Victor Laurel

Victor Faolan Laurel | Lord of Blackwood | Adviser to the Kingdom of Iatris | 34 | Penned by Bear

[ladycaliadne]

screams | elis & victor

@lordofblackwood​

The pain was excruciating. She had never felt such intensity in her life, the searing sort of pain which brought white blindness with it. It felt like the water from the Waterfall was crushing her, stealing her breath but instead of filling her lungs with water when she had screamed, there was nothing but air in them. Air and ash and smoke which tasted of singed hair and wicked, wicked bitterness. 

Honestly, it tasted how her heart felt.

Heavy and bitter. The first scream tore through her at the same time her sister and her friend had screamed. She could hear Moria and Roslyn scream in unison with her and the few others. In the back of her mind, she drew a connection between the Guardians and the screams, but she was not a Guardian, not officially. Her sister held the title, but maybe there was something deeper to it, another explanation. The intensity arose, kicking her on her knees as the Voice spoke again and she had covered her ears.

Then, it had stopped.

It stopped, the Voice and the pain at the same moment and lady Caliadne felt a pair of arms around her. There was a moment where she thought it was Moria, but seeing her sister being helped to her feet by Anton, Elis almost wondered who was it that had helped her. Reality caught up with the haze in her brain and she remembered where she was, her eyes fixing upon Victor’s as she rose to her feet. “T- thank you. Will you escort me from here, please?” There was no irony in her voice, nor was there her usual chirp. She felt countless eyes upon her and she wanted to be away from the party and the people with their equally numerous and vexing questions. 

How can she answer something she herself does not know?

[lordofblackwood]

As the days had waned on after Prince William's and Queen Daphne's wedding, Victor had closed himself off more and more. Not in the sense of gatherings or social events, but rather, mentally and emotionally. He had grown more quiet than usual after the first time the voice spoke, seeming to only be himself when he was around the Lady Caliadne, but even then, he too began to close himself off from her.

The reason for such retreat was one thing: he was scared.

He was scared that he wouldn't be able to find a solution, or at least a decent one, and the shadows in the corner of his vision grew closer every day. The Adviser could almost feel them clawing at his back and grabbing his throat. Which is why winced, in both fear and pain, when the Voice reappeared at the Princess birthday gala.

Then came the screaming.

Confused and a little lost, Victor searched the room for where the noise had come from, but his eyes only found Elis. Panic coursed through the man's body as he shoved his way through the crowd to reach her before she fell. He couldn't lose her.

Victor quickly wrapped his arms around her from behind supporting her the moment she stopped screaming. Before he could ask if she was alright, Elis asked him to escort her out of the room and he immediately obliged.

"Come on. I've got you." He whispered in a low tone as he helped her leave behind the room and the party. Concern had etched itself clearly into his countenance, and people stared at them as they left but he didn't care, all his attention and worry was focused on Elis.

[scrapimmortal]

Athos in 2x09 - The Accused

[deactivated-blog]

/ friendly council \ | erik & victor

          it has been days since they have returned to iatris & he still felt like a part of him was in the water. his brother was now king of eyden but it was not the only reason why he could not seem to stop thinking about the wedding - or the feast. the words that the voice had spoken would not leave him , no matter how much he tried to forget them ; forget them enough that he could function without flinching at the sight of midnight’s shadows. the voice had all but ruined the night time for him. he stopped going on late rides with his steed & he all but stopped walking in the labyrinth under the moon’s pale glow , devising plans & thinking of the future he has deemed to be bright - up until recently. 

the night was setting & the king had flinched again , his eyes catching a shadowy movement to his right - but the shadow turned into a familiar man & he exhaled , a chuckled out breath leaving the king’s lips. erik shook his head at his own display of paranoia , his hand moving away from the hilt of his sword ; unaware that he has even reached for it in the first. “ ah , victor. my mind seems to play tricks on me still. “ he spoke with a smile & motioned for his close friend & trusty adviser to join him where he stood , surrounded by the dying light of the day & the servants which hurried around , lightning torches to prevent the shadows & the chill of the night to sneak into the castle - though he doubted it was that successful. 

