Dragon General

40 years old, son of Mordu

[angmcr-deactivated20211114]

Threatening Dark - Nerissa & Dorian

Honestly, she really should’ve known better by now. But, with her visions murky & clouded lately, Nerissa was as in much of a dark as everyone else around her, & since the nightmares & the creatures she couldn’t foresee howling in the dark, she didn’t trust that her visions would ever return. Something was hindering her sight, moving & shielding itself from her gaze, lingering in the darkness & shadows that she couldn’t illuminate. It felt dangerously lot like a void, an abyss of darkness with unseen eyes & evil smiles, devils grinning in the dark - but she didn’t know of any devils, only of magic & what it could do.

Magic wasn’t supposed to summon the dead back to life. It wasn’t supposed to pervert good souls, decent souls (well, those that were good & decent.) into these abominations of darkness threatening to cast the world into sorrow & madness; & pain. The faces of the deceased had surprised her, but the moment they threatened captains & generals, her gaze flickered frantically between her brother & her husband; finding Dorian in the crowd was easy & pushing her way to him even easier, with everyone just standing like petrified statues, attention fixed upon the horrid figures.

Reaching her husband in a blink of an eye, Nerissa grabbed him by the arm, half to steady herself & half to assure herself he won’t disintegrate into thin air, she hissed out in a quiet tone, meant only for him; “Dorian, we are leaving. We are leaving now. Home, where I can protect you.”

@dorianangmar​

[dorianangmar]

The physical manifestations of their dead were meant to scare them, of that Dorian had no doubt. And it was unsettling (an understatement). But it was Dorian’s job to remain stalwart and unaffected. Even if his heart raced at the thought of what these creatures could do....Everyone was afraid, and so Dorian could not be. He was trained not to let his feelings cloud his judgment. He could think logically. While whoever was behind the threats was clearly escalating no one had actually been harmed, yet. The nightly monsters were meant to scare, but they had not attacked. He would give thanks for small mercies, though small they indeed were.

Dorian had checked where Nerissa was earlier, but suddenly she was by his side, her fingers digging into his arm almost painfully. He could see the look on her face, almost akin to panic, and it struck Dorian to the core. 

“Nerissa--” he began, before looking around. People were only now starting to shake themselves out of their stupors, fear plain on their faces. He drew her towards an alcove. 

“We can’t leave yet, and you know that. I have protections in place here for myself anyway, for all of us. You know that,” he said, keeping his tone gentle and soothing as he rubbed his hands up and down her arms. All of their delegation had spells and tokens of protection that Dorian had made for them himself. “If we leave now, it will cause a panic.” 

[queenellarion]

Inviting family | Daphne & Dorian

[dorianangmar]

queenellarion‌:

THE ANGER SHE HAD FELT at her mother’s secret has gone away within days, but by the time she was starting to feel excited about her extended family, they were gone, returning back to Mordu and her opportunity to truly talk to them, was cut short before she could blink. Now, she simply felt stupid for letting her emotions cloud her judgement, but she’s decided to mend the situation, inviting at least one of her Mordu based relatives back to Eyden. And who was better to invite than the general, and her very own uncle? Her mother would be happy to see her brother again, and she hoped he would be free enough to make another tip to her kingdom. After all, it was a queen who invited her, and she doubted her cousin, the king, would have anything against her spending some quality time with their shared uncle.

Daphne had waited for days, as patiently as she could muster, for the ship to sail from Mordu, having been passed on the word of her uncle’s arrival. She was excited beyond words and the giddiness was evident in her frequent trips up and down the castle, and circling around the grounds, making sure that everything is ready for her uncle’s arrival - and the closer the ship from Mordu came to Eyden’s white shores, the less she could contain her nervous excitement. So, to avoid confusing and possibly giving a headache to her mother, husband, ladies and staff, the queen ventured down to the pier to wait for her uncle’s arrival.

It would seem that she’d come right on time, as the ship was seen sailing in as she threaded towards the stone-and-wood pier, with a wide, but not too wide to appear naively childish, smile. Her uncle descended from the ship and Daphne neared him with a welcoming smile. “Uncl - I mean, lord Angmar. Welcome to Eyden. I’m very happy you came.”

@dorianangmar​

Though Dorian had been loathe to leave Mordu again so soon, he had been not been able to refuse the invitation of Eyden’s queen--and more importantly, his niece. The request for him to return had come as both a surprise and an honour. 

Aside from the recognition from a queen, Dorian was happy that the girl wanted to get to know him better, just as he did her. Plus, he would get to see his sister again. He was glad that they could travel openly between kingdoms now. The years where letters had been all he had to sustain his relationship with his sister had been difficult, not least because of Dorian’s growing responsibility in the kingdom. 

Pushing all of that aside, Dorian breathed deeply of the fresh sea air. Even if he did not adventure as much as he had in his youth, he still enjoyed the atmosphere of the water: the smell of the water, the waves crashing against the hull of the ship, the rocking motion while it made its way to its destination. 

As the ship started to dock, Dorian’s eyes easily found the blonde head of his niece. She reminded him of her mother, and a fondness easily lodged itself in his breast. Even though she was of Eyden, Dorian knew that he would do everything he could to protect this girl. No matter that she was a queen, she was still his niece, and therefore his responsibility. 

He bowed before her, hand over his heart, and smiled. “You are very welcome to call me uncle, Your Highness,” he reassured her. “I was honoured to have received your invitation.” 

