we will burn you first

oly water cannot help you now, a thousand armies couldn't keep me out. I don't want your money, I don't want your crown. See I've come to burn your kingdom down.

[cecilaeigniscor]

A Fallen Disguise || Aelorene + Cecilae

[cecilaeigniscor]

What would guards do to them if they found us in Winterhaven? Cecilae wanted to believe they would treat them nicely, but a part of her knew they would do anything but that. Staring at the ground, she mumbled, “I suppose I would like to keep my guts.” She bit her lip to keep from laughing at the inopportune time. It was so odd to say that in her mind.

The wig atop her head, they pulled away from the pillar and began walking towards the castle. The two reached the inside of the castle with their disguises well in place. “Once we reach the main hall, what will we do?” It seemed anymore Cecilae had no clue what they were doing. She hardly ever was told of strategies. Even when she was, it usually entailed smaller plots of a bigger plan. It hurt to know she wasn’t aware of their plans.

To be quite honest, the need to sneak around had begun to make her stomach flutter. As they got closer to the doors that would hopefully lead to the main hall, she felt her stomach beginning to tighten. She felt her heart begin to beat faster. What would happen? Would they succeed in whatever they were doing?

Trying to breath more than she was, Cecilae looked to her sister with wide eyes and whispered, “I’m scared.” 

[aeloreneiginscor]

As soon as she saw the slight simper cross Cecilae's lips, making an effort not to laugh aloud in fear that the guards may overhear them, she was glad to have seen a slight change in her spirits. Although Cecilae had agreed with her when she had denied Wiley the permission to attend Winterhaven alone, she knew she was far too loyal to stay behind and allow her loved ones to tread upon the enemies ground alone. Despite how afraid she may have been, Cecilae was a lioness, and a lioness never presented their fear.

"The brown suits you." She taunted at Cecilae's obvious discomfort about wearing the wig, allowing the simplicity of two young sisters teasing eachother slip into their lives for a mere moment. Aelorene didn't answer her for a short while, allowing thoughts to ponder inside her head while they remained behind the pillar. "I want you to enjoy yourself." She spoke simply, turning to look at her with serious eyes. "Seem at ease with your surroundings, as if you have endured the wolves chill many times. Stay out of sight of the people you have seen before, even the Tyce's as we do not know how they may react."

As they began moving once again, following the guards direction assuming that was the way to the festivities they were supposed to be attending. Or at least, that's where she hoped they were going. Wiley had slipped into the room with Soph first, ensuring that everything was clear before they had their queue to make their own way over to the hall. Wherever that was, anyway. "We are here only to observe, and that is all. No disagreements this time sister." She added in a lighter tone, an amused smile crossing her face.

That wiped away considerably quickly considering her next words. I'm scared. Truthfully, so was Aelorene. She didn't enjoy being in foreign places where she knew the desert would not play to their advantage. Any enemies would most likely die of thirst, hunger and heat if they did not know how to handle the Southern Desert correctly. "You are a lion sister. And by what right does the lion bow to the wolf?"

[jackburkhart]

[aeloreneiginscor]

Fire and Ice II Aelorene & Rodrick

[rodricktyce]

Her words had come as surprise, drawing an inelegant snort from him as Rodrick held the goblet to his lips, sincerely regretting the attempt to take a sip. Reaching up to wipe at his nose with the sleeve of his cloak, he sighed dramatically, chuckling softly when he finally lowered his hand. He kept his eyes downcast for a little while, an irritating heat spreading across his cheeks like wildfire. Glib was most certainly being added to his list of ways to describe the young rebel. A handful of retorts came to mind, though he swiftly bid them away. He might not have lacked for wit, merely the confidence to offer up such remarks without stumbling over the words with his own tongue. Rodrick simply offered her a smile in return.

I hope not, went unsaid in response to her jest. If that day were to be the highlight of his life… Rodrick couldn’t help by balk internally. What a poor excuse for a life mine would be, he thought, tracing the rim of the goblet with his thumb, eyes closely following the movement. He hummed an distracted affirmation, watching as the index finger he’d tapped the side of his cup with produced tiny ripples in the wine. Though he breathed a laugh when he glanced up from beneath his lashes and caught her smirking. Aelorene was in fine spirits, given the circumstances, at least.

