Duty Bound

Elinor Drago, Lady of Windtop, Guardian of the Old Sands, Leader of the Rebellion

[elinordrago]

the voice of the drago || open starter

[elinordrago]

sanguinemlamia‌:

Understanding was a very powerful thing. Had people strove to understand each other more, there might not be as many foul actions and resentment flowing carelessly from one person to the other as there were in any given moment. Life would have been better and the people would have been more agreeable, tolerable and all around happier. But things did not go as planned and with her sister’s impending doom looming over everyone, Lamia felt partially guilty. Perhaps that was why she insisted to help the blonde woman before her. 

The princess of shadows inclined her head in acceptance. “There is no need. I understand.” She gently spoke to the woman she remembered seeing in the wind’s kingdom, the woman that might have resembled her sister if she harboured as much darkness as Tabea did. But they were nothing alike even if the blonde reminded her of the time before the spell, the time when she truly adored her sister and when her sister was not this foul creature. “Has the pain subdued?” She quietly asked.

Did she understand? Elinor hardly understood herself. How could this stranger understand? Did she know something about what happened? Or had she been screaming too, and Elinor was just too wrapped up in her own pain to notice? 

She was on her guard after that sudden attack--and attack it was. Nothing like that had ever happened to Elinor before. She was not prone to fits or spells; she did not faint or swoon. And something inside her told her that it was related to her magic, what little she had in her sacred duty as a Guardian. 

“It has,” she nodded, able to stand upright without aid of the wall. Her posture straightened, shoulders back as Elinor faced the other woman head on. The after effects still stuttered through her body, and she felt shaky, but at least looking at her hands, they were steady. “I am not unused to pain but...it took me by surprise.” 

[elinordrago]

the voice of the drago || open starter

[elinordrago]

phoebecyre‌:

She had always loved masquerades. Pretending to be someone else, someone hidden, even for a single night, was a very powerful thing. It helped her hide, to interact with people she would not normally interact with, without them knowing it was her they talked to - quite a wonderful thing. But, tonight hid more than amusement, more than enjoyment and passing pleasures; it hid something unsettling in the air, something that reminded her of the wedding feast in Eyden. A pulse in the air, knocking the breath out of her lungs, a moment before the Voice had spoken - and a moment before the room turned into a screaming chaos. 

She covered her ears in defence against the raging sound, but it did not help much. Yet, it stopped as soon as it had started, and Phoebe found herself in complete loss of words, her gaze fluttering over to the man she loved, her King and her lover. She had wanted to go to him, but his wife was beside him and she did not feel like enduring the Queen, so she turned around towards the nearest hall, where she noticed Lady Drago, bent over, and supporting herself against the wall. With a half concerned and half confused frown, Phoebe approached her, slowly, but loudly, as if not to startle her. “Lady Elinor, are you quite alright?” She asked, the concerned frown firm on her face.

She almost groaned, but with great self constraint, she held it in. Since their earlier talk, Elinor had been trying to think of Phoebe more generously. It wasn’t as if she had ruined a particularly happy marriage, and it wasn’t as if the Queen didn’t seem to enjoy herself elsewhere as well. 

Elinor’s own morals did not need to come into it. Their conversation all those weeks ago had turned Phoebe from a vapid butterfly into a real person in Elinor’s mind. Though she still wasn’t sure of the dark haired beauty’s sincerity, she was at least willing to give her a chance. Elinor could pick and choose who to be generous to, but then it wasn’t fair, and it wasn’t good form. Elinor prided herself on being honourable and just, and so she had to continue to act that way. 

Still, she hated to be seen in any position of weakness, by anyone. But especially by Phoebe who, though she clearly had her own sort of strength to withstand Court and have her private life be so public, was still just a pretty girl who liked pretty things, and people, and parties.

“Not quite,” she said, utilizing Phoebe’s own words. “But I will be in a moment.” If she could just get her heart rate back to normal, the fast pace and the ringing in her ears the only sign that anything was or had been amiss. The pain now seemed like a distant memory, though she still felt its phantom touch. How much of it was caused by some unknown force, and how much by her own body’s reaction was unknown. 

She gave Phoebe a small nod. “Thank you for your concern.” 

[elinordrago]

the voice of the drago || open starter

[elinordrago]

sanguinemlamia‌:

People were strange creatures, weak and strong in the same moment. That is how she viewed the blonde woman in front of herself, weak by the occurrence and strong in character. Her dismissal came quickly and clearly, but Lamia was not about the back down. Some people of a lesser character might be prone to gathering their robes and skittering away, but she was of the more determined forge. The woman spoke in a sure tone, but witness half of the room screaming their souls into another continent, the princess of shadows wondered if the lady was truly fine. “If you will not permit me to escort you, perhaps you might tell me if there is someone I could fetch for you? You look pale, my lady, I do not think you should be on your own.”