[angmcr-deactivated20211114]

The Aftermath - Nerissa & Dorian

[dorianangmar]

angmcr‌:

The question came as a surprise, but something about it chilled the very blood in her veins & threatened to shatter her bones. Could there be another? What kind of a kingdom would it be, commanding foul things & speaking foul words? It didn’t seem possible, but then it seemed possible. To some, Mordu was an impossible thing to happen, yet they were there, living & breathing & existing in secrecy. Could there be another? Another uncharted territory. The archives could hold the answer, but all of their codex were already long read & long discovered, unless the knowledge of it was kept in the deepest, darkest niches & corners of the Ruinous Archives. “I don’t… Gods, Dorian, I don’t know. It’s possible. It’s horrifying, but it’s possible, just as we’re possible. But, where would they be?” She retorted, not expecting an answer. She didn’t know & she couldn’t know. But her visions… yes, her visions could have a connection to it. Maybe her visions would make her see the truth again. 

“The only legends I know of are those of us & our reappearance, but something bothers me about it. We were meant to resurface in a war, leading the world to an eternal victory, eternal peace, but… Noctifera’s stable. Marya’s stable as well. They’re even politically showing friendliness with one another.” Unless the Elementals weren’t talking about Mordu. But the scrolls & codex mentioned magic, & it was Mordu which held magic, palpable & alive in their veins & their world. “All myths have a basis in reality, Dor. I’ll have to return to the Temple & access the lower parts of the Ruinous Archives to find the answer. Maybe it’s in one of those books in the darkest parts of the Archive that we haven’t read yet.” Nerissa sighed & leaned her head against her husband’s chest again, allowing herself to be calmed by his steady heartbeat.

“What do you think we should do, if there’s another one? Find them & rip them out root & stem before they can do that to us? Or leave it all be & see what sorcery they bring unto us?” She quietly questioned. Nerissa wasn’t the one for warfare & battles, not when it meant putting both her husband & her brother at the front, right in the centre of danger, but… maybe this time they won’t have a choice, & if it turn out to be true, she’ll be on the battlefield with them.

“Well, it’s not as if we’ve come to the edge of the world yet, love,” Dorian said, one corner of his lips quirking up in amusement. It was fleeting, however, for his own thoughts were so sobering. He was a leader of men, a warrior, but hardly an adventurer. He didn’t go seeking trouble. Dorian was a man who knew that enough trouble came his way without going looking for it. His duty was to guard his kingdom against known threats and try to predict others. Could he have predicted another kingdom? 

He shook his head, trying to clear it. The future was uncertain, and murky, and no one could predict it fully, not even his wife with all her gifts. There was always chance, changes, fate. 

“So why now? Can there be a war that we don’t even know has begun? Is that even a war?” It was frightening to think they could be in the middle before they even knew they had begun. All the while they were striving for peace, had it already slipped through their fingers? No. Peace was still possible. What chance could another kingdom have against the five of them? Even if something did happen, they would triumph. Whoever was trying to drive a wedge between them would not and could not succeed. 

His palm slid up and down her back, a soothing rhythm. It was as much for him as for her. Whatever else happened, Nerissa was here now, and safe with him. He would keep her safe, always and ignore the ways he could not. There was nothing he could do when her own magic was turned against her. No matter his own powers, he could not block hers. 

“I don’t think it’s one or the other my love,” he sighed deeply, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head. “Rip them out? We know nothing about them, if they even exist.” What a concept. Another kingdom? And why would it have focused such malice upon the Five? “Perhaps all this is just the mischief of a few rather than the many. We cannot sacrifice innocents because of our own fears. Nor, however, will we leave ourselves defenceless.” His voice deepened and firmed with his own assurance. This at least, he could say with confidence. 

“We must protect ourselves and do what we can to help the other kingdoms. We will leave no one at the mercy of the Darkness.” 

[angmcr-deactivated20211114]

The Aftermath - Nerissa & Dorian

[dorianangmar]

angmcr‌:

“I don’t know. That’s the problem. I can’t see. I don’t see anything amiss, but I know something is amiss & it’s driving me close to madness. This isn’t Mordu. & it isn’t Noctifera, or Eyden, or Marya, or Iatris. It’s not of our part of the world, but what it is I do not know.” The Guardian sighed, trying her best to gather her thoughts into something more coherent, so that her husband might help her understand. The thing was, she understood what this was, she understood it but she couldn’t voice it, she couldn’t string a coherent sentence about it, because it was dark, & terrible, & unnatural - but it was also natural, in a way that few things truly were. It was confusing & she didn’t know how to cope with it. 

Dorian’s gentle caress, & then his tight grip on her managed to push some semblance of calm back into her, but despite that, concern failed to leave her. She could feel it bubble beneath her skin & festering in her mind & heart. Not many things could make her feel such terror, but the very thought of losing Dorian, or Selina or Erion, made her tremble with fear. But, she kept the trembling in check, squeezing back his fingers. “Don’t blame yourself.” Nerissa’s voice came out soft & gentle, sounding saner than she felt, & her hands moved around her husband’s neck, stepping once again back to his warmth, before snaking around his waist. 

“You have to swear, Dorian. We both worry for each other, but you must swear to me that you’ll be more careful than ever. Promise me.” The Guardian whispered out, beginning to feel frantic with despair. “I couldn’t bear anything happening to you. You must promise me you’ll be safe.” There was not a vision in sight to make her worry, but there was a true, profound fear that it might happen, that a terrible vision might surface & she was terrified beyond wit & word. She worried about Selina as well, but her sister had a husband of her own, who would also protect her with his life. It was Erion she was more concerned about, as he was on his own & a captain at that. A captain & a general. Was her fate to worry about the men she loves the most in her family? There was no sweeter burden, & no more terrible a pain, should anything ever happen to them.

“My torment ends at seeing you safe.” Nerissa softly added, closing her eyes as she rested her head against her husband tall, comforting frame. She would indeed go mad if anything should happen to him.

“Could there be--” he paused, gathering his thoughts, inhaling deeply the scent of her. His chin rested on the top of her head, arms tight around his wife as Dorian tried to figure out what to say. Just as Nerissa seemed to be having troubles articulating just what she was thinking, he was also concerned with the turn his thoughts had taken. 

