the sworn protector

Perseval Houndstooth. Twenty-nine years old. Protects Nore from the dangers inside the Black Forest. Can't stop living in the past.

[persevalhoundstooth]

Dance of the Fey

[pure-obsidian]

Several times, Astrid had to stop herself as she instinctively fell into the usual patterns of her life; the courtesies, the speech, the behaviour required of her; and if she did forget, then the light bumps, loose speech and unrefined regard of the people toward her was enough reminder. The celebratory event known as Alvasidhe was a chance to disappear and take on a different identity; if not at least a chance to shed one’s own for a time. She wore peasant garments, a pretty mask albeit one that any commoner could’ve afforded, and her hair was pinned without a single fancy, complicated braid. Much like her day spent out in the forest with Perseval, she was free to be Astrid, just Astrid and not the princess; and the more she thought about that tonight, the more on edge she felt with the desperation to find that escape again. She wasn’t so proud that she wouldn’t admit to herself that the ranger she’d met at the Muse’s Checkpoint wasn’t the main reason she’d attended this celebration.

She had no idea how she might find him, though, and she had (much to her own shame) traveled around quite a bit in search of him, however poor her chances were at finding him or even recognising him. Most everyone wore masks tonight, and she wasn’t even entirely sure he’d come tonight. It was a possibility he’d not attended at all, making her search rather pointless.

Entering the Muse’s Checkpoint, Astrid immediately paused once she’d moved through the doorway, her eyes traveling over the patrons inside. Perhaps she might recognise him by build. Or by hair, if by some luck it was visible. At some point, she noticed the familiar sharp point of a stubbled jaw and downward curl of lips she thought she knew, and she did not waste a moment more thinking about before she was moving. She was closer to the seated man than the bartender, but made a hand gesture in hopes that he would come to her instead. Fortunately, he did, and Astrid requested a drink at random, speaking loud enough for the man near her to overhear. If he really was who she thought she was – Perseval – then he would recognise her voice (and hopefully, react). She only hoped she was right, and not simply wishful.

[persevalhoundstooth]

The Checkpoint seemed to grow fuller with each passing moment, but Perseval tried to stay hopeful. Perhaps Astrid would simply walk in and recognize him. Perhaps not, but there was a glimmer of hope in his heart as he once again scanned the crowd for signs of her. If she was looking for him, which he wasn’t sure he believed, it was a good idea for her to check Muse’s Checkpoint. It was the place they first met and the place they made their plans to venture into the Black Forest. The place held a special meaning for them now.

He took a sip of his drink and looked down at the table in front of him as the crowd seemed to grow louder. He wanted to cut himself off from it all, but he knew he couldn’t. He wouldn’t because Astrid may join that crowd, and the only real reason he dressed up for the celebration was for her. He could celebrate the holiday on his own or with his parents, but instead he was out in the square dressed in a mask. A stranger in clothing he couldn’t recall seeing before moved towards the bartender, and his curiosity was peaked. He kept his eyes and attention focused on her, and the rest of the crowd seemed to fade into the background. The white noise of everyone speaking and laughing wasn’t loud enough to cover up the voice of the woman, and he knew who it was. 

His nerves hit him as soon as he stood. The cup holding his wine seemed to shake in his hand, but he did his best to keep it steady as he moved from his seat to the bartender’s area where the girl in the plain mask was. Unsure what to say, he went to her side and tried to remain calm. He didn’t want to say her name and make people think that the princess was up to something, but he didn’t know what to say to make sure it was her. He thought quickly for a moment, holding himself back from putting himself in her line of sight. And then he thought of it and finally approached. “Have you been to the Black Forest? I’ve heard it’s quite a sight.”

[persevalhoundstooth]

Dance of the Fey

Alvasidhe had finally arrived, and Perseval wandered through the streets wearing none of his usual garb. His sword had been left at home along with his leather armor and family sigil. Tonight, he could be anyone, and it was liberating.