“ i would have your council dear friend. the shadows trouble me & the words spoken at my brother’s wedding feast do not abandon me. i would have your opinion on the matter. do you think we have a cause to fear it ? “  he asked with a turn in his friend’s direction , beckoning him to join him. 

@lordofblackwood​

[lordofblackwood]

The Lord of Blackwood did not rest when he returned to Iatris. No. The Voice had made sure to get rid of any little sleep Victor already suffered from so now causing the poor man to barely close his eyes at all. His mind was filled with thoughts, lists, pros and cons of different actions. He worked late into the nighttime, strategizing, trying to find the right way to answer to the message that had been spoken at Prince William's wedding. Victor didn’t mind the work. It was his job, as an adviser and a friend. 

The only thing that caused him some concern was: why hadn’t Erik called for his advice yet?

The shadows seemed to take on a new meaning for everyone in the Kingdom, everyone except Victor. Always the skeptic and the one to think things through until they're beaten to death with logic, Laurel found no fear when he looked in the shadows, only a slight unease. He, however, knew the effect that it had had on everyone else and so treaded carefully. 

As the adviser walked through the castle, he seemed to turn the corner and find the King watching with a wary eye and a tight grip on the sword at his waist. Victor couldn’t help but smile slightly as he stepped forth from the shadows seeing his friend so on edge. The man held up his hands slightly, “I mean no harm I promise.” He teased gently before he drew a deep breath, pausing to listen to his friend’s concerns. 

A silent pause came before Victor spoke, “Many people left the feast with the words clawing at their thoughts. You are not alone my friend. However, action is a completely different matter. I feel that the voice could be either two things: a hoax thought up by some mad man who enjoyed a good scare, or a serious threat that could mean something much worse. I believe we prepare for the latter of the two. If it truly is a hoax, then we’ll gladly brush it from our minds, if it isnt; then we will be glad that we took such precaution.”

[lordofblackwood]

By One’s Self || OPEN

[lordofblackwood]

her eyebrow arched in poorly veiled shock but she was pleased to hear that someone else had shared her opinion about the queen. she was not used to people being open & blunt , & she was pleasantly surprised by the lord & his honesty. “ then you may know why i am not so inclined to answer questions about my queen. should i say something she does not approve of i do not doubt i would be short by a head. “ she smiled though there was no amusement in her voice. “ that is wise but wisdom is expected from an adviser. “

“ yes so it seems. perhaps we should all marry into other kingdoms until we are all just onegiant family. “ arysin commented but the thought did make her pause. would it be achievable to make one kingdom from the four ? she did not see mordu as one of them as they were both isolated on an island & isolated in general. the lady smiled at the question ; “ looking after my sister , if one can consider that a pastime. “ she chuckled - she did not have a pastime ; not the one she could share. “ i like to read. & what of you my lord ? what do you enjoy doing when you are not advising the king & the queen ? “

A polite nod and courteous smile followed the Lord as he listened to the Lady Arysin. “And we wouldn’t want that at all. I understand your position completely and if you must, at some point, change to a different topic, feel free my lady.” Victor offered glad that his comment on the queen seemed to find some common ground with her very own lady in waiting. “I believe that’s all people except from me at points. To spout words of wisdom wherever I go.” He couldn’t help but chuckle though the thought did weigh on him. There were moments he wished he could get away from it all, only for a moment, but after the incident with the voice the Lord feared that any sort of holiday would have to be postponed for some time.

It intrigued him. Her thought of the Kingdoms all merging together to form one large intertwining family. Could such peace be achievable? Sadly, Victor feared not though the thought of such an alliance held fantastical interest. “Taking care of your sister is a noble duty and don’t let anyone put you down for it. Family is a treasure some have and others do not.” He nodded, finding her compassion touching. “Myself? Well, I do like to go for rides in the forest. I find it soothing and therapeutic at times. I like the simple things that our world seems to offer.” Victor cleared his throat before continuing, “I’m afraid I’m not an interesting person my lady.”

