Fantasy Fires In The Blizzard (Private)

[FellowKnight]

Rowan glanced out over the proud city beneath him, taking in a deep breath to anchor himself in the moment. A gust of cold wind nipped at his linen under-dress and trousers, and he drew his cape tighter in response. Snow fell here, every winter faithful like a baby is to cry. The land had been cold for almost three centuries, as Rowan recalled, and it had been less than a pleasure to navigate. A long succession of civil wars, border disputes, and bloody rebellions had shaped this land, and more importantly, its people. His heightened senses invaded their privacy; he could hear their laughter and cries at the market, smell the sawdust indigenious to their industrial trade, and taste.. crimson, in their veins. He longed for that, and therein, honed on it with all his might. Three years to resist was three too many.. In lust, he subconsciously fetched a vision out of the darkness of his psyche: a young man, head drawn back, floating in a lake of.. red. He splashes, he claws, but the end is the same: he drowns, happy and satisfied.

Rowan came back to reality and hurtling from his stupor all at once, as he realized his grip on the balcony had cracked the stone-work. He stood back and inspected the crack with a faint smile, and a glimmer of resentment. He was hungry, and with the end of winter coming so soon, he'd need more than a dark cape and delicate manners if he was to table his prey. He turned south, the stone-sturdy balcony providing him an ominous birds-eye view of the massive cliff on which the city and castle proper stood. In a strange way, the deep, jagged, snow-blanketed maw seemed to stare back, welcoming him; an offer he was inclined to accept. He quickly turned, squeezed his eyes shut for a second, and lurked deeper into the bowels of the structure.

Above him, the looming towers and walls of Castle Vilmarin hummed with life, though the appointed room he'd been given as part of his contract remained empty. He was here as he'd been all over the province for the past few or so lifetimes: hired in defense of a royal figure. This time it happened to be a princess, one he hadn't seen much of in the days since his arrival, but he wasn't ungrateful. In his line of work, less was more; less activity meant more coin to pocket, and time to.. prey. A knock at the door fished him from his sultry thoughts, and after second to compose himself, he answered. A few minutes later and he was with the typical outfit, five including himself, placed on the princess as an escort. But his hearing couldn't resist the temptation of commonplace gossip, and bit at something interesting: the King had tried keeping it under wraps but another civil war was brewing. After some uncharted turns in the corridors, Rowan's suspicions were confirmed: he would finally see the princess today. He sniffed at that delicate scent from the hallway, wafting from her room but deaf to the other guards: lavender and honey. Almost as good as crimson. His heart palpitated at the thought, fear and joy. He dealt with the female variety of royalty, and it never ended too well. Maybe this time would be different. Maybe he'd be running right through this war to escape her death. He straightened up, and braced as she came out of her chambers...

 

[RandiBauer1]

Serene was in her room getting dressed in a red strapless princess dress and says to herself “I wonder what today is going to be like.” Then sits down at her vanity to get her hair brushed and curled after putting on red matching heels.

After her hair is curled, she puts on her tiara and walks out of her room. She walks down the hallway and towards the throne room then greets everyone with a curtsy as her long black curled hair cascades down her back

 

[FellowKnight]

..And there she went, gliding past her escort like a gentle breeze, and letting her flowery scent wash over halls. Rowan had a good look at her; perfectly curled hair, adorned with a tiara like a cherry on ice-cream. She was gorgeous. But even still, he had this eerie vibe from her.. a familiar energy. And as he and the other guards formed up to follow her, he was sure he recognized her. They cut across from corners and filed out past her into the Throne Room, taking discreet positions that encompassed her. Rowan made sure he was the closest, so he could get a better look at her. Specifically her face.. Something was familiar about her, he had to know what it was.

"Princess? Ah, I was hoping you'd arrive a tad bit earlier," One of her stewards approached, a plump man squeezed in an embroidered tunic. Rowan laid eyes on him for a moment, wondering if the man would pop, and the steward froze then continued. "Lord Duncan is to be here shortly, as per the King's request. He's asked me to remind you to be on your best behavior, as he has no wish to scare this suitor off. Now, if you're ready, we should get you to the cordwainer to try on her newest line of heels. Maybe she won't grovel to me anymore.." He mumbled that last bit as he gestured for Serene to follow him. Along the way, several people walked with her, asking what she'd like to eat at the banquet tonight, how she was feeling, and other tedious things. Rowan could hear the tension in their voices; the same tension had been in the castle for some time, likely caused from the civil war.