It was an idea, newly formed, and yet, a distinct possibility. One that Dorian didn’t particularly want to face, but had to voice anyway. Nerissa wouldn’t call it a foolish thought, nor would she simply laugh away the concern, or dismiss him outright. And they shared their ideas, both understanding that the other offered an additional perspective. Dorian was well aware that Nerissa was wise and smart; he had no problem admitting that his wife exceeded him in many areas. 

“Just as Mordu faded from memory and from the world...could there be...another?” he asked, his voice quiet. “Are there any other legends that might suggest such a thing? Myths that could instead be real?” 

For what had Mordu been up until recently but a legendary land, a kingdom of old, fitting more into storybooks than maps?  There were more things in the world than Dorian could ever explain. Another kingdom couldn’t be that far fetched, could it? Could there be other places in their world, as yet undiscovered and unknown? His arms tightened around her again at the prospect, for, exciting as it might be, if that was the answer, these forces were clearly not interested in peace like the rest of them.

[dorianangmar]

alixcngmar‌:

lips stretch in a smile , chuckle erupts from her & the queen nods in agreement. “ sentiment is shared , my lord. unless my husband commands I prefer to keep myself from it. “ she enjoys dancing , but in the privacy of her kingdom & the people she trusts with her life & soul ; & while her cousins are present , she does not trust the majority of the other kingdoms - good , kind or not , they all have their own quirks & they all have their own ways of betraying one another.

“ I am. my cousin would have my head if I dared to have a poor time in her kingdom. “ Alix chuckles & eyes instinctively fix upon the cousin in question & her red haired sister. she does miss them when she in home in Mordu & she takes any opportunity to see them ; “ Morgan made an effort to include everyone in the party , the least we could all do is to have a jolly time. I am happy I could see her & Vivian. our return might not have too many good sides to it , but seeing my cousins on a more frequent basis is certainly one of them. as is the possibility of everlasting peace , naturally. “ she chuckles at the latter. it was a dream but it seems achievable ; for now at least. “ & how are you enjoying yourself , Dorian? are you & Nerissa having a good time? “

“Well hopefully with the two of us together, none will dare approach,” Dorian says, inclining his head towards her as if telling a secret. The corners of his lips lift in a hint of mirth. 

He chuckles, low in his throat, for he knows his queen is right. Queen Morgan has done everything she can to make everyone welcome, but most of all her family from Mordu. “Naturally,” he agrees easily. An admirable goal. He fears, though that everlasting peace is nothing but a dream. It was a dream even before the voices started their menacing of the kingdoms, and he fears that, like the fog, the remnants of the dream will slip away through their fingers, vanishing without a trace. 

“With it being the wish of both you and Queen Morgan, how could I--we, not be?” he asks. Even at the mention of her, Dorian’s eyes wander to find his wife in the crowd, and, as if she feels his gaze, she turns toward him. Their eyes meet and he smiles at her before turning his attention back to his queen. 

[angmcr-deactivated20211114]

The Aftermath - Nerissa & Dorian

[dorianangmar]

angmcr‌:

She’d asked herself the same thing, while she was staring in the embers of the fire. Could it be an illusion? But, illusions either affected all or just one person in particular. If this was an illusion, then it was strange, targeting only Guardians & those with some sort of connection between their oddness of magic. How could the caster of the illusion know the Guardians & all those secrets, but then again if the caster of the illusion was in their midst, Nerissa would’ve seen the person at least once in her visions, she would’ve been made aware of them before they were of her & her gifts. “I don’t… I don’t know. I don’t know if it could be anyone doing these things, or if it just a collective sort of hallucination. No, I don’t think it is. It’s… it’s not of our kingdoms. Of the either of the Five of us.” She sighed, her head resting securely on her husband’s chest.

He always knew how to soothe her, whether it was with his words or simply by being beside her, but with Dorian in her arms now, she felt like some smidgen of her strength was returning to her. “Pain was the only thing it wanted me to feel. Us. All of us. It targeted Guardians & my sister, & our queen’s sister… Selina & Elyse have a similar power, but then what’s the connection to me & the Guardians?” Nerissa bit her lips as she thought of it. “I didn’t see anything. No visions came & that’s how I know it wasn’t the vision. It hurts far less, my gift. This was just… torment.”

At his words, she took a step back to truly look at him. Still, there was nothing amiss with him, no pain, no physical torment or the mental one; at least not to the extent that hers was, still visibly lingering in her eyes & her posture. “I was worried about you, even then, when I was blind to everything else. You, & Selina & Erion. I heard her & it tormented me more, but what hurt me more is that I couldn’t feel you. In that moment of pure darkness, I couldn’t find you in the crowd, it was…”

Terrible. He didn’t need to finish the sentence for her to know, just like she didn’t have to finish hers for him to know. What happened was terrible & it threatened her with madness & fear, & she didn’t cope well with either of the two feelings; especially when her husband was in question, when he might’ve been in danger, he who was her everything. “Dorian. Dorian, you have to promise me you will be careful. More than careful, & more than before.”

“Not of any of the Kingdoms? Targeting the Guardians?” Dorian shook his head. “Nerissa, where would it be from? And why target the Guardians?” He was not a stupid man. In fact he prided himself on being as much brawn as brain. Dorian was not a scholar, but nor was he just a sword. And yet he didn’t understand this, any of this. And that frightened him. 

Just as he was not stupid, he was also not a man easily frightened. By the Storm King, he was a warrior, and a good one. He did not simply sit by and let his men do the hard work. But he could not fight against something he couldn’t see, nor comprehend. 

At the word ‘torment’ his stomach clenched again. For all that he could be gruff and reclusive, he was a man of deep feelings, and he felt for no one as much as his wife. She was a gift to him after he had given up hope of ever finding such happiness again. Dorian had resigned himself to being alone in a sea of people, guarding other people’s happiness and only occasionally partaking in it. He had been able to tell by her screaming that it was agony but to hear her stay it still hurt Dorian, for he had been helpless. His arms tightened around her again. He hadn’t been able to protect her.