“She’d not done anything to compromise herself,” Rodrick felt obliged to say, being the main reason behind Cecilae’s discovery as he was. “Your face is likely more familiar to them then hers, regardless.” Pursing his lips at his own bluntness, he lifted his head, prepared to offer some sort of apology for implying that her disguise might be more fallible than her sisters. A shallow breath escaped him instead, his thoughts all merging together in a single, indecipherable tangle. His lips drew into a thin line, the corners twitching in some attempt at reassurance.

Rodrick returned her smile, keen to move on from his own social ineptitudes. “You’re welcome.” Common courtesy he could manage.

His eyes widened a little at her murmur. He didn’t want her to be wary of him, jest or not. He got enough of that already.

The mood lifted a little when she shared her thoughts on the cold, however. Oh, how he could empathize. “We are surrounded by life now, are we not?” Rodrick chuckled, gestured to ongoing dancing. “As for the cold—yes, yes it is.”

[aeloreneiginscor]

The snort that came from his lips while he battled with swallowing the fiery liquid caught her by surprise, causing her to turn her gaze and look at him with quite a questioning look. She hadn't been expecting a reaction to her sarcastic comments on how people found dueling entertaining when she found it simply a waste of time and energy, especially not such a positive one coming from Rodrick Tyce of all people. It seems that the brooding young man was not as severe and serious as she had once thought, though she wondered how many other people actually knew that about him or were they all simply put off by his silent and awkward mask? The small smile he offered her allowed a few questions to go through her own mind, wondering for a moment just what he was still doing here talking to her. Did he want something from her? Aelorene was barely accustomed to kindness for no real reason, though a suspicion told her that he was probably the same.

It seemed that he was not as stern and serious once one actually approached him for a change and didn't feel the need to become uneasy in his presence, and that was when his relation to the rest of his family truly showed. The Tyce's were usually quite confident and relaxed people who knew where they stood and took family very seriously. To them, family was their most important loyalty before anything else. It seemed once Rodrick found somebody who wouldn't patronize him, he began to feel much more at ease. That was something that only made Aelorene feel slightly more comfortable, despite the fact that her position with the West remained in limbo. Brushing those thoughts from her mind, she offered him a small shrug and took another small sip of her goblet. She was not going to worry about that, for once. 

"As long as she is safe, then it is no matter." She felt slightly uneasy at the fact that if Rodrick were able to recognize her, then it wouldn't exactly be hard for her to recognized by somebody else. Somebody who wasn't going to be as easy on them. Still, she thought to herself as her eyes gazed over the room until she was able to pinpoint exactly where she was stood. She had to speak to her later on during the night, just to remind her to try stay as concealed as possible. Cecilae was truly like a little girl when it came to galas and balls and anything where she could wear a pretty dress. The thought made her simper slightly, knowing that she was as innocent as a babe itself. "Well then, I had better thank the three sisters that it was you who recognized me and not anybody else."

She raised her goblet a little in his direction at his courtesy and remained quiet for a few moments, catching his eyes widen slightly. "I was jesting Rodrick." She said in a comforting warm tone, a small smile etching upon her lips. 

He had misunderstood her when she described Winterhaven as lifeless, though she wondered if it were only her who could see such a thing. The people here seemed so forced, almost as if every step and action they took required a good deal of effort. Even at a celebration such as this, there was an underlying sense of sadness.

"We are. Though most people already seem dead, almost as if the harsh winds have sucked all the happiness from them. Everyone looks as if they are being forced to act happy out of fear." She spoke absentmindedly, moving her eyes back over to him. "Or perhaps the drink is talking." She let out a small laugh, making a movement with her hands that indicated she might as well brush off the subject.