 

[RandiBauer1]

Serene smiles and says "sorry about that, I was getting dressed for the day." then keeps smiling and says "I'll be on my best behavior but no promise about scaring him off." then follows the steward and says "I didn't know she was groveling to you and I cant wait to try on some new heels." then looks at one person and says "hmm lets see: salads, a pasta dish, soup and some blood wine. I'm good."

She senses Rowan and asks "Sir Rowan could I have a word with you in private after I'm done trying on heels?" then sits down princess like and waits on the cordwainer then says "I hope I can find some pretty heels to go with some dresses I have."

 

[FellowKnight]

Rowan practically tripped over his own cape when the princess mentioned him by name. She wanted to.. talk? To him? He could only nod in response, silent otherwise. Had he done something wrong? Was he found out, as the creature he truly was? His mind raced so far and so fast he nearly ran into the door of the cordwainer’s workshop; only one guard was allowed in there at a time and it seemed he wasn’t the lucky guy. Reluctantly, Rowan took a step back and leaned on the wall across from the door, waiting for her to return. Actually, he anticipated it.

Inside, the cordwainer herself, an older woman with grey-ish hair pinned in a bun, appeared to showcase some of the heels she’d been working on. They were her pride and joy, her life’s work. And as the princess spoke, she attempted a wry smile. “Come now, you know I wouldn’t have you walking around in nonsense. And to meet Lord Duncan! You’ll have to be at your best!” She procured the heels then, pair by pair, for the princess’s leisure.

First, a pair of cordial black heels, laced with gold and leather straps. Then the same design, only in vanilla white and cherry red. And finally a pair of all crimson heels, the bottoms being a deeper maroon than the tops, with a cute neon-red bow tie on the lacings. The prideful woman stepped back after letting the princess walk around in each one and compare it with her own current outfit. “Well? Be brutal, dear.”

 

[RandiBauer1]

Serene looks at Rowan and says "your not in trouble. I just want to talk to you." Then looks at the cordwainer after trying them all on and says "I'll take them all. I know I'm meeting Lord Duncan." then gets up and keeps looking at her then asks "could you take them to my room or have someone take them?" then puts her heels back on and walks out of the workshop.

She looks at Rowan and asks "could we go to your room to talk? I don't want any interruptions." then starts walking and says "well, are you going to show me to your room or not?"

 

[FellowKnight]

The cordwainer frowned at the lack of criticism but was inwardly grateful; in hindsight, it was better to be safe than sorry with Lord Duncan, given his reputation. She promptly had the shoes packed and transported to the princess' wardrobe in her chambers, dismissing herself for work on future projects. In the hall, the envoy stood at attention and closed ranks when the princess returned, but were quickly hipped to the notion that only Rowan was needed. Regardless, they accompanied the two as a star-struck Rowan lead the fair Serene to his private chambers, and inside they disappeared.

Rowan was, by right, suspicious and haphazardly offered the princess and seat to sit in. But he did not sit. He wouldn't for fear of letting his guard down, though this was played off as he casually bowed and proceeded to stretch. "To what do I owe the pleasure, m'lady? I hope my services have been up to par for her majesty.." He trailed off, as it struck him that this meeting may not have been about his services, but him. And perhaps, something more.

 

[RandiBauer1]

Serene sits down and says “you seem familiar like I’ve known you since before the war.” Then looks at him and waits then says “its like I’m being pulled towards you.” Then keeps looking at him and says "I notice how standoffish you are like your trying to avoid me and I don't like that. I like it when your close to me." then looks into his eyes and says "its like you hypnotize me and entrance me to where I can't resist the urge to be near you."

