Il vaut mieux faire que dire.

I am Marianne Desrosiers, future royal advisor to the monarch of Paratel. Please feel free to ask me any questions, I will answer them to the best of my ability. If I have not already introduced myself to you please do so, I am sure I will see you around the Castle of Five soon enough. [Dependant blog of Thronetalia] (Check under navigation for links, especially the one to my tags page. I tag every RP by title and person to make it convenient to find.)

[paratel-conseiller]

Boss Ass Bitches || Alice and Marianne

[bloodstains-or-ballgowns-deacti]

“Have you noticed a patern in this Castle?” Alice asked softly, leaning in a bit closer. “Because I have.” She sighed, locking her gaze in Marianne’s to convey her full seriousness.

"Everybody here is not to be messed with. Everybody here is determined to win. Everybody here is… a little special something, so to speak." Rolling her eyes, Alice gave a slight smile of amusement. "They all have to stand out and make a scene. They all want to be well-known and they all think they’re so frightening."

She paused, moving to the next point before tying the two together. This was the deal-breaker that was likely to screw her over. But somehow, Alice had the feeling that Marianne would see things her way. “You know, in the grand scheme of things, we’re not even competing for power here, just titles. It’s all rather petty.” She tilted her head, her smile growing a bit. “But you know that, don’t you? What’s the point in vying for the position of king or queen? If there’s any power, it rests with those whispering in the monarchs’ ear and controlling the physical force of a kingdom.”

"So you see, to sit back and be patient, not only would it be entertaining to watch them all squak about pathetically…" Alice cleared her throat, once more leaning back, hands in her lap. "It would be prudent to give them what they want. Smile and promise to support them because we know how ‘ruthless’ and ‘clever’ they are. But do it for all of them. Know everything about them. Then turn them against each other."

Sighing, Alice tilted her head towards the cieling, putting on a show of innocent disinterest. “And what if we made sure the thrones were occupied by enemies? And we incited… well, a discord. A conflict. Wouldn’t it be fun to keep on pulling their strings?”

[paratel-conseiller]

Marianne reminded silent and calm throughout the entirety of Alice's 'preposition'. Taking in every word, she analyzed it and gave each concept some thought. She had noticed the pattern. She couldn't say that the same concepts that Alice was talking about hadn't all already run through her head. Even the last part, the part that could literally mae of break this country, all of the kingdoms.

Throughout the duration of the competition thus far Marianne had managed to get on no one's bad side. She had alliances, sure, but she wasn't enemies with anyone. In fact, if she thought about it, she was friends with most people in this castle. It amused her greatly, the things that Alice was saying. She let a faint but genuine smile rest on her face as she continued to think things through. If there was one thing that could be said about Marianne, it was that she wasn't rash.

Everyone in the competition seemed so keen on proving themselves, on making enemies. They wanted to be seen as the biggest and the best, the one everyone should be afraid of. If only they knew it was just painting targets on their backs. Marianne didn't want to be seen. She didn't want to be noticed. She would win the royal advisor position, of course. There was no one more qualified. Literally everyone seemed to like her, to trust her.

Many people would say it's not who you know, but what you know. People would also say the opposite. Marianne believed in a...compromise between the two. It's both who you know and what you know about them that gives you the advantage. It almost never came down to threats, but people are a lot less likely to cross you once you know their deepest, darkest secrets. 

Marianne examined the woman in front of her closely. Could she trust Alice? Did she need Alice? Military, that would be the key. Sure, she could manipulate everyone from her seat behind the monarch. Just a puppeteer pulling strings. It would be nice, though, to have someone actually working toward the same goal as her. Marianne had the support of the people. Alice had the support of the soldiers.

"Suppose, Alice, that I did agree with you...theoretically. I'm working to create a better land, one where the people in it, not the nobility, will be happy. How do I know that I can trust you? How do I know you won't become some type of...tyrant if we succeeded?" She was fairly sure of the woman's answers, but she wanted to be sure. She kept her tone low, making sure no one overheard them. Marianne was at a point where she was fairly sure she could in fact ally herself with Alice. After all, though they would both deny it, they are very similar people.

[verrefissurefille-deactivated20]

I Remember You || Wicus and Marianne

[verrefissurefille-deactivated20]

Infectious is what he would call this woman. He hadn’t had the chance to see it back then, but now that they were conversing and speaking, it was clear to see. Though people rarely had an effect on him, certainly not a woman, it was clear to him already just what this one was capable of doing to another. After all, if she could bring out a more…playful? side to him already, what could she do to people who were less stubborn with their ways?

There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that she probably knew a little bit more than necessary about people, and for that, he was thankful he had waited until now to give his name. They were such powerful things to hold against someone, and being blackmailed into doing someone’s bidding wasn’t exactly his ideal job.

"Mysterious brooding sword guy," He repeated, and yes, a that hint of a smirk was still clear on his face. He quite liked the sound of that. Mysterious was a word rarely used nowadays, and even though he made his intentions very clear to the world, he could see how she would come to such a description. "I’m starting to think giving you my name was a bad idea. I like that one better."

But just like that he had snapped back into his normal personality, recalling just why he was standing out here and who was in front of him. Clearing his throat in order to gain some normalcy within himself, he took a couple more steps back, giving them both plenty of room to breath and be comfortable. 

"I should get back to training," Deep inside, a nagging voice told him to perhaps ask if she wanted to join(call it his curiosity of seeing her style once more), but something prevented him from voicing it. Instead he just nodded towards the practice area. It was vague, but he had hoped she’d get the subtle invitation to join him, and maybe learn a thing or two from each other. While he had been training most of his life, from the combat he had seen, she knew a few tricks he didn’t, and one could never have too many tricks when it came to combat. 

