Emmett’s heart raced even after Yarric revealed himself. “Good, god, man, you nearly frightened me to death.” Clapping a hand to his chest, Emmett took a steadying breath. Luckily, Emmett knew the man’s voice. The night sky didn’t quite cast enough light for Emmett to be able to see Yarric from where he was. “What are you doing out here in the pitch black?”
❝ I could ask the same of you. ❞ There’s a slight pause. ❝ Earl Greenwood, isn't it? ❞ His brow raises in the darkness and he leans down to grab the handle of the candle stick holder. With the light now raised it would make his position fairly obvious, the glow only revealing half of his face. ❝ If you must know I was reading and taking in the fresh air. I imagine you are doing something similar? ❞
Sneaking out onto the grounds at night was nothing new for Emmett. It was a habit that he had started with young and had never grown out of. Despite the fact that the castle grew more dangerous with each passing day, Emmett found that when he couldn’t sleep, he liked to walk to the grounds.
Though he was used to the stillness of the night and the dark shadows in the garden, the flickering and movement right up ahead were not normal. Emmett paused, his breath hitching, as he realized that someone was there. “Who’s there?” he called quietly, wondering if he should yell for the guards. Were they even close enough to hear him or get there quickly enough if he needed help? “Show yourself!”
Despite being aware of the man drawing closer the voice that calls out causes him to jump. The book falls from his lap and clatters on the floor, just narrowly avoiding his candle. A harsh curse slips from his lips before his gaze peers upwards towards the voice. ❝It’s only me.❞ Yarric call as if that clears everything up. Though with the darkness of his attire the low light of night he is till barely visible. It takes him a moment to scramble to his feet as he stares out in to the darkness.
Upon his lap lays a thick leather bound book and to his side waning candle. It’s flickering light illuminating the pages allowing him to read in the stillness that came at this late hour. Usually he would of taken to this particular past time in his room but not tonight. He was far too restless, too anxious. He had needed the walk and to feel the coolness of the night air upon his skin.
A stifled yawn escapes him as his fingers trace the words before flicking the page over idly. When had it grown so late? He must of been out here for an hour at least. But Yarric was reluctant to return to his room. Not yet. Perhaps one more chapter could tempt him.
That being said when he hears the foot steps approaching he does quickly close the cover of his novel, instantly giving away his location. Sharp emerald eyes darting around the hazy low light to try and make out the stranger who was also enjoying the evening breeze.
The inside of his mouth was suffering a great assault. His teeth relentlessly dragging across the inside of his cheek. Though his anxiety to the outside world he looked as if he was pulling strange and off putting faces. Anyone who dared pass him in his spot in the hallway would merely shuffle past murmuring words to each other or desperately avoid eye contact with him.
He was used to it. Weird faces aside people went out of their way to avoid him, he smelt of death after all and the lords and ladies of the court didn’t like that. Thoughts are quick to consume him and he simply forgets where he is, walking to the other side of the hall and then back. Then repeating it. Again and again and again.
It’s not till he finds himself doing that awkward dance with her that the restlessness of the man seems to fade away. ❝Can I help you? ❞ Yarric asks, his words colder than he may of intended before he realizes that he was in fact the one causing the problem. Clearing his throat he averts his eyes away from the woman before dipping his head and lowering to a half bow. ❝Beg your pardon. It seems I was far too caught up in my thoughts.❞
“Of course,” Jasper answered, a little relieved himself. “Come on, we can cross the court yard together. Perhaps Applebee won’t bother me either if we seem like we’re engaged in conversation…” With one last glance over his shoulder, Jas nodded for Yarric to walk with him. “To be frank, I’m quite tired of listening to gossip as well, especially since I seem to be at the center of so much of it. Can’t we all focus on something more concrete? Like…our plans for food this winter. Although I suppose there is some gossip I’m interested in…” Jas looked down, making a show of appearing conflicted. “Like the rumors that the King and Queen’s deaths were no accident.”
When the nod is offered, he follows the pace set by the other male. Dull emerald eyes seem to inspect the courtyard that they both braved. Lingering on the lord and ladies for short while before returning to his companions face. Mostly he remains silent at the conversation till something grabs his attention. Brows furrow and a frown sets deeper on his lips at the mention of the king and queen’s deaths.