She shook her head slightly at the dancing, echoing his laugh once more. "Dancing and myself just don't get on very well." As he continued talking, she crossed her arms slightly over the front of her dress to preserve any warmth she may have in her. "See, the cold is just awful. The temperature at Queensgarden was even quite chilly for me, though this is just absurd. Have you ever traveled South before?"

[aeloreneiginscor]

Fire and Ice II Aerolene & Wiley

[mrbradleycollins]

He hadn’t approved of the idea of the three sisters disguising themselves and to infiltrate within the heart of the most dangerous place for them as the rebels to be. He had proposed for himself to go alone and bring back secrets he had discovered during his stay but found himself ending up leaving with all four of them. 

It was true he had another reason to go to Winterhaven, a reason he could not speak of but right now his first priority, again, was to watch the Igniscor girls and protect them from harm. He had his hair dyed black which made his pale skin and hollow cheeks look like he might have originated from Winterhaven rather than anything else. 

As they had managed to enter Winterhaven, into the castle and in between all the guests that could be counted among their enemies, he had kept his distance. Occasionally passing one of the girls just to see if they were all right and to hear the conversations they were having. They didn’t look like themselves. Their original silver hair was now gone and that had been the most significant mark the girls would bear according to the rumors. 

Eventually he found his way near Aelorene, stepping besides her as he held a chalice of ale, speaking as he held the chalice against his lips. 

"Aren’t you a little young to drink, my lady?" He joked, avoiding eye contact as he overlooked the ballroom, watching Cecilae conversing with a young man. 

[aeloreneiginscor]

Catching glimpses of Wiley throughout the night every hour or so, she felt slightly more comfortable knowing that there was at least one familiar face that was safe. He had proposed the idea to venture to Winterhaven himself, though Aelorene had put her foot down without even hesitating and forbade him to even think about walking into the wolves den alone. They were family, and family came before everything. Instead, the four of them had decided to go together as they considered the fact they would probably be safer with a larger number of people.

She wasn't entirely sure if Wiley was enjoying himself, though he knew what his main duty was here. That was one thing she probably loved about him most, he was always such a straight thinker. Nothing could possibly shake him when it came to their cause and most of all herself and her sisters safety. Loyalty was whats truly binds him to her, and that's why she knew that he was one of her most trusted advisers. Still, that didn't mean she was going to let him tread upon the enemies land alone.

As she noticed his face flickering beside the candlelight, she allowed the tension in her shoulders to fall slightly and relaxed as she made his way over to her through the crowds. They were careful not to exchange too much eye contact in fear of somebody noticing their strange behavior and reporting them to a guard, which would definitely lead to their own exposure. No, instead she acted distant though she knew he would understand why. At his joke which he had muttered in a low voice, she allowed the hints of a smile to cross her lips and followed his gaze to where Cecilae was happily conversing with an unknown handsome looking man.

"For an occasion? Definitely not." She replied smoothly, taking another sip of her drink almost as if to prove her point. This would be her last glass of the night as she did not want to risk being fully intoxicated this night.

"Have you seen Sophrionia upon our arrival Wiley?" She questioned softly, her eyes gazing around the room in a rapid action. Cecilae had stayed upon her sight as she had requested before they entered the hall, though Sophrionia had stated that she would not get herself into trouble.

[aeloreneiginscor]

Fire and Ice II Aelorene & Rodrick

[rodricktyce]

Rodrick never really got much of a chance to form a solid opinion of Aelorene during her stay at Queensgarden. The only time he’d spent with her being confined entirely to the meeting afterwards, and even then, they didn’t actually get a chance to converse with one another directly. Still, she’d come across well, he’d concluded that much. Aelorene spoke with purpose - determination - and he held a great deal of respect for her, despite his own hesitations about the course of the rebellion itself. If he were in her position… Rodrick didn’t know if he’d be able to manage the same.Not with quite the same impetus, at least.

