less than the angel Raphael, and the way their illusions of the divine now took credit for his rare skill was simply a thorn in his side. This particular spite he felt this morning he couldnโt help but tie, in part, to the festivities today, and he considered that they may have expected him to attend. Perhaps driven to faint irrationality by lack of sleep, the thought only made him sink his teeth ever harder into his work.
He crashed, eventually. His housekeeper and occasional assistant, a certain Miss Marcia Monroe, found him out cold on the chaise longue in his office, and had closed up shop herself as the light began to draw in. Another reminder amongst many that he likely owed her his life, by now, and she woke him with the aroma of a brewed coffee more potent than ammonia salts and the first taste of food heโd had that day. Not her forte by any means, but half-dead gratitude will make even the most burnt fare pleasant. Heโd taken himself back to his desk to continue filing his notes from the dayโs patients as soon as sheโd left and was thus unable to comment, and had watched the hour of the dinner draw closer with growing disfavour. A day and a night of isolation and grim study had suppressed his appetite for celebration, but try as he might to pretend he had a choice in the matter, he inevitably tore himself away in time to wash and carefully, immaculately dress in evening jacket and narrow white waistcoat and hail a cab to take him to Westminster. He knew heโd disappeared for long enough.
He entered the drawing room where they all waited, sweeping an eye over faces both familiar and strange, and noted that he was, rather excellently, neither the first nor the last. Even so, he had only just greeted the hosts with the customary and now familiarly wry thanks that heโd had drilled into him since he was a child before they were taken inside. He barely noted the splendour as he took his seat, his glass quickly attended to and just as quickly drained as the table filled around him. A little cushioning for his patience wouldn't hurt tonight. And, as an all-too familiar voice slid into the chair beside him, he realised that this choice had been far, far too prescient for his liking.
โGโevening mโlady.โ
Godfrey didnโt even turn. Only a quick clench of the jaw and a slow, self-controlled breath like a prayer gave away that he was even aware of Sir Percivalโs sudden presence, and he raised his glass to be filled for the second time before all the guests had even taken their places. In such dire circumstances as these, may his manners indeed be forgiven.
โLeonard.โ His curt acknowledgement was already wary. โIf you try to kiss my hand I will deck you.โ
They both watched and toasted the newly knighted members of their order in an uncommon silence, and Godfrey took the chance to fully appraise the pair that had joined their ranks. The Galahad replacement and Sir Gareth, was it? A delicate-seeming lady who was already engaged in apparent conspiracy with Jesse Kenward, and her tall, green-eyed contemporary - Othelloโs choices? He would soon find out. Leon spoke just as his name - and suddenly glaring absence - occurred to him.
He glanced over for the first time, vaguely irritated that theyโd shared such a synchronised train of thought, giving him and his state of dress a quick, critical once-over as he tipped back the champagne.
โIโll give you that. For the record, I tried my utmost to stop you,โ he intoned as he turned back to the yawningly empty chair across the room, placing the glass before him to be filled with bubbles once more. Any other day he wouldโve remarked immediately on the wanting leadership, but even he paused to consider how borderline uncharacteristic it appeared. Othelloโs table-manners were one of the few things Godfrey could rarely fault. Strange. โThose waistcoat buttons and my sanity would both probably thank you for it, actually.โ
Three glasses in and yet to even complete the starters. He swirled the wave-edge of foam gently around the rim, musing as to whether he should take it easy as the amuse bouche began to disappear from the table to be replaced by bowls of fine porcelain. He decided against it.
โWho are they, anyway?โ Voice low enough to not be overheard, his pale gaze returned to lock itself upon the newcomers. Might as well bite the bullet. Perhaps Leonard would know, and heโd be damned if he didnโt dictate where the coming trial of the night began.
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SkyGinge
Shroom for More Effort
Simon Jettesen
coded by:
s e v e n
. Happy belated birthday, seven! Thanks for writing up a world interesting enough to bring me back to RPing 
It was the sort of garish 'gala' his mother had dragged him to whenever her puppy-dog eyes could earn her an invite, a banquet that would surely find the young nobleman in his element. After all, he looked the part: stern-lipped, stiff-postured, jawbones sharp as a rapier, was he not the very image of nobility? But sat among a dream of never-ending food and peculiar faces, the Hero of Oxbridge felt like the lone teddy-bear at the picnic - a silent, shallow segment of the whole fantastical facade.
The rich scents and sharp suits carried down reluctance-waterfall to memories of his youth, where he was paraded around innumerable ballrooms in a baggy suit. In those days, he had learnt the importance of propriety the hard way, an image of sneering stares permanently ingrained into his mind. Three years at Oxford was supposed to have installed in him an adoration of noble sensibilities, and given him a jolly good whipping of manners. Alas (for beloved father and mother), he was quick to discover he was not the only posh creature glad to have flown the coup, and the main thing he'd learnt had been how to surpass his alcohol limit.
His attire tonight was suited for the privacy of the affair, a dark suit with an emerald green trim that complimented his bronzed hair (well groomed, of course). Even now, the sleeves sagged against his slim frame. He'd attempted to get a fitted suit once, but had decided against it after the seamstress likened him to 'an impoverished spectre' - not an image he would willingly befit! Nevertheless, even he had to admit that the dark waistcoat was a good choice, and with a patterned cravat as the finishing touches. Even father would approve, he thought, and then shuddered internally.
O, what loathsome festivities! He watched the maidservant's eyes twinkle as they watched entrenched at the steady flow of plates and glasses. Such unnecessary opulence must seem exotic as the jewels of the West Indies to eyes as theirs, and equally impossible. Dazzlingly beautiful. And yet, as with all the gaudy needlessness of noble frivolity, dig beneath the gem and one will soon find the festering worms. Would the wonderstruck urchins who had clapped them through the afternoon's processions clap at this sight? When but a single course would be enough to feed an entire street?
If only I'd the boldness to avoid this afternoon's proceedings, Simon grumbled in his subconsciousness. Then there'd have been nothing to trigger that sinking feeling of insufficiency, of being a very small actor on a very big stage. I must be getting old. He glanced enviously over at Alixa's book. He wanted nothing more than to escape to his quarters to read, or perhaps return to the canvas of the falcon he'd been working on. That that woman could get away with such blatant flounting of expected behaviour was preposterous. Though given the character of the hosts, not entirely surprising. He shot another envious glance, this time at the empty seat of #2, Lancelot himself, presumably above such formalities. He had half the mind to leave himself, with it seemingly permissable for Othello to do so!
He shook his head, though as ever the motion was subtle as to be indistinguishable. Men would kill to be in your possession, you ungrateful oaf, he scolded himself. The empty plate in front of him proved he hadn't lost his taste for luxury. Yet though his mouth watered at the sight of each arriving plate, these formalities were by far the worst side to his life as a knight. It was the thrill of the fight, iced with mud and blood, that he lived for. In the absence of the hunt, his mind was privy to a most unhealthy meandering, a meandering normally satisfied only by the splash of paint upon his canvas or the rustle of feathers at his hand.