That cool gaze remains on Jasper for a moment as if gauging whether or not his expression is genuine. Whatever conclusion he comes to he doesn’t voice it. A low hum is offered in response before he speaks. ❝ Yes, well they do like to talk. Whatever baseless rumors that float around are easily eaten up by those who are weak of mind. Wouldn’t you agree Lord Grey?❞ Despite the question it seems he’s not asking. Instead it’s his way of making it clear this is not something he wishes to discuss. Certainly not here at least.
❝Much more urgent matters are certainly at hand. The food? I wasn’t aware we were having an issue on our stock. What would you suggest we do going forward?❞ He asks.
it was only instinctive reflexes that had kept her from entirely sending them both into the lovely bed of irises and various other sweet smelling blooms. a wry laugh slipped from her mouth as she gathered her wits about her once more. “i suppose it’s better this way, than meeting on the chopping block,” cahira quipped before dropping into a courtesy. “lady cahira mykonos, at your service. or, rather, at your near meeting with the ground,” amusement twinkled in her eyes, not bothered so much with the fact that he dealt in death as some might be - everyone had a job and duty to kingdom. her gaze moved around, she’d never even noticed this little section of the garden before, but even she could appreciate the simple beauty of it. “i think i might have to use this part of the garden as a means of escape when the tittering and gossiping gets to be too mindless to entertain.”
Her humor seems to make the corner of his lips twitch in what would seem to be a very meager smile. ❝ Yes, well there certainly been better places to meet people. Most aren’t the best conversational partners.❞ Yarric returns it with his own dark banter. As quickly as it came the smile disappears once more. Her name had been mentioned to him in passing and as his light eyes scan over her face he seems to be wracking his brain to remember what else had been said about her.
Though it seems to be fruitless. Her words soon drag him back into the conversation once more. ❝ Yarric Morrell. Though it seems we are both aware of each other’s presence. I hope whatever was...voiced wasn’t too gory.❞ He introduces with a slight bow of his own, though he is soon stepping a side he offers her more view of the little oasis.
❝ This is quite the safe haven, for some reason I find myself coming back here whenever I have the free time. Most of the lords and ladies favor the more extravagant areas of the garden so I doubt they even know this area exists. If you can’t tell I’m not one for gossip. It exhausts me.❞ It’s a fairly simple explanation but from the way his voice crackles at the ends of some words it’s clear it’s not most he’s spoken in awhile. He hesitates slightly before posing her a question. ❝Are you running away from something or someone? ❞
quiet. that was what she was searching for. a seemingly impossible task amidst the trappings of being at court, but cahira had always been too good at slipping away unnoticed when the mood struck her. and after a dreadfully boring morning of seeing to both personal and westerly correspondence her parents had put her up to doing- her brother certainly wasn’t going to be bothered with the droll - the mood to wander immediately struck her. the lady had only just made it to the gardens before running into another person. “apologies,” cahira murmured with what she hoped was an apologetic smile, having very nearly knocked the person over, so lost in thought she had been. “i didn’t see you there.”
When things got too much there was a place that he came to hide, a secluded part of the garden; it had been carefully tucked away near the entrance, nearly completely obscured by a ever growing bush. Not many visited due to it’s modest appearance, the small irises and other blooms blossoming in their beds. Peace. This was the only place he could achieve peace. Well...it was. Lost in his thoughts he is nearly toppled over by the woman and her words wash over him. Blankly he blinks at her and it takes him a moment to form a reply. ❝Lady...Mykonos. That is certainly one way of introducing yourself.❞ He responds gingerly.
Jas’ lips curled upward. It was never easy to tell if Yarric was joking, and truth be told, Jas wasn’t sure if he was in this moment - but the skewer comment was funny, even if the executioner hadn’t meant for it to be. “No need to apologize. Especially if you were trying to go unnoticed…you were doing a rather good job of being sneaky.” ·Raising his eyebrows slightly, Jas looked over his shoulder. There were a few familiar faces. “Argh, it’s that dreadful Lord Applebee and his little group of sycophants. Probably talking about the latest absurd policy they’d like to present to the princess. He’s the greediest man I’ve ever met. Why - are you trying to avoid someone in particular?”
