moonlight on your skin

Ariadne, 27, Courtesan of upper Manon, also known as the Siren. {shattered thrones roleplay}

[ariadneofmanon-blog]

Silver Rose Row had been Ariadne’s home for many years now, and the courtesan took pride in the ease with which she moved around it, be it through the large and overly populated pathways or through the dirty and poorly lit alleys. It was a silly thing to feel proud of and she knew it, but it had taken the full duration of her training as a courtesan for her to even begin to understand the workings of the village. Some never did, much in the same way as a king who dies without ever setting foot in half the rooms of his castle - but not Ariadne. There she was both queen and keeper of keys, moving with grace and confidence through the place that was the closest thing she had to her own castle.

She had been away from home for the day, and was now returning just as the sun was starting to set. It was easy for her to thread the familiar path home, but the dim light presented a challenge for those unfamiliar with the village and its peculiarities. And so it was no surprise for Ariadne when she came across someone looking rather thoughtful while standing over a crossroads near the courtesan’s house. It was a few hours until Ariadne’s next appointment, and so she took pity on the poor creature. “Are you lost, my dear? Can I point you in the right direction?”

[hermajestylucia]

Lucia enjoyed her switch days, the days she let Aurelia be Queen and she became a regular girl,gallivanting through Piyara while her delicate sister played the part of the sweet and loving ruler Lucia wasn’t.  She liked most of all to find out what her people truly thought of her and the king and almost anyone would spill their heart to a girl with a pretty face who may or may not look a great deal like their Queen.

The Ivory Spider was her first stop for a drink and once she settled in to the overcrowded and dingy tavern,she smiled and watched two very drunk men fight.

“I’ll bet you four coins one of them passes out drunk before the fight is over. What do you say?” She asked the person nearest to her,careful to keep her face partially hidden in the off chance she would be recognized.

[ariadneofmanon-blog]

Ariadne preferred to do business in Manon, first and foremost. Her reputation preceded her, and she could rely on the usual clients to come and find her even if she was not to set foot out of her house for a whole day. Yet she knew how hard she had worked to achieve that status, and so she took precautions not to lose it. Precautions that included venturing out of Manon on a few odd days. There was less financial gain in it, but a larger chance of making a new acquaintance or forging a promising alliance.

The Ivory Spider was a well-known tavern in Piyara, and Ariadne had never known a tavern to be short in courtesans. But she was still a foreigner, and that would usually be enough advantage to draw a few pair of eyes her way. And besides, the place seemed to draw people from all walks of life – a feast for someone like Ariadne, who was always eager to make powerful friends.

She was careful not to drink too much on what was meant to be a work day, so she had been sipping on her ale for a while now. She had been watching the movement in the tavern, but so far no one in particular had caught her attention. The question from the stranger on her side was a sudden and welcome distraction. She thought the voice was somewhat familiar, but did not think much of it. Ariadne knew a lot of people, and besides, she had always been best at remembering faces.

“That seems like it won’t be a safe bet for me.” She commented on regarding exactly how drunk the two fools were. “Say, five coins that the bald one passes out first.” She continued, after observing the two drunkards a moment longer.

[iheartnewt]

wardrobe series ➙ daenerys targaryen 

[ariadneofmanon-blog]

To Queen Lucia of Piyara

 My dearest Queen,

 I hope this letter finds you in good health. As I understand, you were probably not expecting to receive my correspondence. It is my personal preference to discuss either business or pleasure in person, and being in your presence is always such a delight that was the situation any different I would certainly be standing in front of you while delivering this message. However, I felt that the matter at hand required me to keep my distance for the time being – you will understand my meaning soon enough.  Before I can proceed, I just want to assure you that I have taken every precaution so that this letter was seen by your eyes and your eyes alone.  Not that the content is secretive, but a queen should have her privacy respected.

You should recall that in our last conversation you told me of a certain lord that had been feeling quite depressed, and how I, as your loyal friend, could make sure that such a man was returned to his good mood, for the benefit of your kingdom. Well, I have now come to know this man, and in the last few weeks we have grown very close. The gentleman has charmed me, and I, in return, have charmed him right back.  I hope his acquaintances have come to notice his change in behavior? You are a most wise ruler, to want your lords to be happy, for that does make for happier subjects and a better kingdom overall. In case word has not been given to you yet, the gentleman has improved in health and behavior. Love is a powerful force, is it not? A man that once was so grim can now be seen entering my house with a smile, at every night fall, without a fault. And he is so very full of love that he does not leave my side until the sun starts appearing in the horizon.