These celebrations were for a good cause, theoretically - the arrival of two new knights. Simon tapped his empty glass with a long finger, eying the newcomers up. The man, Elian, was hard to read - ruggedly handsome enough to be of either class, particularly among such an unconventional congregation. It mattered not what he looked like - a poor man judges character from countenance! Yet the woman caught his gaze for a little longer. She was pretty, but then anyone would seem so in such 'romantic' lighting (and under the influence of one two many glasses of champaigne!), and he'd seen enough prettied-up birds at various balls and galas to avoid being dazzled by her appearance. It was her dress that caught him. He'd met a girl in a dress like that once, some seven years prior - 'met' of course politely meaning he snogged the daylights out of her in full view of her outraged father, who pulled a face so perturbed it even now brought a slight grin to his stony features. But, dare I say, that dress was fashionable a decade past, he mused. He turned back to the next plate of food (for even the basest gentlemen knows it is rude to ogle a lady!), but the nostalgic dress kept on drawing him back in little glances.
Lady Galahad, he thought, and his stomach churned. He shot another icy glare at Othello's empty seat. His was not the seat that deserved to be empty.
As with all the other knights, Haymitch had been a solitary enigma to Simon. For that very reclusive reason, he had been among Simon's most respected knights - no-nonsense, not nosy, simply a man with a purpose. That his seat had so quickly been filled, by a young lady who judging from her dress sense, wouldn't be able to tell a vampire from an alley-cat, seemed morally wrong. He was a hero - he deserved a legacy, a hero's memory. Or did his death mean nothing? Were they all so easily replaced?
Come, Simon, thought Simon, attempting to rally himself, Your brothers-in-arms already consider you a dour specimen - let us give them no further cause for such characterisation. Mustering a very forced smile, Sir Palamedes buried himself in the next course of the meal, praying internally that nobody would interrupt him with some mindless chatter.
The rich scents and sharp suits carried down reluctance-waterfall to memories of his youth, where he was paraded around innumerable ballrooms in a baggy suit. In those days, he had learnt the importance of propriety the hard way, an image of sneering stares permanently ingrained into his mind. Three years at Oxford was supposed to have installed in him an adoration of noble sensibilities, and given him a jolly good whipping of manners. Alas (for beloved father and mother), he was quick to discover he was not the only posh creature glad to have flown the coup, and the main thing he'd learnt had been how to surpass his alcohol limit.
His attire tonight was suited for the privacy of the affair, a dark suit with an emerald green trim that complimented his bronzed hair (well groomed, of course). Even now, the sleeves sagged against his slim frame. He'd attempted to get a fitted suit once, but had decided against it after the seamstress likened him to 'an impoverished spectre' - not an image he would willingly befit! Nevertheless, even he had to admit that the dark waistcoat was a good choice, and with a patterned cravat as the finishing touches. Even father would approve, he thought, and then shuddered internally.
O, what loathsome festivities! He watched the maidservant's eyes twinkle as they watched entrenched at the steady flow of plates and glasses. Such unnecessary opulence must seem exotic as the jewels of the West Indies to eyes as theirs, and equally impossible. Dazzlingly beautiful. And yet, as with all the gaudy needlessness of noble frivolity, dig beneath the gem and one will soon find the festering worms. Would the wonderstruck urchins who had clapped them through the afternoon's processions clap at this sight? When but a single course would be enough to feed an entire street?
If only I'd the boldness to avoid this afternoon's proceedings, Simon grumbled in his subconsciousness. Then there'd have been nothing to trigger that sinking feeling of insufficiency, of being a very small actor on a very big stage. I must be getting old. He glanced enviously over at Alixa's book. He wanted nothing more than to escape to his quarters to read, or perhaps return to the canvas of the falcon he'd been working on. That that woman could get away with such blatant flounting of expected behaviour was preposterous. Though given the character of the hosts, not entirely surprising. He shot another envious glance, this time at the empty seat of #2, Lancelot himself, presumably above such formalities. He had half the mind to leave himself, with it seemingly permissable for Othello to do so!
He shook his head, though as ever the motion was subtle as to be indistinguishable. Men would kill to be in your possession, you ungrateful oaf, he scolded himself. The empty plate in front of him proved he hadn't lost his taste for luxury. Yet though his mouth watered at the sight of each arriving plate, these formalities were by far the worst side to his life as a knight. It was the thrill of the fight, iced with mud and blood, that he lived for. In the absence of the hunt, his mind was privy to a most unhealthy meandering, a meandering normally satisfied only by the splash of paint upon his canvas or the rustle of feathers at his hand.
These celebrations were for a good cause, theoretically - the arrival of two new knights. Simon tapped his empty glass with a long finger, eying the newcomers up. The man, Elian, was hard to read - ruggedly handsome enough to be of either class, particularly among such an unconventional congregation. It mattered not what he looked like - a poor man judges character from countenance! Yet the woman caught his gaze for a little longer. She was pretty, but then anyone would seem so in such 'romantic' lighting (and under the influence of one two many glasses of champaigne!), and he'd seen enough prettied-up birds at various balls and galas to avoid being dazzled by her appearance. It was her dress that caught him. He'd met a girl in a dress like that once, some seven years prior - 'met' of course politely meaning he snogged the daylights out of her in full view of her outraged father, who pulled a face so perturbed it even now brought a slight grin to his stony features. But, dare I say, that dress was fashionable a decade past, he mused. He turned back to the next plate of food (for even the basest gentlemen knows it is rude to ogle a lady!), but the nostalgic dress kept on drawing him back in little glances.
Lady Galahad, he thought, and his stomach churned. He shot another icy glare at Othello's empty seat. His was not the seat that deserved to be empty.
As with all the other knights, Haymitch had been a solitary enigma to Simon. For that very reclusive reason, he had been among Simon's most respected knights - no-nonsense, not nosy, simply a man with a purpose. That his seat had so quickly been filled, by a young lady who judging from her dress sense, wouldn't be able to tell a vampire from an alley-cat, seemed morally wrong. He was a hero - he deserved a legacy, a hero's memory. Or did his death mean nothing? Were they all so easily replaced?
Come, Simon, thought Simon, attempting to rally himself, Your brothers-in-arms already consider you a dour specimen - let us give them no further cause for such characterisation. Mustering a very forced smile, Sir Palamedes buried himself in the next course of the meal, praying internally that nobody would interrupt him with some mindless chatter.
s e v e n
RPN's goth resident - art: peritwinkle
The door has opened behind him once more. Othello had not looked back, for if it were another servant, the man swore someone would be flying off the railings- and it would not have been him. Uncomfortably, he dug his fingers over the blankets, pressing its folds against his chest. It was true that he was never much bothered by the cold, yet warmth is something even he could appreciate. Though as the footsteps neared, it was almost that he could sense the other approaching, and the tension over his shoulder dissipated.
โMy dearest Cenric.โ Othello welcomed the other male with a smile, a single outstretched arm to rest upon the otherโs shoulder. A decent company, at least, and he was not in plan to complain. โPray tell, what are you doing here instead inside where the dinner must have already started? Haveyou missed me so? Or it was Anselm that sent you, again?โ
Not that it would have mattered, of course. And truly it would have been much hypocritical of himself to have inquired in the first place, for what sort of host abandons his own party? Instead, he batted his lashes upon the compliment, not at all for he had not expected it, as Sir Balin has always been much of the flirt.
โDear me,โ he gasped, feigning surprise and laughed. โSuch a compliment would much more befit a fair young lady, would it not? Dastardly heart-breaker you are, Sir Balin!โ Othello rested his head upon the much shorter maleโs shoulder, his eyes still fixated against the dark abyss that bents over them. And so he remained as such for a few minutes long, the invisible trails of time pacing before them. And for a moment, the world belongs to them.