A hint of a smirk graced his lips at her question and he angled his head to offer her a pointed look of subtle amusement. “No,” he said, scarcely louder than a whisper. Rodrick held her gaze a moment before letting out a heavy sigh and turning to observe the dancing, lifting the goblet to his lips with no small amount of resignation. The knights’ combats were too easily distorted by his own head to hold any real enjoyment. He’d figured that out long ago. One particularly vivid memory of being chased down the halls by a man in a suit of armour, for the figure to simply fade away into the darkness, was quick to squash any pleasure he might gain from the displays. If Rodrick were of the right state of mind, they were tolerable, impressive feats of skill that he could appreciate, but those moments were rare.

He bowed his head at her thanks, eyes still trained on the dance floor, goblet rising to his lips once more. Rodrick winced as the liquid burned insistently at his throat, swallowing heavily to ease its passage. How anyone could drink wine on a regular basis was beyond his comprehension.

Tilting his head back towards her, a small smile graced his lips as he exhaled a shallow breath. “Your sister,” he said. “Through no fault of her own, I should add.” The amendment came quickly. Rodrick had no intention of implying that Cecilae had somehow carelessly outed herself. “I have a good memory, is all.” He shrugged apologetically at that. If he could’ve remained ignorant to their presence, he would’ve done.

“Is Winterhaven as you expected it?” The cold must’ve come as quite the shock, at the very least, he wagered, if Cecilae’s reactions to it were anything to go by.

[aeloreneiginscor]

The Tyce had been quiet throughout most of the audience as he stood beside his parents, his arms clasped infront of the jewels sewn onto the front of his tunic with his eyes refusing to meet eye contact with any other person in the room. At first look, his presence had made her slightly uneasy. The man seemed terribly serious and almost grave if she was pushing it, so she figured she ought to talk mainly towards his mother whom she had exchanged a few words with earlier. She had no idea what he thought of her cause and even her herself, as he didn’t even allow a smile to grace his lips during those crucial moments. He was an important factor to Queensgarden’s succession, being the eldest born son before his twin brother Leone. She briefly wondered what the brother’s relationship was like with one another, though she figured she would soon enough find out anyway.

His upper lips twitched again though this time it was more in a cheeky and sly manner as a tiny smirk began to etch it’s way onto his lips. It was a strange sight indeed, she thought to herself as she attempted to work out the reason as to why the smirk had graced his lips. “Shame.” Her reply was smooth as she flickered hrr eyes over his face, trying to work out whether the heir to Queensgarden was pulling her leg or whether there was something she simply did not know about. “It must be such a joy, to watch two grown men attempt to duel eachother and become as excited as little children themselves.” A hint of sarcasm was in the tone of her voice, though it wasn’t in any sort of mockery to him. “And even better if one of the two fall to the ground. The joy.” Aelorene had never really seen the point in knightly combat unless it was being used in the correct moment, which to her was either battle or practice. Swords were no toy, and it wouldn’t take much for a sharp blade to meet the end of a man’s short life. It was good to see some men still possessed simple common sense around here.

She noticed his small wince after he took another long gulp of his wine, clearly indicating that he wasn’t a heavy drinker. “You seem like you’re having the time of your life however.” A small smirk almost identical to his own crossed her lips, making it clear that she meant no real harm towards him

Her eyes widened slightly at the mention of her sisters name, instantly regretting taking Soph’s advice to split up in order to gain more information. It was pure luck that it was only Rodrick who had recognized her, but she would not risk anybody else discovering their presence in Winterhaven. “She’s almost like a naive child, a sweet fool. I’ll make sure that she stays out of courtiers ways.” Pausing for a few moments, she offered him a small smile. “Thank you, again. Some would say it’s wonders that she’s actually older than me. I’m the baby of the family.” Her voice lowered slightly as she continued as she began swirling the contents of her cup and looking down at her reflection. Or was she the sweet fool?

"Remind me to be wary of your good memory next time, Rodrick. She murmured halfheartedly, offering him a small smile this time. It was obvious that he was a good man, despite his social problems and truly meant no harm to anybody.

"It’s bloody freezing. An Iginscor is not making their way back up here anytime soon after this all over with. Is it always this cold and well, lifeless?"