I am sure that this news must please you, my dear queen? Oh, I should be ending my letter now. However, there is something else I need to confide. I have come to love having this man by my side every night, but deep in my heart I fear that he might grow bored of me soon. He is such a good and noble soul, while I am only a humble manonian courtesan. Others like me can be found around every other corner, and I dread the day when he might meet another that strikes his fancy, leaving me in my bed feeling so empty and alone. But another part of me dreams that his eyes will never turn to another. Who can say if any day now he will not decide to propose, to ask me to be his beloved wife, or at least his paramour to the end of his days. I would wish for nothing else.

I need your advice, my queen. I hope you will forgive the urgency, but this is the plea of a heart in love. All I know is that the situation is about to change soon and I need to act fast so that he will not escape me. While I have him tied to my bed every night, this is the time to act and no later. You are the most intelligent person I know and a kind friend, and this is why I turn to you in this time of need. Help me, send word and tell me what to do, but do it fast or I fear I will lose him forever. 

My deep affection,

@hermajestylucia

[ariadneofmanon-blog]

“A toast to peace then.”

[ariadneofmanon-blog]

queenmaraofmanon

“You are certainly right about that. I believe in the people and in my heart I know that this will work itself out. If they can trust me not to fail them that I can do the same.”

“Then you are a wise ruler. And I am sure this will be good for the people’s morale... They are not used to having a say on their own fate. And this way, they will have no one but themselves to blame if it turns out to be the wrong decision.”

[ariadneofmanon-blog]

stolenxshield

Brynja nodded after Ariadne had ended. Yes, this made sense. As long as it was not clear which of the four kingdoms would survive - or even win - another war, the other rulers were as careful as she was now. It did however disappoint her a little that the courtesan was not able to tell her more about her enemies movements.

“An outsider? We suggested as much before, I do believe though a traitor seems more likely. There are many things wrong around here, many people in terrible and low positions, striving to change their lives for the better…” Like we once did…

“How do you wish to be repaid for your help though?” Brynja remembered the last time she had made a deal with the courtesan before her, this time she did not fear the answer to her question though. No matter the price, keeping her people save would be worth it.

Unrest took hold of her again, like it had done so many times before in the past weeks, and Brynja began to pace the room a little. “I do understand that you need to maintain your business even in times like these, but please bear in mind that the Badlands are still on the rise to power. We have gained much and changed a lot in these kingdoms throughout the last years, but we are only just beginning. The war may be over but our struggle will continue. We can be of help for each other in the future, as we were in the past, I am sure of that ymuch.”

Ariadne knew she had told Brynja little that would be of use, but she hoped the woman would understand it in this occasion. She was familiar with all manner of business going on in the kingdoms, but what had happened in the Frost Ball had taken even her more powerful allies by surprise. 

If Brynja thought that her knowledge was insufficient she did not mention it. Instead she did not hesitate to offer to repay her. It was the natural behavior for a leader, she imagined, but Ariadne had not been thinking about a rich reward this time. Still... There was something that Brynja could offer her for no cost and that could prove useful in the future. She did not know if the woman would agree to her proposal, but she was never one to back down before trying.

“I would never attempt to take away from you and your people what you had fought so hard to win during the past few years.” Ariadne felt she had to clarify. “But there is something you could do for me, as an act of good faith and payment for my future services, if that’s something you think might be of use to you. You of course know that the Badlands are closed for outsiders, us without a drip of magic in our blood, unless we have a clear invitation. That’s what I would like to ask, if you would wish to grant me. A permanent invitation to the Badlands. You can see how it would benefit my business, but I make no demands, merely a request.”

[ariadneofmanon-blog]

queenmaraofmanon

“Not a decision of this nature aleast. Either way someone will lose and someone will be angry. I wanted the chance to save these lives but this might only makes things worse.”

“Perhaps it’s better this way. If this was to be solved between the kingdoms’ rulers, and they did not agree, consequences could be even worse. The people can get angry, but they can’t command armies.”

[queenmaraofmanon]

“This could prove disastrous but if it is the will of the people,I will stand by it.”

[ariadneofmanon-blog]

“It will certainly be interesting to watch. The people are not used to making decisions for themselves.”

[ariadneofmanon-blog]

stolenxshield

“Yes, I do understand your position completely.” Brynja nodded, being aware of the delicate situation the kingdoms and every living being they held were in now. One wrong step could lead to new sides forming, new alliances that would not end well…

“I do not intend to do anything if my hand is not forced. I wish to find this thief, to reclaim what was stolen from my kingdom. If that brings me in the position to give the other kingdoms their jewels back I will do so. But while I concentrate on finding a thief, I cannot concentrate on preparing more defences. There is only so much one can do in a day…” The brunette sighed, before shaking her head slightly. She was so tired lately, how long could she go through with all this before collapsing?

“I need to know if the kingdoms intend to lay the fault of this at our feet. While they use it as another reason for attacking us? Or do they wait, as we do?”