There was something odd about Cenric in fact, one he could not quite comprehend. How his presence brings forth winds of tranquility, how the same scene appeared different in his company. The streets were not so dark, and the stars much brighter, where the sun would rise the next day and it would be a blessing. A foolish illusion made by a fool of a man. It reminded him of the two children he had met earlier that day, wide eyes of childhood naivety. His fingers made its way towards the cuffs of his shirt, where the badge had no longer hung, leaving the dark wine-shaded fabric bare. Merlin has yet to notice this- a small smirk of mischief crossed over him.
As the question rose whether something was bothering him, the platinum haired knight averted his gaze quickly. Of course some things had bothered him, as much as it would perhaps Arthur, and the rest of them. When Haymitch laid there upon the cobbled pavement, large eyes rolled to the back of his head, chapped lips hanging ajar, they had not even a chance to say their farewells. The gaze that he last emit had been pure terror, what words could have been his last? A scream, or a prayer to a God that would never listen? Within the span of twelve months, they have saved the lives of many, surely one in turn would not have been so bad?
โRubbish.โ For a split second, his expression darkened. It upsets him more that there was nothing he could have done about it, nor any further reason to be more angered. And it scared him how it was not the knightโs death that have irritated him most, nor the fact that he had been so quickly replaced by two fresh faces for no reason other than political stability. It was not the dishonoring for his past co-worker that irks him so, for truly he had not been so close to him either. Instead, it was the ideals that stood before it all that did, more than anything.
Othello removed himself from the other, removing the blanket off his shoulders and folded it neatly in his arms. Though he smiled soon after, a mask he had grown used to wearing for it became so natural. โCome,โ he ushered. โThey would be in the middle of their course by now, and rumour has it they serve chocolate cake for dessert and I will not miss that for the world.โ
A small peck at the corner of Cenricโs lips, Othello regained his stature, pushing the door back in.
Maids rushed in, exchanging empty or near empty plates of their first main course with a small portion of palate cleanser, served in a lovely set of glass, a freshly sliced lemon hanging by the rim of it. Silver dining utensils clinked against each other as they were picked away, plates stacked over plates ringing. Anselm had not felt much for eating, despite how good they all have tasted. Oh, how simply exquisite the chefsโ works were! Splendid masterpieces served in the form of edible art, not only have they been stunning to look at, each of the ingredients sung in their mouths. Yet all the same, appetite had not been his friend that night. Speaking of friends, the seat still remained empty. What could be so important?
โLancelot.โ
The redheaded maleโs attention was snatched away when he heard Merlin speak his name, and there he was, the bright faced, slightly eccentric, knight standing at the doorway, slipping in when the last of the maids had made their way out. Next to him was Sir Balin, who had excused himself much early during their dinner.
โMerlin. Arthur,โ Lancelot had regarded back, tipping over a hat that does not exist. Then he flashed a smile at the rest of the crowd, bowing. โI apologize for my tardiness, as I have beenโฆpreoccupied by a few unexpected drawbacks.โ
At this, it was as though Othello himself could sense rolling of eyes in the room, in which he had ignored. His eyes had caught Godfreyโs for a moment, and a sly snicker tugged at the ends of his lips, a similar look borne by a child who has done slight misbehavior and prides himself for. Then Leonard that sat beside him, then all the way across towards the two new comers.
"Lady Galahad," he reached over towards her table, kissing her hand. The name, which had once belonged to someone else. It tasted weirdly upon his tongue as the words rolled off it. "Ever so graceful. Sir Gareth, as well, lovely evening to you."
And so the night proceeds, dishes after dishes, friendly conversation upon the table over the course of meal. The atmosphere could not have felt more warm and welcoming, the gentle glow of candle light framing each of their smiles. This was meant to be a party of joy, after all, as their family mismatched personas accepts an addition of two. If only a moment could last forever.
โMy dearest Cenric.โ Othello welcomed the other male with a smile, a single outstretched arm to rest upon the otherโs shoulder. A decent company, at least, and he was not in plan to complain. โPray tell, what are you doing here instead inside where the dinner must have already started? Haveyou missed me so? Or it was Anselm that sent you, again?โ
Not that it would have mattered, of course. And truly it would have been much hypocritical of himself to have inquired in the first place, for what sort of host abandons his own party? Instead, he batted his lashes upon the compliment, not at all for he had not expected it, as Sir Balin has always been much of the flirt.
โDear me,โ he gasped, feigning surprise and laughed. โSuch a compliment would much more befit a fair young lady, would it not? Dastardly heart-breaker you are, Sir Balin!โ Othello rested his head upon the much shorter maleโs shoulder, his eyes still fixated against the dark abyss that bents over them. And so he remained as such for a few minutes long, the invisible trails of time pacing before them. And for a moment, the world belongs to them.
There was something odd about Cenric in fact, one he could not quite comprehend. How his presence brings forth winds of tranquility, how the same scene appeared different in his company. The streets were not so dark, and the stars much brighter, where the sun would rise the next day and it would be a blessing. A foolish illusion made by a fool of a man. It reminded him of the two children he had met earlier that day, wide eyes of childhood naivety. His fingers made its way towards the cuffs of his shirt, where the badge had no longer hung, leaving the dark wine-shaded fabric bare. Merlin has yet to notice this- a small smirk of mischief crossed over him.
As the question rose whether something was bothering him, the platinum haired knight averted his gaze quickly. Of course some things had bothered him, as much as it would perhaps Arthur, and the rest of them. When Haymitch laid there upon the cobbled pavement, large eyes rolled to the back of his head, chapped lips hanging ajar, they had not even a chance to say their farewells. The gaze that he last emit had been pure terror, what words could have been his last? A scream, or a prayer to a God that would never listen? Within the span of twelve months, they have saved the lives of many, surely one in turn would not have been so bad?
โRubbish.โ For a split second, his expression darkened. It upsets him more that there was nothing he could have done about it, nor any further reason to be more angered. And it scared him how it was not the knightโs death that have irritated him most, nor the fact that he had been so quickly replaced by two fresh faces for no reason other than political stability. It was not the dishonoring for his past co-worker that irks him so, for truly he had not been so close to him either. Instead, it was the ideals that stood before it all that did, more than anything.
Othello removed himself from the other, removing the blanket off his shoulders and folded it neatly in his arms. Though he smiled soon after, a mask he had grown used to wearing for it became so natural. โCome,โ he ushered. โThey would be in the middle of their course by now, and rumour has it they serve chocolate cake for dessert and I will not miss that for the world.โ
A small peck at the corner of Cenricโs lips, Othello regained his stature, pushing the door back in.
โโโ ๏ฝฅ ๏ฝก๏พโ: *.โฝ .* :โ๏พ. โโโ
Maids rushed in, exchanging empty or near empty plates of their first main course with a small portion of palate cleanser, served in a lovely set of glass, a freshly sliced lemon hanging by the rim of it. Silver dining utensils clinked against each other as they were picked away, plates stacked over plates ringing. Anselm had not felt much for eating, despite how good they all have tasted. Oh, how simply exquisite the chefsโ works were! Splendid masterpieces served in the form of edible art, not only have they been stunning to look at, each of the ingredients sung in their mouths. Yet all the same, appetite had not been his friend that night. Speaking of friends, the seat still remained empty. What could be so important?
โLancelot.โ
The redheaded maleโs attention was snatched away when he heard Merlin speak his name, and there he was, the bright faced, slightly eccentric, knight standing at the doorway, slipping in when the last of the maids had made their way out. Next to him was Sir Balin, who had excused himself much early during their dinner.