 

[FellowKnight]

There. Rowan could feel in his skin, creeping like an insect of the night. It pulsated into his chest and down his body. It set his mind on fire, as it simultaneously configured Serene's true identity. Lightning in rain. A fire in a blizzard. Rowan chuckled, nervously albeit, and paced over to the king-sized bed, shouldering off his cap to reveal the intricate designs of his leather-armor beneath. It was plated and light, barely distinguishable from simple farming attire, but incredibly flexible and shock-absorbent. He tilted his head at the sound of loosening fabric and bare footsteps, and he smiled at the thought. Serene abandoned her dress in favor of her under-armor; a pale-snow corset extended for maximum coverage, with white leggings made from a thin and durable metal netting (easily mistaken as lingerie).

Rowan turned slowly, savoring the sight of her as a child does candy, and took graceful steps to the middle of the room; Serene mimicked his movements, like a perfect mirror, meeting him in the middle of the spacious room.

"Dahlia. Faida. Jolene. And now.. Serene. Always catering to change, my minx." He licked his lips, his burning eyes clashing with the icy-gloss in hers as a dark blade emerged into his grip. For he could attract her, but he could never entrance her, even if he dared. And Serene had vowed to dare him.

"Oh, Damon," Rowan's first name rolled off her tongue like silk, an arousing stab. Serene eyed Rowan from head to toe and winked coyly as something slipped from her hand, suspended on a thin wire. "I count on the things that never change." Serene dared him as she bit her lip, her wicked blade dangling seemingly by a thread.

And for that infinitesimal moment, they were as still as the walls of the room, as time itself pardoned their ravenous connection. In a blink, they were upon each other, not as lovers but as hunters with prey. The air whistled and parted as their intimate fight progressed, with each giving as much as they took, but never surrendering, or pulling punches. Or even breaking eye-contact. And when their blades did meet, it was teasing contact; a peck here, a poke there, all with the intent to lure the other deeper, and deeper, and deeper. Where Rowan brought ferocity and form, Serene challenged with cunning and craft. She was the grace where he was the bliss. Where he was fire, she was snow, and the occult element of their blood-lust only intensified this bond. They danced in near-perfect harmony to the end, defying the reaches of their separation. For they were inseparable, bound in eternity, written in the stars.

Serene disarmed her love with a tenacious twirl that secured the hilt of his blade, as she caught his foot on hers, and yanked it from his grip, across the room and a foot deep into the wall. Rowan parried her following strikes and closed the distance, lacing his fingers around a section of the wire, yanking down as his legs compromised hers, and rolled her into a disarm all in one fluid motion; this sent her wire-blade skittering across the floor. Their bodies met, in one final offensive push, and as their eyes lined up, fangs barred, the dance was over. They stood opposite, so close their breath clouded. But the emotions it left behind, the fires it had rekindled, could not be quelled. Rowan had move his lips to say more, but Serene had less than words for him.

They kissed, finally. Lips rolling over the other like tidal waves on lucid shores. Holding each other as if to shield the other from a storm, as if it were their first and last. And the moment seemed to stretch on forever, until finally, Rowan managed to pull away. "I-.. You know, I have so many questions. But.. Why here? This place is a mess, unworthy of.. you."

 

[RandiBauer1]

Serene walks up to Rowan and wraps her arms around him then says "I don't know. I guess my father thought it would be safer here." then looks up at him and says "I'm sorry for it taking so long for us to find each other." then smiles at him and says "lets never get separated again. what were you going to say before I kissed you?"

She leaned up and closes her eyes halfway then wraps her arms around his neck. then opens her mouth like she's going to say something but closes it instead and looks at him while she waits.

 

[FellowKnight]

Rowan's hands instinctively settled on Serene's waist, his words barely above a whisper now that they were close. "Nothing important.." He reflected on what he'd done over the centuries, all the blood he'd spilled, and the widows and orphans and.. vengeful spirits he'd left behind. But looking in his minx's eyes, he swallowed the hard truth: he'd do it all again if it led him back here.