She had wanted to rectify the situation in her sister’s stead, she had wanted to provide comfort, care, security and stability, but she knew she had to do that away from her sister’s prying eyes or her sister’s lord’s spying shadows. “My conscience does not permit me to leave you unattended, but if you would have neither fresh air nor someone else, perhaps you would allow me to keep your company until you see fit to return to the ball?” 

Elinor did not remember meeting this woman before. But then over the past few months she had been introduced to many people, and seen many more. It was impossible to keep them straight. Of course there were those she remembered--there were many fascinating individuals she had become acquainted with after all--but she didn’t think this woman was one of them. Though she was polite, respectful, and seemed a little bit dainty, she was also firm. 

The Lady of Windtop was used to analyzing people, and this woman was not all she appeared. Even in her diminished state, Elinor could see that. Perhaps because of it. She hated feeling weak and vulnerable, so she latched on to her powers of perception to make her feel less like a yellow livered, weak kneed, cowardly invalid who could barely stand on her own two feet.

Elinor waved her hand carelessly, focusing instead on the rapid beating of her heart and forcing her breathing to steady. At least she hadn’t dropped the glass. Not that it would have mattered. She had been screaming like a banshee. She could hardly have made more of a spectacle of herself if she tired. And of course she had taken her mask off. What use was it hanging from its resting place at her waist? 

“You might be waiting a long time,” she muttered wryly. Suddenly, all the gold and glitter seemed to be mocking her. The Voice earlier had been bad enough, but this would be the end of the party, at least for Elinor. Although maybe a little more, if only to get over of being shocked to sobriety by the pain, the darkness that had encroached on her vision.

She looked up at the woman again, straightening. The cool stones of the wall reminded her of where her hand was, and she removed it, brushing it down her dress. A desert cat had seemed like a good choice, until she had started yowling like one. 

“Forgive me,” she said, her tone polite and cool once again. “That was uncalled for.” She was only trying to help after all.

[elinordrago]

the voice of the drago || open starter

[elinordrago]

sanguinemlamia‌:

It was not like her to be bored so quickly in the night, with party still in full swing. But it was like her to spy on her sister, to watch the shadow’s queen as she stood in the corner of the room with her dark spy, lord Elwyn. It was certainly not like her to grit her teeth in distaste, frowning at the sight with a hopeless sort of anger pulsing in her veins. She was angry at her sister for forgetting and letting the darkness spread more than it should have. She almost resented Tabea for it, for generating the shadows and inducing panic wherever she went in the Realms or whenever she would send one of her puppets to do the same. 

The princess of shadows briefly closed her eyes to drown out the feeling from her body and to divert her thoughts elsewhere, choosing to leave the room altogether to track down one of her friends or perhaps Seth or Elias, whom she did not spot in the crowd. With their masks, they all blended in perfectly, like they all belonged to the light and not to the dark and the thought itself had made her incredibly upset for a simple reason. They did not belong to the light, not with their actions being so horrendous and terrifying. 

Lamia had just moved from her spot when the tremor in the air made the hair on her arms stand up and the lightning in her blood, the dark part of it, sang in alarm. The the first scream had tore though the room and she had an urge to cover her ears to drown out the sound, made more horrifying by the soft grin on her sister’s face as she observed the terror of the crowd. She noticed a blonde woman bending over first, and she rushed to her side, ignoring the Voice her sister had controlled and ignoring the people around her. She reached her in time and when the woman looked up, Lamia was already offering a politely concerned frown. “Is everything alright, my lady? Would you like me to escort you outside to get some air?”

Elinor straightened up with a snap at the other voice. She had been hoping no one saw that, though there was absolutely no possibility that no one had heard. At least Elinor could take some small comfort in the fact that she was not alone in her pain, judging from the other voices she heard joining hers in torment. 

She let out a bark of a laugh. “No, thank you,” she said, waving away the other woman’s concern. Escort. Usually she was more than capable of taking care of herself. But how could she protect herself against something that caught her so by surprise and attacked her from within?

A shiver ran through Elinor’s body, making her feel even weaker. She would never show it, though. Elinor held herself together, knowing that if she relaxed even a little bit, she would break into brittle pieces. 

Where was Geoff? He was the only one Elinor wanted, the only one whom she could let her guard down around. Maybe Morgan would do. This was her kingdom after all, maybe she would know what was going on. 

“I-I’m fine,” she said, though her tone made it uncertain whether she was trying to convince herself or the other woman.

