Abigail Argent

A travelling bard

[charlotte-heloise-valois]

Charlotte felt good today. She always retained a dash of positivity. Someone had to. If the world around her was glum, the glumness would impact her husband and it would only intensify his maladies. She believed there was a cure for his fits of insanity and she thought that cure to be an heir. But, when it came to conceiving a child, she wasn’t very successful. Sometimes it was because her king wouldn’t lay with her for days, taking is mistress more ardently than his wife, the queen, and sometimes it was because of her monthly course.

Today, she felt happy because her monthly course had been running late and there was a malady in her stomach that could only mean one thing. The happiness was evident on her face as she sat in the garden reading a book, but because she didn’t want to raise alarm or “jinx” herself, she refrained from sharing her suspicions, at least until they were confirmed by her physician. A smile danced on her lips as she hopelessly tried to focus on her book and, once she realised it to be in vain, she closed it just in time to notice a person approaching. Her smile widened as she greeted them.

“Good morning! I don’t remember the last time I’ve seen such a bright day.”

[abigailxargent]

Having spent so much time away from courts, she’d forgotten - or perhaps she’d never really understood - how difficult it was to trust anyone there. People talked around in circles, feigning manners, but she was smart enough now to know that court wasn’t as pleasant as it pretended to be. Still, until she found a job that paid better, she’d stay with the Benin court, singing whenever they wanted to show off the skill of their lands. Each kingdom was doing so, she’d discovered, trying to look better than all the rest. Already, in her opinion, they forgot what truly brought them here. 

But when she saw the woman, one she recognised as the Queen of Gaul, she still curtsied politely. She avoided those from Gaul as much as she could, but the Queen had only just been married to the King when Abby was forced to flee. Although they’d met, she wasn’t sure the woman would remember her, it’d been such a tumultuous time. “Good morning.” The former comtesse replied. “It’s certainly very sunny here in Atlantis, although I’m told the winters can be very cold.”

[abigailxargent]

aryn-neuri

The castle was stuffy and while its current residents knew he was there he also knew they would exactly enjoy him stalking about their halls, but he needed information and audience with the Seelie court, something he was unlikely to get without at least a bit of help, however his search had thus far proven futile.

The woman wasn’t someone he had met before, though that wasn’t saying much. It was hard enough caring about human nobility as a whole much less keep track of the individuals themselves but he quickly caught her arm, letting go as she laughed. “I should.” He deadpanned.

Humans. So unobservant, so trusting.

“Why are you hiding?”

Abby tilted her head to look up at the man, refusing to cower in fear despite his words. She was done letting anyone make her afraid, she’d taken control of her fate and no one would change her mind on that. 

Ignoring his comment on that she should be afraid, she instead answered his question. “I am not hiding. I have every right to be here, as a member of Benin’s staff. However, if you’re asking why I’m so jumpy, that’s because I’m not particularly fond of people grabbing me.” The last time it’d happened, she’d ended up trapped in the Seelie court. 

She was careful not to sound accusatory, accustomed to the rules of court. It may have been some time since she’d have to play that game, but she knew the rules, she knew how to say one thing while meaning another. “I’m sure you didn’t mean to frighten me though, so you’re forgiven.” 

[abigailxargent]

lareineunseelie

Alix let out a soft chuckle, as she nodded. “Touché. But, some colours are better suited to some types of people. You seem to be of vibrant character, so vibrant colours suit you.” The Unseelie Queen retorted, her smile soft, as she regarded the pretty brunette beside her. Her smile turned into an amused laughter, as she commented on the seller. “That is his problem. Those prices, not even Queens would be willing to pay, and the quality of his fabrics is not as glorious as the prices would suggest.”

“Yes, it is. There is something pleasing about colours and the harmony in them. I think some call it chromotherapy. The scholars, and witch-doctors, swear that there is a healing vibration to every colour.” She said. Being a natural Queen, or, well, the unnatural aspect of it, Alix knew that those “witch-doctors” were right, at least to an extent. “Do you find that plausible?”

