Of the Water

Daphne Hera Ellarion, Queen of Eyden.

[queenellarion]

queen blackwyd ; of iatris:

Rowena smiled when she realized who that voice belonged to. She extended her hand to the other Queen and nodded. “Of course, you can, Daphne, you don’t need to ask twice. Come and sit with me, it has been too long.” For a moment she thought it was one of those silly ladies who only wanted to be friends with a Queen because of the advantages and favours you could get. Nobles would push them to cross her path and charm her with some stupid story and in exchange, have the monarch’s blessing.

“I feel the same,” Rowena said. “How long has it been? I can’t actually remember.” Had it been when her son was born? Many people came to see Taran when he had been a small baby, but she had only had for him that she actually ignored the guests. Erik took care of them until he had been away from his wife and child for too long. “How have you been, my darling?” she asked. “Forgive me if I’m being too…against celebrations but with all that’s happened, my heart can’t lower its defences so soon, not even for the King’s birthday.”

SMILING WARMLY TO THE QUEEN, Daphne sat herself beside the other monarch. She tried remembering the last time she’s spoken to her. That must’ve been on her wedding with William, but that night was filled with so much intensity that everything just mixed together. First the wedding, then the Voice and then her mother telling her the secret of her connection to the King, general, princess and lord of Mordu - and then learning the fact that her own dear adviser was her cousin. That was a wild night, filled with both excitement and heartbreak, but that seemed like it was ages ago and not mere months.

“I’ve been well. William’s been helpful a lot, and I’m pleased to say he’s adjusting rather well in Eyden, and ruling beside me.” She replied, and asked: “How have you been?” But, then the Queen had spoken again, and Daphne nodded, feeling her own mood souring at the thought. “Yes, I can relate. I’m not too relaxed either. Having so many familiar faces around is helpful, but I can’t let go of the feeling that something might happen again. Do you think it might?” She quietly asked.

[iatrisqueen-deactivated20200404]

Even if she wanted, she could not refuse a royal invitation. Rowena knew her of the many responsabilities that came with being Queen, and being polite to other monarchs was part of it, as much as she would have prefered to stay in Iatris with her son. Her sweet Taran was having strange dreams and since both shared that gift, they have been trying to discover the meaning behind them. Of course, she would make story about them as to not worry her son, but in private, she talked with her husband about it, but Erik was still worried about the defences of the Kingdom and the silly old fools of the council that tried to push him into declaring war. “To whom?” she asked him. We don’t even know who the enemy is and declaring ourselves in war would be the most stupid desition you could make, no offence, my love. You are many things but I know you’re not stupid”. She told him when he spoke of the plans they had suggested.

Rowena thought that it was not good to be celebrating parties, but it also wsn’t good to just wait for something bad to happen, so she left with her husband, leaving her son behind again and making sure he was well protected. He was the only child they had, yet. Thoughts of being a mother again ran through her mind many times before, but with the danger of another attack, it was best to think on something else. The Queen was sitting questly in a corner of the room, watching some jesters entertain the crowd. She tried to smile but it was too forced and so she gave up, looking around, trying to find some light to brigthen her day.

[queenellarion]

THE QUEEN WAS CURRENTLY ENJOYING herself, but there was a sense of apprehension settling in her body, threatening to sour her mood. She didn’t know if it was the diluted power her mother had passed onto her that warned her about something, or was it simply the memory of the last event that kept her on her guard, but while she was enjoying herself, dancing with her beloved husband and chatting with her ladies and her extended family, Daphne didn’t feel too relaxed. Not like she used to be.

Desiring a respite from dancing, the Queen of Eyden searched for an empty seat to sit on, and when her eyes fixed upon a familiar Queen, her lips immediately stretched into a smile as she already made up her mind to come sit beside her, if she’d permit her. Daphne approached Queen Blackwyd, her husband’s sister in law, with a gentle and friendly smile. “Your majesty! I’m happy to see you here. I feel like it’s been ages since we’ve last spoken to each other. May I join you?”