[elinordrago]

the voice of the drago || open starter

October 29, 299 AR Noctifera

Elinor knew that she would be postponing her training on the morrow. It was already near dawn and she had not been to bed yet. Swept up in the intrigue and festivities, as well as the intriguing Noctifera, Elinor had been spending time both with the guests and alone, wandering the palace. She was not prying, but was instead meandering along, the alcohol in her blood a companion that kept her warm and loose. She was curious about this kingdom, arguably Marya’s greatest enemy and rival.

So far, they had been gracious hosts. Elinor could give the Voice credit for that at least. It had been wrong, completely wrong. The Kingdoms were more at peace than they had ever been, and a truer peace than simple amicability. Than the false smiles that hid poisoned thoughts and looks that could kill. Elinor would not go so far as to thank the Voice that had cast the shadow over King William and Queen Daphne’s wedding, but the cordiality between kingdoms was at least a silver lining. 

The lightness starting to leave Lady Drago’s step was the first indication that something might be wrong. She put it down to tiredness, exhaustion finally overcoming the alcohol she had imbibed. She was not drunk by any means, but had maintained a pleasant warm, fizzy, bubbly feeling throughout the night. It had allowed her to stay in company without feeling awkward or withdrawing. She had to represent her kingdom after all, and show Marya’s good side to Noctifera. She never forgot her responsibility to her kingdom and her people. 

That responsibility, and her ties to both the land and the people were what made Elinor cry out, suddenly. A sharp, tormented cry that caught even her by surprise as it tore from her throat and past her lips. She heard variations of the same cry, but as if from a distance as her ears buzzed. One hand had a death grip on her near empty goblet as Elinor tried to control herself, the other pressed against the stone of the hallway she found herself in. She managed to keep her balance, barely, and tried to stop the scream that had escaped her without permission or even forethought. 

It was as if something had burst through her body, something dark and evil. It burned and tore through her, so that Elinor was half expecting to look down and see a hole in her stomach or chest. Echoes of her own scream rang in her ears, different pitches and voices, coming from different throats. And they all cut off at the same time, leaving a silence that rang equally as loud in Elinor’s ears. 

She gasped for breath, fury and fear running through her in equal measures. Her body shook. When she looked up, it was to meet the eyes of another. If Elinor were prone to blushing, she would have done so, but as it was, she was instead deathly pale. 

“Forgive me,” she said, her low voice lower than normal, and with an unusual hoarse aspect. “I don’t know what came over me.” A disruption of some sort, a terrible something that had to do with the ties she had to her land, to Marya, and her people there.

[elinordrago]

phoebecyre‌:

She wished she did, as well. But, she’s learned long ago, that trusting someone, was not a wise thing to do. People all had agendas, and they all had a dash of disloyalty in them. If she were honest, she was disloyal too; to her Queen. But, disloyalty was easy when one cared very little about the person one was supposed to be loyal to. If it came to Ethan, however… Oh, she was loyal to him, and possibly him alone. “Well, I would like that.” She replied, offering the blonde woman a smile, and an honest one.

Well, that was true. Everyone had their secrets, secret wishes, or secret desires, and she was no different from them. In fact, her secret was that she was in love with the King, and perhaps that was the worst secret out there. And the one which could hurt her, the most. “That’s true. There’s not a soul on this world which can know our secrets better than we do. And I like to think most of us are not silly enough to speak those secrets out loud.” Perhaps that could be how the Voice claimed to know their secrets - secrets spoken out in the dead of the night, without a soul to overhear; only Shadows.

Surprisingly, Elinor thought Phoebe meant that. That she wanted to be honest. It was a little shocking to the blonde, and, if she were being honest, unnerving. It was easier to write the other lady off as a social climber, an opportunist, a vapid woman who enjoyed parties and her own pleasure. Of course, Elinor knew that this was not a generous assessment, nor was it fair. And if she prided herself on being fair, she had to extend that courtesy to everyone, not only those she approved of or could stand to be around . 

“I like to think a lot of things, but I’ve learned never to underestimate the stupidity of others,” she replied with a half shrug. Actions that some thought wise, others thought the height of foolishness. It was all in how you looked at it.  

[elinordrago]

surprised beginnings || Elinor and Alix

[elinordrago]

alixcngmar‌:

lips purse in thought & the queen nods. that is the most logical question ; the why & the what. she can’t answer everything but she can shed some light onto it ; & maybe have people be more trusting of them. “ the exact why has fallen out of memory. we have been isolated for three hundred years but why , even we can’t tell. some like to say it’s because of the prophecy & the things which the Elementals have said upon the creation of the five kingdoms , but no one knows for sure. “ they know for sure but she isn’t going to say it ; as mistrustful as everyone is of them , so are they all mistrustful of the four kingdom growing & thriving side by side for centuries. “ & as to what it’s like… it’s lovely. dark towers , dark shores & deep , green forests. it’s a breathtaking place. “ she’s careful not to reveal too much ; not mentioning the protective barrier in form of the mist. 