[paratel-conseiller]

Marianne had certainly been known for her charm. She was certain that if it wasn't for the...effect she had on people, typically men, she wouldn't have made it this far in life. It was, after all, her feminine charms that allowed her to climb the ever-so-difficult social pyramid in Paratel. Still, she liked to at least give herself some credit for the other talents she had picked up over her life. Cooking, painting, and even her sword skills all came in handy on many occasions.

She could understand his hesitation at giving her his name. Even if he didn't know her well enough to know her abilities in gaining information on people it was still a dangerous gamble to play. Names held power, Marianne certainly realized that. There was so much that could be learned simply by knowing their name. By knowing someone's past you could even manipulate their future.

Of course, Marianne didn't plan on black mailing Wicus. She had no reason to and, she had to admit, she was growing fond of the man even from their short conversation. He did seem like the quite, brooding type but this only intrigued her more. So many people at this castle were an open book. It was refreshing to see someone not like the rest. Marianne, on the other hand, hoped that she did a good enough job at appearing to be an open book. That was the key to her success, as far as she was concerned, The best liars are those who everyone else believes to be the worst liars.

She couldn't help but chuckle a little, "Well, suppose I could just keep calling you that." Although she had been joking, mysterious, brooding sword guy wasn't exactly an inaccurate description of him in her mind. She saw the change in his demeanor though, and glanced over at the door he had arrived through. The training room. She hadn't even dared venture there so far. From what she had seen of the men at this castle they probably wouldn't want a feminine presence in their training room. 

Biting her lip for a second in thought, her gaze moved back to the man standing in front of her. She would love to see him in action again. Even though it had been dark the last time she had seen him fight, there was no doubting his skill. She stood up with a smile, "You know, I think i might head to the training room as well. I haven't visited that part of the castle yet, mostly due to not feeling like I'd be welcome, but nobody could be upset if I just watched people train for awhile. That is, if you don't mind."

[verrefissurefille-deactivated20]

I Remember You || Wicus and Marianne

[verrefissurefille-deactivated20]

"Names are a useless thing to have when you’re in a fight," Though that could be said to just about anything when one was fighting for their life. It was true, he had managed to sneak off after their encounter without so much as a name, but he had good reasonings for it. Back then he was nothing more than a sellsword, and had she found out just who he was, or perhaps what family he belonged to, she probably would have tried to kill him. The country they had been in at the time was notorious for cut throats and thieves, it wasn’t unlikely for a few of the former rebels to be among them. 

There’s a pause, as if he’s contemplating what to say next. In all honesty, he hadn’t forgotten the way she fought, or moved with a blade, and while it wasn’t exactly the best style(he couldn’t pick out a particular style, perhaps she had chosen to take several and make her own? Regardless, he had been impressed), but she knew how to take down more than her fair share of men. But…those were bandits. How she fared against a knight, or someone who had proper training for years was a different story. 

But those were thoughts for a different time and a different place. For now, he wanted to recall the fighting and (perhaps) relive the impression she had made on him those many years ago. The two of them had made quite the pair last night, and had he not been so bent on going out alone, he would have asked her to become a partner or sorts. She needed training of course, but he could have provided that and well. 

"I suppose you think I owe you that now, huh?" It wouldn’t hurt, right? After all, she had proven herself rather well to him, not to mention done something many would think impossible. Holding out his hand, he took in a deep breath, "Wicus," As for the rest, well, she would get that when and if the time came. He didn’t like giving just anyone his last name, even if they were an excellent fighter.

[paratel-conseiller]

"Yes but we are no longer in a fight now, are we?" Marianne remarked with a small smirk. She hadn't blamed him for not leaving a name at the time. They had been complete strangers and she had been lucky to have his help at all. In fact, she had been lucky that he wasn't another person only helping her just to turn around and be the one to rob her himself. The bandits were one thing, but he was a complete other story.

She knew a fighter when she saw one. It wasn't about how shiny the sword was or how fancy their footwork was, what made a man into a fighter was something completely different. it was the glint in his eye, the fire. It channeled through him, putting a little extra into ever step and every swing of the sword. Fighters didn't just fight for the sake of fighting, like so many men simply did. They fought for something, yes, for survival but it had to be more than that.Fighters carried that purpose in each and every movement. Fighters were born out of tradgedy, loss and bloodshed. Fighters were strong, not cowards. Marinane knew this man, whom she had only been in the presence of for mere minutes, was a fighter.

Marianne was in many ways a fighter too, but a fighter who had never been sat down and really taught to fight. Her style was disjointed, the product of many years of scattered training pieced together. It was not easy to learn to fight as a woman. Nobody wanted to teach a woman to fight. They thought she couldn't. So, she had to persuade and charm her way into learning little pieces here and there. Take for example, her favorite move. She had been staying in Korin for a short spurt and wound up in bed with one of the warriors being trained there. In the morning while she was still half naked and the man she was sleeping with was barely dressed, she stole his sword while he was putting clothing on. When he asked for it back, she batted her eyes and only said she would let it go if he would show her the "swish-y thing he does with his sword that made him look so manly and impressive". Of course, she couldn't have cared less about the man, he wasn't even a good shag. It was through those methods (batting eyelashes, girly giggles and hair twirls), no matter how irritating, that she received any training at all.

She grinned tilting her head. "I'm Marianne," she stood, shaking his hand firmly. She hated when other woman gave weak head shakes, it was just pathetic. "And I wouldn't say you owed me your name, though I certainly appreciate you giving it to me. It is much better than having to call you 'mysterious brooding sword guy' or something like that." She shrugged, her grin growing a little.  