[williamblackwyd]

talks with the bridegroom || OPEN

[lordofblackwood]

“Well I will do my best to make the acquaintance of these women my friend finds worthy enough to speak about,” William said. His voice was tinged with good humour, but he was also being honest. Victor was not free with his praise of anyone, much less the fairer sex. In fact, they had often escaped the court and matchmaking mamas together, united in their desire to maintain their own free will. It amused William that now that he was caught up in the bonds of matrimony, Victor might also follow suit. Although that was putting the cart before the horse.

“Of course you will always be welcome here, and have a place with us whenever you wish,” William said, though it hardly needed verbalizing. Of course Victor knew he was welcome any place that William found himself. “I hope that you and Lady Caliadne will be often at court so I can get to know her better.” And to see what a besotted Victor looked like, if it went in that direction.

The Lord of Blackwood couldn’t help but smile in relief that William seemed to take fondly to the idea of meeting both the women he had mentioned some day. One, who’s friendship Victor hoped would grow stronger and the other who he hoped might be more than a friend some day. Time, however, could only tell and Laurel was not a person to rush any affair whether love or state affairs. It was odd that for so long, both the Prince and him had sough their own company and remain far away from any sort of mention of love, now one of them was married and the other was besought by a woman. Times have changed it would seem.

“Thank you, your highness. I do hope that we will not drift apart in our friendship though we have done so in distance. I hold your acquaintance dear. Of course, I will introduce you to the Lady who has seemed to whittle down the defenses that I have placed around my heart. My bluntness hasn’t chased her away yet like some other ladies. But, enough. I mustn’t ramble or I’ll soon become an old spinster sharing gossip around the well.” Though Victor joked, it came across dry and with a heavy dose of sarcasm.

[lordofblackwood]

By One’s Self || OPEN

[lordofblackwood]

lady caliadne ; potential love

That she has been. Kind to him. She was not rude to anyone, but he did make her feel a bit differently than she did around everyone else and, honestly, she didn’t really know how to respond to it yet. Was it love? She hardly knew him long enough for it to be love, but it certainly was something transcending the ground of common acquaintance or friendship.

She normally didn’t have these sorts of feelings or thoughts about her friends.

Elis chuckled at his words and her grip on him tightened. “Nonsense! I find the reward to bemore than great. Perhaps I ought to have give you something in return. A thought, if you would like.” The heart was out of question, but she had a worrying thought that, if he had asked for it, she would most certainly give it away easily. The thought alone nearly made her purse her lips suspiciously, but she’d refrained.

He needn’t know of the effect he had on her.

“A hermit, truly? My, how fortunate. I am something of a hermit myself, though my sister does try to get me out of the house every now and then.” Truth be told, since Moria had left, she had barely spent a minute in the house. She took her role as a substitute Guardian seriously and so she’s spent all her free time (and she had that by the buckets) in the company of her horse and the Waterfall.

A soft smile seemed to creep to the Lord’s lips as they walked through the room. He listened to her every word, eyes trained on her face...her mouth. Victor, shaking off the trance slightly, moved his gaze hoping he hadn’t been noticed, though he did not pull his gaze away from the captivating Lady’s face. She held his attention as she spoke and for some reason, Laurel knew, even then, that if someone were to wish to speak with him and ask him to leave the Lady Caliadne’s presence he would refuse. 

The feelings that spun in his mind confused him. He didn’t what to think about this sense of captivation. Never once had he felt a sudden urge to kiss someone like this before. It was strange, but not dark or evil. Rather, his feelings for Elis were innocent much like child’s intentions but a quite bit more mature. Victor, luckily enough, had mastered his emotions long ago and could easily control his reaction to them which is why he held such calm countenance in her presence.

“Then it would seem my lady that we have more a like then we first bargained for.” Victor laughed not noticing the stares that other Lords and Ladies seemed to shooting towards the couple’s direction. He was often oblivious to such trivial matters. “Tell me about your role as guardian. What is it that you do?” The question held no mocking tone just a simple curiosity.