Alix listens with a knowing frown. a diplomatic reply ; she though it would come out as much & she doesn’t blame the woman for playing safe. she wouldn’t be too truthful either. “ that is admirable & rational. I like to keep an open mind & form my own opinions , but I do admit to have heard so much about your queen. she sounds very interesting , but i haven’t had the opportunity to meet her yet. I did meet his majesty in Iatris though. a pleasant man. wise. “ much wiser than she’d expected of someone of his reputation. lady Drago’s right ; one should always form their own opinions about things ; even more if it was concerning people. 

“I suppose superstition is stronger in Mordu than other places then?” Elinor asks. The question is not insulting, just curious. There are plenty of people in Marya who had their own idiosyncrasies, but for the most part, her kingdom has become practical. One might believe in the Sylph and the Yellow Lord and Golden Lady, but if one believes too heavily in religion and retribution, you can’t continue with your lying, cheating ways. Elinor believes in her Gods up to a point; she makes her own luck, and her own destiny. But she can always use a little help. 

“I’m sorry,” she adds, giving the other woman a rueful smile. “I don’t mean to offend. I’m just not familiar with prophecy. And am more used to...having to deal with things myself.” She did not trust the justice of the former king and queen, and so dealt with matters in her lands on her own. At least Elinor could ensure then that the rulings were just and fair.

Elinor wasn’t sure if she’d classify Ethan as wise, but perhaps one day. He could get there, if he continued to see past his parents’ policies, and see through his Queen’s sweet smile. Still, she wasn’t about to argue with a queen. And perhaps Ethan had shared something with her that Elinor had no cause to know herself. “I’m sure there is still plenty of opportunity to meet Queen Stella before the festivities end.” She paused. “If you like, I could introduce you.” It was the polite thing to do, although Elinor was loathe to voluntarily approach the queen.

[elinordrago]

emberangmar‌:

          direct approach was something she did not hear in a conversation ever since the dowager had set foot in eyden. this was refreshing & it pleased her that there were still people out there who were not inclined to beat around the bush - but she expected something like that from someone coming from marya ; thought she did not quite expect honesty if all she has heard of them was proven correct. she was hardly the person to judge ; particularly since her own dishonesty was out in the open for her kingdom to see - fortunately there was no one from the other four to witness her secret unravelling & ruining her. 

ember nodded , turning in her seat to look at the blonde more closely. “ i was. but i doubt i am the only one thinking about them. they seem to be the main topic on everyone’s lips since last night. “ she said & briefly wondered if the four had learned of her secret in the meantime. she now knew that queen daphne was introduced to her own secret & she told talya about roderick - but she did not know if her friend had told her daughter about her other cousin yet ; so many secrets - too many. 

“I suppose when you get so many people together, drama is inevitable,” Elinor replied pragmatically. No matter the size of the company, honestly, there were bound to be squabbles and issues that arose, even among the most well adjusted group. And Elinor could not claim that the company assembled for the wedding was the most well adjusted, at least not when thrown all together. Everything was still so new, that people were still finding their places. 

“I hope it won’t spoil what was actually a lovely wedding,” Elinor said, making an attempt at small talk. She almost preferred being alone, but she was not going to shirk on the duty of trying to make more allies--for herself as well as her kingdom. 

[elinordrago]

lcdylyn‌:

She was right. People complained when things went south, but even in their happy hours they found something to whine about. “I find that people always complain. When we are happy we find something to be unhappy about, and when we’re unhappy, we multiply it by a lot.” She replied, small smile on her lips but as she spoke of siblings, she chuckled, thinking back to all the good natured insults thrown Morgan’s way. “Complaining about siblings might sometimes be the sweetest thing in the world.”

So long as their love remained intact afterwards, and the insults did not border on malicious.

“Yes, but I like to think it adds to the character. We are resilient and we might be tempestuous, but we are all very protective of our own.” Vivian replied in a gentle tone, immediately reflecting on her sister’s character. Morgan was so strong and resilient, but Vivi did not feel like it. She was aware she had it in her, the resilience and the strength of dragons, with both fire and lightning, but with all the Shadows, she really did not feel strong.

“Human nature I suppose,” she said, summing it up and shrugging it off. One could never be completely content. It was just how people expressed it that was different. Channelled into ambition, or changing things, discontent over how things were could be useful. But whining was something Elinor had no patience for. 