[thestonedbearbeau-blog]

Dondante || Beau and Marianne

[thestonedbearbeau-blog]

Beau was more than aware of where they were now, and what had to be done to ensure entire success: to venture towards the All Maker. Clearly, he saw around him that they had overshot their usage, and it took them very far off course. Taking up Marianne by the hand, he’d help her on her feet, knowing that things would be a bit difficult to adjust to. “This is the Spirit World…” It was a land of vibrant yet unused colours, of desolateness and complete fullness. The feeling was almost as though one was the space just brimming over the liquid in a cup slowly being swished. Beau stumbled slightly his eyes half lidded and burning from the smoke breathed in. His mind was slowing down, almost, yet he felt his entire mind opening up, almost as though the lock to everything was given to him, and it opened up a treasure trove of insight that he’d not yet thought of before. Speaking, he felt his voice echo, and boom, but it was only a minute or so after he’d spoken that he noticed it! “Oh— I—…” It reverbed into the dank forest swamps that they were inside of. Pressing his hands against his chest, he knew it…for this trip, it became his duty as Chieftain, to use the blessed voice granted by the All Maker to act as shaman.

The wetness that he felt was deeper in the air, and he almost felt the colour of his voice as he’d speak to Marianne. It was green. “Follow close to me…The All Maker lives deeper inside of here.” Encouraging her to move along with a hand wave, he would lead the way, inadvertedly opening the real door that was infront of them, which took the form of branches which needed to be pulled out of the way. Making their way down a path, Beau begun to speak about his own experiences with the All Maker. Her eternal youthfulness…she looked almost as though she had just finished puberty. Her skin was almost as white as that of a porcelein doll, indicating her pureness, with hair platinum blonde and eyes just as his own— deeply shaded in violet yet the brightest of all things yet her’s were able to pierce through the night.”Her hair is our hair…I coloured mine so I could fit into society, but it is much lighter than our skin…skin that’s been darkened from our life in the sun. Only some of us have the All Maker’s eyes though. Those in line for the role of Chieftain. My family has right first…so if I die, my daughter will rule. After that, by brother, and then my other brother, and my other brother after that, and then my sister. If they all die, then my bloodline is done, and the oldest person in the next family with the All Maker’s eyes will rule. Being Chieftain blesses you with the knowledge and guidance of the All Maker herself. She guides the chieftain with the eyes, because they, as leader grant incredible insight…” Moving down to the left wing, he continued to speak as he lead, arms moving vividly, a whooshing sound coming from them as he moved and voiced. The colour of his words clashed against his yellow movements, creating fireworks from the battle. It nearly inverted his vision, but the flickering lights before them indicated they were going the right way, so Beau did his best to focus his vision.

[paratel-conseiller]

Marianne couldn't help but appreciate that everything was much more beautiful in the spirit world. Beautiful in a weird sort of twisted and unusual way. It definitely would be something that she would attempt to recreate in paint later, not that she would ever really be able to quite capture this experience in either words or paint. She looked around in wonder as he helped her up. Marianne was extremely grateful for the hand, she was very unsteady as she tried to stand up, overcome by the strange colors and shapes. She stumbled into him a little, glad that he was so tall and easy to locate among the colors. At least she was pretty sure that she couldn't get lost or separated from him. The Spirit World was quite something, like nowhere she had ever seen before and she had traveled to distant lands before. His voice was all loud and echo-y, but this time it wasn't too loud or defining. It was actually quite pleasant, something that was sure and firm. Something easy to follow even if she couldn't see Beau (which she could, even if she closed her eyes, which quite amused her). Having read descriptions of the Spirit World for swampy forest was quite familiar. It was a wonder how they got the detail so...right.

Following close to Beau, she smiled brightly. This was fun, a whole new adventure. Walking through the branches (and inadvertently through the door and into the halls), her eyes widened. It was suddenly so bright. She squinted a little, attempting to adjust. The lights, they were dancing. Yes, they were bobbing up and down, dancing as if to lead that way. How wonderfully curious. Everything here was so...tangible. It was like she could do more than just hear his words, she could see and taste them. She breathed in as he spoke, still following him. His words tasted like...oranges. Yes, that was it. Oranges. "Thank you," she said as they continued walking. She giggled, her voice sounded all funny. She remained quite, her eyes wide with awe as he explained to her about the All-Maker and some of the traditions and meanings. His arms moved as he talked, but it was as though they had a mind of their own. Moving in slow motion, leaving paths in the air and twisting in all sorts of strange ways. She liked the Spirit World, she did indeed. Everything seemed to be moving both quickly and slowly all at once. Her mind felt all squishy, but yet, her thoughts were so clear, processing everything around her at an impossibly fast pace, "So, I have the All-Maker's eyes AND hair. And you do too!" She giggled again, shaking her head. The world went all spin-y when she did that though, so she quickly stopped. "That's soooooo cool why would you change your hair? Not that this color isn't pretty, I like it in fact," she babbled when he had stopped speaking for a second. Suddenly refocusing, she shut up and went back to listening, wanting to hear more about this place and the All-Maker.

[verrefissurefille-deactivated20]

I Remember You || Wicus and Marianne

[verrefissurefille-deactivated20]

Was she…awkward? He had to admit, had the situation been reverse, he probably would have stared as well, but regardless, Wicus paid it no mind. What was consuming his thoughts was the simple fact that he knew this woman, but couldn’t recall where from. Women in general were so scarce in his past, and the harder he thought, the more of a headache he gained.

It wasn’t helping that the sun was blinding him either.