Ariadne did not envy Brynja’s position. All of the rulers were struggling, but the leaders of the Badlands were in a more difficult position than most. If pagans were once again thought to be the enemy, four armies would turn against the Badlands. She considered all that she had learnt in the past few days, so she could answer the young woman’s inquiry.

“I have not seen or heard of any movement that would suggest an impending attack on your land, this much I can tell you. Even those most prejudiced against pagans are hesitant to pass judgement - they can’t understand why you would steal your own relics, even as a political move. Right now they suspect a new enemy, perhaps a conqueror from other shores testing our defenses or a traitor working independently.” She paused for air, while checking for the woman’s reaction. “This is all speculation, as I understand. But every ruler knows that the peace between the kingdoms is hanging on a fine thread - and no one wants to be the first to break it.”

Normally Ariadne would ask for some form of compensation for her knowledge. Yet this time she felt that she knew too little for it to be worth something. And having a pagan leader think of her as an ally could prove to be compensation enough in the future. 

[ariadneofmanon-blog]

stolenxshield

“Correctly. I fear that is just what happened. I have been on high alert for so long, I cannot believe I could let this happen. All the hard work of the last month could be for nothing. I cannot stay here any longer, I need to find whoever took our relics, before someone else does…”

“Then I shall not keep you any longer. I will be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary. Just be careful, Brynja. Whoever did this is dealing with powers beyond our understanding.”

[ariadneofmanon-blog]

adifferentcoin

“Please, having the pleasure a conversation with you brings does the opposite of ruining my mood. You are not only beautiful, but apparently also very intelligent. A rare thing when it comes to the nobles I am normally interacting with. Should you wish though to change the subject to a lighter one, I will be more than happy to follow your lead.”

“You flatter me, sir, and yet I am not humble enough to stop you.”

 But I would suggest you to interact with different folk more often, for I have found kitchen maids with infinitely more brains than many a noble. Of course, the world is built with all sorts of people with all sorts of walks in life. Have I asked what it is that you do?” She pauses, raises an eyebrow and smiles softly. “See how swiftly I changed the subject once you encouraged me? If you really do not mind it, then this is me, altering the course of our conversation.”

[ariadneofmanon-blog]

stolenxshield

It took her a moment to reply, as always Brynja wondered one more time if this was a good idea, before finally listening to her gut and trusting Ariadne. “I fear this thief… He will bring the kingdoms against each other once more. This could end in another war and I am determined to keep such a thing from happening. So if there is any information you have, on what the kingdoms are doing now, please tell me.”

Ariadne studied Brynja for a second or so before forming her reply. She felt that she knew the woman enough to trust her, but shouldn’t she remain cautious? Brynja spoke of keeping the peace, but she was still a leader to her own people. And there was a strong possibility that pagans were behind the robbery, even if the woman herself was unaware of who they could be. If she somehow divulged sensitive information, then that too could lead to war. “I  must ask you first, what kind of information were you hoping to find? The kingdoms have been quiet, mostly, but one hears things from one mouth or another. Yet I fear that you could do something abrupt simply because of a piece of gossip I passed on.  I hope you can understand my position,  but if there is something specific that you think would be useful, then I might still be able to help you.”

[ariadneofmanon-blog]

hievingivy

“If you’d like that.” She said with a soft nod before crouching down to get closer to the fire.

“Thank you”. She smiled sweetly. She did not mind waiting alone, but she figured the girl could also use the warmth. “Are you a servant here, dear? My mother was once a servant in a beautiful castle.” It was not something she told everyone she met, but she thought it might make the girl more at ease if she did not take Ariadne for a lady.

[ariadneofmanon-blog]

stolenxshield

“Do you think it will ever stop snowing again? I quite like it this way though, everything seems far more peaceful. But yes, I am of course disturbing you for something important. I need information.”

“Yes, at least the peaceful part is nice... “ She smiles in agreement, for Brynja spoke the truth, although Ariadne herself had never been fond of cold weather. “But information, is it? What kind? I hope I can help you, if it is as important as you say.”

[ariadneofmanon-blog]

thievingivy

She nodded and returned her focus to the wood she had gathered up before. It took her a bit of time, but once she got it lit, Ivy stepped aside for the woman to get closer. It wasn’t very big, but the amount of heat it gave off was a decent one. Hopefully the other would view it in a similar way.

“Why, thank you, darling.” She spoke while approaching  the fire, feeling slowly returning to her stiff fingers. “Would you like to keep me company while I wait? You must be cold as well.”

[ariadneofmanon-blog]

thievingivy

“Would you like something warm, m’lady? I could certainly make a fire!”

“A fire would be lovely, if you’d be so kind. I’m waiting for someone but they are running late. Funny since they were the ones that asked me to come here.”