โMerlin. Arthur,โ Lancelot had regarded back, tipping over a hat that does not exist. Then he flashed a smile at the rest of the crowd, bowing. โI apologize for my tardiness, as I have beenโฆpreoccupied by a few unexpected drawbacks.โ
At this, it was as though Othello himself could sense rolling of eyes in the room, in which he had ignored. His eyes had caught Godfreyโs for a moment, and a sly snicker tugged at the ends of his lips, a similar look borne by a child who has done slight misbehavior and prides himself for. Then Leonard that sat beside him, then all the way across towards the two new comers.
"Lady Galahad," he reached over towards her table, kissing her hand. The name, which had once belonged to someone else. It tasted weirdly upon his tongue as the words rolled off it. "Ever so graceful. Sir Gareth, as well, lovely evening to you."
And so the night proceeds, dishes after dishes, friendly conversation upon the table over the course of meal. The atmosphere could not have felt more warm and welcoming, the gentle glow of candle light framing each of their smiles. This was meant to be a party of joy, after all, as their family mismatched personas accepts an addition of two. If only a moment could last forever.
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Lunar_Cosmos
Space and Flowers are my Jam, don't @ me
Location - Manor. Mood - Calm.
Alixa Occisor
Melpomene
Destroyer of Worlds|Art by WLOP|
It was a wonder beyond all others to be brought into this new world of rich roasted duck and fine porcelain dishes. The sheer amount of wealth present in the room was overwhelming, suffocating. In that lovely cacophony of pleasantries and smiles there came the overwhelming chaos of apathy. Everything shined bright and beautiful, but was it gold through and through, or was it simply gilded? The silver forks belied elegance, the heat stowed off the chill leaving only a delightful warmth, the food was heavy and filling, every single inch of the manor was beget with jewels and the finest of sands, but what was it all for? Where did it come from? What little hands, fractured and broken, took it from the dirt and tidied it for them?
Leon sat his champagne glass down. It was halfway empty, the bubbles still worming through the pale liquid. His hunger had began to die down, he could never eat much of the food they served here, it was far too rich, even compared to what Mrs. Taylor had at her home. They mostly ate soups and stews there, with the occasional fish and beef when it was a day for celebration.
Briefly, Leonโs mind lingered on the fine matured face of the woman that had taken him in. Were they eating now? What was it? A simple stew more than likely with the rest of the girls, little Emma blissfully unaware of the sin that went on in that household, likely happy to tell stories of what she had read in her little books. Who should be the most pitied? Them in their simple shack or him stuck in silk next to the worldโs most arrogant doctor? At least he got some entertainment.
He had not been able to hold back a smile at Godfreyโs threat. He briefly considered doing just that, just to see if he would keep his promise and they could liven this party up with a brawl, which Leon was sure he would win. Though, Godfrey was decently taller, perhaps he would be more of a challenge than Leon expected.
โOh, darling, you didnโt try too hard then, you must want to see me. Eh- itโs what happens when you put a street rat in silk, nothing ever fits, but I must say, your clothes fit your curves rather ravishingly,โ he said with a rogue smile and then offered a heavy wink before he glanced back to Ezra.
โOthello? Who knows. Itโฆ isnโt like him to have such failed etiquette, but I doubt heโll miss the entire party.โ He assumed as much at least, but he would leave Cenric to fetch the man, the two were closer and if Othello was in need of comfort he would wish to see Cenric more than anyone else.
โAs for those twoโฆโ he said, turning back to Godfrey. โHavenโt heard much about โem. Tried asking around, heard a bit about the new Lady Galahad on the streets, Mm. She looks like a fine woman, think sheโll do the name proud.โ In all honesty, Leon did tend to have a preference towards women despite his inability to find them attractive. He found them easier to trust, easier to talk to. But, he was also usually surrounded by women.
Othello, as Leonard thought, did not miss the whole party, and luckily it seemed all he needed was Cenricโs gentle tug.
โI do think this does mean we can shame him for his tardiness, so rejoice about that,โ he had a feeling Godfrey would take the chance to shame anyone. And now that dinner was ending, he did not have to be Leonโs captive anymore. Shame. But Leon wished to mingle with others anyways. As dinner came to a close he stood and slipped his gloves back on. He did not actually want to mingle, but as fun as annoying Godfrey was, it was a sad way to spend his night. It was still young, and the chill was still being kept out, as out of place as he felt, he could not simply disappear.
A street rat in silk clothing.
Who would have thought such a thing would be in the Cavendish manor.
Leon sat his champagne glass down. It was halfway empty, the bubbles still worming through the pale liquid. His hunger had began to die down, he could never eat much of the food they served here, it was far too rich, even compared to what Mrs. Taylor had at her home. They mostly ate soups and stews there, with the occasional fish and beef when it was a day for celebration.
Briefly, Leonโs mind lingered on the fine matured face of the woman that had taken him in. Were they eating now? What was it? A simple stew more than likely with the rest of the girls, little Emma blissfully unaware of the sin that went on in that household, likely happy to tell stories of what she had read in her little books. Who should be the most pitied? Them in their simple shack or him stuck in silk next to the worldโs most arrogant doctor? At least he got some entertainment.
He had not been able to hold back a smile at Godfreyโs threat. He briefly considered doing just that, just to see if he would keep his promise and they could liven this party up with a brawl, which Leon was sure he would win. Though, Godfrey was decently taller, perhaps he would be more of a challenge than Leon expected.
โOh, darling, you didnโt try too hard then, you must want to see me. Eh- itโs what happens when you put a street rat in silk, nothing ever fits, but I must say, your clothes fit your curves rather ravishingly,โ he said with a rogue smile and then offered a heavy wink before he glanced back to Ezra.
โOthello? Who knows. Itโฆ isnโt like him to have such failed etiquette, but I doubt heโll miss the entire party.โ He assumed as much at least, but he would leave Cenric to fetch the man, the two were closer and if Othello was in need of comfort he would wish to see Cenric more than anyone else.
โAs for those twoโฆโ he said, turning back to Godfrey. โHavenโt heard much about โem. Tried asking around, heard a bit about the new Lady Galahad on the streets, Mm. She looks like a fine woman, think sheโll do the name proud.โ In all honesty, Leon did tend to have a preference towards women despite his inability to find them attractive. He found them easier to trust, easier to talk to. But, he was also usually surrounded by women.
Othello, as Leonard thought, did not miss the whole party, and luckily it seemed all he needed was Cenricโs gentle tug.
โI do think this does mean we can shame him for his tardiness, so rejoice about that,โ he had a feeling Godfrey would take the chance to shame anyone. And now that dinner was ending, he did not have to be Leonโs captive anymore. Shame. But Leon wished to mingle with others anyways. As dinner came to a close he stood and slipped his gloves back on. He did not actually want to mingle, but as fun as annoying Godfrey was, it was a sad way to spend his night. It was still young, and the chill was still being kept out, as out of place as he felt, he could not simply disappear.
A street rat in silk clothing.