The corner of his lip twitches at the comments regarding Lord Applebee but he simply dips his head in response.·❝Him. As well as...any one who wants to bore me with the usual drivel; which maid was seen where and the lord she was with. Or alternatively trying to dig some further information out of me. Frankly I do not have the time nor the patience for either.·❞ It seems that he is relaxing though, his shoulders slumping at his side and his posture growing looser by the moment.·❝Could I impose upon you? Just to the other side. Perhaps if I’m seen in discussion with someone else they might just leave me alone. ❞
Jasper’s keen awareness of his surroundings had been perfected as a child. A street rat who survived by stealing and who was frequently the victim of other thieves, he had realized at a young age that if you didn’t look out for yourself, you were absolutely screwed. Considering all the suspicious activity at court as of late, he felt a particularly nasty chill rise up his spine when he thought he noticed movement out of the corner of his eye in the courtyard. With his hand firmly placed on the hilt of his sheathed weapon, he crept toward the pillar. The initial shock made him jump back and begin to draw his sword, but when he recognized the familiar face, his breathing evened out.
“Gods, you gave me a fright, Lord Morrell.” Returning his weapon to its rightful place, Jas shook his head. “You’re going to get stabbed if you pop out at people like that.”
❝Lord Grey.❞ He acknowledges while his eyes flick towards the weapon that had been almost ready to strike. Clearing his throat he folds his arms across his chest, using this opportunity to assess the situation behind Jasper. Still busy.
Despite his best subtle squint he’s unable to make out the faces. A silent frustration bubbles within him and without even thinking he makes a small tut. ❝ Apologies, it was never my intention to startle you...or anyone and I certainly do not want to be skewered anytime soon. ❞
Was that humour? It’s hard to tell. The steely tone paired with the continuous scowl it could of been completely serious. A mere beat passes before he confesses to the man before him. ❝ Honestly I was hoping I could slip past unnoticed but I suppose that’s wishful thinking. Would you mind telling me who’s in the court yard? ❞
A grimace appears on his face as he hears the hustle and bustle in the courtyard. He hadn’t been expecting anyone. In fact he had purposely delayed his meeting to avoid anyone. ❝ Damn it.❞ The man mutters to himself and moves to hide his frame behind a wall or pillar, whatever was closest. A rough hand reaches to pinch the bridge of his nose before peeking around the corner once again. Only to come face to face with them. Cue a surprised grumble from Yarric, wide eyes and a very...very flat apology. ❝ Sorry...I didn’t see you there.❞ Obviously.
Yarric grew up as the second oldest son in the Morrell household and his childhood was fairly unremarkable. His siblings loved him and teased him in that childish way, his father cared for him and his mother tolerated him. He was quiet though, never going out of his way to make friends outside the family, avoiding social events and choosing to instead excel in his studies. Never did he hate people. Nor did he hate the way he was. Just simply preferring to keep to himself.
When he was fifteen he was in the gardens with his younger siblings and they came across a rabbit. It was ill. Letting it live was crueller than ending its suffering right then and there. He knew what he had to do and sent his siblings away before handling the situation himself. He showed very little remorse, knowing that what he had done had been ‘kind’.
His father had him pulled to one side to question him about his behaviour when he realised the levelheadedness and practicality behind his decision. This meant he was scolded for his behaviour but much less than he would of been otherwise. After this there was very little difference in his demeanour simply going about his life unaffected, perhaps a little colder than before.
He spent the rest of his adolescence studying, spending time with his family and shadowing his father in his work. That is until he hit twenty five. It was around this time his parents had heard rumours that the royal executioner was planning on stepping down and needed an apprentice who would eventually take over the role themselves. Yarric was put forward for the position. The old executioner took a liking to the man and his dedication and took him on board. A year later he stepped down and Yarric as the successor to the role.
Family:
The Morrell family is a lower noble family, mainly known for owning a company that specialises in overseas trading. The company is currently run by his father and the heir to the title is Yarric’s older brother. When it comes to siblings he is one of five, being the second oldest himself. With one older brother, one younger brother and two younger sisters.
His father has a great interest in politics, court antics and the royal family but is rarely invited to the court itself. Only when matters of general trade come up does he get a chance to visit. This leaves the Morrell family mostly in the dark and with some jealousy building under the surface. This is the sole reason that he sent Yarric in to become the executioner, while at the same time attempting to marry off his daughters to higher nobles.
Scandal:
Yarric is actually a bastard child, his father had an affair with younger noble woman. Once she was found to be pregnant she was whisked away to her families summer house where she stayed until the child was had. The noble woman’s father tried to protect her and told her she was unable to keep the child, that’s when he was sent to be brought up by his father.
Of course, it caused a uproar in the Morrell house but in order to keep appearances they raised him as one of their own and no one is aware of who his real mother is. Only the Morrell Family know the full details.