Though he did not want to let her go, when she moved to step back, he allowed it, arms falling from her back. At the concern on her face, his hand reached again for her, cupping her cheek, his thumb gently stroking. As her words grew faster, the hand fell, both of them coming round to clasp hers. His callused palms and fingers enclosed over her delicate hands, and he had to fight not to clench too hard for fear of hurting her. But his grip was firm all the same. “I will always be there. Here,” he said fiercely. “I am sorry I couldn’t get to you fast enough.” 

His head dipped a little, breaking their eye contact, his eyes instead falling to their twined hands. The helplessness he had felt while she was screaming would be a pain and a problem he would hold close for the foreseeable future. He had to plan. See what he could do if--Spirit forbid--there was a next time. He hated that she could feel as if she could find him, as if he wasn’t there. 

She was worried about him. It was so typical of Nerissa, to be concerned about others, but it had been her wellbeing that was threatened. She was the one in pain, the one who had been touched by the darkness. “Nerissa, I’m fine,” he reassured her. “My only torment was in being unable to prevent yours.” 

[angmcr-deactivated20211114]

The Aftermath - Nerissa & Dorian

[dorianangmar]

angmcr‌:

Relief washed over her for the briefest of moments, when her husband crossed the room to hold her in his arms. It was all it took for the haze in her head to clear & the glass which she held in both hands, now rested in her right palm, as she snaked her arms around her beloved’s neck, pressing herself closer to him & letting out a long breath, something she wasn’t even aware she was holding. Relief came at the assurance that he was safe, a gentle inspection as she craned her neck backwards to glance in her husband’s eyes. “Dorian.” Her voice was soft, but hoarse around the edges, hoarse from the minutes she’s spent screaming.

Nerissa leaned her head against his chest, softly shaking her head at the question. “I’m not sure. I don’t know. I can’t know for sure. It’s… it’s different, Dorian. This thing tonight, whatever it was, it’s different in a way I’ve never felt before. It makes me edgy & I don’t think it’s over. I can feel like, just like I feel my vision. This is it, the same thing that gives them, but it isn’t. It’s different in a way I can’t grasp. More concise, more direct. The visions are pure magic, a gift if you like, but this is magic mixed with something else & it’s that else part of it that makes me… terrified.” She rambled, pressing herself closer to her husband, assured by the steady beat of his heart that he’s safe. “You’re alright? You’re unharmed?” 

She leaned against his chest and he stroked her hair. Dorian wanted to tangle his fingers within it and hold her there for an eternity. Wanted to fist her hair, tug her head up and kiss her senseless until both of them forgot the terrors of the last few minutes. But he didn’t. She needed steadiness, not his desperate attentions, calm in the face of the storm. 

Since their marriage he had tried to be her safe haven, the eye of her hurricane, a safe perch to rest her weary wings. Nerissa soared so high above him in her dreams and visions--and frankly she was above him just by being who she was--that he did all he could to bring her comfort whenever it was possible. 

“I can feel something too,” he admitted. An agitation in his veins that had nothing to do with his own body’s fight or flight response. He’d feel better if there was an actual enemy to fight, some way to release the pent up energy. But it was his magic that was reacting, bubbling beneath his skin. It was a dangerous combination when both sides of him were in unison wanting to be released to protect what was his. His wife. His family. His kingdom. 

“Could it have been some sort of illusion? Not showing you, but forcing something upon you that it wanted you to see or think or feel? Did you see anything...during?” his voice turned harsh at the end, the echoes of her screams still ringing in his ears. He had no doubt that the sound would feature in his nightmares for years to come. 

His hand pressed against the back of her head once, holding her to him before he began stroking her hair again. “I’m fine,” he reassured her. “Or rather, I am now.” Now that he knew that she was fine, if not totally unharmed. But Nerissa was strong and she would overcome this, used as she was to bouncing back from magic. 

“Gods, Nerissa but that was--” Terrible.

[angmcr-deactivated20211114]

The Aftermath - Nerissa & Dorian

It was… It was terrible. There was no better word for it, nor any better description. It was terrible - the pain which drummed in her head. She felt the screams before they came, she felt it in the violent beating of her heart, painfully skipping a beat. She felt it in the panic prowling beneath her skin & while her husband was her greatest comfort, something told her that her sister would be in the spot, too & so she hastily sought her out. & right on time, it would seem. The screaming came abruptly, without any warming, but she knew, she knew all along that it would happen & that both the Thessal sisters would be the ones screaming. & when the first wave of pain had hit her, her hands flew to her head, pressing at the temple as her legs gave out, bending her in a crouch. 

But, fortunately, her silver mask was still in place & save for the select few in the room, no one would know it was Nerissa Angmar who was screaming to loudly, blinded by such a white pain, such a dreadful, mind altering pain that it rendered her breathless. It came abruptly, without a warming, & in the same manner it ended, leaving her clawing for breath. But, there was another thing there, in the back of her mind & after noticing her sister being tended to by her husband Cassius, Nerissa was aware that it was only the matter of seconds before Dorian pushes his way through the crowd to her - & she didn’t want him to find her in such a state, so she scrambled to her senses long enough to dart from the murmuring crowd & slip through a darkened corridor towards the guest chambers they were staying in.

By the time her husband entered their room, Nerissa was at the very edge of her nerves, clutching a glass of brandy & standing in the middle of their room, with her gaze fixed upon the flames in the fireplace. The cackling fire was soothing, but it reminded her of something, when she focused & stilled enough to hear the embers - it reminded her of a dark laugh she heard in her head while she was screaming, so when the door of the chambers she’d shared with her husband creaked open, Nerissa all but jumped out of her skin, slowly turning around until her eyes met her beloved’s. 