[lordofblackwood]

“That is because you are a normal, functioning human being. I think my sister had been dropped on her head a few times when she was a child. She is always so serious and contemplative.” Not that the Lord beside her was not pretty much the same, but Moria was sometimes pushing it. Sure, being a Guardian was difficult, as was being the Queen’s Lady, but Elis did as much work around the Waterfall in her stead as she could, and it did not make her lose her spirit.

Though, she wondered if anything could.

Elis watched the interaction between the man and the horse, and it only made her like Lord Laurel more. She liked it when people were kind to animals, speaking to them as if they werehuman. “Fitting indeed.” She offered the Lord beside her a smile, as he confided his horse’s name with her. “I like the sound of it. It has a nice ring to it.”

Victor watched her Elis' with a look of fond amusement. Even though she joked and made fun of her sister's seriousness he could tell that the Lady had a strong bond with her kin. A reflective thought seemed to quickly pass the man by because for a second Victor wondered what his own life would be like if it hadn't have just been his mother, father, and himself in the Blackwood Manor. What would he have done if he had a sibling of his own? However, the thought, as quickly as it came, left the Lord as he turned his attention back to his beautiful company.

"It's not really that fancy, just the Latin word for Night. So basically this handsome man's name is Night." Laurel chuckled slightly as he revealed the truth of his steed's title. "Though truly he has been through almost everything with me. He is been my companion ever since I was a young boy. We grew up together." If one could see the Lord now, which obviously the Lady Caliadne could, they would notice the love and affection he had for the horse that stood in front of him, and if horses could show emotion, you'd find the same in Noctis' gentle gaze.

"But enough of this or it'll be morning before we're off. Shall I help you mount?" Victor questioned with a genuine tone of politeness and chivalry as he turned to Elis, the question floating through the air.

[knightpoet]

the musketeers: 6/∞

[lordofblackwood]

By One’s Self || OPEN

[lordofblackwood]

queen daphne

SHE HAD STARTED TO SMILE when he spoke of William, as she figured her husband might be a bit out of his element here - and literally. But, then she frowned at the latter and for a moment she thought he was talking about Moria, her lady in waiting. The girl in question was talking to her captain, Anton, but she couldn’t really find it believable for him to be thinking of lady Elis. Although, knowing lady Elis, it seemed like the most reasonable thought to ever cross her mind. “Are you talking of lady Elis?” She had to be sure, but a small smile had already begun to dance of her lips.

“Well, we would certainly like to see more of you in Eyden, for whichever reason.” Daphne gently said, but there was speck of amusement in her - and genuine happiness for the lord of Iatris. Everyone deserved to be happy and from what she could tell, lord Laurel deserved it the most. He was already invested in helping both her husband and herself with advice, and she wondered if it would be against the law if he were both Iatris’ and Eyden’s adviser. She trusted her advisers to no end, but having a fresh perspective couldn’t hurt.

A light red hue filled the man’s cheeks as he ducked his head in almost childlike embarrassment. He was unused to this sort of talk or anything concerning the subject, but yes, he was happy and he was glad to see that William and Daphne had begun to warm up to each other. “Yes, I apologize for the confusion. I meant the Lady Elis not her sister Moira which I understand is your lady in waiting.” He commented feeling slightly foolish at his vagueness, knowing that assumptions could have been easily been made.

“I will gladly visit whenever you have need of me.” And Victor meant it. Whatever they needed from him, he would try to provide be it advice or simply company. The Lord was ready to assist the new couple on their journey into marriage and ruling. With a slight smile and a hidden yawn, Victor bowed his head to Daphne, “You’ll have to excuse me for it is late and I think I shall retire to my chambers. Congratulations to the both of you and thank you for engaging in conversation with me. I will bid you a fond goodnight and see you in the morning.” Another formal bow before Victor excused himself and walked off, headed for his bed.