His arms crossed over his chest, before he had taken a couple steps closer to her. Normally he wouldn’t resort to such tactics, but seeing as he couldn’t really see her face well, he had to do what he had to do. When the space between them had lessened greatly, he leaned down in order to get a good look at her face. The more he searched her features, the more it came to him. Oh yes, he knew this woman. Now that he had gotten a good look, he remembered her quite well. He could recall that night, and all the events that surrounded it as if it were just a couple days ago. There weren’t very many women that could hold their own in a fight, and the ones that did had a better time earning his respect.

"I could say the same about you," He started, not moving his face from the space between them. Had anyone seen them, they would merely pass them off as something romantic, but that was the last thing Wicus wanted. There was almost a hint of a smirk on his lips as he took a couple steps back. "I remember you. I haven’t seen a woman handle a sword as well as you since that night."

[paratel-conseiller]

As she approached, she looking up again with a faint smile. Marianne kept her gaze on his face, remembering his features. He hadn't really changed much since the last time she saw him. Then again, she imagined she hadn't changed much either. It was strange, seeing him here. That night seemed like so long ago, but it was a pretty distinct memory. Sure she could hold her own in a fight against several men but not against as many bandits as the group that attacked her. Sure, three or four at a time may be fine, but at least a dozen? Not a chance. That was when this man turned up. She never did get a name though, he left before she could.

It was interesting seeing him in the light of day. That night had almost been a full moon, lighting up the trail pretty well. In fact, if it hadn't been for the fact that the moon was so bright, she probably wouldn't have gotten a good enough look at him to be able to remember his features. But she could, she could even remember the surprise on his face as she wielded the sword that she always carried while traveling against the bandits. A woman traveling alone, she was bound to run into trouble on more occasions than one. She made sure she was prepared for anything. Well, anything other than more bandits than she could handle alone.

Marianne raised an eyebrow, chuckling a little, "So you remember me then." She shook her head, as she leaned back against the bench. He had intrigued her that night, the mystery man. She was someone accustomed to knowing pretty much everything about the people she meets, that is what would make her a good royal advisor. This man though, there was so little context, she knew nothing about him. "I'll take that as a compliment. You know, I haven't seen a man appear, help me fight off bandits and then disappear again without even exchanging names since that night," she said with an easy grin, shrugging a little, "Then again, I haven't run into bandits at night since either, maybe the two are correlated."

[verrefissurefille-deactivated20]

I Remember You || Wicus and Marianne

Perhaps it was the stuffiness of the sparring ring, or the simple fact that Wicus had always been hot blooded, he needed fresh air. He’d been training since dawn, and thus had worked up quite the sweat. If one were to mix that in with the constant dirt and grime that laid upon his body, well…it was no wonder he was burning up. A brisk walk through the small courtyard outside would do the job and soon enough he’d be back to training. 

By the time he had reached the doors to the hall, his shirt had been untied in the front, leaving a great deal of space between each side — enough for one to just make out a few scars that graced his chest. Had he not been so sure he was alone, the shirt would have been tightly sealed, his body covered. But seeing as he was, and the leather was drenched in sweat, he needed at least some refreshment. The moment he opened the doors, a wave of relief washed over his face. Though the weather had been rather hot lately, it seemed today was hardly the case. In fact, it was quite enjoyable and even the Polish’s lips were turned up into a thin smile as a soft breeze blew past him. 

His hand went to undo the rest of his shirt, and he would have done away with the damn thing had it not been for someone staring at him. Immediately he slid the sleeve back onto his shoulder, irises staring back at her with the best intimidation he could muster. That was when the realization had hit him. He knew this woman, and she knew him. They did not know each other’s names, but faces were just as good. 

Regardless of if he knew her or not, she had seen a glimpse of his battered body, and thus he had become rather self conscious immediately. Breathing out a sigh, he muttered something under his breath before sniffing rather loudly. If she had been closer to him, the faint coloring on his cheeks from embarrassment would have been the main feature on his face. “Stop staring at me. It’s weird.”

[paratel-conseiller]

Although Marianne really didn't like the cold (she was simply not suited for places like Jexel), extreme and prolonged heat tended to make her grumpy as well. She had been cooped up in the castle for the last few days in a feeble attempt to avoid the blazing hot sun. Today though, today was different. The blazing hot sun was replaced by a gentle but refreshing breeze. It was one of the days that, even though she was busy, she just couldn't stay inside. Instead, Marianne invited the people from her one or two meetings to meet her out in the courtyard to talk. The change of pace did wonders for her mood. Admittedly, she had been pretty irritated by everyone and everything for the last couple days. It was nice to just sit outside and have her meetings though. 

Finishing up with her last meeting of the day, Marianne waved goodbye as one of her many eyes and ears of the castle scuttled back inside. She knew they were probably headed to whatever duty they had to attend to that they had delayed in order to come see her. With a gentle sigh, Marianne shut her eyes. Taking a minute to just breathe, she soaked in the warm sun rays. Opening her eyes, she giggled briefly when the breeze blew a leaf into her hair. She picked it out of her hair, sending it back into the breeze.

Brushing her hair back into place, Marianne's lips fell into an easy, sheepish smile. It was like all of her cares just floated away while siting out here. Leaning back against the bench, she hummed happily. She knew she should probably return inside, but she decided she deserved a couple more minutes out enjoying the nice weather. Things weren't like this every day after all! Hearing the door swing open, she turned her head to see a half-dressed man walking out into the courtyard. She assumed he was probably headed back from the training room and went to turn back to the sun but...that face. She knew that face. There was no name, no identifies tied to that face. Just a story.