Being a ranger was his childhood dream come true, but because of it, he could rarely blend in with a crowd. His sword always knocked into someone, or someone recognized his armor from afar. It normally didn’t bother him, but as of late, he found it began to. Perhaps it was because the winter cold had been stronger than usual, making him want to remain indoors as long as possible, but he knew the truth. The Princess of Nore was on his mind, as she seemed to always be as of late, and it was difficult to have a conversation with her without being spotted and called upon. Because they both were recognizable in their usual clothing, tonight would be different, and it would be wonderful -- if only he could find her in this crowd of masked strangers.

His own mask covered most of his face, but it stopped just above his mouth, letting his mouth and chin show freely. This allowed him to speak, eat, and drink without issues, but it also worked as his only identifier. He had hoped it would be enough for Astrid Caddock to at least question his identity, but he knew how unlikely a scenario that was. No matter how ludicrous it might be, he still hoped it would be a reality. 

Seeking shelter from the cold, he visited his usual stop - Muse’s Checkpoint - and the place was packed from wall to wall. Drunken maidens and men littered the place, and Perseval could barely find a place to sit much less to be comfortable. With a hot, spiced wine in his hand, he sat in the farthest corner from the bartender surrounded by masked strangers dressed in beautiful gowns and vests speaking with voices he didn’t recognize. 

[aseaofquotes]

Christopher Paolini, Eragon

Submitted by ofvarden.

[pure-obsidian]

Moondance

[pure-obsidian]

“I’m quite certain we’ll be fine in a little indulgement,” Astrid said with a light grin, “as long as we don’t go running off to the forest, or anything else equally as reckless.” Considering the last activity they’d spent time together doing, this felt oddly tame – normal, really. It was not an unpleasant change, and certainly more relaxing as she recalled how worried she’d been most of the time. 

She made her request to the stall owner, immediately insisting he accept her marks when he fumbled with his courtesies and assurances that the princess need not pay. It wasn’t particularly pleasant though she knew he meant no harm; but it did make her feel overly-conscious of her title and status. “Will you have anything?” she asked of Perseval once she’d been given a tankard full with wine; gesturing to the food available at the same stall.

[persevalhoundstooth]

Perseval followed Astrid over to the stall, standing aside as she ordered. A small smile creeped onto his face as she nearly argued with the vendor, forcing him to take her marks. It was interesting to see how she acted with the common folk given that she had requested Perseval not call her by her title. It seemed it was something she often did, no matter who she was speaking to. 

He glanced over the food lied out on the table, and he spotted a bit of bread slathered in honey -- a rare sight in Nore for most folk. Perseval could afford it, but he often only purchased it for his mother to bake with when she felt the need. “I think a slice of bread with honey sounds quite nice. Would you like some?”

[pure-obsidian]

Moondance

[pure-obsidian]

Awkwardness was what she’d expected in their conversation, and it was what they had gotten, but once they began joking, the tension seemed to ease up. “Perhaps he’s not wrong,” she said with a laugh. The feasts were always enjoyable, though undeniably repetitive at times. “I can’t think of what might make it more exciting, though. Exciting things are often either dangerous or ill-advised, I’ve found.”

As Perseval drank from the horn, Astrid found herself considering a drink herself. It wasn’t proper for a princess to get drunk by any measure, but a single serving would not kill her nor affect her much at all. “I might find myself a drink too,” she mused aloud. “I’ve not had anything to drink tonight yet but water.”

[persevalhoundstooth]

He nodded at that. Exciting things were not usually safe. His father knew that as well, but he was forced to retired from his exciting career before he was ready, and so he continued to crave danger but didn’t want to put himself in a dangerous position. It was rather unorthodox, Perseval had to admit, but his father often was. 

“Well, we are at a Feast. We might as well indulge a little.” He glanced around, finding a cauldron a couple of vendors away. “There’s a place to get some up ahead, if you truly want some.” He was getting a little hungry now, and he wondered if the vendor was selling food as well as drink, or if someone had chosen a stall next to them to sell food.

[thessalonikki-deactivated201606]

இ

[pure-obsidian]

Moondance

[pure-obsidian]

“Wonderful.” And she meant it – this way, they could speak freely, and he might not have to call her by her formal title; or so she hoped. It sounded so foreign now, even after only a day spent without it.