[reasonably-loud]

Visit Original Link

[iheartgot]

[aeloreneiginscor]

Just A Little Girl || Irene & Aelorene

Despite the winter chill that was biting away at her warm blood, she had grown accustomed to the sudden shivers that creeped down her neck and along her spine spontaneously. Briefly wondering how the wolves could stand such freezing temperatures for so long, she figured that they must think the same about the scorching heat back South. Though when was the last time somebody from the North bothered travelling down to see the conditions their people were being forced to live in? Aelorene pulled the thick fur coat tighter around her petite body and abandoned such thoughts from her mind. Of course they hadn't bothered with the South for years, yet they still dared to claim it as part of their kingdom. If the three goddesses granted her their blessing, that was something Aelorene hoped to abolish. Let them remember what happens when the North marches on the South, for all she cared she would set everything up in flames if pushed. 

Perhaps it was the irk beneath her skin at being forced to look upon face after face of the people she knew had turned a blind eye to the cruelty going on in the South and had nothing in their power to speak up against Deston and his harsh treatment. Were they afraid of him? Was he a formidable presence to even the North, who were supposedly his most loyal supporters?

Letting out a low sigh, Aelorene flickered her bright orbs over the dark sky and watched the different stars shimmering thousands of miles away from them. There were hardly any stars out tonight now she paid full attention, only the odd few lighting up the sky. Instead small snowflakes began to fall onto the ground where she was stood, and she watched them with a slight awe. There was no such thing as snow in the climates she and her family lived in, but she thought it was beautiful. Cold, yet beautiful.

Her attention was cut short when she heard footsteps from what she guessed was another path in the gardens behind the many bushes that lined the garden of Winterhaven, despite most of the plants being dead. It was lifeless and grey compared to Queensgarden. Hurrying her pace up slightly as her shoes crunched beneath the gravel, she turned a corner to find herself face to face with a young girl. Her skin was pale, her hair brown and yet something about her seemed as lifeless as their surroundings. Her eyes almost looked as if all happiness had been drowned from them.

"Forgive me, My Lady." Aelorene apologized gently since she had nearly collided with the woman who seemed startled enough, and couldn't help but feel pity towards her. "Do you need some sort of assistance? I'm not quite sure if it's wise for us to be out here alone."

[play-listings]

Visit Original Link

Just A Little Girl - Trading Yesterday You paint me into the memory of all your pain But I will not be drawn into the past again 'Cause all of this is all that I can take You could never understand the demons that I face So go ahead and bat your eyes and lie right to the world For with everything you are, you’re just a little girl

[aeloreneiginscor]

Fire and Ice II Aelorene & Rodrick

[rodricktyce]

Discovering the Southern rebels were in attendance had provided him a distraction he so desperately needed. It gave his mind something else to mull over, at least. Rodrick couldn’t quite discern what they’d be getting out of the venture, though. They hadn’t brought a sizable party along with them – somebody would’ve noticed that much – so he’d quickly ruled out some sort of intended conflict. An assassination seemed equally unlikely. Winterhaven was foreign to them, after all. The fortifications too unknown a variable to contend with. They might’ve come to simply observe, perhaps, but that seemed like too much trouble to truly be worth the attempt.

After running into Cecilae, he’d kept an eye out, half-heartedly thinking that he might be able to cover for one of them, should they accidentally draw any attention to themselves. Their discovery wouldn’t go down well at all, to say the least, and the idea of there being any bloodshed that day surged a wave of panic through him. It was Irene’s day. She wouldn’t want that.

That Queensgarden might also be implicated should one of the rebels be found also crossed his mind. They couldn’t have Winterhaven misguidedly thinking the engagement was merely a ploy to smuggle their Southern ‘allies’ into the castle.

Rodrick sighed, hastily tugging a stray hair away from his eyes. The day had wrecked havoc with his nerves. He tended to shy away from wine usually, not caring for the way it affected him, but an overwhelming need to calm himself down won over habit. It was only when he moved closer to the serving girl to retrieve a goblet that he noticed a familiar face. The hair was different, but her features were the same, he was certain.