“Thank you.” That compliment meant more than one based on her looks, since it was based on personality. Vibrant was a nice word, Abby liked it, and she liked to think it did indeed suit her. She was always cheerful, mostly because she knew what it was like to be unhappy. If she could find a reason to smile, she always would, it made it easier to get through life that way. “Oh, some would think that it meant higher prestige, to pay such a price.” She’d never met a queen who thought that way, but she’d met nobility who did. 

Although she’d had a very good education, Abby didn’t consider herself smart. There was much she didn’t understand, for all her travels. “I’ve never heard such a thing, but if those who are educated in such matters believe it, I am not the person to refute it. All I know is, there is joy to be found in seeing a beautiful colour, just as there is in a sunrise or even a storm.” 

[abigailxargent]

vivianangmar

Vivian rarely had business in the castle unless she had to bring a concoction or two, to someone less prone to being seen visiting her apothecary. She was mildly familiar with the layout of the nobility’s living quarters, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t get lost. After finishing up with a woman complaining of belly pains, the necromancer strode out of her chambers, looking for a way out. It took her less than a minute to realise she took a wrong turn and got sidetracked. Typical for her. It would happen whenever she’d take the dead to be her guides.

She noticed a woman in front of her and her pace slowed down. If she follows her, she could lead her to the entrance. Granted, she could also lead her somewhere else, but she’ll think about that option later. When the girl stopped in her tracks, Vivian arched her eyebrow, the arch rising as she jumped with surprise. “Sorry.” She said, but the glint in her eyes gave away that she wasn’t even the least bit sorry for frightening her. “I’m looking for a way out of the castle. I think I got sidetracked after the seventh right turn.”

There was something ethereal and just plain eerie about the woman, reminding her too much of the fairies that had held her once, and it made Abby straighten her shoulders. She wouldn’t be rude, just in case the woman was a fairy who might take offense, but she would be on her guard. “It’s quite alright.” She could tell the apology wasn’t really meant, but every species she’d ever met seemed to have the ability to twist words to their own ends. Even she could, and she took pride in being very honest. Mostly. 

“The castle is indeed a little confusing. Although, I’ve heard the woods are even more so.” She hadn’t dared to leave any paths when outside the castle, well aware of how far astray people could get if they weren’t careful. “I’d be happy to show you, I was going into town anyway.” She offered out of kindness, rather than any desire to spend time with someone who seemed like there was magic running in her veins. Abby didn’t trust magic, her only experiences with it were not exactly positive. 

[abigailxargent]

constantlady

Friendliness.

The woman waved off her apology, and Constance immediately smiled in return. It was always nice to meet a normal woman, not the snobbish nobles, or too frightened staff, and too high and mighty courtiers. Her offer widened the smile that formed on Stanzi’s lips, and she nodded, in acceptance. “Yes, of course. I would be delighted for some company. My name is Constance, but if it pleases you, you may call me Stanzi.” She introduced.

Abby found it easy to empathise with most people, having seen more of the world than most could. Most held one station in life, and that was all they saw, even if they travelled. Abby had been nobility, and she’d been a prisoner, and she’d been a nobody. She could talk to just about anyone as if she was on the same level as them. “It’s very nice to meet you, Stanzi. I’m Abby.” She started walking, hands folded together. “Which kingdom do you come from? Albion or Arcadia?” She could guess it wasn’t from Gaul, having gotten to know that court very well once. 

[abigailxargent]

barcnesseliza

forced warmth appeared sincere, eyes & smile soft. woman introduced & baroness followed suit “ baroness tiller but please, call me eliza. “ smile widened as abigail spoke. her mind mapped the other adjusting her speech & behaviour according to how the other behaved. it was the easiest way to earn a person’s trust & she liked nothing more than to make people lower their guard around her ( it always spoke more of them once they relax & it helped her root out those decent enough for her to eat. ).

eyebrow frowned into a mask of polite curiosity & soft concern, spurring her to keep talking. the seelie court? she knew enough about fae realm to know that their invitations weren’t always of the voluntary kind. “ the seelie court? “ she repeated her question this time out loud. “ that must’ve been quite an adventure. would you mind telling me more about it? I’ve yet to see a fairy up close. “ feigning intrigue was easier when it wasn’t as feigned as she’d have liked.