Who would have thought such a thing would be in the Cavendish manor.
chapter two: the empty vial
s e v e n
RPN's goth resident - art: peritwinkle
X
X
X
s e v e n
Chapter 2:
The Empty Vial
The Empty Vial
November 1st, 1866
A month has nearly passed, and now the screams of London are heard once more. Hear ye, hear ye! The murders have started again! May the Lord have mercy on us! As our good citizens hide behind their doors, the knights will once more shine through. Another day, another case. While the cold dead body of a faceless woman lies between the deepest, darkest alleys of Wandsworth, a vile being is on the loose. Who could be responsible? A vampire, or a mad man? Or is there something else, something far more sinister in play? We are nothing more but pawns to a greater game of chess...
s e v e n
RPN's goth resident - art: peritwinkle
Beneath the frigid dawn, in the magic resting beneath a veiled sun. Morning breeze snuck in through the window, like a discreet criminal, inching through every gap as all heads were turned. Curtains fluttered within its gentle touch, similarly to the bouncing of a womanโs skirt presented in a dance. The glass itself had begun to fog-his finger print smudged against it when as he pressed his index upon- and a single coat barely seemed adequate. The final days of fall is ticking by, and the kingdom of winter unlocks its gates much faster than anyone had anticipated. Othello deliberately breathed out, brume in small clouds of white twirled before him, soaring high up before vanquishing up to the sky. And he smiled.
Winter cherries framed their gardens, planted on each sides of the road to give the illusion of a tunnel, the entrance to an unknown realm found only between the pages of a fairy tale. Pink petals waved, then plucked itself off, spinning in circles with celerity as the wind carries it on its back. Wonderland, perhaps, as Lewis Carrol would have described it. Cobblestones aligned neatly, snow white cyclamens bordering each path as the early morning dewdrops hung at its tips, crystals adorning miniature crowns. Winter is coming, though it was nowhere near an excuse to rid London off its colors. In fact, miles away where screams could not be heard, red just painted the walls.
Perhaps it was his fault, for it was the young blonde knight that first came to wonder how oddly peaceful everything had been ever since the day of ceremony. No one had been woken up at such ungodly hours, to be forced to prepare armories all the while the temptation of shutting their eyelids could not have been greater. It was almost as though vampires came that day, decided that now is not a good time to be cursed. Still two months away, yet the spirit of Christmas giving is thick in the atmosphere. How generous.
With a book in hand, an emptied cup resting by his side, what more could a man possibly ask for? Despite the refined piece of literature before him, his eyes could not help but stray over the pages, staring at the scene before him in such awe that could only be painted by the outmost talented of artists. The crashing of waves within the fountain, the scent of dampened soil from the rain of last night, the songs of early birds. Every single introduction to a boorish novel that has grown much too clichรฉ. At least there were not butterflies.
May it not rain to-day, however, for as his eyes caught the sight of a servant, rushing in his direction in such a speed that her hair slipped out its net. She gasped for breath, her hands pressed to her knees. The man was caught in a daze, yet it was either that the young maid had caught on the papers before he did, or that the urgency of the matter defeats all other.
โM-Master Rosconval,โ she spoke. โMerlin expects you in his office.โ
โCome in.โ
Pushing down the handle, which head had been engraved in the shape of a lionโs, the knight allowed himself in. Stepping into Merlinโs study felt as though entering the gates of a whole new world. No matter how many times he had visited, the area had not failed to appear less of an enigma. The smell of parchment brews thick in the small enclosed room, a trace of drying ink and stacks of leather bounds of unknown age. Crisp sunlight pierced through the windows, where specks of dust drifted upon its sills. Books on the left, more books on the right, and most definitely a lot more stacked at the corners of his table.
Beyond the heap of a mess lies a man, whose glasses glistened in the presence of luminescence. His eyes looked up, darkened and dreary from exhaustion. Not a word was said before he shifted his gaze back down, thumb brushing against the stack of paper in his hands. Dark tousled hair fell over his face, with an annoyed huff he tucked it back behind his ears. The silence felt painful, almost deafening, as the burning of anticipation crawled beneath him. Othelloโs eyes sneaked past through the pile, tilting his head slightly as he observed the writings upon a freshly delivered newspaper, lying upon his desk among all things. A gruesome headline, followed by an image just as much so.
Immediately he felt his shoulders tense. Lips pressed, his gloved fingers nervously drumming against his sides. A cruel, immoral, sense of enthusiasm rushed over him ever so briefly, as truly the walls of the manor had gotten so hideously bland after weeks of nonchalant dawdling. The thrill of a case is exactly what he needs. Othello brushed it off as quickly as it had come, for truly, a woman just died! So brutally, so violentlyโฆ An innocent soul who had deserved none of what came for her. Alas, fate is written by a madman, God a child holding upon a cage of ants.
"I have a task for you."
"So I am aware," replied Othello, his expression unchanging as he sat back upon the opposite seat, lifting his leg up over one of the armrests. He could vaguely notice how Merlin's eye had twitched, much to his amusement. "So you've called me? Only me?" The male scoffed, eyes glinting when he grinned. "I must say I'm flattered."
"For convenience purposes," stated Merlin blandly. "Which I am sure you understand. In any case," the older male reached for the rim of his glasses, pressing his fingers upon his closed eyes as he pulled aside his pair of spectacles. Folding his fingers before him, for a while their eyes had locked- his sharp, unsmiling, calculated. "I...do believe you know quite exactly what my intentions are, Sir Lancelot."
"Ah. Of course." As he was handed over the files within the folder, Othello flipped through it, occasionally darting his eyes up to gauge Merlin's expression. He slid his gaze lines over lines, imprinting images to the back of his mind. The shadows loomed, faint yet clear at the same time. Skimming through the texts, eventually he folded them back, placing them neatly upon his lap.
"Well, I shall summon the knights shortly to the gathering room. But as for now, do tell-" Removing his legs, Othello inched himself forward, the ends of the chair scraping against the surface of the floor. He brushed the stray stacks of paper aside, then resting his elbows upon the newly made space. Instead of his usual weightless smile, a more serious demeanor took over, and yet, somehow, it felt a slight more genuine. A small crack through the mask. "How may I be of service?"
Winter cherries framed their gardens, planted on each sides of the road to give the illusion of a tunnel, the entrance to an unknown realm found only between the pages of a fairy tale. Pink petals waved, then plucked itself off, spinning in circles with celerity as the wind carries it on its back. Wonderland, perhaps, as Lewis Carrol would have described it. Cobblestones aligned neatly, snow white cyclamens bordering each path as the early morning dewdrops hung at its tips, crystals adorning miniature crowns. Winter is coming, though it was nowhere near an excuse to rid London off its colors. In fact, miles away where screams could not be heard, red just painted the walls.
Perhaps it was his fault, for it was the young blonde knight that first came to wonder how oddly peaceful everything had been ever since the day of ceremony. No one had been woken up at such ungodly hours, to be forced to prepare armories all the while the temptation of shutting their eyelids could not have been greater. It was almost as though vampires came that day, decided that now is not a good time to be cursed. Still two months away, yet the spirit of Christmas giving is thick in the atmosphere. How generous.
With a book in hand, an emptied cup resting by his side, what more could a man possibly ask for? Despite the refined piece of literature before him, his eyes could not help but stray over the pages, staring at the scene before him in such awe that could only be painted by the outmost talented of artists. The crashing of waves within the fountain, the scent of dampened soil from the rain of last night, the songs of early birds. Every single introduction to a boorish novel that has grown much too clichรฉ. At least there were not butterflies.
May it not rain to-day, however, for as his eyes caught the sight of a servant, rushing in his direction in such a speed that her hair slipped out its net. She gasped for breath, her hands pressed to her knees. The man was caught in a daze, yet it was either that the young maid had caught on the papers before he did, or that the urgency of the matter defeats all other.