END INTERACTION

[lordofblackwood]

By One’s Self || OPEN

[lordofblackwood]

lady roslyn

THE GUARDIAN NODDED, THE WORDS ringing too true with her. There were times when she’d wanted to leave Iatris - the change of scenery, new friends, a carefree life. But, she couldn’t. She could never leave Rowena, nor could she ever leave Iatris; not because it was her home, but rather because it was the home of her duty. She was a Guardian and even if the duty sometimes burdened her, she would never trade it for a careless, carefree life - she could never revert to the mischievous child she was, before the duty befell her. “As would I. I would still take a small adventure, so long as I’m back home afterwards.”

Roslyn regarded her trip to Eyden as an adventure; and seeing her friend Elis only served to make her forget about the Dryad, if only for a hot minute. But her home was never too far away from her mind, so she understood perfectly what the lord was saying. “I agree. Home if where the heart is, and I guess our hearts are deep in Iatris, are they?”

“Our hearts are rooted deep it would seem.” Victor nodded in understanding knowing what she meant. It was all too true. Once an adventurous soul, now the Lord Laurel was a homebody, a loyal homebody at that. The Adviser would never leave his close friend and King, Erik and him had been through so much together. He was sure that Roslyn’s deep roots were also due to her sister as well. So there that sat, a couple of homebodies who once dreamt of adventure and now preferred the comforts of home. 

“The fresh air has been greatly welcomed, I thank you for joining me, however, I grow quite tired and I think I might soon retire to my chambers. I am not such a party person as I might seem.” A joke, on Victor’s part, and a pretty funny one at that as he rose gently and offered his arm out to Roslyn. “Shall I walk you back inside or do you wish to remain here for a while longer?” An innocent question as the fatigue seemed to suddenly weigh on the man’s shoulders. It had been a long day for him and he was about ready to lie down.

[williamblackwyd]

talks with the bridegroom || OPEN

[lordofblackwood]

prince king william

William let out a surprised laugh, ignoring the twinge in his heart about Victor and his family missing him. He did not want to think about that now, for it was already a sore subject. He was leaving the only home and family he had ever known for a new kingdom that up until now had not exactly had regular social visits. Of course, the whole point of the alliance was to build a stronger relationship, so clearly that would change. But it would not be the same.

“You sly dog,” he said, clapping Victor on the back. “Though I hardly think it fair to set me up like that. You can’t say I’ve failed when you’ve not given me a chance to try.” He was not upset, of course, nor even put out. William hadn’t even been able to find his own wife, how would he have been at setting someone else up? “Well, go on then, tell me about her!” he demanded.

Victor smiled, trying not to choke on the sip of wine he had taken while William had slapped him on the back. Swallowing after a moment, the Adviser cleared his throat and laughed slightly, staring down at his feet for a second trying to draw the right words to explain the woman who had caught his eye. 

“The Lady Elis Caliadne is the woman who has seemed to nab my interest above all others, though there have been many outstanding women that I have spoken to through the course of the night, for example, the Lady Elinor Drago would be one whose friendship I would hold dear. I quite enjoyed my conversation with her.” He was stalling though his words were true. Victor just didn’t know how to express his feelings, he never had been able to well enough anyways even in simple matters.

Another sip of wine before the man attempted again, “Lady Caliadne actually resides here in Eyden, so between visiting you and your new wife I’ll also visit her from time to time. It seems that Eyden has already begun to become part of my weekly trips.” Laurel laughed knowing full well that in the months to come he would be increasingly busy. 

[lordofblackwood]

An Accidental Meeting | Victor and Elinor

[lordofblackwood]

lady elinor

Elinor smiled, looking down to hide a bit of a laugh. “No, no, it’s nice that you are considerate of a creature other than yourself.” So many just looked at animals as beasts, there to serve mankind. Elinor, however, knew they had souls, as Victor seemed to understand as well.

Were he anyone else, Elinor might think that his suggestion was innuendo, a thinly veiled attempt to get under Elinor’s skin…and dress. But she could already tell that the Lord of Blackwood was not that sort of man. He was being sincere, having already established their mutual enjoyment of the past time.