There had been a time where Abby would have shared that she was a comtesse, a woman of high breeding herself, but she’d left behind such frivolities after her father was caught as a spy. She’d been caught in the middle of Benin and Gaul, and she’d decided she wanted nothing to do with either court since then - any court, really. But she was here now, albeit as a singer. Singing seemed safer than actually being involved in anything. “It is a pleasure, Eliza.” 

She’d expected the surprise, it was hardly a common story. While everyone knew the fairies sometimes took people away, she’d never met anyone else who had that happened to them. It’d always seemed more like a warning to behave, be careful or you’ll be taken away, and then it’d happened to her. “Yes, it was an adventure. I’m sure you’ll see a fairy soon enough, I’ve heard they’re attending the treaty themselves.” It’d almost been enough to make her flee Atlantis. “I was really only there for a couple of months. I’m hardly an expert.” It’d only been months on earth. For her, it’d been years, countless years, as things were different in the fae realm. 

[abigailxargent]

josephineabbey

Josephine smiled kindly to the woman, asking for help. The fae folk? What can one possibly want from them, or with them? It wasn’t her place to snoop in on other people’s secrets, unless that person was Annabelle. But, that was different, they both knew that Anna was a witch, only the other didn’t seem keen on admitting it and they danced around he topic, teasing one another with assumptions. This woman she didn’t know, and it wasn’t her place to ask too many questions.

“There are quite a few tomes about the fairy folk. Is there anything in particular about them that you need to know? There is an entire volume on how to best consume their food, then another on how to enslave them, then on how to harm them. I hope you’re not searching for the latter two.” She added the latter in a joking tone, but she was serious. Josie hated seeing anyone suffer.

"When it comes to eating their food, the rule is don't." She had, sealing her into the court until they'd gotten bored of her and she'd escaped. "As for enslaving them, that's not my style, and I'm not interested in hurting anyone." She smiled, since she didn't take offense. It was a good person to care about helping others, so she was inclined to like the woman. "No, I'm mostly interested in avoiding them. Protection." 

She held out her hand, accustomed to the cultures of different people, and most on Atlantis seemed to shake hands, just as had been done in Gaul, outside the court anyway. Benin had been different, but she could live with different. Nothing ever stayed the same in life, so she'd learned how to be adaptable. "I'm Abigail. Abby." She still held a title, technically, but she hadn't used it in a long time. Especially considering the time disparity between the real world and the fae realm. No, she was not nobility in any way that counted to her, not anymore.

[abigailxargent]

@duchesselaynevalois​

There had been a time when she had been friends with the woman she sought out now. She’d confided in her, shared all her secrets and fears, her hopes and dreams. But when she left Gaul, it’d been sudden, and she hadn’t wanted to speak to anyone. Her father had been thrown in prison, and she still didn’t know if he lived. She suspected not. Gaul was not known for it’s sympathy to those who betrayed them, and there was no denying that her father had been spying on them. 

Abby had been spared, and she had often wondered if Elayne’s friendship had been why. 

Although she’d tried to avoid everyone from Gaul at first, she’d ended up deciding that she should try seek out her old friend. She was a nomad now, yes, but she didn’t want to run away forever. It was time to confront her past. 

Still technically a comtesse of Gaul, she’d been granted permission to enter the areas the Gaul kingdom held in the castle. A maid showed her into Elayne’s sitting room. “Hello.” She couldn’t manage any other words, unsure how to address her. There had been a time she’d called her by name, but it felt wrong somehow to do so now. 

[abigailxargent]

lareineunseelie

Alix was right in the process of considering spelling the seller openly, to lower the price, when a tan skinned woman joined her. It was not that she could not afford the fabric, because she could, but it was not worth the price. The woman caught her attention, and the Unseelie Queen smiled, her head tilted to the side as she glanced at her. “It is a lovely colour, and it flatters you.” The girl was pretty, with almond eyes, and dark locks.