@dorianangmar​

[dorianangmar]

Always attuned to his wife, he had seen her hasty breaking away to get to her sister and had instantly been on the alert. Was it just his magic, or something else that made his skin crawl with sudden awareness?

All the screaming was terrible, but the sound that left Nerissa’s lips was horrifying. It cut straight to Dorian’s heart and made his knees go weak. Nerissa was no stranger to unusual, mystical events, and he had heard her distress before, bu this, this was different. This was no vision, no nightmare. This was unbidden, and sudden, and sounded like it was being torn out of her and the others who were screaming against their will, and with much pain.

Her flight towards her sister had taken her further away from him. And even though Dorian had started towards her when she dropped to a crouch when the Screaming began, she still got to her feet, recovering quicker than he expected when it ended. Of course. Nerissa’s will was strong, and she would not remain in that vulnerable state for any longer than she had to.

There was no hesitation as he followed her when she left. She didn’t even look around, and Dorian wondered whether she was fleeing what had just happened, or him. But of course she’d want privacy after that, and space and time to think about it, try to figure out what had happened. 

After a quick glance around to make sure the members of his party were being tended to, he left the grand room, following in his wife’s small footsteps unknowingly. Were he concentrating, he would still find her scent lingering in the hallways, but all he was focusing on was getting to her. His tunnel vision didn’t even take in the others standing frightened and uneasy around him. They didn’t matter in this moment. Only Nerissa did. And his brain categorized them all automatically as not being any threat. 

When he entered the room and she jumped, Dorian’s heart thumped painfully in his chest. Did she not expect him to come to her? The look on her face tore at him as well. He crossed the space separating them in a heartbeat and had taken her in his arms. The brandy was held between them, but Dorian didn’t care. He hugged her tightly, his face against her hair as he breathed in her familiar scent. When he pulled back a little, his hand came up to cup her delicate cheek. 

“I won’t even ask if you’re all right,” he said, his voice slightly rough with suppressed emotion. He knew that it would be a stupid question. 

[alixcgmar]

smile stretches lips , eyes glide over the room at the sight of dancing pairs & laughing maids speaking in hush tones with dashing lords. it’s a night of wonders , of music & perfumed scents in the air & the sound of rustling gowns provide a soft murmur across the polished floors. there’s uncertainty in the air , but she ignores it for the time being , her magic sings a warning song but she dims it down , determined to enjoy the peace between so many different peoples. everyone seems to get along this night & worrying about things that might not be anything more than a nauseating habit , drilled into her by the time she spends on the throne.

fingers pluck a goblet of wine from the table & she draws it to her lips , watching the crowd squeeze closer together in a lively dance. Alix doesn’t indulge in a dance , but if her husband or the members of her family ; extended included , ask for a dance she would not refuse them the honour. magic tugs her to her left , alerts her to an approaching presence & the queen rotates enough to greet the person with a friendly smile & a raise of her goblet. “ a toast to you , for a wonderful evening. I hope we may have many more like it ahead of us. & how does the evening find you? weary of dancing? “

[dorianangmar]

“Dancing?” Dorian raises an eyebrow, his expression one of sardonic amusement. “Only if Your Majesty Commands it,” he replies teasingly. Or his wife. Dorian can deny Nerissa very little, and even then if he does, it’s usually for her own good. All he does is for his family and his kingdom. Both of which Alix represents. 

No, Dorian does not dance but watches. Protects. He feels more comfortable in Noctifera, among those who are family, but he would feel more comfortable still in Mordu. Their Kingdom’s decision to step back into the world has drawn them away from Mordu more comfortable than Dorian is comfortable with. Oh, he still has his messengers, his spies, and he is at an advantage to other rulers in that he has his own magic and that of his people in order to remain in contact. But he misses being on his own land, knowing every nook and cranny, having every tactical advantage. Here, he is constantly evaluating and re-evaluating.

“Are you enjoying yourself, Alix?” he asks, permitting himself the informality. She is his queen, but she is also his niece. It is important that she feels she doesn’t have to carry the burden of leadership at all times. She is still a young woman after all, and he wants her to know she isn’t alone in her care of the kingdom--or of Adrian.

[dorianangmar]

facing the music

@emberangmar​

Dorian had thought in the days following the reveal that Ember would come to him. That she would want to explain herself. Make peace. But she kept herself apart, hiding it seemed from him, and it irked Dorian. How could anything be resolved this way? Ember had been a queen, she should face challenges head on, and seek to explain herself. Dorian had nothing to explain. He had not hidden away a child or lied by omission about its very existence. He had not decided to reveal a great family secret while on a diplomatic mission. He had not disturbed the family peace, and shaken all of them to their core. 

So why did he then have to seek her out? He wasn’t keen on making it seem as if he were hunting her down for an explanation, but enough was enough. She had managed to avoid him up until now, but now they were on a boat and there was nowhere to go. It was time to end this silly game of cat and mouse. 

Dorian was not going to devour her. He might have a dragon’s rage, but she was family, and he did not unleash his fury upon those he cared about. He still held a great deal of respect for his brother’s widow. Or he had up until now. His annoyance was currently chipping away at it, but that did not erase the affection he still held for the woman. And he trusted his wife enough that when she said that this had to be done, he would accept that.  But that didn’t mean that Ember got to act as the wounded party, hiding herself away to lick her perceived wounds. 

Striding across the deck, Dorian bounded down the stairs to the cabins. Raising his fist, he knocked decisively on the door. 

“Ember, come on. There’s no use in avoiding me any longer.” 

[dorianangmar]

ladycaliadne‌:

Well that was dramatic.

She wasn’t the one to be easily spooked, but her eyes found her sister’s dark hair in the crowd, and she relaxed, unaware that she was tense in the first place. She wasn’t the one to be frightened by things which were neither seen nor particularly there, but things it said hit home, and it hit home hard. The music returned in full volume, and Lady Caliadne sighed, rolling her eyes with a vengeance.