“It’s how it should be, I suppose. We protect the ones and things we love. Of course, hopefully not to the detriment of others.” Though Elinor would admit that her people did steal weapons and forging materials at the detriment of Noctifera. But there was nothing to be down about that when they wouldn’t trade openly, and Marya did not have the resources to produce what was needed within the kingdom itself. 

“Hopefully with increased relations between the countries, the number of people we care about will grow,” she added with a light laugh. 

[elinordrago]

apologies || Elinor and Alina

[elinordrago]

csterion‌:

Something nagged in the back of her mind & she looked at her friend & adviser. Her words were concerning, especially the implications behind them. “Do you think we could have a traitor among us, Elinor? I’m a bit concerned with why the story about me has resurfaced & at such a time. I know it could be nothing & it probably is nothing, but it could be something.” She asked with a frown, biting her lips in concern. If someone was indeed being a traitor, that could put a stop to the rebellion & possibly even cost countless of lives. & what would happen to her brother then? What if there someone working for another party, someone with an eye on the throne? The very thought chilled her to the bone, white-cold dread washing over her.

Alina softly chuckled at her friend’s retort, but she shrugged in reply. “I could be, if I payed attention to courtly gossip. I hear things here & there, but with Stella’s incessant yapping, I can’t really focus on just the one thing & I can hardly tell which is the more important one anyway. I’m trying to find out who’s been on our tail, but there’s hardly any mention of it. They all talk about her - my - hair colour, or if the princess would be pretty or maybe an ugly hag. Nothing tangible & nothing we could really use.” She sighed, shaking her head. “I envy you sometimes. You don’t have to pretend you like certain people just to be close to your brother. But, I would endure Stella for the rest of my life if it meant I get to see Ethan daily.”

“I certainly hope not,” Elinor said sharply. Not angry with the suggestion, but upset even by the thought of it. She did her best to properly vet and consider every member before they were even approached. To think that any of her handpicked few could be a traitorous to their cause was alarming. Although of course, there were those approached by others and then recommended to Elinor. She could not reject outright those her own members vouched for without good reason. 

“I imagine it’s because you, or the princess rather, would be the appropriate age now to be participate in court life and politics. ‘She’ is of the age where a return would be beneficial, rather than just miraculous.” Her brother would be proud of that explanation. She was getting better at understanding politics even if she hated them herself.

“The princess is a fairytale, a legend, something for people to imagine, dream, and gossip about,” Elinor replied, laying a hand on Alina’s reassuringly. “When they talk about whether she would be pretty or ugly, it’s just showing you their own thoughts.” Elinor did feel bad for the younger woman. She had to hide who she was, while at the same time be aware of it lest anyone find out. Elinor was sure it was exhausting. 

“It’s no different than the life of anyone else who wants to succeed in our court,” she said, trying to be comforting. She gave Alina a wolfish smile. “I’m just lucky because I don’t care about it.” Success at court was something her brother had to worry about. Elinor gained access via her coattails and her own refreshing honesty to the king.

[elinordrago]

queenasterion‌:

Not this one.

The Queen groaned internally and was half-tempted to blow Lady Elinor off and just walk off, but no. I guess the Lady’s company was currently better than the people inside. Besides, at least she was no longer next to her husband who seemed to be throwing glances at that…that whore who dared to call herself his mistress. The awful taste from the very thought of the whole affair caused the queen to wrinkle her nose ever so slightly, though it was hidden luckily by the surrounding darkness.

“The festivities are…amusing to say the least. I was having quite a good time before that dreadful Voice decided to ruin all the fun. Now everyone is all concerned and worried. It was one mere little voice I hardly think this calls for a wide-spread panic.” The woman scoffed as her dark brown eyes turned from the lady next to her to the view in front of the balcony. Everything seemed all lit up in a bright shade of moonlight. “How about you? What draws you to this nocturnal retreat?”

It was almost horrifying to find that she agreed with the Queen. Not about the Voice ruining the fun, but allowing it to cause such discord and panic. The best decisions for everyone were not made out of fear and self preservation.  

“I think it is more the unknown that scares people,” Elinor replied. “Though it probably was just a prank on someone’s part. Or an attempt at mischief,” she shrugged, appearing unconcerned. She would almost have suspected Stella of something like this, were it not precisely because it would ruin the fun that the queen would not do it. It interfered with her socializing. “No need to get excited over a parlour trick.” 

Elinor had been feeling almost claustrophobic inside. The fear in the air left a bitter taste in her mouth, as did the increasing looks of distrust she was seeing being thrown around. Outside had seemed like a welcome respite until Elinor could regain her equilibrium...and her stomach for socializing. 

“It’s a nice night out,” she said simply, with another shrug. “And I was tired of listening to the complaining.” 

[elinordrago]

lcdylyn‌:

She smiled, finding distraction in the other’s presence.