It had been quite some time since she had seen that face. It wasn't like she just recognized him from around the castle no...it was from that night. She could remember it like it was just yesterday. The gentle moonlit night, a particularly dangerous trade route, bandits, a fight then...that face. Hearing him, she pulled herself out of her thoughts. Blushing, she turned her gaze down to where the flowers were on the ground, realizing she was staring, "Désolé (I'm sorry), I didn't mean to be rude. You are just...familiar."

[thetradersqueen-deactivated2014]

I agree. I’m Elizaveta, by the way. Do you want to head to the tavern or just raid the wine cellar?

[paratel-conseiller]

Marianne, pleasure. Well, I am always up for sitting in the library or another comfortable place drinking some wine, but the tavern scene can be fun too. It's entirely up to you, your idea after all!

[thestonedbearbeau-blog]

Dondante || Beau and Marianne

[thestonedbearbeau-blog]

Beau tried not to go without eating for long periods of time, unless of course he was preparing himself for a ceremony. Such things couldn’t be helped, and for the most part, the hunger was very controllable. The part which made one worry was afterwards. It was so often that he needed someone to feed him, because he starved himself for too long! Willing to take the chance, he needed to at least be able to hang on long enough after the ceremony to eat, so if Marianne collapsed, he’d have the strength to feed her as well! Having overshot the dosage, it was a very real fear he had for the two of them. The anxiety brought on by these fears made his stomach lurch, which magnified, felt like a stone being dropped to the centre of his being, slowly deteriorating at his sense of zen. “Don’t panic!” He burst out suddenly, quickly, and then whispered his next words. “Don’t…Dont panic. When we get to the guardians, rush past them as fast as you can. They can devour your soul…and the bites feel like fire burning and sloughing the skin from your bones. You will hear their bark. It’s it’s chains rattle like crackles from a flame.”

His heart was racing quite fast, and his breathing was becoming faster. No, what he took was beginning to have a very bad effect on him as he’d feel himself almost literally spiralling out of control, his body being hurtled through the sky and past the clouds, into the darkness that was space. While he felt tempted to scream, he instead scratched at himself deeply, his body trembling almost as though he was growing cold. Chills from space, he had to reason to himself. They— he would get closer to the portal, and as he did, he’d hear the rattlings for himself. The pops of a fire almost, and in his mind, the barking of the feral guardians. He would shout out in his language for them to let them pass, and almost as if magic, he could see with his eyes closed, that they had arrived…and when he opened them, they were there. “We made it!”

[paratel-conseiller]

Marianne had been sitting there in contentment, unaware of the sudden change in Beau before he had shouted out not to panic. She jumped in surprise, thankfully that her eyes had clamped even further shut rather than opening from her alarm. His voice boomed. It wasn't just louder than before, it just seemed to amplify and echo growing louder and louder repeating not to panic until it was almost deafening. Then it was quite, just a whisper, giving her the next instructions on their journey. She hadn't been panicking, not until he had told her not to panic. It was like telling someone with a fear of heights not to look down when somewhere high. She felt her stomach drop at the anticipation of the guardians. The lightness that she felt before grew, but this time it was alarming rather than peaceful. She felt like she was floating away, not the hovering over the ground that she had felt before but rather flying up into the sky, completely out of control as she spiraled higher and higher.

Her voice caught in her throat, not allowing her to scream or shout at Beau for help as she hurtled into the starry night sky and straight at the moon. She felt cold. Colder than she had in the late winter of Jexel, colder than she could ever remember feeling before. Suddenly, she heard the barks and growls, guttural sounds. Though she was still sitting, she was suddenly running, moving faster than she ever had attempted to run before. The cold was replaced by almost unbearable heat. She could feel the guardians at her heels and hear their panting, growling and rattling in her ears. She balled her fists, her nails digging into her hands to keep from crying out as she felt their vicious bites. Then, as soon as Beau shouted about making it, color filled her eyes although they were closed. Now able to see, she opened her eyes and turned to Beau. Calm rushed over her, the bites, growls, hot and cold all but a distant memory. They had made it.  

[thetradersqueen-deactivated2014]

Who wants to go drinking with me? There doesn’t seem to be much else going on at the moment, after all.

[paratel-conseiller]

I am always up for a drink. Besides, I don't think we've gotten to talk yet and that is just unacceptable.

[paratel-conseiller]

Boss Ass Bitches || Alice and Marianne

[bloodstains-or-ballgowns-deacti]

“You know, I was so surprised to be asked to meet you here, of all places,” Alice said, walking into the room without hesitation. “A library? I didn’t know you could read.” Sitting down across from Marianne, she smiled wickedly. She wasn’t going to humor any small-talk or pleasantries right now; Alice disliked many of Marianne’s defining traits and therefore didn’t have the patience or the willpower to be anything but blunt with her, but lucklily for Marianne, she was exactly what Alice needed.

Leaning back in her chair, Alice pursed her lips a bit, looking Marianne over. She could either be about to make a horrible mistake, or secure her success. Alice was sure that Marianne wouldn’t directly oppose, or even refuse her, but there was always the chance that the other woman would pull one over on her. It was always a game with Marianne, and neither of the, were in control of the rules or the moves. Sometimes they got along splendidly and enjoyed each other’s company, and sometimes they couldn’t even look at each other.

"I have a proposition for you," Alice said softly, running her fingertips idly across the nearby end table. "And it involves a little bit more than an alliance. It could either give us everything we want, or ruin us both."