โM-Master Rosconval,โ she spoke. โMerlin expects you in his office.โ
โโโ ๏ฝฅ ๏ฝก๏พโ: *.โฝ .* :โ๏พ. โโโ
โCome in.โ
Pushing down the handle, which head had been engraved in the shape of a lionโs, the knight allowed himself in. Stepping into Merlinโs study felt as though entering the gates of a whole new world. No matter how many times he had visited, the area had not failed to appear less of an enigma. The smell of parchment brews thick in the small enclosed room, a trace of drying ink and stacks of leather bounds of unknown age. Crisp sunlight pierced through the windows, where specks of dust drifted upon its sills. Books on the left, more books on the right, and most definitely a lot more stacked at the corners of his table.
Beyond the heap of a mess lies a man, whose glasses glistened in the presence of luminescence. His eyes looked up, darkened and dreary from exhaustion. Not a word was said before he shifted his gaze back down, thumb brushing against the stack of paper in his hands. Dark tousled hair fell over his face, with an annoyed huff he tucked it back behind his ears. The silence felt painful, almost deafening, as the burning of anticipation crawled beneath him. Othelloโs eyes sneaked past through the pile, tilting his head slightly as he observed the writings upon a freshly delivered newspaper, lying upon his desk among all things. A gruesome headline, followed by an image just as much so.
Immediately he felt his shoulders tense. Lips pressed, his gloved fingers nervously drumming against his sides. A cruel, immoral, sense of enthusiasm rushed over him ever so briefly, as truly the walls of the manor had gotten so hideously bland after weeks of nonchalant dawdling. The thrill of a case is exactly what he needs. Othello brushed it off as quickly as it had come, for truly, a woman just died! So brutally, so violentlyโฆ An innocent soul who had deserved none of what came for her. Alas, fate is written by a madman, God a child holding upon a cage of ants.
"I have a task for you."
"So I am aware," replied Othello, his expression unchanging as he sat back upon the opposite seat, lifting his leg up over one of the armrests. He could vaguely notice how Merlin's eye had twitched, much to his amusement. "So you've called me? Only me?" The male scoffed, eyes glinting when he grinned. "I must say I'm flattered."
"For convenience purposes," stated Merlin blandly. "Which I am sure you understand. In any case," the older male reached for the rim of his glasses, pressing his fingers upon his closed eyes as he pulled aside his pair of spectacles. Folding his fingers before him, for a while their eyes had locked- his sharp, unsmiling, calculated. "I...do believe you know quite exactly what my intentions are, Sir Lancelot."
"Ah. Of course." As he was handed over the files within the folder, Othello flipped through it, occasionally darting his eyes up to gauge Merlin's expression. He slid his gaze lines over lines, imprinting images to the back of his mind. The shadows loomed, faint yet clear at the same time. Skimming through the texts, eventually he folded them back, placing them neatly upon his lap.
"Well, I shall summon the knights shortly to the gathering room. But as for now, do tell-" Removing his legs, Othello inched himself forward, the ends of the chair scraping against the surface of the floor. He brushed the stray stacks of paper aside, then resting his elbows upon the newly made space. Instead of his usual weightless smile, a more serious demeanor took over, and yet, somehow, it felt a slight more genuine. A small crack through the mask. "How may I be of service?"
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Lunar_Cosmos
Space and Flowers are my Jam, don't @ me
Location - Manor. Mood - Slightly Frazzled.
Alixa Occisor
Alixaโs morning and noon were peaceful and quiet, and if she was being honest, that made her feel worried and anxious by the time she decided to finally take a break from reading and writing. She had spent most of the day so far in the library, uninterrupted by anyone which she thought and took as a blessing.
She was actually able to get quite a bit done, after all. She was able to finish the book she wanted to read before giving it back to Zane, completed and even took notes, a good recommendation indeed. She had a few Ideas and brain-storms that she had to write down, and no one came to bother her when she was writing out her theories and hypothesis, which can and has happened occasionally and causes her to lose her total train of thought. She even had the time to re-read her mother's journal a bit, re-reading and understanding some more of what her mother had talked about, and even started re-writing to expand and clarify what her mother couldnโt, either by lack of time or lack of understanding.
It was a productive day, but something good always had to leave with something bad. She stretched and started tidying her books, before noticing a note to the side, her name written in neat and clear writing. She didnโt recognise the handwriting, so she wondered if it was one of the maids.
โSo someone else was here thenโ she hummed gently to herself. She picked the note up, opened and read it.
"Master Rosconval expects your presence in the gathering room.
Note: I tried to get your attention, my apologies. Your book looks interesting though, Lady Lucan"
She quickly re-read it, worried slightly that she didnโt feel someone reading over her shoulder, but dismissed it when she realised she was probably late for a meeting and she had no Idea when the meeting was supposed to start. She bolted up out of her set trying to quickly get everything.
โShit!โ She hissed to herself under her breath, wanting to curse someone. But even she could understand that even she could get into something that can and would block everyone else out, without entirely meaning to. She huffed in annoyance, either at herself or even the time she couldnโt tell herself, before grabbing everything. Specifically, her books, the note, and the ink and quill. There was no time to drop it all off at her room. Despite her dress being rather closed and something she wouldnโt wear if she were to go running, let alone wearing high heels like hers, she was determined to not be late. She took the route which was the quickest in her opinion which meant she had to run through the ball room, up the stairs and around the balcony. Truth be told, she could have gone the other way but it wouldnโt have made much difference. She felt like it was faster anyhow. She passed a maid who was cleaning the Ball room, who pleaded with her to not run.
โMy apologies, but Iโm going to be late to a meeting if I donโt hurry.โ She explained without missing a beat and continuing. The ballroom was, mind her language, fucking massive, so even though normally she could run the length of the ball room, and thus the balcony surrounding it, rather easily, she was still in a dress and heels carrying 4 books, a letter, a quill and a bottle of ink.
She was finally able to get to the room, and she opened the door, albeit slightly frantically, and sped-walked in.
โMy apologies for being late, I was too caught up on research and reading, and the maid sent for me just left me a note.โ She explained herself quickly, before finding and sitting on her seat, adjusting the four books on her lap, but putting the quill and ink on the table. She somehow managed to not spill any ink as she was running, which she thought was something to be proud of, if only slightly.
She quickly found Zane, and kept his position in the back of her mind, so she could give back his book when the meeting was over with. However, she took out her note book and got ready to take notes, either on what she missed or any other information.
She was actually able to get quite a bit done, after all. She was able to finish the book she wanted to read before giving it back to Zane, completed and even took notes, a good recommendation indeed. She had a few Ideas and brain-storms that she had to write down, and no one came to bother her when she was writing out her theories and hypothesis, which can and has happened occasionally and causes her to lose her total train of thought. She even had the time to re-read her mother's journal a bit, re-reading and understanding some more of what her mother had talked about, and even started re-writing to expand and clarify what her mother couldnโt, either by lack of time or lack of understanding.
It was a productive day, but something good always had to leave with something bad. She stretched and started tidying her books, before noticing a note to the side, her name written in neat and clear writing. She didnโt recognise the handwriting, so she wondered if it was one of the maids.
โSo someone else was here thenโ she hummed gently to herself. She picked the note up, opened and read it.
"Master Rosconval expects your presence in the gathering room.
Note: I tried to get your attention, my apologies. Your book looks interesting though, Lady Lucan"
She quickly re-read it, worried slightly that she didnโt feel someone reading over her shoulder, but dismissed it when she realised she was probably late for a meeting and she had no Idea when the meeting was supposed to start. She bolted up out of her set trying to quickly get everything.