[queenellarion]

lady caliadne ; closest companion:

Balls were not her cup of tea, but with her sister in tow and the queen asking for her to follow her to Noctifera, Moria had to find herself having a jolly good time. Once she would relax herself, she would find that the masquerade was most agreeable and the people around her waltzed with smiles on their prettily painted, or masked, faces. She did not like masks, the hiding of one’s true self, but if she thought better of it she would have found herself to be rather hypocritical; she hid her true self from everyone, daily, with only her sister aware of the special something prowling beneath her skin.

Her dark hair was fastened into a pretty braid and her burgundy dress, with golden ribbons swirling around the bodice made her fair complexion and dark hair stand out; the golden mask hid the most of her face, but her pale blue eyes made her recognisable to those who knew her. When the queen and friend approached her, Moria softly chuckled and curtsied. “I think I have seen the dowager with the envoy from Mordu.” The lady lowered down her mask for the queen and gently smiled. “Did you recognise me or does my face surprise you now?”

OF COURSE SHE RECOGNISED HER lady. She would recognise those ocean blue hues anywhere, and she was rather adept at recollecting the people’s eyes and visage. She reckoned it was a useful skill, for a Queen. “The envoy from Mordu’s here?” Daphne caught onto the words and stretched a bit, to look over the heads of those standing closest to her. “I haven’t seen them arrive. Remind me to go say ‘hello’ to my uncle and cousins. I would love to speak with them later tonight.” She added, more to herself than to her lady in waiting, but then her smile widened.

“The only thing that surprises me is how well burgundy works on you. It suits you, the colour. It brings out the red in your hair, and I find that it compliments your complexion, and your eyes.” The Queen softly spoke, admiring her dark haired friend with an affectionate smile. It was true that she was close to all of her ladies, but Moria was her longest friend, and she always seemed to have known how Daphne feels, and if she’s happy, content or sad; or upset. “I hope you’re enjoying yourself, Moria? I would hate to see you bored.”

[williamblackwyd]

brave face

[queenellarion]

king blackwyd ; beloved one:

“If only it were that simple,” he said, half to himself. He would love to be able to solve the mystery of the Voice, and the danger that it might pose with one suggestion. In one fell swoop, he could alleviate at least some of their worries. “Although I don’t think ignoring it would help. We tried that last time, remember?” When he had been so forcefully jolly, so determined to keep the party going. He had refused to let the Voice spoil their wedding.

Malice without intent indeed. But that’s what worried William. That there was some intent behind it. And why now? Hadn’t the Kingdoms had happy occasions before? The Voice hadn’t shown up to any of those.

The difference now was that the Kingdoms were beginning to get along.

Maybe that was the point. Maybe it was just someone looking to make trouble, stir the pot, keep the Kingdoms suspicious of each other. If it was, it wouldn’t work. Things were going well, and William was in a position to at least try to ensure they stayed that way.

He choked on the sip he had just taken of his drink. Gods but he loved Daphne’s spontaneity and willingness to go along with his capers. He was tempted to take her at her word and steal her away. They probably wouldn’t even make it to their chambers without him being able to keep his hands off her. And his lips.

“As much as I want–” cough “–that. I think we should probably stay a little longer. Show the Voice that it can’t scare us, and everyone else that they shouldn’t be afraid. Which–” he paused again, this time to hand his glass to a nearby servant, “–means we should probably dance.” He turned, causing her hand at his elbow to slide down until he could grasp it . He lifted it, and raised his eyebrows.

At her offer, William’s heart swelled. There was something every day that made William appreciate how lucky he was to have Daphne. How lucky he was that she had wanted him when he had been hopelessly oblivious in Iatris. Her kind heart, and understanding made him almost want to weep with emotion and gratitude. She was just so good and sweet. Though she had a kingdom to run, she was offering to inconvenience herself just to make him happy.

He pressed a kiss to her hand. “Duck, that’s–that’s very sweet of you. I would enjoy us going for a visit at some point, and being able to show you all the things I should have the first time.” When he had behaved like an idiot and avoided the question of his marriage much less the actual subject–or monarch in this case. “I promise you that I’m not unhappy in Eyden though,” he hastened to add, eyes searching hers for any indication that she might be upset. He hoped he hadn’t made her think he wasn’t happy in his new home and new role. It was overwhelming, yes, and difficult, but it wasn’t as if William could go back. This was his life now. He had no regrets and didn’t want Daphne to think that he did.