Frankly it was inappropriate of Elinor’s mind to go there at all, but that was the dangers of having grown up amongst more men than women. Of course they had started off polite and wary of the young mistress, but she had started attending the training grounds with her father at a young age; the men soon grew used to her presence and more comfortable in her company as she grew.

“I would enjoy that,” she nodded. “Have you been able to go riding since being here? Do you know the area at all?”

“I have visited from time to time, the Queen Daphne and I have grown close as friends and so I seem to be visiting more often than not.” Victor replied to her question completely glancing over the possible innuendo he had made. Victor’s mind hadn’t been spoiled by such talk while he was growing up so his mind and thoughts were still innocent to the wording though he would have easily understood the moment Elinor told him, though it seemed she wouldn’t.

“It is has been quite the night so far, and I have enjoyed speaking to you Lady Drago, but it would seem,” Victor paused and glanced through the crowd to see the Groom himself summoning the Adviser over, “It would seem that the new King requires my assistance. I apologize for almost spilling wine on you and I do hope that if you find yourself in Iatris at some point that you will join me for an outing in the forest. For now, I will have to bid you farewell.” Lord Laurel bowed politely to Elinor before turning and walking off.

END INTERACTION

[lordofblackwood]

By One’s Self || OPEN

[lordofblackwood]

lady arysin

it seemed like everywhere was the same except for marya. she could not vouch for marya’s lords , but at least iatrian ladies had a better time - of course that could be because their queen was not the raging bitch like stella. in fact she would have gladly given her life to bet thatany queen out there was better than the one currently sitting on marya’s throne. “ you are fortunate then my lord. not many have your liberties & you should value it greatly. “ she spoke with a kind smile on her lips - it was comforting to know that not all kingdoms & rulers are as disinterested or as demanding as marya’s.

how was – oh the poor man must have never been in the queen’s presence in his life , to ask such a thing. arysin was well versed in feigning delight to be her queen’s lady , as a cover for herless legal actions - like spying on the said queen. her smile was as honest as she could muster ,as she shrugged to reply to his question ; “ the queen is always good. “ she had to prevent herself from snorting out in amusement. oh yes , the queen was an excellent strategist - when she had all the facts ; but often she did not. she did not know her friend was the princess of marya - an asterion by birth & should stella breathe in a wrong way , she would be overthrown. “how are your majesties ? they must be excited that their prince is now a king. “ arysin inquired with a curious tilt of her head.

Lord Victor could easily read through the lady in waiting’s fake smile, it was something he had developed as an Adviser, he knew when people were lying, especially straight to him, but the Lady’s lie was a good-natured one, if you could say that about any lie. A slight smile crossed his lips as he dipped his head slightly, “I apologize my lady. My question on the queen’s well-being must have come as a shock. I have heard of Queen Stella’s reputation of being...I believe one might put it...a bitch? Please do not take my small talk as ignorance, I just like to keep tabs on most people as an Adviser of course.” Victor spoke, hoping to recover from his slight blunder.

“I believe that the King and Queen are happy with the marriage. It will be a strong alliance, I hope so at least. Everyone is hoping that I suppose.” Victor shrugged. It was a well wished union and he couldn’t think of any other reason why the King and Queen of Blackwyd wouldn’t give the marriage their blessing, though God knows that the Lord already went through all the possible downsides and found the positive outcomes weighed more than the negative. “But enough about our kings and queens, what about you? I wish to get to know you a bit better my lady. Tell me, what is your favorite pastime?” The gentleman had arisen in Victor but that wasn’t necessarily a horrible thing.