โShit!โ She hissed to herself under her breath, wanting to curse someone. But even she could understand that even she could get into something that can and would block everyone else out, without entirely meaning to. She huffed in annoyance, either at herself or even the time she couldnโt tell herself, before grabbing everything. Specifically, her books, the note, and the ink and quill. There was no time to drop it all off at her room. Despite her dress being rather closed and something she wouldnโt wear if she were to go running, let alone wearing high heels like hers, she was determined to not be late. She took the route which was the quickest in her opinion which meant she had to run through the ball room, up the stairs and around the balcony. Truth be told, she could have gone the other way but it wouldnโt have made much difference. She felt like it was faster anyhow. She passed a maid who was cleaning the Ball room, who pleaded with her to not run.
โMy apologies, but Iโm going to be late to a meeting if I donโt hurry.โ She explained without missing a beat and continuing. The ballroom was, mind her language, fucking massive, so even though normally she could run the length of the ball room, and thus the balcony surrounding it, rather easily, she was still in a dress and heels carrying 4 books, a letter, a quill and a bottle of ink.
She was finally able to get to the room, and she opened the door, albeit slightly frantically, and sped-walked in.
โMy apologies for being late, I was too caught up on research and reading, and the maid sent for me just left me a note.โ She explained herself quickly, before finding and sitting on her seat, adjusting the four books on her lap, but putting the quill and ink on the table. She somehow managed to not spill any ink as she was running, which she thought was something to be proud of, if only slightly.
She quickly found Zane, and kept his position in the back of her mind, so she could give back his book when the meeting was over with. However, she took out her note book and got ready to take notes, either on what she missed or any other information.
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Wandering Soul
โค
Melpomene
Destroyer of Worlds|Art by WLOP|
A bird song played in the twisting branches beyond. The morning was crisp, even beautiful. The pale light of the morning sun streamed into the clearing of the garden laying light between the undulating shadows that danced about with every swirling touch of the winterโs wind that sliced through the unending fall. It was a dance which everyone knew well and would come again and again every year. The odd days in which fall intermingled with winter, the frozen claws wishing to come out and lay its touch upon the Earth, inviting them into a frigid prison which would not be escaped. It was a time of rebirth as the year began to fall to an end and the season of christmas began.
A coat was wrapped taut about Leonardโs form, frayed at the sleeves and too tight in the biceps, too long as well, but keeping him warm all the same. It had once belonged to Mr. Taylor, though when he grew round about his belly he chose to deliver an act of altruism to the poor boy who had come under his service. It was old, but it still clung hard to the soft smell of jasmine and nutmeg that had always pervaded the Taylor household and one which Leon had began to grow fond of.
Wind whipped past dark hair, lifting the soft strands up and sending them fluttering about his head as though it was a halo. He rested against a tree in the garden, uncaring of the chill that had settled or the breeze that blew, his gloved fingers growing numb but still pushing at the pages of the book in his hand.
It was not simple, but he wanted to see if he could sound out any of the words within.
Le Morte DโArthur. Translated in to English for his reading pleasure for whenever the time he actually began to understand the way the ink slid across the paper making symbols and letters in a near dizzying effect. He could remember being told what all the letters looked like and sounded like, he had his alphabet understood but sounding them out was different.
โThank God they arenโt making me learn to read in French as wellโฆโ The words did not make sense, he could pick out bits and pieces but still was unable to paint a narrative within his mind.
Mrs. Taylor had given it to him before he left, saying she expected him to have read it before he returned. Such was a lie, she was actually hoping he would come back and have her read it to him, he knew. But he wanted to impress them, to become the Sir Knight which was supposed to bring them peace and happiness in the night knowing that someone was there acting upon the behalf of the public to keep them safe.
โSir Percival?โ Leon looked up, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear that had blown astray, he saw a willowy maid standing before him, looking as though she was freezing. He tucked his book beneath his arm and stood.
โYou look absolutely frozen,โ he said as he slid his jacket off and then slipped it over her shoulders. โHave you been looking for me for awhile?โ
A soft flush fell over her pale cheeks, like roses fallen upon freshly fallen snow. She bit her lip and then shook her head. โNot too long, Sir, you have been summoned for a meeting.โ Leonard bit his lip, glancing up to the sky, the sun still hanging low and the clouds which passed across the crisp blueness up above.
It was about time they were put on a case.
โCome on, you can keep the coat until we get back inside,โ he said as he ran his hand through his hair, attempting to calm it as he waved the maid along to follow him inside, the crisp winds being left behind them.
Soon after Leonard was bustling into the room, patting his hair down before taking a seat to listen to the briefing, oscillating between an abject excitement and dread of what they may have to investigate now.
A coat was wrapped taut about Leonardโs form, frayed at the sleeves and too tight in the biceps, too long as well, but keeping him warm all the same. It had once belonged to Mr. Taylor, though when he grew round about his belly he chose to deliver an act of altruism to the poor boy who had come under his service. It was old, but it still clung hard to the soft smell of jasmine and nutmeg that had always pervaded the Taylor household and one which Leon had began to grow fond of.
Wind whipped past dark hair, lifting the soft strands up and sending them fluttering about his head as though it was a halo. He rested against a tree in the garden, uncaring of the chill that had settled or the breeze that blew, his gloved fingers growing numb but still pushing at the pages of the book in his hand.
It was not simple, but he wanted to see if he could sound out any of the words within.
Le Morte DโArthur. Translated in to English for his reading pleasure for whenever the time he actually began to understand the way the ink slid across the paper making symbols and letters in a near dizzying effect. He could remember being told what all the letters looked like and sounded like, he had his alphabet understood but sounding them out was different.
โThank God they arenโt making me learn to read in French as wellโฆโ The words did not make sense, he could pick out bits and pieces but still was unable to paint a narrative within his mind.
Mrs. Taylor had given it to him before he left, saying she expected him to have read it before he returned. Such was a lie, she was actually hoping he would come back and have her read it to him, he knew. But he wanted to impress them, to become the Sir Knight which was supposed to bring them peace and happiness in the night knowing that someone was there acting upon the behalf of the public to keep them safe.
โSir Percival?โ Leon looked up, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear that had blown astray, he saw a willowy maid standing before him, looking as though she was freezing. He tucked his book beneath his arm and stood.
โYou look absolutely frozen,โ he said as he slid his jacket off and then slipped it over her shoulders. โHave you been looking for me for awhile?โ
A soft flush fell over her pale cheeks, like roses fallen upon freshly fallen snow. She bit her lip and then shook her head. โNot too long, Sir, you have been summoned for a meeting.โ Leonard bit his lip, glancing up to the sky, the sun still hanging low and the clouds which passed across the crisp blueness up above.
It was about time they were put on a case.
โCome on, you can keep the coat until we get back inside,โ he said as he ran his hand through his hair, attempting to calm it as he waved the maid along to follow him inside, the crisp winds being left behind them.
Soon after Leonard was bustling into the room, patting his hair down before taking a seat to listen to the briefing, oscillating between an abject excitement and dread of what they may have to investigate now.
Akudon
Digital Alpaca
Although Cenric had believed the completion of the round table would mark the beginning of the end; two months had already passed without incident. Most would see this as cause for celebration but as the days passed, the man was only further filled with dread for what would come in exchange for their time of peace. Since the fateful day he had joined the prestigious order of knights; he had thrown himself into training to justify his position as more than a whim and have a meaning to his life before it's fateful end. Even now on this crisp, clear, and peaceful autumn morn, the man was in the midst of battle to further hone his skills.