Moving over with an uncharacteristic ease – his usual tentative strides would only draw notice – he closed the distance between Aelorene and himself. “Most of them are keeping themselves occupied with the knights’ bouts,” he said softly, “though some seem like they might soon tire of it.” The corners of his lips quirked, not quite a smile, though there was a degree of warmth there. “Just as a point of reference, My Lady.”

[aeloreneiginscor]

The hair falling over her shoulders in a cascade of rich brunette warmth was beginning to irritate her as it fell over some her facial features, as she usually wore her silver her out of her face and up in a braid. She knew if she had done that there was an increased chance of somebody recognizing her soft and almost childlike features, which seemed quite ironic considering the fact she was leading a rebellion against monarchy itself. She ensured to stay out of most people's way in fear of being recognized, though she was able to tell most of the important member's of Queensgarden court as they usually had guards or ladies in waiting accompanying them. It was easy enough to slip back into the darkness then, though there was no need for that at the moment. Her sister's had separated during the event, something that Soph thought wise though Aelorene was slightly afraid of any mishaps Cecilae may find herself in.

Raising the goblet to her lips and taking a deep drink of the red wine inside it, knowing with some intoxication would be the only way she would be able to keep herself calm upon the enemies land. She had thought that she had caught glimpses of Deston throughout the evening and only when she realized how tight her grip had become on the goblet and how her pulse rate had increased rapidly did she find it able to calm herself. A king, he calls himself. It took a good deal of self control not to scoff at such a thought, and instead just took another look gulp of her drink.

She briefly wondered what Queensgarden would say of their intrusion, though Aelorene thought it best not to risk it. It was a family affair after all, and she did not want to ruin the chance of their support. So she warned both her siblings and Wiley to stay away from leading families of the North and the West, as it was better to play it safe rather than be sorry.

Her gut was telling her to glance to her left as she felt somebody's gaze upon her, and she couldn't help but intake a short breath. Just when she had thought everything was going well, this person who was approaching her could be the one to blow it. Nobody had approached her all evening as she acted as if she were invisible, making eye contact with no person and making no noise. Almost like a shadow itself on the wall. Flickering her eyes over reluctantly, she was surprised to find the heir of Queensgarden himself looking at her with what she would assume was the closest he could fathom to a smile.

She had never spoken to him previous of the audience, as it were the first time she saw his handsome yet nervous face. Anxiety was clearly still etched upon his face yet he seemed slightly more relaxed, striding in ease and not in the awkward walk she had noticed when they had all left the room prior to the audience. "And do you not find yourself entertained by the bouts, My Lord?" She asked politely, her pulse increasing slightly. She was worried about what he may do now he knew her presence, though she was determined not to show such a thing. "Thank you, for the warning. What gave it away?"

[cecilaeigniscor]

A Fallen Disguise || Aelorene + Cecilae

They had just made it inside Winterhaven, a land covered past eyesight with snow. Every step Cecilae took filled her shoes with snow, and she felt herself shivering even more with each step she took. Since the Igniscor siblings had hair so recognizable, it had been advised to wear wigs until well within the walls of Winterhaven.

Instead of her bright blond hair, Cecilae had dark brown hair to see. It threw her off to see such dark locks every time she looked.

"How much longer until we can rest?" Cecilae asked aloud to her sisters. Sophrionia looked off in her own thoughts, perhaps thinking about what this engagement between the north and west meant. Well away from many Winterhaven nobles who would recognize them immediately, she began to itch at the wig. It was uncomfortable, and she wished to remove the wig and just be herself.

She pulled her cloak closer to herself and shivered. After a drop hit her head, she squirmed, ducking her head to shake any out of her hair. A whoosh and Cecilae saw blonde hair once more. This couldn’t be good, Cecilae thought. Not good at all. She spun around, her blond locks blowing around with her in their naturally curly look to spy her younger sister Aelorene walking towards her.

[aeloreneiginscor]

The freezing temperature even inside the stone walls of Winterhaven was a creeping chill slipping under the warmth of her skin, almost as painful as a bite itself. It hadn't taken long for them to begin complaining under their breaths as their Southern blood began being attacked by the bitter chill. Her and her siblings had chosen to sneak their way into the wolves lair, and despite their unease, Aelorene knew she could not let herself even fathom regretting their choice.