Great.

Overcompensating, like usual. She was not amused by the people and the way they all attempted to ignore things, despite ignoring them herself. Well, she ignored it so that she wouldn’t sulk at a wedding feast. Elis sighed before her attention was turned towards the man sitting close to her, muttering the same thing she’s had on her mind since she’s finished her glass of red wine, downing it the moment the Voice had spoken.

“I don’t think an entire bucket of brandy would suffice to drown the bitter taste the Voice left, but perhaps wine would help? There’s more of it in the pitcher and I was just about to pour myself another glass.” She pointed at the silver pitcher in front of her.

Dorian forced a smile for the lady next to him. “I don’t know if that will be enough either, but it’s worth a try.” He reached for the pitcher, kept conveniently full throughout the night. “Please, allow me,” he said, gesturing for her glass. 

“I apologize for seeming in ill humour,” he said. Who wouldn’t be after something like that? But it was no excuse for being rude or making a lady feel potentially uncomfortable. Dorian was trying his best to represent Mordu in a good light, as a kingdom not to be afraid of. But he was starting to wonder if it weren’t other kingdoms and things that should be feared before his own.

[angmcr-deactivated20211114]

Dragons in the Lake - Nerissa & Dorian

[dorianangmar]

angmcr‌:

She wondered what the Lightning Queen had in store for her, with the vision going disturbingly murky lately, falling out of her memory before she could even acknowledge them; & now, as she looked at the lord Angmar & his small smile, she had a disturbing feeling that it might have revolved around him. She wouldn’t be surprised if it did, but she didn’t want to think of it, especially with him around. The visions, as of late, normally related either around her family, & the amusement she felt when she foretold her sister would marry Cassius, or around the Angmars; namely, her friend, the queen, & the young princess. But, they weren’t of the worrying kind & that made her all the more suspicious.

“You’re not disturbing.” She replied with a gentle smile, before continuing. “We don’t get many visitors here at this time of the month.” The dark moon was a splendid thing, & for the Guardian of the Lake it was an important thing as well; with the total darkness, her visions would get as clear as they would on a full moon, & as potent, if not more potent. But, the hour of the Vision was not yet upon her & so she wouldn’t mind having his company to pass the time. Though, she wondered if he had known about her power. Her siblings were selective about who they told about their power, & she doubted they would’ve shared her clairvoyance with anyone. The only person save the Thessals, who had known, was Alix &, consequently, Elyse, but she trusted them to keep it a secret for a while longer - but, the queen might’ve told the king & the king might’ve told the general, & she was oddly alright with it. 

“What brings you here, lord Angmar? & at the brink of the night.” She asked, curious as to what he was doing at the Temple.

“It was the only time I could get away,” he shrugged, his small smile growing rueful. “I was looking for some quiet contemplation, as hard to believe as I’m sure that is.” Dorian was otherwise always moving, attending to some matter that required his input or assistance. And he always tried to appear sure of himself. A sturdy bulwark against the doubts of others, he held his family and those he cared about steady, ensuring they had a safe harbour in him.

Dorian clasped his hands behind him, otherwise unsure what to do with them.  He hadn’t counted on seeing anyone else, or his actions being questioned. Though his advisors and captains did provide him with different points of view, Dorian’s word, much like the king’s, could quickly become law amongst the right people. He was not often questioned, although this was a gentle type. She was curious, he could tell. Just as he was curious about her.

Dracaru was a sacred place, so there should be no concern for her safety, and yet...While in logical minds, no one would dare harm a Guardian in her own place, there were minds that were less logical. Nerissa was up here by herself, and it made Dorian worry, now that he thought about it. On behalf of Nerissa’s siblings, of course, whom he counted as friends. He wouldn’t want anything to happen to her for their sakes. 

“Is there no one else here with you, My Lady? Do we not post guards for this place...and its Guardian?” he asked, eyes roving around the grounds before returning to her.

[dorianangmar]

the night is dark and full of terrors || Dorian and Nerissa

[dorianangmar]

angmcr‌:

“He knows. He was told. The dowager had spoken.” Her eyes were glazed with the vision, seeing what had transpired between them, even before it had happened , while the Voice was speaking. The Third Dragon was told about his origins & he didn’t take it lightly, but it was to be expected. How can one take the destruction of his life easily? He couldn’t. If she were in his shoes, she expected she would’ve been even worse. But, she understood Ember & so she sympathised; but that was only because her vision had told her the same thing. At her husband’s question, her eyes fixed upon his & she frowned. It was all so simple in her mind, that she couldn’t fathom why anyone would ask such a thing, her dearest included. “What’s - he is a dragon & all dragons must stand together.” Her voice held the residue of the vision as pieces began to fall into place; but, she still couldn’t see the picture clearly.

“Dorian, he is your nephew. Your blood. The same power you, the dowager Ellarion, Adrian, Cassius & Cornelia have courses through his veins. & I suspect through queen Daphne’s as well. Quintessence must return, we are all much stronger united than we are apart. I don’t know what this danger is, but the Voice? It was right in one thing at least. We can’t let this destroy us. I know by Ember did this, I understand why & I can’t blame her. You shouldn’t either.” Nerissa spoke, with urgency in her tone. “I don’t know what is his exact role, or his importance. The visions never tell me that. They show what will happen & they serve as an early warning. I interpret it the best I can.”

Dorian had more questions than answers, and frankly he was almost regretting coming to Eyden. Of course it was worth it to see his daughter and niece, but there was so much that had happened in the intervening time here....It would have been simpler to remain on their island, safe from the threat of secrets revealed and mistrust sowed. 

He did not see it as simple as Nerissa said. Roderick had grown up apart from Mordu. They knew nothing about him. Just because he had their blood did not mean he could be immediately trusted. His loyalties were likely to be split, even as Queen Daphne’s were. She was a queen of another kingdom after all! She couldn’t very well abandon her duties here to sail off to Mordu just because she had Quintessence in her veins. 