IF SHE WEREN’T A QUEEN, she would have happily ignored the Voice altogether, but William was right. The last time when they ignored it, her mother waltzed in with secrets and Daphne’s world was turned upside down. But, she was - is - a Queen, and she stayed mindful of her duty to her kingdom and her people. Sighing in agreement, she nodded, but then a softly mischievous smile tugged at the corners of her lips at her husband’s poorly veiled cough, and she gently patted him between his shoulders. “Oh, I don’t think scared is what we would be feeling and if the Voice is as claivoyant as it wants us to believe, it’d know that.” Innocently commenting, Daphne's smile widened at the mention of a dance.

“Oh, happily!” She smiled in delight, allowing her husband to guide them where the other couples danced. The pet name kept the smile on her face and she nodded. “Well, that settles it. I would quite like to see Queen Rowena more often myself. She is a wonder.” The Queen said in a warm tone, and her expression further softened at his hasty promise. “I do not think you’re unhappy, but I’m pleased to hear it from you. I know this adjustment wasn’t easy on you and it’s only natural that you miss your family. I’ve barely met my family in Mordu and I miss them already. We have the luxury of having Iatris so close to us, I don’t see why we couldn’t just pop by one day for afternoon tea. We could be home by dinner.”

[ellcrion]

Secrets Told - Talya & Daphne

[ellcrion]

queenellarion:

SHE DID NOT FEEL ANY better, or calmer, at her mother’s reassurance that she would’ve been told, eventually. Why couldn’t she have known from the start? Why was Mordu being so secretive and why her mother couldn’t have been open with her ties to it from the start? For a second, she was excited about it; the thought of having cousins, and three of them, and an uncle made a dash of happiness spark in her heart, but too soon was it clouded by her temperament and by the betrayal she felt at her mother’s lies. Truthfully saying, it wasn’t such a terrible thing, the blood-ties with Mordu. But, she wasn’t feeling rationally tonight, not with the wedding, then the Voice, then the thought of the wedding night and everything it meant. She was at the very edge of her nerves and her mother’s tactful way of confiding in her was starting to push her over.

Daphne eyed her mother with an ached eyebrow. “Of course you would’ve told me sooner or later, but of course it had to be on my wedding night and influenced by a bunch of… well, whatever it was, the Voice.” She hissed through her teeth, turning to face away from her mother. The night was still young, but the queen had started to feel ancient. It was then that she’s remembered she’s already met one of her cousins; the princess. “Princess Cornelia. I take it she’s my cousin?” The princess was kind and nice and sweet enough for Daphne to immediately take a liking to her, but now she wondered if it was their shared blood which coaxed her to trust her. “At least she’s nice.”

So, there was the problem. It wasn’t like Daphne to let her temperament to escalate like this & now her mother understood why. She cursed herself internally for letting the Voice get the better of her - she could’ve easily told her about this tomorrow or within a week; but she was afraid that the Voice would take the opportunity away from her & spin a web of odd tales to frighten her daughter or make her more distrustful; & she didn’t want that. “I know the timing wasn’t the best, but I had to tell you. It was now or never, & neither of us would’ve been happy with the never.” She reasoned.

Talya nodded, a slight smile stretching her lips. “Yes, yes she is. The king is your cousin too, Adrian. & his brother, Cassius, & my brother Dorian is your uncle. He’s the general & I can’t wait for you to meet them all.” She spoke, finding herself smiling at the thought. She would’ve loved for Daphne to have met her late brother, too, but some things could not be controlled or changed. “They are all nice & they are all good. You’ll know that when you meet them & talk to them. Your cousin Adrian is a very capable & wise ruler. You already have that in common.”

[queenellarion]

THE END.

[williamblackwyd]

brave face

[queenellarion]

king blackwyd ; beloved one:

One of the things William loved about Daphne was how willing she was to go along with his nonsense. She did not chide him for making light of more serious situations, understanding that he was not being irreverent or rude. It was just his way, and she not only understood that, but took part, expanding on his ideas and playing along.

Outside of their foolishness, of course, it was like that in Court as well. Though William was but a fledgeling king, he was sitting in on Council meetings and court sessions. He was aware his knowledge was not anywhere near where it had to be, but he was trying, and in the meantime not shirking any responsibilities. Whereas before he had shirked or avoided anything remotely resembling duty, he knew that was not an option now. Damn Erik. It was a faint damning, of course, since without his brother practically pushing him towards the marriage, William would not have Daphne.

