ice princess ❄

her royal majesty princess astrid of nore firstborn daughter of king aric and queen eira

[persevalhoundstooth]

Dance of the Fey

[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.”

[pure-obsidian]

She kept expecting to be recognised any second, entirely unaccustomed to being more or less ignored or passed by, and every time she almost smiled to herself at the realisation that she really wasn’t going to be noticed. Having commonfolk bump shoulders with her or interact with her in unrefined manner was something she could not claim she wanted to get used to, but she did like it now, for tonight if not for a while. It was nice to have the people around her unbiased, and it was nice to forget herself a little, too.

Her drink was served, but Astrid was hardly paying attention to that, because the ‘stranger’ was moving from his seat. Even if her gaze wasn’t on him, her mind was, and she was attempting to keep him in her peripheral vision, at least. He stopped, however, and Astrid frowned behind her mask, unable to tell why or what he was doing without looking directly at him. Perhaps he’d stopped to speak to someone, or perhaps he was leaving? Maybe it wasn’t Perseval after all --

And then he spoke. Relief and something else warm and happy washed over her to know it really was Perseval, and she tried to keep from smile too widely -- her mask did not cover her mouth, and such a gleeful response to such a plain question seemed silly. “Funny you should ask,” she said, “as a matter of fact, I have. Fortunate I was to have the company of a very brave and handsome ranger, of course; I’d hoped to meet him tonight.”

[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. 

[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.

[pure-obsidian]

The Measure of a Lady

[pure-obsidian]

lottaxthompson:

“Handsome, wealthy, and a gentleman? I daresay I would consider myself quite fortunate to find such wonderful qualities rolled into one man, yet I am not sure it would pique my interest entirely. There is more I am looking for,” Lotta explained, a knowing smile on her lips. No, she would not dare disclose her ambitions to the princess. No, she would not be so brash with a woman that she did not even like, let alone trust. There was no amount of foolishness in her that would permit that full disclosure.

“Besides,” she continued, “I do have company already, at my father’s request. It seems my standards have left him impatient. He wishes me to be swift in finding a man of marriageable age and proper status sooner rather than later. If such a fellow doesn’t find me first, of course. Oh, how woeful all the waiting is!”

“More?” Astrid exclaimed, eyebrows raised just as the corners of her lips lifted. “More than handsome, wealthy and chivalrous?” She had adopted a joking tone, but the princess really was intrigued. What was Lotta’s dream man? What other qualities did he require to be deemed worthy of her? Somehow, she wasn’t sure Lotta would tell her, maybe it was some sort of secretive look Astrid thought she saw on her face. “Well, I would certainly say that whomever succeeds in winning your hand will have to be quite a magnificent being.”

She wrinkled her nose ever so slightly at the thought. “Oh dear. Have you met this escort yet? Is he handsome, at least?” Astrid didn’t need to tell Lotta not to settle for someone her father would choose – she knew her friend wouldn’t ever do anything of the sort. There was a mischievous gleam in her eyes. “I should hope to see you both at the feast then.”

[consequentlylove]

we’re all just vagabonds, looking for our bag of bones.

(via consequentlylove)

[pure-obsidian]

Moondance

[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.

[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.

[pure-obsidian]

The Measure of a Lady

[lottaxthompson-deactivated20160]

“Of course I’ll be going to the Feast, it is an event after all,” Lotta told her with more than a few dramatic hand gestures. The New Moon Feast was perhaps the highlight of some months, if nothing else happened. And not much else did; Nore seemed a cultural place, but Lotta wanted something more, something beyond the reaches of this life. Sure, the Feast was not that. But it was closer at the very least.

Of course, it didn’t cross her mind to invite Astrid to accompany her that month. Lotta planned on going with a suitor this month, a man from the South who had come to expand his trade. It was her father who had suggested the man, and Lotta graciously agreed, even if she knew for certain that this man didn’t stand a chance at her hand. Not to mention, chances were Lotta would break off to spend time with her real friends, shopping and watching performances.