"Just thinking of how you and I left a mess in the North. And.. how sorry I am to have left you there.. But it seems you're comfortable now," He mimicked a curtsy without letting her go, and leaned in for a smaller, quicker kiss. This time, he had trouble pulling away and murmured into her lips. "Your Majesty." Eventually, he did pull away, trailing a finger under her chin as he led her out to the balcony. The bitter winds nipped at their exposed skin, but for the dead, this wasn't a discomfort. Just wind. "Did your father ever know about me? I'm quite sure he would have my guts on a plater with my head as garnish if he knew I was here, though I'm not sure he would recognize me.. I'm sorry, I'm rambling, what were you going to say?"

 

[RandiBauer1]

Serene nods and kisses him back then follows him out to the balcony. then looks at him and says "I am comfortable now, here with you." then keeps looking at him and says "its ok. I'm sure he wouldn't do that. if he does try to do that, I will protect you." then lays her head on his shoulder and says "I've tried telling my father multiple times but he would always bring up different subjects that seemed more important than me to have already found someone and that someone being you my strong vampire."

Then looks at him and says "its time I tell my father that I don't need to meet anymore suitors, I have the guy I want to be with right here." then steps in front of him and asks "how could we tell him though without him getting mad?"

 

[FellowKnight]

Rowan's world was spinning, for the first time in forever. It was all happening so fast; just a half-hour ago, he was afraid Serene was but another mark to befall his bite. But she was alive, and ever-candid, and just.. perfect. It was like nothing had changed over the centuries. But Rowan changed. Years blended into months, then weeks as his life became a haze of screaming faces, crimson spurts, and fading eyes. He was a creature of instinct, an addict for blood. A true vampire. None of this, of course, crossed his lips, but as Serene pulled away, he had to take action. His head hung and he gingerly clasped her hands in his, as if to shield her from the bitter ice-winds. "Serene.. We can't-"

Rowan turned his head sharply, sniffing, listening. His pupils dilated at the confirmation of a heartbeat, flowing blood and vitals. Someone was closer than they should've been. But before he could move, he felt a prick in his neck and immediately removed a small, toothpick-size needle. Poison, dulling his senses ever so slightly. He stepped back into the shadows without a word, vanishing entirely. Another moment later, Serene spotted a glint of metal as a crossbow silently fired at her.. and was caught mid-flight by a cloaked Rowan, his superior strength snapping the shaft in two. But he couldn't see the shooter, or even the origin of the shot. Shink! Rowan reacted quicker this time, beckoning his sword from the wall with his free-hand and deflecting the arrow. His vision had blurred, and his nocturnal senses fluctuated, but he no longer detected a heartbeat. No pulse, either. Rowan fetched Serene's dress and allowed her time to get dressed before making a call-out to the escort outside. "Daerlok!" The noisy entourage of armored men and women kicked in the door and filed in, investigating and forming up around Serene.

After a brief debriefing, they requested a special defense to escort Serene to the comfort vault, a near-impenetrable room buried deep in the bowels of the castle. He wished he didn't have to separate himself from his love, but she would be safer. An additional two guards were stationed to spy on Rowan await Rowan's conclusive study, and accompany him to see the King, who'd asked for Rowan personally.

 

[RandiBauer1]

Serene paced back and forth in the vault and says to herself “please be alright. Please be alright.” Then keeps pacing while waiting desperately for Rowan to return.

She sits down and says to herself “I will kill anybody that tries to harm him. I’m not losing him.” Then gets up to pace again.

 

[FellowKnight]

Several minutes after the investigation, King Cedric's Throne Room​

Rowan sauntered ahead of the hefty envoy tailing him, gliding through the diligently busied halls and side-chambers. At each corner and seemingly every crevice, he could hear whispers of his name, hushed on the lips of those who recognized him. There was no hiding in a personal escort anymore; the reputation that preceded him had finally been sniffed out. He was the Leashed Wolf. The Smiling Shadow. And above all, he was a Sucker of Souls. But for the mortals? Only one of the most lethal brains/brawn-for-hire in the region.