The Iginscor woman were renown in the South for their golden locks, Aelorene's herself pushing golden and moving more to silver itself. To see dark locks upon herself and her sisters amused her slightly, though it had worked. Nobody had detected their presence. Yet.

"As soon as we make our way into the main hall Ce." Aelorene responded gently, when in all of a sudden her sister's brown locks fell to the floor and her golden mane was present once again. Not even hesitating for a moment to see who was surrounding them, Aelorene swooped so her skirts were on the ground and picked up the heavy mass of brunette hair before throwing it back to her. As Cecilae began to put her wig back on with an obvious heavy heart, her heart stopped as she heard the distant sound of footsteps and deep male voices.

Grabbing her hand, Aelorene pulled her behind an ornate pillar and rose a finger to her lips, obviously indicating to Cecilae to remain silent. As the footsteps grew closer and she could see the shadows of two built men flickering across the walls, she pressed her back upon the pillar even more as her hand slipped down to the skirts of her dress where she hid a small dagger. The glint of silver caught Cecilae's attention, whose innocent eyes widened immediately. With the slight shake of her head, Aelorene held her breath as she heard the footsteps walked straight past them, unaware of the Southerners hiding behind the pillar. "Guards." Aelorene breathed as she heard them turning a corner, slipping the dagger back in the folds of her dress. 

In response to Cecilae's disapproving look, Aelorene raised her hands slightly. "What was I supposed to do if we were caught? Let them have our guts?"

[andjelaxo]

[pughflorence]

[aeloreneiginscor]

Fire and Ice II Open

There was a strange rush of adrenaline flowing through the blood in her warm veins as Aelorene made her way into the great hall with a firm stride of confidence. She favored the shadows in this hall, lingering beside the flickering shadows coming from the fire in order to ensure she didn't gain too much unwanted attention. When Wiley had informed her of the event taking place in Winterhaven, she knew what she planned to do. They were truly treading on the enemies land now, and if they were discovered, it would mean the blade. That is why only her closest companions traveled North, including her sister's and of course Wiley. Though out of fear of being discovered, they had to ensure precautions so nobody would be able to recognize them. Aelorene herself had suggested that they dressed like the Northerners, in cloaks of fur as well as coloring their hair temporarily. Her once silver hair was now a dark brunette, thanks to her mother's knowing of herbs and remedies. 

Winterhaven was made of stone, though it had none of the welcoming aspects of Queensgarden. The cold here felt like it were eating at her warm flesh after becoming accustomed to the scorching desert heat. It took all the self control in her to ensure her chattering teeth were not made obvious, as it would then be clear that she was not from the area. Everytime she saw somebody from Queensgarden whom's face she recalled distantly, she backed slowly into the shadows of the flames and made her way around with her head down. Aelorene was here to merely observe the event, and planned to take no action yet. She had heard some bits of citizen's conversations which mentioned a woman called Irene Haelstarv, though she was still trying to work out what was going on here. 

Clearing her throat slightly, she knew that she needed to stop acting suspicious before somebody began suspecting her. Taking a goblet of wine from a serving girl passing by her and thanking her softly, she prayed that she would not be discovered by one she already knew. Or at least, somebody who would reveal her presence.

[tristanofnoyen-deactivated20140]

"And she calls herself the true Queen.” she spat, not even bothering to hide her hostility towards the woman. “If she fears us from Cecilae’s words alone, then I cannot wait to see her face when we take her precious throne.”

"Very well." she replied cooly, "Now the hard part will be thinking of a way to ensure an alliance with them."

[aeloreneiginscor]

"Ooh, cold." She remarked in a playful voice, raising her eyebrows in response in the venom in her voice. Her sister usually ensured to keep a cool and collected state of mind. "If, we take her precious throne. I doubt the Tyce's enjoy the idea of a Southerner seated upon the throne of the North."