Her problems have never lingered when there was another person at her side, but she would not have been surprised if they’d stayed tonight. With the Voice and everything, she thought that the pattern might be broken, but she was pleased to see it’s not the case. “I find that the people always complain about their kingdoms, but never wish to see any harm come to it. It’s in our nature to complain, yet we rarely mean it, do we?” She retorted, thoughtful smile on her face as she thought of Noctifera, and her own occasional complaints. 

She listened as the Lady spoke of her kingdom, nodding attentively and smiling at the evident affection in her voice. It was nice to find someone who cherished and valued their kingdom, and talking about the complaints in such a witty manner. When she asked of home, Vivian found herself conflicted for a moment. 

Mordu.

She thought of it first, yet it wasn’t her home. But her thoughts led her to the Mountain and Noctifera, and she felt almost guilty for thinking about the Quintessence’s kingdom. “Noctifera? It is beautiful. It’s harsh, at least in architecture, and it’s a little dark and colder than one would’d expect from a kingdom of Fire. But, it’s home and I wouldn’t change a thing in it.” She replied honestly.

"We find it easier to complain than talk about the good things. No one even thinks about how things are when they’re going right, do they?” Elinor pointed out. “It’s like complaining about a sibling, anyway. Only we ourselves can do it, and beware to anyone else who tries,” she laughed. Her eyes drifted to her own brother, a fond smile on her face. She was sure Lady Vivian, also having a sibling would understand. She did wonder what it would be like to have a sister, though she would never trade Geoffrey for anything. 

“And Marya is likely warmer than one would expect from the kingdom of wind,” she laughed again. “And also harsh. I suppose when one deals with fire, one has to be hardy, though,” she added. No wooden structures or homes susceptible to the flames for Noctifera.

[mcrganvyrg-deactivated20211114]

{ chill } | { morgan & elinor }

[elinordrago]

mcrganvyrg‌:

lips stretch in a smile & she nods at the greeting. there are only a few people outside her court {namely , outside of the Vyrgs & her sister } whom she feels an attachment to , & the lady Drago of Marya is one of those people. Morgan knows about the other’s involvement with the rebel faction in the wind’s kingdom & she supports them with all her might - she dislikes their queen with a seething hatred , one fit for a dragoness with fire & lightning in her blood & so she supports the rebellion with her entire heart. so long as she isn’t directly involved or tied to it , it was safe to provide shelter , refuge & occasional funds here & there. 

“ it is , yes. in stark comparison with last night. “ lips purse in contemplation , but she refuses to let the last night’s event dampen her spirit - even if telling her husband the truth about her magic wasn’t easy , it was easier than she had thought & he seemed to have taken in well enough ; but only time shall tell if he is truly alright with it. “ have you slept well , lady Drago , or has the sleep eluded you as much as it seemed to have eluded everyone else? “ Morgan asks with honest interest. she regards lady Elinor to be her friend & aside from her own sister , lady Fyre & princess Vyrg , she doesn’t find herself trusting many people - ladies in particular , with their ambitions & their schemes. 

“In truth, I had a late night,” Elinor answers honestly. The party itself had gone late enough, but then there had been her confessions with both Alina and Geoffrey that had made it difficult to find her bed at a decent hour. “But once I did make it to my bed, I had no trouble sleeping.” She shrugs, giving the queen a smile that was remarkably light hearted, considering. “It is the training of a soldier,” she admits easily. “No matter the troubles, if it’s time to go to sleep, there’s nothing that can be done about them in the moment.” 

It is a pragmatic, and practical approach, much like Elinor herself. Losing sleep over that which she can not change would make her less prepared for the future challenges, not more so. “Though of course upon waking, I was reminded again of all the changes that are being wrought around us,” she adds, shaking her head. “Did you rest well last night then, or have you not been to sleep?” she asks, curiously, her voice holding a touch of concern at the idea that her ally and friend might have been up all night. 

[elinordrago]

mcrganvyrg‌:

eyes fix upon the blonde & head inclines in agreement. she thinks fondly of her time as guardian , no matter how brief & she remembers with equal fondness about the time when she met her husband. memories of her past warmed her & gave her strength in times such as these & she nods again to lady Drago’s words. “ quite right. “ she comments briefly. 

eyebrow arches in soft surprise & she is pleased by what she hears. “ if only every citizen was as attached to their kingdoms as we are. “ she thinks of Mordu then - she would like to see it , her ancestral home , but her place & her heart were in Noctifera ; despite the lightning singing in her blood. “ I am much like you. I like seeing now places & visit other kingdoms , more so if it is a diplomatic meeting such as one in Iatris , but I would not call it a break. I still have my duties as queen , regardless of where I am. “ Morgan replies. “ & how are things in Marya? I hope there’s been an improvement , after your king’s hearty chat with me. “ she asks , soft chuckle emanates from her lips. she still wondered if Ethan was honest ; but he seemed honest enough & she was rarely wrong about people.