He took a deep breath in, trying to tamp down his impatience and anger. Not at Nerissa, but at Ember, and the whole situation. Even Talya had left and created a child outside of Mordu who still had parts of the kingdom in her. Dorian had felt the lightning in his niece’s veins, not as strong perhaps as in his or her mother’s, but there all the same. “All right my love, tell me why she did this then. Make me understand.” His voice was weary, but patient. Settling back on the pillows, he waited. He was willing to listen, but Nerissa (and Ember herself’s) explanation would have to be a damn good one to make him forget how awful an idea he was thinking this all was at the moment. 

[dorianangmar]

Reunited || Talya and Dorian

[dorianangmar]

ellcrion‌:

Her smile was gentle, affectionate with her younger brother. She lightly chuckled & rubbed at his forearms. “Don’t worry about it, Dori. This isn’t Mordu & people still don’t know about our relationship. But, I think it might be the time they should. I’m weary of having to be remote & formal with my family, & I’d like for Daphne to know you as her uncle, not lord Angmar.” She was tired of the pretences & how it reflected on her. She’d missed her family terribly, & there was nothing anyone could do to lessen that pain. Eyden wasn’t her home, & even with her Daphne on the throne, Water will never feel like home.

Maybe now, after some more guidance from her, she could finally return to Mordu. Despite the feeling of something threatening them & forcing the Quintessence back into the Realms, she was happy that it had happened, because now she could visit her family whenever she’d like, without having to lie she was going to “sail to Noctifera”. “I’m very happy you could make it. I wasn’t sure if the entire court would come, but it warms my heart that all of you are here. But, tell me, how are things at home? How’s Nerissa?” Talya asked, tugging her brother to sit with her by the fireplace.

Dorian supposed that after having told the world that Mordu existed, the next natural step would be informing the kingdoms that they actually had ties to the forgotten land. He wasn’t quite sure how that would go over, and even now, he wanted to make sure that Talya and her family were protected. Although, of course Talya was the former queen and her daughter the current one. Their kingdom would not turn on them. He hoped.

“It would be nice to be able to acknowledge one another as more than strangers in public,” he admitted. “I’m just concerned of the risks,” he added, looking down at her. How strange to be looking down at his older sister. He remembered when she towered over him. 

“We wouldn’t miss it,” he said warmly, squeezing her hands. He moved to take a seat with her, allowing himself to relax onto the comfortable sofa.  “And obviously there have been changes that induced Mordu to return to public life,” he said. “But in general...things are fine,” he shrugged. There was nothing outwardly wrong anywhere. It was inside that they all felt twinges of unease and warning. Magic stirring in his blood. “Nerissa is lovely as always. I can’t wait for you to meet her officially.” 

Dorian had not been married when Talya managed to sneak away to Mordu for Adrian’s coronation. Marriage had not even been on his mind and love not at all. Of course he had written to her after he and Nerissa entered into a relationship and planned to marry. He told his sister all about his new wife. But they had yet to meet, and Dorian hoped to rectify that soon. 

“She was kind enough to let us have this first meeting alone,” Dorian said, smiling to himself at the memory. He had been torn about leaving Nerissa so soon after their arriving to go and see Talya, but she had told him he was being silly and of course he should go and have a private reunion with his sister. “I know she is looking forward to meeting you too, though. And Daphne? I hear that the marriage was her idea?” he quirked an eyebrow.

[angmcr-deactivated20211114]

Dragons in the Lake - Nerissa & Dorian

The Dracaru was her sacred duty, but it never felt like a duty. It was the place where she could be alone, at peace with herself & the things which plagued her. Visions didn’t have a set pattern; they appeared when they pleased, but thankfully for herself & those around her, it was mostly during the night, in the solace of her bed, where her brother & her sister couldn’t eye her with worry & sympathy. As much as she loved her siblings, their sentiments didn’t help her in her hour of need, but it was comforting to know they loved her enough to worry about it; pointlessly so, but still. Their worry for her was a burden, as she never enjoyed seeing such feelings on their faces & being the direct cause for them, so as on late, Nerissa had chosen to spend a few reflective nights in the Temple beside the Lake. 

But, of course, that would’ve been too easy & the stir in the magic around her alerted her that she might have a guest soon. So much for solace & contemplation, for riding the wave of her visions alone. She could only hope that whoever it was that had strayed towards the Dracaru, would leave soon enough. The night has not yet fallen, but he sun had vanished behind the horizon, veiling the Lake in the early shadows, the dusk bathing the place in dark blue hues. She’d always loved the night, more than the day, & she’d loved the dusk & the cold tone it set on the land. 

The sound of footsteps reached her & Nerissa had emerged from the Temple, carrying a lit candle to cast a warm glow on the path ahead of her. The man standing there, between the Temple & Lake, was not the one she had expected to see, since their introduction hasn’t been… smooth. “Lord Angmar, what a surprise.” The Guardian of the Lake approached with a polite smile. “Of all the places I’d expected to run into you, this would have been the last on that list.” 

@dorianangmar​

[dorianangmar]

Aside from Dragonhall, the Dracaru was somewhere where Dorian could find peace, and peace for him was a precious commodity of late. Today, especially, he had felt restless without knowing the cause which made him more antsy than normal. Dorian did not have a gift for second sight or visions, but he had just enough intuition to be able to sense things, without knowing what they were. Changes that his magic could alert him to just enough to be maddening. 

While he could speak with the stone guardians of his home, Dorian had felt drawn to the Lake of Dragons instead and its calm atmosphere. At home, he could be found and called upon, and he had his study in which to work that would keep him from actually relaxing.  He would play chess, but his family was all busy with, well their own families. And Dorian did not want to intrude with his restless spirit. His mysterious discontent was no reason to upset their happiness or evening. 