[paratel-conseiller]

Marianne rolled her eyes, glad Alice was in a good mood.Yes, when it came to them, this was the closest the pleasantries they got. "Ah, Alice, a pleasure as always." Her lips formed an automatic smile, one that looked natural even though it was for show. She looked the girl up and down as she entered the room. "I didn't know you could wear a dress but look a you now," she said, a bittersweet tone to her voice. Every time she thought she was getting used to the woman, that maybe she could get along with her, she actually met Alice in person again. 

Brushing a lock of hair out of her face, Marianne sat forward. Placing her elbow on the arm of the leather chair, she rested her chin on the back of her hand with an amused hum. Alice was smart, cunning, someone you wanted to work with rather than against. Then again, it was a woman who could sing praises to your face to aid someone else stabbing you in the back. Yes, they were alike in this way. She didn't think an alliance between them would end that way though, they both knew each other too well for those types of tricks.

"I'm listening," she said, slightly tilting her head. A alliance she expected, but a proposition for more made her curious. Curious, but also cautious. She knew the two of them dealing with each other was smart, but dangerous.

[paratel-conseiller]

Fleur du Jardin || Eirik and Marianne

Marianne closed her eyes, taking a moment to absorb the sunlight. It was a beautiful day, a perfect day for painting. Earlier in the competition, Marianne had been able to paint more but recently she had been too busy to do much of anything fun. Today, she had a reason to paint though. An old client of hers was here at the competition and they had run into each other the day before. The last time she had seen him, she was painting a commission. It was actually one of the few commissions she truly enjoyed doing since he had given her a little more free reign on how to paint it. In fact, she would swear that she actually still had the tiny version of the painting with her at the castle. Most of them were here though, she really didn’t leave much behind at her place in Paratel since she didn’t know when she would be returning.

Looking out over the gardens she grinned. She was excited over how the light was falling on the various structures and plants. They cast the most beautiful shadows. This portrait would be a stark contrast to the other one, there being a colorful garden behind the man rather than snow. Sitting down at her easel, she began painting around the edges of the canvas, beginning to lay the background in while she waited for the man to arrive. There was no point in making him stand and model for longer than necessary after all. It would be nice though, to talk and catch up with each other. A lot of her clients were assholes, but not Eirik. She actually enjoyed talking with him and painting him. She looked over at the pale pink rose sitting next to her, chuckling as she plucked it and tucked it into her hair. Turning back to her painting, she continued adding to the background waiting for Eirik to arrive.

[thestonedbearbeau-blog]

Dondante || Beau and Marianne

[thestonedbearbeau-blog]

Between the two of them, there wasnt a sound, as it seemed. Even breathing was drowned out by the louder crackling of the plant being burnt in the fire. Beau’s own cup now empty, was set down infront of him, and he would attempt to let his thoughts gather purposefully. He wouldn’t lie if he didn’t say today was particularly sufferable because of him not having eaten, but now that he’s actually drank something, it almost felt as though he was half full in a way! Of course, he was desperately grasping at straws, but anything to take his mind out of hunger and focus it into meditation. That really didn’t take as long as he thought it was— though agonising nonetheless, he shut his eyes, and continued to meditate. The smoke only made the effects of the drink more potent, concentrated as they were already. He needed to make sure she’d actually get there, and not end up lost halfway between this world and the one on the other side. While yes, her being an untouched crosslover meant he should actually use less, he didn’t prescribe to any school of thought that had the word dosage in it. Not that anyone he’s ever known has ever died from having too much…simply took a longer time to come back from deeper parts of the spirit world itself.

Beau let the silence linger for a while longer, before he begun to speak. “We will be passing through the gates of the Spirit World…the child home of the All Maker…the moon. Once there, don’t try to go far without me. The All Maker will appear to us, and will speak to me your name. If she asks you a question, answer her as loudly as you can. Your voice is very small and whispered on the other side.” This also included his own…but as the Cheiftain, he hoped his voice was loud enough to be heard without shouting so much. His concerns became minimal of course, once he felt himself beginning to float, and rise. Was he really? No, but someone with closed eyess didnt need to know what. “No matter what you feel or hear, don’t open your eyes until I say we’re here.”

[paratel-conseiller]

Marianne had not eaten the entire day as instructed, so she could feel the liquid sitting in her stomach. It didn't feel uncomfortable though, quite the opposite actually. The warmth from the drink just seemed to radiate through her body, making her feel warmer and more content then she had been on arrival. The hunger thing wasn't really a problem for Marianne though. In recent weeks missing meals and going without food due to lack of time had just become a habit. When she absolutely know she needed food, she would trek down to the kitchen and make herself something. Hunger had always been a part of her life though, especially when she was a child. Her parents could barely afford to keep a roof over their heads and food on their plates, and there was many a week where they couldn't even afford that at all. Yes, even the hunger was strangely familiar in a twisted way. Her eyes didn't open as she welcomed the effects of the drink and the smoke.

As they meditated, Marianne could feel her worries and concerns slowly fade away. Her thoughts simultaneously became fuzzy and hard to discern between, but also immensely clear. It was like all the little pieces that she had been picking up along the past few days seemed to begin to put themselves together in a blurry bigger picture sort of way. She pushed those thoughts aside though, reminding herself to focus as she began to feel light and airy. She couldn't know for sure, but she wouldn't be surprised if someone told her she was floating off the ground. She honed in on Beau's voice, hearing his words and absorbing what he was saying. She started to nod in response before realizing his eyes were shut too. "Okay," she responded simply, keeping her eyes closed firmly. The last thing she needed today was getting lost on her way to the spirit world. She had too many other things to worry about.