The throne Room itself was unbearably cold, at least Rowan assumed it was for the mortals. This was due in large part to the massive, arced window on the far left chamber wall, framed by gilded and fluttering banners of the kingdom's crest, casting an ominous strip of sunlight across the floor. The same banners were used sparsely about the room, along with colossal braziers dancing with flames, controlled-chaotic vines and moss, and flower petals on the marble floor. The throne itself was partially obscured in the shadows, and illuminated only by the sun's reflection of the glossy tiles. And in that weak darkness, a face.. Scraggly beard, wrinkled skin, prominent facial features. But it was the eyes, seeming to glow on their own, idling for a second before honing in on things near and far, and eventually, Rowan.

"News?" A weak plume of icy breath reached for Rowan as the King spoke. "What of the disturbance?"

Rowan managed to avoid crossing the bleak strip of sunlight with a ceremonious kneel, and remained there. "Your Majesty, I regret saying I know very little of the incident, or the cause. But rest assured, I'm-"

He paused as the lithe figure of the King rose in the shadows, easing down the steps to stand just a few feet from Rowan. He was surprisingly more stocky than Rowan's initial assessment. He offered a hand to Rowan, a ghostly smile creasing his lips. "What use is a hound on his knees? Stand, boy." Rowan took his hand, and gritted his teeth as he stood upright; it felt as though his arm was exposed to an open flame. "Perhaps you may.. work with the amenities my palace offers. Many eyes watch these halls. One must have seen something. In the meantime, I've left a gift in your quarters, it may add some much needed discretion to your task.. Dismissed." The King turned away, and for a split-second, Rowan swore he saw the man looking just past him, at something else. Rowan spared a quick shoulder check, but found nothing.

"And.. Check on my daughter. She's been in that vault hardly an hour and my men tell me she refuses to sit." He slid back in his chair and re-adopted his frozen-like posture, seeming to beckon Rowan away with a simple shift of his gaze.

_ _ _​

The vault was just that: a stretched corridor of thirty meters, guarded to the teeth by thick-plated mortals. But Rowan knew better; there were hundreds, if not thousands of fail-safes including trip wires, pressure plates, and runes to foil any attempt to force entry. He tread carefully, and once inside with Serene he sighed heavily. "My minx.. Your father has asked me to investigate this attacker more discreetly, and will expect result soon. Are you okay?"

 

[RandiBauer1]

Serene runs up to him and hugs him then says "I'm ok, I was just worried about you." then lays her head on his chest and says "I'm glad your ok, I was so worried." then looks up at him and asks "will we still have time for each other?"

She wraps her arms around his neck and leans up then asks "can we go somewhere more private?"

 

[FellowKnight]

Rowan nodded at her her request for more privacy and cast a discreet glance about the marble-carved room. The space itself was expansive and bleached clean of any crevices that could harbor unexpected guests. In the center was a cushioned L sofa that could double as a bed, overseen by delicate And as a dash of overkill, four uninteresting guards were positioned in each corner of the room, halberds poised to slash down any threat or unwelcome presence. The walls were layered, insulated, and likely sound-proofed for privacy and in some cases, intimacy. He scowled to himself in silence as he formed the beginnings of a plan, and with a subtle cue to Serene, they executed it.

First, commotion. Serene ignited a heated argument with Rowan and demanded he be removed from the chambers, and likewise, Rowan played off his innocence with an offended demeanor. Next, physical contact. Serene took a (very unplanned) direction by slapping Rowan across the face and yanking on his hair, and in turn Rowan pulled hair and shoved Serene around. So instead of opening the doors in their usual procedure, the guards rushed forward to the aid of the princess, and.. froze. Rowan and Serene had combined their hypnotic capabilities by compelling the desires of the guardsmen through intense eye-contact. Their iris shuddered under the trance as their limbs became metaphoric stone, minds becoming blank slates regarding the whole affair. For a time, at least.

Rowan turned triumphantly to his lover, having sent the guards back to their original positions, still hopelessly entranced. He then assumed a comfortable position on the sofa, allowing his guard to drop as he relaxed. "Now, my minx.. What's on your mind?"

 

[RandiBauer1]

Serene cuddles close to him and says "you and how much I want you to kiss me." She rubs his cheek and says "I'm sorry for slapping you, I didn't mean it." she looks at him and leans close to him.