But, she could have sworn she has seen her somewhere before. It could have been a glimpse in the fairy lands, but she was not part of the Unseelie court, or she would have known her. Perhaps she wandered around the woods once, and Alix saw her there. She rarely trapped mortals, the way her lighter kinsmen did. “I think I have seen the same colour in a stand lower to this one. It is better quality, and much more suitable in price. This stand is pure robbery.” She sweetly said, throwing a glance at the seller, wondering if he would take the hint.

“Pretty colours flatter everyone.” She amended, not one to put too much stock into her looks. She’d learned that there were more valuable things than appearance. She set the fabric aside, her lips twisted in amusement that she tried to hide as the woman very obviously challenged the seller to lower the price. Instead, the man just huffed and turned his attention to someone else at the stall. “I don’t think he liked that.” She sighed, mocking the man with her false sympathy for him. “Poor thing.” 

Dismissing him easily, she turned away. “It’s always nice to just look at the pretty colours, isn’t it?” Not that the woman seemed to have Abby’s troubles with money, she looked too striking and well kept. 

[abigailxargent]

barcnesseliza

predatory smile hidden beneath the mask of friendliness, eliza inclined her head in acceptance. her initial desire was not to sight-see but to find someone decent enough to eat to-night. she had to be more careful than usual as there were rumors of executioners in Atlantis, should anyone be found murdered. that is, she needs to be more careful in disposing of the bodies afterwards.

“ most beautiful. I believe the stroll though the gardens is precisely the thing I need. would you be interested in accompanying me? days are much better spent in company then in solitude. “ baroness offered, sincerity lacing her words. while she wasn’t the most affectionate person in the known universe, she was a social creature. & she was looking to expand her coven of lady vampyres. should this girl prove to be a pleasing companion then who knows? she might make her offer someday. “ is there a more lush garden than this one? “ she questioned in desire to prolong the conversation.

Abby enjoyed talking to people, even if she rarely ever really trusted anyone, so she nodded. “I agree entirely, so I’d be happy to join you.” She started to walk, brushing her wild curls over her shoulder. “I’m Abigail, by the way.” She saw no reason to mention her last name. Not many would know it anymore, and those who did would remember the scandal. She would prefer to live simply. 

Wishing she hadn’t thought of the Seelie court, Abby smiled wryly. “Yes, I dare say there is.” She smoothed out her skirts, gathering her emotions. “I was once invited to perform for the Seelie court.” It hadn’t been an invitation, she’d been dragged there by King Oberon, and she’d been trapped there for too long. It’d felt like years, thanks to the magic of the fae realm. “They have a rather beautiful home, I must admit.” 

[josephineabbey]

Josephine had always wanted to visit the library of Alexandria. It was the most famed building in the world, and as someone who adores books and knowledge they hide within their covers, she thought that visiting Atlantis would be the perfect thing to do. When her husband and friend died, she packed her belongings, their books, and moved from Albion. And that was nearly a year ago.

Now she was a regular in the library, and somehow she could never get enough of the smell of parchment. Josie was seated by the window, her eyes skimming over a text that touches the topic of Alchemy, something which began to interest her. Her attention was rarely diverted, but when she noticed someone pacing close to her table, she brought her gaze up.

“Is there something I can help you with? If you’re looking for a particular scroll or a codex, maybe I can point you to it? I’m here almost daily, so I know my way about.”

[abigailxargent]

Hearing the Seelie court was somewhere here on Atlantis had worried Abby. Although she’d gotten her freedom, she didn’t entirely trust Oberon not to decide he wanted to kidnap her again when he heard her singing for Benin’s court. Rather than just fret about it, she’d decided to do some research. Surely, someone somewhere had to have written down something about how to avoid fairies. 

But she was not a scholar. 

The Library was large and confusing, and Abby was sure she’d never find her way out when someone spoke to her. Gratefully, she smiled. “Oh, thank you. I’m looking for information on fairy-kind. The Seelie court, specifically.” 

[abigailxargent]

constantlady

Regret.

It was the general feeling that pulsed through Constance, as the girl jumped in surprise. Had she known that the woman would react in such a way, she would have made her steps more audible from the beginning. It was never her intention to startle or frighten anyone, and Stanzi smiled apologetically, regret written evidently on her face. “I am so very sorry, madam. I did not mean to startle you, or frighten you. I fear I was simply going in the same direction and I have forgotten how soft these shoes are, and how light my step is.”