[paratel-conseiller]

Therapy in the Tavern || Gilbert and Marianne

[generalbeilschmidt-deactivated2]

Gilbert offered her a smile at her words and took a rink of his beer as she spoke again. “Smarter than me in one sense, I can be that generous,” he told her, “Though it might be a bit of a stretch. I’m pretty much a genius,” Gilbert teased her, unable to help himself from joking around with her. In all honestly he was sure that Marianne was smarter than him in a lot of areas.

"But really, it’s odd to me that you’re changing your ways. You’ve always just been a lover to people but I guess it will be interesting to see how you can settle into something long term. Do you think you’ll suck at it at first?" he asked, the question genuine despite his casual word choice.

[paratel-conseiller]

Marianne laughed, shaking her head. "Okay Gil, you keep telling yourself that. Whatever helps you sleep at night," she joked with a sheepish grin, taking another sip of her drink. Although the beer didn't do much for her, she had to actively try hard to become intoxicated, it did at least take a bit of the edge off. The competition was grating on her nerves. This was fun though, they should do this more often now that they live in the same castle (with a tavern in such close vicinity too!)

She hummed, setting down her drink and taking a second to think. It wasn't easy to change your whole lifestyle like she was, but so far she had succeeded. Of course, once she was in a long term relationship it would be harder, "In some ways I probably will be terrible at it. I mean, I've had a few longer relationships but even though weren't met to last. I tend to understand people, you know? Feel what they desire, where they are coming from. I think that's why I've always been good at being with people. The monogamy though...that should be difficult. I'm used to having the mindset that the more people I love, the better the world will be. Settling on one person is doable, but...difficult. In the end, if you love someone enough to commit to them, isn't going any distance for them worth it?" She shrugged, knowing she could do it if she really put her mind to it. Sure, there would be fights, but there would also be make-up sex and that's always fun.

[thestonedbearbeau-blog]

Dondante || Beau and Marianne

[thestonedbearbeau-blog]

"Only because you were early," he reasoned. The air thickened as the two of them as she shut the door, with the thickest amount nearest to the man that now held a cup of water in his hand. The liquid however, was incredibly thick, and silver, though still as tasteless as air itself. For Beau, it was easy to drink at the temperature it was in— like a hot tea, though he imagined that Marianne’s cup would need to cool for a little while longer before he atttempted anything proper. Still, with her here, he offered her the cup with the seat, so that she may at least blow on it, as he took his first few test sips. Giving it a moment, he made a face, as though it was too hot before setting it down. "YOu told me last time that you believed in the All Maker…so I decided you should get to meet her." After all, every person that would admit was worthy of getting a chance to see her splendor! Beau however, not a shaman, would have to take his duties as her guide with seriousness and deep concentration.

"You are breathing now the airs of the spirit world…though I only added half of what I should. Your portal to the world beyond this one is in the drink…the drink of spirits. You take it all at once, and you will slowly travel with me beyond the gates of the moon. After we return, I made a big meal for us waiting in the kitchen. The body needs a lot of food to recover the spirit." With these words as his explanation, Beau tried his drink once more. Finding it cool enough, he would swig the entire thing, and shut his eyes. "You need to close your eyes…and meditate with me after you drink, alright? Or else your spirit will leave your body without going anywhere!" With that, Beau sat up straight, and begun to breathe slowly…in…out…with him focusing his energies on breathing.

[paratel-conseiller]

Marianne nodded, raising an eyebrow in surprise. She really was out of it if she had arrived early rather than late like she thought she had been. Or maybe she had just convinced herself that she had to meet him at an earlier time so that she wouldn't be late. Either way, it didn't really matter now. Beau seemed ready to start and she was here. To most, being offered a foreign silver drink in a dark room filled with smoke might be extremely alarming, but not to Marianne. She had been buried up to her head in research on the Savaii since she had last met Beau. She had read about rituals like this so many times that this actually seemed normal. Strange enough, she actually found the environment comfortable rather than unsettling. For the first time in days, she found herself relaxing. "I appreciate that," She said honestly, taking the cup for him and blowing on it lightly when she saw the face he made indicating it was too hot.

Listening, she wrapped her hands around the cup, the warmth slowly drawing her stress away. She was fairly certain that she understood the process, but was glad she had done so much reading since he didn't really elaborate. Watching as he had the whole drink in one go, Marianne smiled faintly, letting her eyes drift shut. Not thinking about taste (nor worrying that the man was poisoning her. For some reason she trusted Beau), she drank the entire cupful. Hearing his breathing fall into a pattern, she began breathing in time with him. Though she hadn't found the time recently meditating was one of the few ways that she knew to focus her thoughts and calm down, another thing her father gave her. She fell into the pattern of breathing, reigning in her thoughts and trying to focus.

[thestonedbearbeau-blog]

Dondante || Beau and Marianne

Living the life of the All Maker meant sharing his experiences and livelihood, not at every moment to harrass people about, but when people were genuinely interested. If they were blood-relatives to the Savaii Tribe however, these sorts of ceremonies were incredibly important. This was the induction, and though she couldn’t technically be part of the tribe (he was iffy about where she was coming from and had no bloodright to the ceremony), he would take her to see the All Maker, seeing as she believed in her. Anyone and everyone who believed should have such an experience with the one and only creator of all things!

The lights were all snuffed out, and he shut every single window and opening in which light could seep in, with only the slowly burning fire from the chiminey allowing light— dim and flickering— to exist. From his large bag, which he rarely brought out, he would pull out many large plants, already prepared for the ceremony along with a small pot and water. Though normally a plant that his people would smoke after being particularly prepared, this time, Beau opted to concentrate the the plants into something called Indelei, or the drink of spirits. As he waited for her to show up, Beau would boil the prepared plants into the small pot, allowing all of the juices that allow one to transend to concentrate all it’s potency into the waters. From this, two wooden cups would be prepared, with him pouring the drink inside and tossing the last, unboiled plant into the fire. This was, of course done the moment he heard the door creak open over the crackling fire.