 

[FellowKnight]

Rowan chuckled at that, and drew a finger to brush the hair from her face. To him, she'd always managed to.. well, soothe him. And confuse him, at times. Truth be told, in the millenia since they'd met, he was glad for it. His inability to predict her had saved his life, when he should have rightfully been dead and cold. He owed his minx much.. but she didn't need to know that. God only knows what she'd do with that, like a cat with yarn.

He ran his free hand over his slightly bruised jaw; if this had been a real fight, Serene would have done far worse. She knew it, he suspected with a grin, planting a kiss on her lips. "You couldn't hurt me, love; I am already dead, you know." He joked, and gently pulled her closer. "But tell me of this burning desire to swoon me. We do have the room to ourselves, hm?"

He glanced at the inanimate humans guarding the edges of the room, unmoving and hopefully unthinking. Not even so much as a clink of their armor.

 

[RandiBauer1]

Serene kisses him back and says "its just I missed you so much and haven't been able to feel your arms around me. I also have missed your kisses and how you were always protective of me." She places her hands on his chest and looks up at him. She keeps looking at him and wraps her arms around his neck.

 

[FellowKnight]

"Hmm. I remember when it got me in hot water more than a few times." He recalled the months, sometimes years on end they could spend; running from grieving townspeople, hungry mercenaries, and angry kings. Through it all, Rowan stuck to Serene's side like a loyal pup, and killed many in her name. He'd do it all again in a blink, and over and over again.

"And why wouldn't I do so again? For my minx.. I'd do anything." He smiled, and cocked a brow at Serene's statement. "Missed my kisses and arms, but you haven't gone without? Hm.. Perhaps I'll rip out this mystery lover's throat and toss him into a chasm. Let him kiss death all he wants." He leaned down with a chuckle and pecked Serene's forehead. "I've missed you too. Truly."

 

[RandiBauer1]

Serene giggles and closes her eyes. She lays her head on his chest and says “those were the fun times. I would have to talk to my father every time.” She looks at him and asks “remember the hot springs we would spend a lot of time together and my father didn’t know?”

 

[FellowKnight]

“Heh.. How could I forget that?” Rowan sighed, playing with some of the fabric on the couch. “Shameful that your father practically destroyed those same springs after he realized we were.. together. Never served in his court again, that’s for sure..”

And slowly, as fog must lift from a drained swamp, Rowan’s mind cleared and he gained clarity. He gently nudged Serene back until they were both sitting up, then he stood, his cloak wavering behind him.

“Your father is, well, worried about this attack. There is tension in the halls, Serene.. Like something is watching our every move.” He turned and stepped closer to her, a hand warming the side of her face. She always looked.. tranquil, as if the world were moving in slow-motion and she could see everything coming her way. He hoped that was the case, especially now.

He raised his fingers and, with a powerful snap, released the guardsmen from their trance. They seemed confused and staggered for a moment, before consciously focusing on the princess. Assuring she was safe, they held position and kept eyes on Rowan.

“I think you should stay here, m’lady.” Rowan said loudly, if only to satisfy prying ears. “I assure you this would-be assassin will be brought to justice!” He leaned in, speaking lowly. “I will return once I know what’s going on. For now, I must hunt.” With that he turned to leave, trusting Serene to the guards of the room. But knowing that at some point, she’d slip free, and he’d have to chase her. Again.

 

[RandiBauer1]

Serene leans into Rowan’s hand as she leans against the wall and says “we can’t have that. I’m worried.” She looks into his eyes and blushes.

She nods with a worried look on her face and says “be careful.” She kisses his cheek before he leaves and sits down. She looks around and tries to figure out a way to slip away later tonight.

 

[FellowKnight]

Within moments, Rowan had cleared the outer-lying antechambers of the vault and minutes later he was stalking the halls of the great castle. He'd made a stop at his room to collect the king's "gift"-- a paltry offering of butler's clothing, a set of keys, and a map of the castle prior; the map itself was far too incomplete to fully rely on, but he figured it was better than memory. In his discreet clothing, with his head low and hair drawn back, he'd be truly invisible to prying eyes. Or so he hoped.