[pure-obsidian]

Astrid laughed briefly at Lotta’s extravagant gestures, as if she was frustrated at the very idea that she was thought to not be in attendance. It was always nice to be amidst the excitement and high spirits of the crowds at the feast, though the princess had never truly broken away from those of higher status before -- she planned to do that this time, nerve-wracking as it sounded. “There may be many foreign visitors, Lotta,” she mentioned with a sly smile; unaware that her friend had already snagged herself an escort. “Perhaps some handsome, wealthy gentleman might catch your eye this feast.”

[pacinos]

[pure-obsidian]

Moondance

[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]

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.”

[pure-obsidian]

Moondance

[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]

“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?"

[pure-obsidian]

Moondance

[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.” 

[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.

[pure-obsidian]

Porcelain to Steel

[volkaxdalca-deactivated20180214]

Astrid was not right. But she wasn’t entirely wrong either; her hands hit their mark, throwing Volka off balance. And had he been less experienced, less accustomed to being pushed around, he might have fallen. But his feet caught him, arms flailing momentarily as he danced back to his balance, steadied himself, and flashed her an honest (though still characteristically sarcastic) grin.

“Closer,” the former guard told her, “But my backside still seems an awful lot less dusty than yours. Doesn’t matter who’s pushing who, we’ve both had our chance, mind.” Truth be told, Volka was secretly enjoying himself with these taunts, as much as he would have liked to deny it. That was one thing he’d never been capable of before his accident; taunting well. It had taken an injury to pride and a new found darkness to bring out that side of him, the rude, unbridled side that lacked any sort of filter, even now in the presence of a Princess. Though, to him, it seemed clear that such teasing was welcome, and in fact beneficial to her training.

“You’re drawing the force correctly now, but it needs to be cleaner, faster,” Volka told her rapidly, already prepare for another strike, fully intending to make it very difficult for Astrid to successfully knock him over.

[pure-obsidian]

Again, she thought crossly, her face showing ever-prominent displeasure at his ability to stand so steadfast and keep his balance; where she had found it so difficult to stay on her feet under the lightest of shoves from him. She glared at him briefly when he displayed that cocky grin, but she wasn’t truly mad. Just a little (or more) annoyed that she could not get the upper-hand.

Instinctively, she dusted off the back of her cloak as he spoke, even though she’d already cleaned it after her previous fall. “I’ve only had two so far,” Astrid pointed out flippantly. She was determined to make him fall, or at least to have him stumbling enough to satisfy her pride. “I’ve still another try.”

Taking note of his commendations as well as his corrections in spite of how fired-up she’d become in her determination, Astrid nodded briefly before she rushed forward and pushed him again. Though, this time she almost ran into him, intent on bowling him over by using all her force before stepping and leaning back to avoid toppling forward -- it wasn’t clean, but it was fast and it was as much as she could muster.

[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]

[pure-obsidian]

Porcelain to Steel

[volkaxdalca-deactivated20180214]

Volka’s smirk only grew as she shoved an awful lot harder this time, the sheer will of it something he could find rather amusing, truth be told. It was almost as if the whole thing was a game to him, and in a way, it was. After all, he was being shoved around by the Princess of Nore, it was hard to take things seriously the longer they went at this.

But, for all her determination, he still didn’t have to move his feet to remain standing. Her shoved made him sway back, shoulder blades drawing together as his spine curved slightly to observe her strike. It was better, of course, and had Volka been smaller and less used to being hit, she might’ve succeeded to knock him on his behind.

But he snapped back immediately once more, raising his eyebrows, “Will you now? You seem to have been in the dust more times than myself, Your Highness.” Again, the teasing. He knew it was alright now, or he hoped it was. Either way, what was there for him to lose?

[pure-obsidian]

A heavy frown had taken over Astrid’s face, not very becoming, but certainly a good reflection of how she felt; seeing how unaffected Volka was in the aftermath of her forceful push. She had been certain she would have knocked him over; she wasn’t sure why, but she had. Either she’d overestimated herself, or underestimated him -- but she had to remind herself that this was a proper fighter. He was strong and practised.