“It claims to know all our secrets. We test it out. If it truly is all knowing, it will hear our general invitation and respond. If it doesn’t, well, then we know it isn’t really as omnipotent as it seems to want us to believe,” he winked at her.

Already her arm sliding through his was a comfortable gesture, natural. Her place beside him was more normal now than being on his own and William could not find it within himself to mind. Though he still did occasionally need his time alone, he found that his anxiety lessened when he was with his wife rather than going off to try to master it by himself.

He knew she was teasing him, and he loved it. Any mention of their chambers excited him and he knew it. “Do you think it’s too early to go test out our chambers now?” he asked, his voice low and for her ears alone. His lips brushed her ear with the words before he straightened again. No, their rooms were for them and them alone, and the Voice along with the rest of the world had to stay out.

“I have,” he nodded, his eyes easily finding his brother’s familiar frame in the crowd again. “And Rowena. Once again, my nephew is left behind,” he sighed, putting a hand to his chest. He was only joking, though. All this travel would not be good for a boy that young, and frankly, it was one less thing to worry about with the child safe at home.

He squeezed her arm briefly between his own and his body. “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself,” he said truthfully. “It is nice that you are having another opportunity to get to know them better.”

HER HUSBAND’S WAY OF THINKING was irrevocable. Impeccable, if she might add. That was only one of the many qualities she loved about her King, how rational and reasonable he is, while still remaining his joyful self. They really were quite the pair. “Yes and then we could simply ignore it the next time it chooses to appear. I think you just solved all of our problems, Will.” The Queen said with a gentle, appreciative smile. “Indeed, why should be break ourselves and our heads trying to find a meaning in it. Malice without intent is a meaning on its own. Perhaps that’s what this is, just mindless mischief, intent on seeing us glum on happy occasions.” She mused, when her husband’s words caught her attention again and she inclined herself closer to him. “I doubt anyone would miss us if we make a timely exit. With all these masks, I doubt anyone even recognises us now.”

“If you miss him, we could visit Iatris in the next few days, or invite your brother and the Queen to come stay with us, and bring your nephew along. We can always make time for family and Eyden is still going steadily. I doubt that prolonging out stay from it would jeopardise it greatly. Besides, my mother can always step in, in our absence.” Daphne gently offered. Truthfully speaking, she would’ve gone to Mordu to spend time with her cousins, but Iatris and Mordu were not the same, distance wise. Iatris was less than a day’s ride, the could’ve gone there for a cup of afternoon tea and be home by sundown, while Mordu... She would’ve had to be absent for a few days from her kingdom, with an entire sea between her home and her mother’s old kingdom. “And what of you, are you finding your time here pleasant enough?”

[williamblackwyd]

brave face

When William finally made his way back to Daphne, he pressed a hand to the small of her back to alert her to his presence. “Ah, brings back memories of our happy day, doesn’t it?” he muttered into her ear, low enough that only she would hear. He was, of course, referring to their own wedding that the voice had interrupted as well.

“Think if we invite the Voice to the next celebration it might be more benevolent and give us a nicer prophecy?” He was only joking. Even he, who knew next to nothing, could tell that the evil trick was hiding a greater malevolence. “Maybe it just feels left out.” 

William used humour to deal with frightening situations. To face the possibilities that arose from the thing’s evil words was not something he wanted to do at this stage (or any other one, if he was being honest). His responsibilities as King were more than enough without him borrowing more trouble. 

His manner and easy affect suggested that the man was more relaxed than he was. But being next to Daphne again did something to calm his rising anxiety, to keep it from climbing to his throat and choking his breath off. 

@queenellarion​

(before the screaming)

[queenellarion]

THE NIGHT WAS STARTING TO stretch her nerves and the Voice’s reappearance did her no favours. Was this to be everyone’s fate now? Endure a talking puddle of nothingness to rain on all of their celebrations? She sighed, standing on her own after her cousin Cornelia went off to find the remainder of her family, when her husband’s voice reached her ears and she chuckled, despite the mood that settled in. “It certainly does.” The queen had had only enough time to comment upon it, when a quiet laughter erupted from her. “William! I think it’d be nice to try, but where and how do we address it? For the Voice which seems to crash all our events, wherever it may be. That leaves us with a vast world full of possibilities.” She joked along.