"I'd much rather not vex them into anything. Pascella is Andromaque's sister after all. I would not risk her wrath." 

[tristanofnoyen-deactivated20140]

She rested on the bed while her eyes travelled to where Aelorene stood. She stood by her balcony, clearly observing the view of the barren area of land. The corner of her lips tugged into a small and rare smile, pleased to be in the accompany of her sister alone.

"Last I heard she had retired to her chambers and is sleeping." Sophrionia replied, "I assume you are aware of our sister’s disagreement back in Queensgarden?"

[aeloreneiginscor]

A slight frown etched upon her face as the happenings of Queensgarden were brought up again, and even more so when being reminded of Pascella's dispute with her sister. "Even I would say that was petty of one calling herself a Queen."

Nonetheless, she had been infuriated at the fact Pascella had thought she would be able to lay a hand on Cecilae though Adromaque's words of peace remained in her mind, and so she managed to contain herself while ensuring Cecilae stayed clear of Pascella. Despite her sister's innocent and naive ways, she had the Iginscor fire. "How do you think we did anyway?"

[aeloreneiginscor]

The Audience || Southern Rebels, Millard and Andromaque

[behatibeep-deactivated20141030]

Millard placed a hand comfortingly on his wife’s arm, to soothe her obvious excitement at the prospect of their long-awaited audience with the Souther Rebels. “Calm yourself, my love.” he whispered so that only Andromaque could hear him. He was dressed in his courtly robes with his crown sitting comfortably atop his head. He turned back to the doors as they opened and waited for the rebels. He looked to Rodrick as to tell him to relax, just as he had his mother moments before. Andromaque spoke to them first as he looked at the visitors, as if analysing how large of a threat they could be. 

"Firstly, I would like to welcome you to Queensgarden." he said standing and collectedly looking at their guests as Andromaque finished her speech and acknowledged him. "My queen makes valid points, should it be felt by either one of us or Crown-Prince Rodrick that any comment or look could be taken as an offence, you will be sent away." he said, commanding their attention and respect. Millard raised his hand to let them know they could stand and sat down on his throne, with one more look at Andromaque and Rodrick respectively, he looked back towards the rebels. "You may commence your presentation." 

[rodricktyce]

Rodrick straightened himself when the doors opened, returning the reassuring look his father gave him with a curt nod and a flat smile. True to his mother’s word, they’d both allowed him to stand in on the meeting. A brief flicker of nausea lurched in his stomach, his nerves briefly getting the better of him - and a small part of him longed to curl up with a good book by the fire somewhere instead - but he swiftly clawed back his composure, jaw setting in a firm line.

As they entered, Rodrick bowed his head, trying his very best to maintain an impassive expression. He was only really there to observe the proceedings, it wouldn’t do them any good if his own face betrayed anything more than it should. 

At his father giving them permission to plead their case, Rodrick’s head lifted of its own accord, his own curiosity getting the better of him.

[aeloreneiginscor]

Her face remained blank, etched with nothing but determination despite the nerves that had begun a faint sensation of fluttering in the pit of her stomach. The two families stood facing eachother in silence as Andromaque spoke her words which were fair yet firm. If the situation had been switched, she knew that her very own family would state the exact same. "I understand, Your Grace." She replied in a smooth voice, before taking a single step forward. 

"The barbaric treatment the North have bestowed upon the South has gone on for too long. It's been years in which we have been left to fend for ourselves, and soon enough we will follow the likes of the East." The tone of her voice was calm yet passionate, a flame sparking in her eye. It was now or never. "Food is scarce, slavery is thriving and innocent are dying. Enough of this slow massacre." 

Pausing for a few moments, she flickered her eyes over the faces of each of the family members present. Stern faced Rodrick caused a sense of unease in her, though she tore her eyes away and continued to his mother and father. "And so I propose the North pay for their treatment of us, as it would not be long before it turned on another kingdom." 

"Though that does not mean I mean for the innocent to suffer. Women and children, the townsfolk in general. They will not be affected and not a single hair on them will be touched. I swear it."