“So long as they don’t get...too attached. To the exclusion of all other kingdoms,” Elinor added. For it was easy to look out only for oneself without caring about what happened to anyone else. The danger being that Marya could look out for only its own wellbeing when other kingdoms might be suffering. Elinor felt it was important for kingdoms to be self sufficient...but it might be easier to trade with Noctifera than steal their metals and weapons. “I am hoping that, as you said, missions of diplomacy become more common and the kingdoms more familiar with each other.” 

Elinor shrugged. Ethan’s attitudes were reason for hope, but words and thoughts meant nothing if not put into practice. “One man’s opinions must be followed up with actions in order to effect change,” she replied. “I am...hopeful as well.” So long as Ethan actually followed through on his realizations and did not allow himself to be swayed by his beguiling wife. At least Elinor didn’t think she had to worry about any lingering affection between the two monarchs.

[elinordrago]

surprised beginnings || Elinor and Alix

[elinordrago]

alixcngmar‌:

smile graces her lips & the queen inclines her head in agreement. “ that is correct. we’ve been secluded from the rest of the kingdoms by our own desire. “ that is not quite true ; they secluded themselves because the Words of Old willed it so & those from Mordu had always listened to the Elementals & their prophecy. magic which flows in their veins provides shelter & it keeps Mordu from being discovered by sailors or curious voyagers. harshly enough , the sea takes care of the less resilient ones but it was hardly ever the Mordu’s fault. “ what would you like to know? I’m sure you have many questions already prepared. “ she speaks with a kind smile.

“ we like being unknown , but it does prove difficult after a while. the isolation does us good but it can damage the kingdom on the long run. & the run’s lasted for three hundred years. I think it was enough for anyone. but tell me of Marya. how are the rulers? I’ve only met the king & so far I have no ill word to say about him. “ she did hear the rumours about him but she cares little of courtly gossip - & he seems to be on the mend. she always appreciates when a person attempts to correct their errors.

“I don’t know about questions prepared,” Elinor inclined her head, shaking it slightly. “It is hard to know what to ask when one only recently found out of another kingdom’s existence entirely. I suppose the most obvious one would be why Mordu became so...withdrawn?” A kingdom didn’t just decide one day to close its borders and have no contact with anyone else, after all. There had to be a reason. Did it have anything to do with the Shadows? But if it did, why come back now, when it seemed things like the Voice were intent on sowing mayhem and discord? 

“I suppose an easier question would be what is Mordu like?” For Elinor knew she was just as much of an unknown entity to the Queen. Why would she tell anyone, much less a lady of Marya what posed so great a threat that Mordu simply seemed to vanish except in story and legend.

It was almost as difficult a question that Queen Alix asked her. It was not only bad form to speak about one’s monarchs to outsiders in any way less than favourable, but it was dangerous. Elinor chose her allies wisely. Mordu was an unknown, and Elinor was not about to go spilling all her secrets, or even her true feelings to the woman. She would not have lasted this long as leader of the rebellion if that was her habit.

“I find it more...instructive for people to form their own opinions,” Elinor answered. “It is not my place to try to influence the minds of others when we all have such different opinions about character and what it takes to be a good ruler.” The dark haired woman was perfectly pleasant thus far, but what if she turned out to be of the same ilk as Queen Stella? Elinor had no doubt that many would see nothing wrong with the queen’s machinations and political maneuverings. It was as diplomatic as she could be, while still possibly implying her opinion and feelings.

[elinordrago]

secrets told || Elinor & Ethan

[elinordrago]

kingasterion‌:

HE WAS PROFOUNDLY SURPRISED BY the lady’s gesture and he only managed a confused frown before she dragged him towards a secluded area of the garden. He was about to ask her what’s prompted her to act so irrationally, but then she spoke and he gawked at her. At first, he thought he was hearing things, his mind playing tricks on him, but as he waited for her to repeat herself, the dread was the first thing which dominated his emotions as he looked at her - and the troubled expression which she bore drove a spear through his heart and gut. 

Your sister is alive.

No. No, he was hearing things, he was hearing her wrong and it was his foolish desire for his sister to be alive which was acting up, making his brain translate something she’s said [as far as he knew she could’ve well enough be talking about the weather] as an admission that his sister is alive. She couldn’t be. She was dead and every soul in the kingdom knew that; but none mourned her like he did. “Am I hearing this right?” He asked in a quiet tone, feeling his heart in his throat and as if the ground beneath his feet hat turned into slippery ice. “My sister is dead. As much as I wish her to be alive, everyone in this kingdom know she’s perished the night she was born.”