He heard the footsteps behind him and cursed inwardly. As the already familiar voice spoke, Dorian felt a shiver slide up his spine. What a fool. He had not taken into account that the Thessal daughter might be there. For some reason he had not expected her presence. Now, he felt even more apprehensive, for his family had been teasing him about her, and for no good reason. 

Turning, Dorian pasted a small smile on his face in greeting, and inclined his head in a slight bow. “My Lady,” he murmured. “I did not mean to disturb you.” Inwardly, he took offence. What did she mean by saying this would be the last place she would expect to see him? He was devoted to the Lightning Queen and the Storm King, and their guardian dragons.

[dorianangmar]

the night is dark and full of terrors || Dorian and Nerissa

[dorianangmar]

angmcr‌:

The night was dark, & full of secrets told. Things which have threatened to destroy the Quintessence were finally unravelling before her eyes, despite many people still unaware of the full impact of it. She knew about Roderick. She didn’t know it was him, but she knew that the dowager’s secret was intertwined with the silver haired man from Eyden - who was not from Eyden at all. Her visions had shown her enough & perhaps she was the only one in Mordu who understood why the old queen had done what she did, thirty one years ago & maybe she was the only one who didn’t judge her; because she had known, she’d seen the dangers around the boy, the dream which still lingered & resurfaced as the night’s events came to pass. Every Angmar, by blood or by marriage, had learned of Ember’s secret, & they each had their own response to it; bewilderment, hurt, judgement… But that was because they didn’t know, not like she & Ember did.

She was quiet for the later part of the evening, only speaking quietly to her husband & her siblings, but when she & Dorian retreated for the night, she was to tired to truly speak to him about Roderick & what it all meant. & she had dreaded from having this conversation with him, for sharing the absolute power of her visions with him, because she feared the insanity of them might drive him away, like it did with so many others before; but none of them were like her husband, those meaningless, weak friends & would-be suitors, & she knew she didn’t have to fear. When the sleep had finally taken them both, she knew the visions would return & a part of her dreaded them, but the larger part of her was ready for the knowledge they would give her.

The Silver dragon, fighting against the Water, against Lightning, torn apart by both & embraced by neither. Then, a crossroad; a Lake & a Waterfall, both beckoning for him - & should her choose the Waterfall, he would drown. & they would all drown with him.

Nerissa had felt her husband’s hand on her, the light squeeze, but until the vision was done, there was little she could do to respond to his soothing touch. When it had finally subdued, the feeling was like emerging from the depths of a lake & her eyes opened, blinking away the vision & focusing of Dorian’s concerned frown. “He needs to come home. The Water is not good for him. He will drown in it. Only Lightning can help. He must come home or we are all done for, Dorian. It’s time for the final dragon to fly to Mordu.”

“Who--” his brow wrinkled further in confusion, even as he automatically committed his wife’s words to memory to be gone over and examined in greater detail later. The exact wording could make all the difference, and Dorian had long since learned to memorize what his wife said after coming out of a vision’s thrall.

“Roderick? Does he even know who he is?” he asked. Hours ago, Dorian certainly hadn’t known. He had been sure Ember had a secret but this...this was beyond the pale. How could the woman have betrayed his brother in such a fashion, and for what? And how could she have then left his nephew abroad rather than returning him to Mordu where he belonged? “And why must he come back with us? What is his importance?” 

Dorian wanted answers. He could not properly protect his family and his kingdom without the knowledge to do so. He knew they faced great danger, but he didn’t want to believe it was as serious as everyone being done for if one man decided not to come to Mordu. Their fates could not rely on a stranger. Dorian wouldn’t allow it.

[dorianangmar]

Reunited || Talya and Dorian

[dorianangmar]

ellcrion‌:

Hosting the Wedding had given her a perfect excuse to mingle with her family. The letters were sufficient, but they were never enough & they could never give her more than physical contact could. For years she was separated from her family, for years she had sufficed on sending letters, but now they were finally here, finally apart of the Kingdoms & she could travel home without any deception or crafted explanations. She would finally see her family, her brother, the general.

She couldn’t wait for the reunion, but the reunion had to wait, as she was swooped away by foreign dignitaries & people from the remaining Four, expressing their congratulations for the union between Daphne & William, as if they had won a prize. The dowager could remember her own wedding & the lies she had spoken to everyone except her husband, who had known from the start that she wasn’t from Eyden, that she wasn’t Water, but Quintessence. Seeing her family, & not being able to interact with them threatened to drive a sword through her heart & she despised the politeness, the stiffness in their interaction. But, she was smarter than to let appearances fool her & so when she was finally able to get away from the people from Iatris, or Marya or Noctifera, she summoned for her brother to be showed to the chambers she had arranged for them to meet.

Delayed by her nerves, Talya was late for the meeting by a minute, but knowing her brother’s punctuality, she knew Dorian was already waiting for her. The door opened & the guards stationed there showed her in, leaving her alone with her brother as instructed. Talya rushed to the man standing in the centre of the chambers & enveloped him in a tight hug. “Dorian! I have missed you terribly, little brother.” Her grip on him tightened & in that moment she couldn’t have been happier; she finally had her brother with her.

With her arms about him, Dorian was once again a little boy, wanting nothing more than for his older siblings to like and accept him. Oh, to be taken back to simpler times when his problems were so simple. When his sister had hung the moon in his eyes, and damned if she hadn’t make sure he had known it.

When he pulled back, Dorian still kept his hands clasped on Talya’s forearms. It was so strange to see her like this. She was beautiful still, but she had aged, matured. They were adults, not the children they had been in their father’s court. She had ruled a kingdom. Dorian had failed to protect the king of his. 

“It’s been too long,” he said, voice thick with emotion as he squeezed her arms, not willing yet to let her go. “I’m sorry if before I seemed remote, but in the presence of so many....”