[lordofblackwood]

By One’s Self || OPEN

[lordofblackwood]

queen daphne

THE QUEEN OFFERED HIM A small smile. She was sure that her threat was anything but threatening, but the anger she felt at the injustice of it was real and palpable. “I does look like it, doesn’t it?” She commented, but then she pursed her lips in thought. “It could be a rouse, but it could be honest. Maybe they did such a terrible job at it to make us all think it’s a joke. If I ever wanted to threaten someone, I certainly wouldn’t try to warn them beforehand, unless it played to my advantage.” While she wasn’t that much of a strategist, she was intelligent enough to know that warning someone whom you’re threatening to destroy or frighten, doesn’t seem like asmart thing to do.

“I am glad, too.” Daphne replies with a wide smile, which turned delighted at his words. “That’s wonderful! I’m happy you’re going to stay with us for a while. I know my husband is a bit uneasy about the whole king-thing and I doubt he’ll listen to me if I told him he needn’t worry.” She wasn’t really sure if he was uneasy - she knew she would’ve been, if she were made a queen of another country and via marriage. The thought itself was enough to make her feel apprehensive and a bit frightened, to be fair. This must be hard on him and she made a mental note to herself to talk to him about it.

It made the Adviser happy to see the Queen’s own joy at the mention of his extended stay. Victor bowed his head slightly, almost as if he was offering his servitude, “I’m sure the King is quite uneasy at such a drastic change that is part of the reason why I am staying. King Erik already has two other Advisers to help him, I thought I’d stay with William and help him settle in, giving any help if needed. The other reason I stay is due to Lady. Milady Caliadne has convinced me to stay longer so that we may spend some more time together.” He spoke with a gentle smile as he spoke of “the lady”.

It was true, however, Victor wished to help William in this insane new adjustment in anyway possible, or even Daphne in that matter both had become close friends of his. He couldn’t imagine what the now King of Eyden was feeling, turning from a life of nearly no responsibility to running a kingdom alongside his new wife. Victor himself, knew that it would be a long road, but he also knew the strength of the couple. They could make it work.

They had to. 

[lordofblackwood]

By One’s Self || OPEN

[lordofblackwood]

lady roslyn

THAT WAS A SURPRISE IF she’s ever heard one. Se never would’ve guessed that an Earth bound lord would’ve liked to sail the seas and it reminded her a lot of herself, before she was made Guardian. She’d always felt a connection with Water and the seas called to her, but the childhood dreams had to be cast aside, when her sister married the king and the role of the Dryad was passed onto her instead. “I’ve always loved the sea, as well. Had my sister retained her role as the Guardian, I think I would’ve sailed the seas as well, or at least swam to the middle of the canal and back.” She chuckled at the latter.

There was a freedom to the Water, yes. Different sort of freedom from the one she’s felt as the Guardian of Iatris or the Dryad’s Dance. She loved her trees, she loved her kingdom deeply and now her childish wishful thinking seemed like a very distant, very unrealistic dream. Roslyn couldn’t fathom to leave the Dryad behind now and so she’s said as much; “Now it’s different, though. Now I couldn’t leave the Dryad even if I wanted to. It’s too deeply rooted in me, to leave.” Honestly, even if she wanted to leave, she didn’t know if she could, if the voice of the Dryad would ever let her be at peace, constantly calling to her. It called to her now, and she was only gone a day. Already, she had wanted to be back among the green of the Forest, lulled to safety, forgetting all about the ominous Voice and its words. “Do you miss it already? Iatris.” Ros asked. She missed it. It was too watery here and that was a surprising thing to say; coming from someone who felt close to the Water. But that was once and it seemed like it was in another life.

The surprise that graced the Lady Roslyn’s face was not a new reaction to Victor. Whenever he mentioned his childhood dream of sailing and travelling the world, the reaction and follow up question was usually the same such as: “I had never guessed you as the sailing type! You just seem so...down to earth.” or “You? Sailing? Surely you must be joking.” It was true though, the Lord had wished to command his own vessel when he was just a boy, but that dream was gone now, replaced by the harsh truth of reality.

Except, Roslyn’s reply was different. She seemed to share his same dream.