“Ha,” Astrid scoffed, pride wounded but determination rearing on the fuel of his taunts. “Only because you’ve been the one pushing me until now, sir.” Teasing and retaliating seemed to come all too easily, casually; and on another day, part of her would have told her that a lady -- a princess -- did not speak that way. Today, however, she knew nothing but adrenaline and even an odd thrill at the activity as well as the wordplay. “Just wait, I’ll have you on the ground yet.” The last word came out a little rough; for just as she spoke it, she moved forward to push him again, the force delivered not only by her shoulders this time, but by strength from the center of her body.

[pure-obsidian]

Mother Dearest

[pure-obsidian]

eiracaddock:

The Queen nodded as her soft smile grew.  “I have been trying to teach him.  There are times when I believe he is getting close to saying the words, but I’m certain it will take more time.”  Theo learning to talk and walk was very exciting.  It had been a very long time since the babble of babes of the pitter patter of tiny feet on the stones filled the palace.  It made Eira feel both young and old all at once.

Softly she sighed and reached up to pull her cloak tighter around herself.  “I believe he would like that.  I stood by the window with him a few days past.  He was enchanted by the snowflakes as they fell.”  Eira hated the winter and wished it would end, but she could still see something almost magical in it if she looked closely.  That was the one thing she hoped to never lose sight of.

“He’s a Caddock,” Astrid smiled, the haughtiness of her words softened by her playful tone. “He will learn quickly, I’m certain. I will be sure to make my own attempts at having him speak my name.” She squeezed her mother’s arm gently. “At what age might he start his lessons? I recall the three of us started quite young.”

Astrid released her mother’s arm so she could hug the garment tighter around herself, and part of her wanted to repeat her earlier words -- that they could return inside if the cold was becoming uncomfortable for the queen, but she decided not to; certain her mother would say if she was indeed too cold. Her expression softened at the thought of little Theo entranced by the falling snow. “They say children born in winter handle it better than anyone else,” she said fondly. “Perhaps he will be stronger than us all.”

[middle-earthtales]

Frodo saw her whom few mortals had yet seen; Arwen, daughter of Elrond, in whom it was said that the likeness of Lúthien had come on earth again; and she was called Undómiel, for she was the Evenstar of her people.

[pure-obsidian]

The Measure of a Lady

[pure-obsidian]

lottaxthompson:

“I daresay we’re going to have a very full day of shopping,” Lotta remarked. She herself was the sort of woman who could spend hours browsing small shops, looking over everything. It was not that she was indecisive, not at all, but she enjoyed looking at everything, whether she had intentions to buy it or not. It was fun, to think which of her friends might like what, to see the details crafted so carefully. And finding something perfect after so much looking was bliss.

Jewelry, gloves, and a dresses were things that she often shopped for on separate days, in fact, especially if she had other engagements. But for the sake of helping the Princess, and making her look more like a princess in general, she would speed her habits to get all things done. “Oh, I think I will, if I see anything. But for you, well, why choose when you can get both colors for gloves?”

"We absolutely must. I've spent far too many days indoors, apart from today." A mischievous smile appears on Astrid's face at that. Though she'd previously been unhappy at Lotta for her unwillingness to try or even approve of archery as a hobby, now she was pleased to tease about the matter. "Which clearly, was not an enjoyable past time." Astrid held out her arm so she could hook it with Lotta's, feeling the breeze start to pick up enough to make her want to return indoors. "Will you be attending the feast, Lotta? That will certainly require new attire; let's not forget it."

Her friend made a very valid point. If she was able to, why did she not purchase a good number of items? Gloves were a necessity in winter, but if she wished, she could buy a dozen pieces of fine jewelry and still nobody would blink an eye. Lately though, Astrid felt such things were luxuries she did not need. Though perhaps she would buy Lotta something more special and expensive instead, to wear to the feast as a thank you for the shopping trip. "An excellent thought," the princess said. "Well, if I see a pair of each colour and like them both, I'll simply have to take your advice."

[wnq-movies]

Kissing someone is pretty intimate, actually very intimate, and your heart always kind of skips a beat before you do that.

Keanu Reeves (via wnq-movies)