Immediately, Abby waved off the apology. Rare was it for anyone to treat her with real respect, as though she was someone important, like she once was. “No, no, it’s fine, really. I’ve been guilty of doing the same thing too.” She glanced down the corridor they’d been walking and back at the blonde woman. “Why don’t we walk together, since we’re heading in the same direction? If you don’t mind the company?” 

[lareineunseelie]

Alix did not often wander around the mortal realms, for she did not trust humans. They were selfish, and they relished in their evil deeds, but she was still curious, and every now and then she would give in to the curiosity, making her way towards the mortals’ marketplace. After all, t was the perfect place to meet new souls, to see if anything has changed, and maybe, just maybe, she would bump into someone from the Seelie court.

The Queen of the Unseelie gracefully moved around the stands, her icy eyes brushing over many spices, antiquities, books, and various different objects. Market was such a lively place, and it sometimes reminded her of her own court. How wrong people were, thinking that the Unseelie were evil, just because their powers were of the darker spectre. She moved about, when her attention was captured by the most vibrantly coloured fabric; midnight blue silk that would be perfect for a dress. “My, what lovely fabric! It looks as if the night itself was captured with the thread. How much for it?”

[abigailxargent]

Atlantis was a chaotic place, but Abby was the same person she always was. Or rather, the person she’d become to survive. Nothing ever truly fazed her anymore, not when she’d gone through so many adventures unprepared. She always would be prepared now. 

Looking through the markets, she knew she couldn’t afford most of the fine fabrics that caught her eye, but she missed the days that she would have been able to wear them. Stepping forward, she looked over them closer, and heard a woman speaking next to her, and the seller’s price was so high that Abby almost winced. “Such an elegant colour.” She picked up a cheerful strip of fabric, wrapping it around her shoulders as she turned to the other woman to show her. “I’ve always favoured bright colours. What do you think?” 

[abigailxargent]

barcnesseliza

she was hungry. very hungry. it’s been days since she fed, days since she put anything vital in her mouth, days since she bit into something other than an apple. daylight was never good for stalking prey, but eliza simply wanted to count her options. see what’s on the menu - who is on the menu. there was a girl, with tan skin & pretty, dark eyes. it would be a shame to eat her; she did not like eating women. no, they were much better as companions & friends.

but, she was hungry.

well, if the girl proves to be an odious company, then she’ll drink her without a blink of her eye. if she proves decent, then she shall find someone else to quench her thirst. eliza stalked behind, keeping to the shadows of the columns & trees, her dark gaze fixed upon the brunette. her prey always felt impending doom & when the girl hear her steps, turning around abruptly, the baroness fixed her expression into something devoid of her usual predatory mask, her lips curling in a sweet, warm gesture. “ oh, my apologies if i have startled it. it was not my intention. “

Although Abby didn’t trust anyone, not after everything she’d been through, she always treated people with warmth. All she had to rely on was herself, so she’d hold onto the values that mattered most to her, rather than let others win by breaking her down into something rude and unhappy. “It’s quite alright, these things happen.” 

Since she was here as a musician, not the noblewoman she’d been born as, she curtsied. Here in the palace, everyone was a higher position than her, despite the fact she should have been someone of high respect. At least she could respect herself. “It is a beautiful day, isn’t it, my lady? Were you heading down towards the gardens as well? I don’t think I’ve ever seen any so beautiful.” Thinking of the fae realm, the Seelie court, she reluctantly added, “Well, perhaps one.” 

[abigailxargent]

Although it made for very good business, Abby couldn't help but be nervous as she slipped through the castle quietly. She hadn't known Gaul and the Seelie Court would be represented here, and it was bad enough dealing with Benin. At least she knew where she stood with Benin, but Gaul might still hate her for her father's actions, and she knew not to trust the Seelie Court.

But she needed the money.

It wasn't easy for the disgraced noblewoman, living so frugally, but she made the best of it. She'd escaped that golden cage, and she'd learned how to fly. She was content, but now she was afraid. But she wouldn't run from her fears, she was no coward.