Victor’s face lit up when he heard of the similarity she shared with him, a small thing that tied them together. “I couldn’t agree more. I’m to fond of my home now to ever leave, besides, my duties would not allow me. Though I’d like to think I would have taken one small adventure if given the chance years ago.” He mused softly, wondering if a younger Victor would have leapt at the opportunity to sail about the world.

Drawing himself back from his reminiscing, Lord Laurel nodded slowly, “I’ll always miss Iatris, no matter where I go. It’s home and nothing can replace that.”

[lordofblackwood]

lady vivian

That was true. Her duties as a Guardian were not easy and they never let her leave Noctifera for long. It was thanks to her duties that she could not go to Mordu and visit her cousins, especially now when they have all returned to the general knowledge and there were no longer any obstacles for her travels - that is except for the obstacle of being a Guardian. She only gave him an understanding nod, agreeing. Who knew when they would meet again; in months or in years.

Vivian offered him a smile and another short nod.

“I agree, particularly about the draining part of the parties.” She lightly hummed in understanding. It was refreshing to hear that she was not the only odd one during these sorts of gatherings. She enjoyed weddings as much as any other person, but she did not enjoy large groups, crowded places and too lively chatter. That was, of course, only a little ironic since that was the very thing which kept her sane - despite the insanity of loud voices, louder music and the drunken people stumbling about.

“I suppose the small talk is what leaves everyone dry in the end. Meaningless connections just to pass the time would normally do that.”

“It is reassuring to find one of such common mind at these taxing festivities.” The lord responded with a nod of his own before he cast a glance towards the patrons of the party. 

How could they find enjoyment in such affairs? In such small frivolous talk that didn’t change or grant any significance to the future? How could people just merely sit about and talk of fleeting things?

Well Victor, turns out you’re doing so right now.

It wasn’t that he hated parties, it was just that he felt more comfortable watching the events unfold from a seat in the corner. He would never be the life of the party, an only rare occasion might be his wedding but even then, you wouldn’t find him in a drunken stupor. ‘

“Small talk does have its purpose in certain scenarios. One can learn much of another with such talk.” True. Small talk did have its benefits. “However, I must inquire of you milady, if you don’t mind answering of course, if you’re so off put by parties, why are you here? I am required due to my kinship with the Groom and as an Adviser, but I do not see a reason why you have to suffer through the night.”

[lordofblackwood]

“I live for night rides.” Elis commented with a smile. That was more than true for her. She loved riding, whether during the day or during the night, but she enjoyed being on horseback. As of late, the nights provided her with a sense of calm that she did not find, ever since her sister started to work at court as the Queen’s Lady. Now the only thing which truly seemed to relax her was imminent danger of riding alone in the dead of the night.

Was she wise, or was she wise?

Her grip tightened on the Lord’s arm as she guided them towards the stables, waiting for their horses to be saddled. Her grey mare Ashvyn was patiently waiting and Elis reached out a hand to pat her neck. “This is Ashvyn. I named her that because Moria said I can’t name a grey horse after the ashes, so I said ‘of course I can’ and so I did. She seems to like it, so it turned out well in the end, but my sister was not amused. She should be grateful I didn’t name her horse.”

Victor listened with a amused smile as they walked towards the stables arm in arm. It was shocking to find another with such similar tendencies, but it did not bother the lord rather it only added to his growing admiration and fondness of the Lady Elis.

Fondness? But they had just barely met a few times before tonight. Well, what can one do when some are just destined to be together.

As they finally reached the stables, Victor felt Elis’ grip tighten whether from excitement or from some form of nervousness, he reassured her by placing his free hand on top of hers. “I find that quite amusing for I like the name you’ve given her. It suits her just well.” Victor commented with a slight laugh after Elis finished telling the story of her mare’s christening. Just a few moments after he had finished talking a stable boy walked up leading the Lord’s horse, a massive black charger. 

“I’m sorry to wake you fellow, but it seems that we have been drafted for a night ride.” Victor apologized to his horse just as if the beast was a human being. “I feel that since you told me the name of yours I should give you mine. This is Noctis. He was named after the Night. A fitting title due to the given darkness of his hide.”