Besides, she’d certainly made sure to eliminate any barrier concerning class between them, considering what she’d done when they had parted ways.

She clasped her hands before her primly as they walked, and she didn’t say anything about the sword he moved to his other side, though she appreciated the thoughtful gesture; smiling quietly to herself. “I’ve been…” Good? Not so good? She wasn’t sure what would be a proper yet honest answer. She had been well, or as well as she could be considering the thought of their kiss and what it meant consuming her – but she couldn’t very well say that to him. “Well enough. Keeping certain secrets.” She grinned at him briefly before directing the question to him too. “And you? Are your parents well?”

[persevalhoundstooth]

The pause in her answer made him wary, but her eventual answer calmed him. Although it had been some time since they were in the forest, he could still get in trouble with his captain if she were to find out. He suspected there wasn’t a statue of limitation on what he did. Thankfully, or perhaps sadly, the trip itself wasn’t what was on his mind lately. He hadn’t talked to anyone about it, and since the kiss was what the trip ended with, that was the subject that lingered in his mind. 

“We’re well. My parents were here earlier, but they left some time ago. My father complained it was not exciting enough this month to hold his interest.” He chuckled after that, bringing his drinking horn to his lips. He took a drink and lowered the horn. “He says that almost every month.”

[pure-obsidian]

Moondance

[pure-obsidian]

She was not as confident as her smile would suggest, but if the way he’d averted his gaze was any clue; neither was he. It was a small measure of relief. Astrid glanced over the items he’d been perusing curiously before glancing back at him. Small talk, for the time being, was all she had. “I hope I’ve not interrupted you,” she said, though she would not truthfully feel guilty if it turned out she had. Since their last meeting, her mind had been mostly preoccupied with the memory of it, and missing the chance to talk to him again would’ve made her mess of thoughts all the more troublesome. “Are you looking for something in particular?”

Astrid caught the curious gaze of the merchant before it flickered away respectfully, and she gave a gentle smile when he looked back even as she thought of the benefits of talking out of the earshot of others. “Would you walk with me a while?” she asked Perseval hopefully. If they were moving, they would not linger in any single person’s presence long enough to hear their conversation.

[persevalhoundstooth]

He glanced back at the items, shaking his head. “No, no, of course not.” He couldn’t focus on one thing, and his eyes kept moving. “I’m just browsing,” he replied, glancing up at her then back down at the shiny trinkets for sale. His eyes eventually found the shopkeeper who seemed to be staring at the princess. Perhaps he hadn’t seen royalty up so close before, but it didn’t mean he could look at her that way. He turned away from the wares to face Astrid, putting the merchant and his wares to his back. “Yes; I think that would be best.” 

His sword was at his side, and he moved to put it on the opposite side of Astrid. He wouldn’t want it potentially knocking into the princess at any time. They had spent much time together, but that was mostly on horseback. They hadn’t taken a walk like this before, and whacking his sword into the back of her legs wouldn’t be a good start. “How have you been?” he asked as they began their stroll. There was no more need of him calling her her highness, and although that was difficult for him to do at first, it was now his default speech pattern with Astrid. 

[pure-obsidian]

Moondance

Usually, when it came time for the New Moon feast, Astrid would attend and only spend time in the company of the highborn.  It had been mostly a matter of having friends which were all of noble birth, and not knowing many of the commoners beyond the brief greetings she might’ve spoken in passing or a short conversation over a stall counter. This time, however, she found herself averse to the conversation of her friends, opting instead to mingle with the smallfolk. She found them to be a much happier, lively and carefree lot, not cautious about their manners; and while some of their words and actions done in drunken bliss shocked Astrid a little, they also brought her smiles and laughter.

She was in the company of a group of young people telling ridiculous tall tales about hunting trips and close encounters that the princess knew better than to believe, before someone nearby caught her eye; red curls and tall frame very recognisable. It took Astrid a good long moment to muster up the courage, but she finally did, and made her way around until she was face-to-face with the man and found that he was exactly who she’d thought him to be.