“Is this some sort of a joke to you, lady Drago?” Ethan asked, feeling oddly calm despite the slight bubble of disbelieving panic which threatened to turn into a chuckle. But, it was caught between the throat and mouth, and a sad sort of sound erupted from him - not quite a cry, not quite a laugh; like a wheeze, like a dying person’s gasp. Something in Elinor’s words and her expression rang true, and maybe it was the self denial or the refusal to believe the thing which he had wished for the most finally coming true. 

Every wish had a price. He’d be a fool to think this came without any strings attached. Could his sister… Could she be alive? Truly? “Tell me this is a dream.” A broken, condemned man asking for a quick death - the final plea at mercy.

She could see how the news affected him. For all his wishing and lamenting, for all his dreaming of the possibilities, Ethan’s words had only been those of a lonely man. Elinor hoped that with confirmation, with the knowledge that what she was saying was the truth, Ethan would realize he had more to live for and fight for. (As if the responsibility of a kingdom and its people were not enough, but clearly the cause had to be made to be a personal one). 

Crossing her arms over her chest, Elinor did not even bother to deign that with a response. He knew her well enough by now to know that this was not in keeping with her sense of humour. This was not something she would joke about. And, even with their increased familiarity, she still knew he was the King. She was not that much of a fool that she would toy with him in this way. She was neither stupid nor cruel, and he knew it. 

“I could do that if you like,” she said practically. “We could forget that this conversation ever happened--” possibly for the best, “--but we would both know it to be a lie.” Elinor was not one of the other courtiers. She did not lie, did not cheat. She was honest and loyal and she prided herself on being someone others could trust--even if that occasionally only earned her scorn and derision from her more ambitious peers.

[elinordrago]

apologies || Elinor and Alina

[elinordrago]

csterion‌:

“You can still call him Ethan with me, Elinor.” Alina chuckled at the almost error. Calling him Ethan in public was reserved only for family, but in private, she didn’t see why they couldn’t call him by his given name, at least among themselves. “Nothing’s changed, not by a long shot.” She added; & it was the truth. Nothing’s changed between them, nor it should change. She supported the rebellion, but only as far as they didn’t attempt to meddle with her brother. Ethan could use someone better to rule beside him, he could use a kinder, more benevolent queen, everything that Stella wasn’t, & she’ll support the rebellion so long as they kept that goal true & clear. But, the moment she begins to think they are plotting against her brother… Well, then she’ll let them know she is an Asterion, & her first & foremost loyalty is to her brother. But, she wouldn’t think of it now.

Alina sighed, shaking her head. “No. We won’t. I’m not sure if he’ll tell Phoebe, but Stella can’t know. I subtly told him there are people who might want to threaten us, so he understands that part of secrecy. I want to protect him, & I can’t do that as an official princess. & I don’t want to endanger him, not for the world.” She suspected that it might be Stella working against her, trying to find out who the princess is, & if she’s alive, & Alina doesn’t even want to think what might happen if she finds out it’s her. Would Stella dispose of her? She wouldn’t put it past her. Never. “Do you have any information about that? Have you learned who’s been sniffing on our doorstep, trying to find me? Well, the princess. Not me-me.”

She rubbed her fingers along her browline, feeling a headache brewing. She was already questioning her decision. And she had to find Geoffrey after this to tell him what had changed in the past few hours.  For the moment at least, Alina was mostly right. Nothing had changed. Aside from the fact that it was unlikely Ethan would be able to treat the young lady exactly the same. But they would cross that bridge when they came to it. So long as Alina’s identity wasn’t revealed to Stella, and Phoebe did not get jealous about the king now paying attention to another woman. Nothing more dangerous than a woman scorned and all that. 

With a sigh, she lowered her hand again to her lap. “I have my suspicions. I don’t doubt that the queen is behind at least some of the inquiries. As to other interested parties?” Elinor shrugged. “There have always been rumours. I’m more interested to know who has roused them again, and made others think they are a possibility rather than a legend.” Could they perhaps be trying simply to stir the pot, plant the idea in people’s minds, and bring forward another girl? A likely looking lady to pretend to be the King’s long-lost sister. Another thing to discuss with Geoff and her rebellion advisors. 

“You are likely in a better position to hear the gossip and rumours than I,” she admitted. “I am not exactly the social butterfly type.” This said with a rueful smile. It was not a statement meant to elicit pity, for Elinor was aware that everyone had their strengths. She was warm and comforting, a safe harbour for those in need, but she was not one to flit about, charming everyone and anyone she could. Much as her mother might have liked her to be.