The crunch of a footstep behind her made her jump, quickly turning to see who it was, but it wasn't a family face. With a little laugh, she patted her heart. "You made me jump."

[abigailxargent]

Benin’s Court have found Comtesse Abigail Argent of Benin & Gaul. She is aged 28 and is human.

Message me if you want to plot!

Abigail’s father was a Comte and merchant of Gaul, a well liked man who was friends with the king. Abigail never realised that in all his travels that he told her about, he was actually the king’s spy. That was what had brought him to Benin, but he was found out by them, and arrested. 

Due to his status, they didn’t kill him. They didn’t even hurt him. He was simply a prisoner of state, allowed to do whatever he wanted as long as he followed the rules. The key rule was never to leave Benin.

Without a choice, he made a home there, and married. Abigail was the daughter born to him of that marriage, born into being a prisoner. For much of her life, she’d be one, a prisoner of a gilded cage. She had the best education Benin had to offer, never wanting for anything, but her parents always reminded her, that could end at any time. There were always guards watching them, watching her, not to protect them but to make sure they didn’t try to escape.

And then one day, her father said they were going home. They’d been freed. 

It was a scary time, leaving Benin for a land she only knew of in stories. She kept wondering if the guards would change their minds and kill them as they left. 

But they made it to Gaul in one piece. The family’s fortunes had been decimated, and there was a new king on the throne, but their adventures were a currency of their own kind, and they were accepted into the court easily. Abigail even became friends with the King’s sister. 

Everything felt like it was falling into place. The family was respected, she was soon to be married, she had friends. And then it was discovered that her father was still not truly free. He’d been released on the condition he spied for Benin. 

Abigail’s parents were imprisoned once more, and she was banished. She did not wish to return to Benin either, so she started travelling, only to discover that her excellent education was not one that really translated well to surviving on her own. She knew a lot about the real world, but not how to live in it. 

While helping a seamstress one day, she was singing cheerfully to pass the time, not realising that she caught the attention of the fae king Oberon. When she left for the night, he grabbed her, pulling her into the fae realm as his newest form of entertainment. 

She thought she was there for years, singing for the Seelie Court, but when she finally left, it’d only been months. Those months, or years, whichever you wanted to call them, had done one thing though. They’d taught Abigail how to survive. 

She was prepared for the world now, and returned to her nomadic life, this time using her voice was her main business. Most ships were happy to pay for entertainment, allowing her to see the whole world, to control her own fate and freedom. 

[peaceorwar-rp-blog]

Benin’s Court have found Comtesse Abigail Argent of Benin & Gaul. She is aged 28 and is human.

A prisoner of state, her childhood was spent wondering whether her glamorous life would come to an end. And it did. Freed, her father was allowed to return to Gaul with his family. The family fortunes had taken a hit, but their adventures gave her plenty to talk about in court, which was it’s own currency. However, she never realised that her father’s freedom had never really existed, he’d been turned as a spy, a fact which came to light when she had just been betrothed. Everything fell apart, but she held onto hope that the gods would have mercy once more. She took to a nomadic life, unwilling to settle anywhere as home was something that did not exist to her. At first, she struggled, but when the Seelie Court kidnapped her for their entertainment, she found herself figuring out life very quickly. Once she had her freedom once more, she was determined not to let anyone take it away from her again. 

Her opinion on the treaty is that it’s a lovely but unrealistic idea, but she will forge her own path in life.

Connections:

Adaeze Okafor: meeting anyone from the home of her childhood always creates mixed feelings for Abigail, but she is flattered that the young woman likes her voice well enough to hire her as a court musician. 

Richard Armstrong: the merchant graciously gave her passage to Atlantis in return for entertainment during the long voyage. 

Duchess Valois: the duchess and Abigail forged a friendship, but when the truth came out about her father, she lost all touch with her and has no idea how much she has changed. 

King Oberon: it is strange, to feel grateful to someone who kidnapped her, yet she does. If she had never been taken to the Seelie Court, she would never have gained the strength she does today. Not that she’ll ever thank Oberon. 

Faceclaim: Angel Coulby