Daphne turned to her husband, looping her arm through his as she beamed at him,, with a smile that said just how happy she was to have him at her side again. “Perhaps we should track it down, ask it to have a drink with us in order to appease it.” She chatted along, throwing a quick glance around them to ensure their privacy, before leaning in to whisper closer in her husband’s ear; “So long as we do not invite it in the chambers with us.” Daphne’s smile turned soft again, as she asked, “Have you seen your brother yet? I’ve had the pleasure of chatting with my uncle and cousins, and despite the Voice being it’s delightful self, I am quite happy to be here.”

[queenellarion]

lady angmar ; aunt by marriage:

She was happy to see her husband interacting with his Eyden-based family, ever since the queen Daphne’s wedding. She was pleased that the Angmars had found it easier to be around their extended families & she was certain their newfound unity would prove fruitful & strengthening for all the kingdoms & not just Mordu, or Eyden, or Noctifera. So, when she spotted a patch of golden hair in the room, standing out with her golden mask & matching attire, Nerissa decided to officially meet the queen - like king William had once suggested. But, their wedding had turned more sour & the opportunity was lost, so the lady Angmar didn’t have the chance to meet her niece-through-marriage.

Now, seeing queen Ellarion in front of her, she lowered her own mask, offering her a smile & a court bow. Lightly chuckling at her witty way of introduction, Nerissa’s smile widened. “That’s understandable. If I didn’t know which mask my husband wore to the ball, I don’t think I would’ve found him at all.” That wasn’t entirely true - she & Dorian had a strong bond & she could always find him in a room, no matter how well he’s disguised himself. “We know of each other, your majesty, but I don’t think we’ve ever been properly introduced. My name is lady Nerissa Angmar. I’m your uncle Dorian’s wife. It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”

THE LADY IN FRONT OF her was faintly familiar. She could remember seeing her at her wedding feast and the reception, but as she’d said, they were never properly introduced and, learning of her identity, Daphne gave her a beaming smile. So that was the famed lady Nerissa, her uncle’s dearest wife and the object of her mother’s kind regards.. “Lady Nerissa, I’m happy beyond words to have met you at last. I admit my wedding’s been a little chaotic for us to be properly introduced.” She offered her another smile. “And the fact that I didn’t really know lord Dorian was my uncle, but that’s in the past now.” 

She was a little nervous, that much was evident. The woman in front of her was family, but Daphne had to admit she was still feeling a bit strange, knowing half of her blood came from Mordu, a kingdom that seemingly didn’t exist until recently. But, while at first her temper was tempestuous about it, now she was happy, really happy about it. “How are you enjoying the ball, lady Angmar?”

[queenellarion]

THINGS HAVE FINALLY QUIETED DOWN for the queen of Eyden. While she was still a bit confused about the whole connection with Mordu, she no longer took her mother’s silence as a personal insult, seeing the light of her reasoning with the help of her most beloved husband. When the rulers of Noctifera invited her, and her kingdom, to a masquerade ball in honour of the princess Moyra’s birthday, Daphne jumped at the opportunity with both hands open, as it meant she might see her cousins and uncle, and the rest of Mordu, in attendance - and that made her unbelievably happy. 

Her disguise was one of the Golden Nymph, her golden hair matched perfectly with the golden silks and the barely-there mask covering her forehead and nose; but her pale eyes gave her away. Daphne got separated from the rest of her court, but she didn’t mind it yet. There were other people to interact with, and hoping to spy one of her cousins in the crowd, she started to circle the room, her eyes fixing on a masked person to her left. The queen approached her target, and greeted them with a smile, lowering the hood of golden cloak. “I thought it would be easier to recognise a person behind the mask, but in this crowd, I can’t even spot my mother.” She chuckled, sounding a little more nervously than she had intended. “I thought I know you, but now I’m not so sure.” 