"Marianne! This is a very…pleasant surprise." He clasped his hands and picked up his cup, making room beside himself for her, before the fire. Smoke from the burning plant begun to cloud up the room.

[paratel-conseiller]

Marianne was working off little sleep and no food. In the past few days, her schedule had been more difficult than anticipated. To top everything off, she had become obsessed, as she was prone to do, with her little project. She had been doing research on her father and the Savaii tribe, looking a letters, books, records and writing and contacting all sorts of people. Instead of sleeping, she spent hours pouring over books about the Savaii tribe and traditions by candlelight. During the day, she had every resource that she knew digging up information. When it was time to meet Beau, she felt like someone staring at a puzzle. The puzzle had all the pieces, but she just couldn't put the pieces together. She couldn't see the full picture, the image she was trying to create. No, instead she was staring at pieces and seeing pieces. She was just about ready to give up if something didn't click soon. She had becoming royal advisor to worry about, she didn't need this frustration too.

Blinking the sleep out of her eyes, she picked her head up from where it had been resting on the in front of her. She had fallen asleep, exhausted, while she was doing some research. Realizing the time, she jumped up from her seat and flipped the book closed. Not wanting to be late, she left the books on the table in the library knowing nobody would touch them and ran out the door towards the kitchen. Out of breath, she finally arrived at the door of the empty room just in time.

Entering the room, she watched as it began filling up with smoke. Still panting, the smoke filled her lungs at an even quicker rate than it normally would. She probably would have coughed, but she thanked her old smoking habit for suppressing that need. She blinked in surprise, her eyes attempting to adjust to the dark. She closed the door behind her, thankful that she was able to navigate over to him by the dim firelight. "Surprised? You invited me...?" She left the question in the air. She hadn't been getting much sleep the last few days, for all she knew she could have showed up on the wrong day.

[paratel-conseiller]

Simply Unfortunate || Beau and Marianne

[thestonedbearbeau-blog]

Beau lived a very hard life, and whether it was worth the end results or not, he would rule over his people with a heart hardened to the outsiders. To him, they were nothing but scum. Crosslovers all had taught him lessons of hatred, darkened hearts and the unbalance of zen which he so desperately loathed. The ways that they lived in were reviled by his people, and those that followed those steps as well. That’s not to say he didnt find people outside of his creed that werent friends or at the very least worthy of his care. His fiancee herself was a crosslover! One of his close friends as a teenager was also a crosslover. There were children he’d saved and people he traded with, all fine crosslovers all but…it did not excuse the majority. Only created examples like Marianne herself. May the All Maker bless them all.

Yes, the All Maker was such a beautiful woman, and she loved all her creatures, whether Savaii or Crosslovers, they were all the same flesh to her, as the two ancestor tribes to his people were blessed with Paratel both! She gained no favours from the blood spilling on her sacred lands, as all souls returned to her womb. However, retribution was also one of her qualities, and just as she would choose the Savaii to protect the blessed lands, they would choose onto her, when they would take vengence upon the others with her blessings. To evern man, woman and child of the blood of the All Maker, her love and stories were the light of their lives. To each and ever single Savaii, the trials and tribulations of both their blessed creator and their own history was the fire in their hearts and lightning in their eyes. They all became more animated when they did as they would. Even more when they would enter the spirit world itself, through the smoke of the Ayahuasca— somethign which Beau would would share only with his loved ones and most trusted of friends. It was an experience after all, that although taking him out of this world, made him come alive as well— at least after he has returned.

He did not understand why Marianne seemed so familiar, but Beau was not too intelligent, and could certanly not connect dots unless he was guided by the hand. At the very least though, he would be suspicious of her connection with the tribe, with was a fairly good step on it’s own. “If you believe in her, then perhaps you and I should meet again sometime. There is something that I…don’t normally do with strangers, but I want you to ex…exper…experrheeehence with me. I will meet with you three moons from today in the empty room near the kitchen. At three. Don’t eat at all.” It almost felt like a demand— and not even one that someone could try to refute! The man up and left right then, with no clothes or towel in sight. Of course, he wasn’t exactly ashamed of himself to begin with. Of course, it probably was more of a rude end than anything he expected.

Then again, to him it was entirely normal.

[paratel-conseiller]

Mariane blinked in surprise at his quick departure, but was not at all surprised by his blatant disregard for his lack of dress. At this point, Marianne had seen and heard enough from him to not expect such a thing. She shook her head, allowing herself to sink into the water briefly once more before she would have to get out. Although she was curious as to what he wanted her to experience with him, especially since it involved her meeting him in an empty room and not eating, but she knew she would go. A rational person would be suspicious but, as cautious as she was, curiosity and her sense of adventure always won out. Until their next meeting though, Marianne had some digging to do. She knew there was something that was bugging her about this familiarity with Beau and she wasn't going to rest until she got to the bottom of it. Standing up, she wrung out the edges of her soaked dress and made her way out of the hot spring. The journey back to the castle was automatic, her body just knew the way to go. She was too preoccupied with her thoughts of the Savaii and her father to be concerned with the trek back. 

[paratel-conseiller]

Relationships

My relationships page is finally up to date. Feel free to check it out if we have done a decently long RP together (or plotted a lot...or if you are just interested idk) and let me know if you think anything should be tweaked or added. Also, totally open to plotting. :D

Link: Relationships