It had only been minutes since it had began but Cenric's breath could be seen as he let out ragged breaths and attempted to keep his breathing under control. Even with the thick and heavy clothes restraining his movement and exhausting him quicker; the cold sunk into his body and claimed his limbs with the aid of his sweat and exhaustion. The Red Hilt Longsword within his hands which he had needed to train to even hold properly was now heavy within his hands and unsteady due to his trembling arms. Battle with a simple common man was one thing but it could not be compared to combat with a giant creature who could incapacitate one's self if they made the slightest mistake.
Even if he would think of it as combat however, it would be better compared to a desperate struggle as the majority of the time Cenric had to jump, slide, roll, and dive out of the way of blows to keep his life. When he did manage to make a narrow but calculated dodge or close in at a difficult angle for it, he took the opportunity to cripple the monstrosity by cutting at it's limb's. And so his exaggerated dance continued, finally coming to a close as his legs finally gave in as they both too slow to react and threw him off balance. Although he managed to break his fall with a roll, he did not have the momentum or energy to continue on and his fate would be sealed with the next attack.
As his limp body lay on cool courtyard ground with his eyes closed to accept his fate; the old decrypt voice of death finally called for Cenric. "Since it seems you've finally finished;
Master Rosconval has summoned for you, Lord Balin. Before you head inside, do clean yourself with this however." With those words the fabric of death began to suffocate the remaining breath of life within his body and begin his journey towards the gates of hell. With a sigh, he reluctantly propped himself, using the towel that was oh so gracefully dropped onto his face to clean the dirt and sweat off his face and brush off his clothes.
"Thank you Edna. As always, your great benevolence is only matched by your angelic beauty." Cenric said as forced himself to stand and return the towel to the old maid with a coy smile. Although this kind of interactions was quite normal for him, he had anything but interest for the woman. After a year of staying within the manor, most of the staff had become aware of his flirtatious habits and would not dare send yet another innocent girl to become another one of his (non-existent) victims. Enter Edna; one of the senior and married maids who long ago ran out of patience for Cenric and his bullshit. He took the woman as challenge to stop his behavior so even with his lack of interest he refused such feelings in the slightest.
With a look containing a mixture of weariness and apathy only matched by the likes of Godfrey and Erza, she took the towel back from him and merely responded with a flat: "It is best you do not keep Master Rosconval waiting any longer" to free herself from Cenric.
As he obediently made his way inside, Cenric could only muse over how comical his performance is for any passerbys. Even if embarassing however, it was not as if the knights could safely capture and use a dreaded curse bearer for sparring safely. God, the knights, and Haymitch especially know how difficult a time they have fighting one even as a team. He needed every edge he could get to survive, especially with his size and background.
Everyone around Cenric was seemingly far more competent than himself from his point of view and it was rather frustrating as one of the older members. Whether it be combat capability, smarts, and even stealing now that Sophia was here; he felt like he was inferior. He was just a street rat that barely knew how to throw his fist let alone use a sword that was more like a bastard sword in his grip. His heart ached as the image of that body flashed through his mind along with the words that forever haunted his being "You want what's best for her dont you?"
Before he sunk too deep and was drowned by his demons; Cenric finally realized he had arrived where he needed to be. After giving himself a smile of self scorn he adopted his more "natural" carefree smile, throwing open and striding in. "Hello beautiful!~" he said leveling his gaze with othello as a flirtatious smirk played across his face. "Oh my, here i thought i was being specially summoned. We have Mr tall, dark, and handsome Ser Lionel with us. Of course i wouldn't forget my dear Lady Lucan; as intelligent and radiant as a goddess herself. Before he could get thrown or hit with a nearby book he quickly retreated a safe distance to sit with leonard between his posisble attackers, only giving a wink and a simple "Leonard."
It had only been minutes since it had began but Cenric's breath could be seen as he let out ragged breaths and attempted to keep his breathing under control. Even with the thick and heavy clothes restraining his movement and exhausting him quicker; the cold sunk into his body and claimed his limbs with the aid of his sweat and exhaustion. The Red Hilt Longsword within his hands which he had needed to train to even hold properly was now heavy within his hands and unsteady due to his trembling arms. Battle with a simple common man was one thing but it could not be compared to combat with a giant creature who could incapacitate one's self if they made the slightest mistake.
Even if he would think of it as combat however, it would be better compared to a desperate struggle as the majority of the time Cenric had to jump, slide, roll, and dive out of the way of blows to keep his life. When he did manage to make a narrow but calculated dodge or close in at a difficult angle for it, he took the opportunity to cripple the monstrosity by cutting at it's limb's. And so his exaggerated dance continued, finally coming to a close as his legs finally gave in as they both too slow to react and threw him off balance. Although he managed to break his fall with a roll, he did not have the momentum or energy to continue on and his fate would be sealed with the next attack.
As his limp body lay on cool courtyard ground with his eyes closed to accept his fate; the old decrypt voice of death finally called for Cenric. "Since it seems you've finally finished;
Master Rosconval has summoned for you, Lord Balin. Before you head inside, do clean yourself with this however." With those words the fabric of death began to suffocate the remaining breath of life within his body and begin his journey towards the gates of hell. With a sigh, he reluctantly propped himself, using the towel that was oh so gracefully dropped onto his face to clean the dirt and sweat off his face and brush off his clothes.
"Thank you Edna. As always, your great benevolence is only matched by your angelic beauty." Cenric said as forced himself to stand and return the towel to the old maid with a coy smile. Although this kind of interactions was quite normal for him, he had anything but interest for the woman. After a year of staying within the manor, most of the staff had become aware of his flirtatious habits and would not dare send yet another innocent girl to become another one of his (non-existent) victims. Enter Edna; one of the senior and married maids who long ago ran out of patience for Cenric and his bullshit. He took the woman as challenge to stop his behavior so even with his lack of interest he refused such feelings in the slightest.
With a look containing a mixture of weariness and apathy only matched by the likes of Godfrey and Erza, she took the towel back from him and merely responded with a flat: "It is best you do not keep Master Rosconval waiting any longer" to free herself from Cenric.
As he obediently made his way inside, Cenric could only muse over how comical his performance is for any passerbys. Even if embarassing however, it was not as if the knights could safely capture and use a dreaded curse bearer for sparring safely. God, the knights, and Haymitch especially know how difficult a time they have fighting one even as a team. He needed every edge he could get to survive, especially with his size and background.
Everyone around Cenric was seemingly far more competent than himself from his point of view and it was rather frustrating as one of the older members. Whether it be combat capability, smarts, and even stealing now that Sophia was here; he felt like he was inferior. He was just a street rat that barely knew how to throw his fist let alone use a sword that was more like a bastard sword in his grip. His heart ached as the image of that body flashed through his mind along with the words that forever haunted his being "You want what's best for her dont you?"
Before he sunk too deep and was drowned by his demons; Cenric finally realized he had arrived where he needed to be. After giving himself a smile of self scorn he adopted his more "natural" carefree smile, throwing open and striding in. "Hello beautiful!~" he said leveling his gaze with othello as a flirtatious smirk played across his face. "Oh my, here i thought i was being specially summoned. We have Mr tall, dark, and handsome Ser Lionel with us. Of course i wouldn't forget my dear Lady Lucan; as intelligent and radiant as a goddess herself. Before he could get thrown or hit with a nearby book he quickly retreated a safe distance to sit with leonard between his posisble attackers, only giving a wink and a simple "Leonard."