“It seems my prayers were answered, Ranger Houndstooth.”

[persevalhoundstooth]

[persevalhoundstooth]

The Feast so far was typical. Nothing big had happened this time around, and since Perseval was off duty, he was left to his own devices. His parents had come and left. Clara was nowhere to be seen, although that didn’t matter much to Perseval. The two used to talk, and he didn’t know if Clara would be up for chatting with him again after the last New Moon Feast they spent together. It wasn’t a fond memory. 

With his drinking horn filled and his stomach full of bread, Perseval took a swig of his wine and started towards some merchant stalls. He was considering heading home for the night, but he wanted to check out the wares before he left. It was better to finish his wine here anyway so he could get a refill before he left. As he looked at some fine metal broaches, he glanced up to find a familiar figure heading towards him. Immediately, he looked away and blushed, but, thankfully, the warmth from the wine had already tinted his cheeks a slight pink so the blush wasn’t obvious. He looked back up to meet her about the time she stopped and spoke. “It seems so, Your Highness.” 

[adrianlance-deactivated20160505]

Adrian found it hard to relax at the New Moon Feast. It was meant to be a time of celebration, but seeing as he usually had to keep an eye on Sophia, the milling crowds and drunken men only made him uneasy. Not to mention he didn’t like being surrounded by people. Usually he found himself standing at the outskirts of the Market Square, watching silently unless someone spoke to him or he saw someone he knew well.

At the moment he watched a woman who’d already consumed a decent share of ale, and was now dancing rather spastically in the middle of the square, despite the fact that there was no music being played. “Well, she seems to be having fun,” he commented to no one in particular, only noticing the man standing beside him after he’d already spoken.

[persevalhoundstooth]

New Moon Feasts were really one of the only times Perseval ever let himself get drunk, but he didn’t feel like doing that tonight. He needed to relax, but filling himself with drink would not be a good thing for him. His mind had been distracted from its usual thoughts, and he feared what he would say or do if he did not have his wits about him. After speaking with Tristan, Perseval was beginning to understand what he was feeling when it came to Princess Astrid. Letting any of it slip out among a drunken crowd would doom him.

After eating a warm pretzel, Perseval was walking along the outside of the square, and he stopped to admire the crowd. He was standing by a man, but he didn’t bother to say anything to him, as he seemed to be watching the Feast as well. When he spoke up, Perseval turned his head and nodded. “Aye, she does. I wonder if she knows the bards stopped playing a while ago.”

[benolsens]

[persevalhoundstooth]

On the Subject of Eros | Perseval + Tristan

Since he returned from his trip with Astrid, Perseval had been preoccupied. He had continued to be confused about his feelings and thoughts on the kiss, and he needed to seek some help. The only friends he had besides his parents were rangers, but he couldn’t talk to them about it because they’d want details about how they met and got to know each other. He didn’t feel like lying to them, as he had a difficult time lying to anyone, especially those closest to him. Plus, it’d be hard to keep the lie from falling apart. 

Given that he had no one to talk to, he sought aid in the arts. He didn’t often listen to performers or watch them, but he did know their general material. Love, feelings, and relationships made up the majority of what he heard that wasn’t a war story; since he needed some information about his own feelings, he figured he would be able to start after seeing what was considered normal. 

Tristan’s performance was rather breathtaking, Perseval had to admit. He didn’t know too much about his work, but he seemed to know exactly what he was doing. After the artist finished and the majority of the crowd dissipated, Perseval approached the man. “Excuse me, sir. Do you have a moment?”

[persevalhoundstooth]

Walk on the Wild Side

[pure-obsidian]

Their gazes held for a while until Astrid finally broke away, averting her eyes and giving a slight nod as a bid of farewell, turning to her horse to take the reins. She wasn’t sure if she saw their parting as a good one because of the kiss, or a bad one because of the note of their discussion… but maybe only time would tell. Later, it was likely she would think and think and think until it drove her mad, but for now, she simply began the walk toward the city with her guard, horses in tow; glancing back at Perseval just one more time before she continued on, all the way back to the palace.

[persevalhoundstooth]

Walk on the Wild Side

[persevalhoundstooth]

pure-obsidian:

The situation was a bizarre one. Astrid was never one to break the mold she’d always stayed within the bounds of, never one to disregard rules or do things spontaneously – that was who she was, or who she’d been. The girl who took sword-fighting lessons from a pit fighter, ran off into the Black Forest, kissed a ranger… that was someone she scarcely recognised.

“Perhaps not. But we might test it.” A soft smile finally broke through the solemn expression she’d maintained. He was right, of course. Besides, the truth still stood that they might not encounter each other for a long while after this. “I must return to the palace,” she said quietly, knowing that it grew ever more urgent the more she stayed here weighing out the spilled emotions between them.

At her words, he didn’t smile, nor did he nod, but his features softened. He wasn’t sure what was going to happen, or what he even wanted to happen. He’d need to take a step back and examine this situation again after he had gotten some distance from it. Getting her back to the palace right now was priority. They could sort the rest of this out later. “Yes. Of course.” He looked the guard, nodding at him as a way to thank him for his duty today, then looked back to Astrid with his cloak now in his hands. 

[persevalhoundstooth]

[persevalhoundstooth]

Walk on the Wild Side

[persevalhoundstooth]

pure-obsidian:

She ought to leave now before she complicated things (further) for the both of them, but when he prompted her to explain her words, she could not bring herself to. She’d meant her words back by the river in the forest. Astrid faced him once more, still frowning. “You are a ranger, but that’s not all you are, not to me. You have your duty, and I have mine… I know that.” Her fingers curled around the edges of her sleeves, looking for something to curb the tension and restlessness she felt. She was nervous, and knew her words were giving way to a dangerous path not even she was sure she wanted to traverse. “But does it matter now? Maybe in a few years it will – but right now, does it matter if you’re a ranger and I’m a princess?”

Even to himself, Perseval thought of himself as a ranger first and nothing second. He was a son, yes, but that was about it. He was no longer a brother, he didn’t have many friends. He wasn’t an expert at anything, nor was he talented at anything beyond what he had been trained. He was just a ranger. 

He thought about her question for a long moment. When they were together, she was not a princess and he was not a ranger. Together, they were just Astrid and Perseval, and maybe that was okay. Maybe that was what he wanted, but right now, he just couldn’t tell. He was not a man of snap judgments or quick decisions. “I guess it doesn’t,” he began to say slowly. “But...it’s our reality, even if we ignore it.” 

[persevalhoundstooth]

Walk on the Wild Side

[persevalhoundstooth]

pure-obsidian:

The kiss has happened with no careful deliberation or even any proper thought, just a spontaneous action made in the heat of the moment. Perhaps a reaction to the idea that they might not see each other again for a long while. There was no future in Astrid’s mind, not for them, nothing this could lead to; and she knew that. That fact made the kiss seem almost cruel, to the both of them. Even so, she still could not form an apology. What she’d done, she’d have done again given the chance to start over. She did like him, or at least she was pretty certain she did, and she’d wanted to kiss him. Practicality told her it was a stupid thing to do, and his following words established that as a fact. She still did not regret it, even if her face still felt like it was burning.

“Don’t do that,” she told him, a frown creasing her brow and her voice coming out more like a whisper. “You said you wouldn’t do that.” The princess stepped back, allowing space, for even if she’d never kissed anyone before, she was certain of her actions; but she knew he was not. As for feelings… that was another matter entirely, and she worried about venturing into such unknown territory. Just as she’d felt earlier in regards to talking about the future, she also felt now. She did not want to worry what good it would or wouldn’t bring, just now. She began to turn away, ready to leave, but paused for a moment to add; “And you’re not just a ranger.“

He failed; he hurt her, even if it were just for right now. He felt a pang of guilt run through his body as she stepped away and told him not to call her a princess when they were together. This felt wrong, not the kiss, but this: her moving away and him just watching her. And then she spoke again, and he wanted to understand what she was thinking. “What do you mean?” he asked, his voice soft as to not break the heaviness in the air now.