[queenellarion]

Inviting family | Daphne & Dorian

THE ANGER SHE HAD FELT at her mother’s secret has gone away within days, but by the time she was starting to feel excited about her extended family, they were gone, returning back to Mordu and her opportunity to truly talk to them, was cut short before she could blink. Now, she simply felt stupid for letting her emotions cloud her judgement, but she’s decided to mend the situation, inviting at least one of her Mordu based relatives back to Eyden. And who was better to invite than the general, and her very own uncle? Her mother would be happy to see her brother again, and she hoped he would be free enough to make another tip to her kingdom. After all, it was a queen who invited her, and she doubted her cousin, the king, would have anything against her spending some quality time with their shared uncle.

Daphne had waited for days, as patiently as she could muster, for the ship to sail from Mordu, having been passed on the word of her uncle’s arrival. She was excited beyond words and the giddiness was evident in her frequent trips up and down the castle, and circling around the grounds, making sure that everything is ready for her uncle’s arrival - and the closer the ship from Mordu came to Eyden’s white shores, the less she could contain her nervous excitement. So, to avoid confusing and possibly giving a headache to her mother, husband, ladies and staff, the queen ventured down to the pier to wait for her uncle’s arrival.

It would seem that she’d come right on time, as the ship was seen sailing in as she threaded towards the stone-and-wood pier, with a wide, but not too wide to appear naively childish, smile. Her uncle descended from the ship and Daphne neared him with a welcoming smile. “Uncl - I mean, lord Angmar. Welcome to Eyden. I’m very happy you came.”

@dorianangmar​

[williamblackwyd]

alone at last || William and Daphne

[queenellarion]

king blackwyd ; beloved one:

His eyes searched hers. There was only quiet assurance there, and in her tone. This was not a duty for her, or at least not one she appeared to have any misgivings about. He had managed to avoid thinking about it all night, but now that they were alone and Daphne was practically in his arms, it was all he could think about.

William leaned forward and kissed her again, capturing her lips softly, but with confidence. “I do too,” he whispered, his mouth brushing hers as his lips formed the fervent words. He kissed her again, savouring the sweet taste of her. His other hand rubbed up and down her back in gentle strokes.

SHE THOUGHT SHE WAS READY for this and she was - for the most of the time. Her mind was known to race but, now, as she pulled her husband closer, there seemed to have not been a thought in her head. It was both refreshing and worrying to her, having been unused to that sort of clarity in her mind, but she stopped herself in time before she could overthink and make herself irrationally anxious. She enjoyed the gentle touch and the soothing movement of William’s hands - which did not seem to soothe her at all, but rather ignite a soft kind of lightning in her veins. Daphne returned the kiss eagerly, her hands coiling around his neck and pressing herself closer to him. 

[lordofblackwood]

By One’s Self || OPEN

[lordofblackwood]

queen daphne

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

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

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

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

END INTERACTION

[ellcrion]

Secrets Told - Talya & Daphne

[queenellarion]

queen ellarion ; dearest mother:

She hated the look on her daughter’s face. The betrayal & everything which she never wanted to see on her child’s face was written, clear for everyone to see. But, fortunately enough, they were alone in the garden, just as Talya had predicted. She didn’t predict her daughter jumping up from her seat & the queen mother had reached out to stop her, but then Daphne had spoken & her arms fell back in her lap. She guessed her daughter would be angry, she guessed she would feel some dose of betrayal in her, but she didn’t think it would’ve gone this far. Her late husband would’ve been broken by the look on their child’s face & maybe it was better that he hadn’t lived long enough to see this. “We were going to tell you, I swear.”

“We were going to tell you on your twenty fourth birthday, but your father had collapsed, & then after the funeral I was - I was in a dark place & I couldn’t bring myself to tell you. Then there were other occasions when I’d wanted to confide the secret in you, but it was always something standing in our way - my way. I’d wanted this to be a happy occasion, especially now that my family’s back in the Kingdoms & I could tell you all about them, & most importantly, you could meet them in flesh yourself, rather than just listening my tales about them & about home.” Talya spoke with urgency in her tone, ushering her daughter to believe her, to trust her. She hadn’t meant any harm with keeping such a secret, quite the opposite. She’d wanted to protect everyone involved; from her brother, to her nephews & niece, & her own daughter as well.

“I admit the Voice had pushed my hand, but I would’ve told you soon enough. I wouldn’t have kept it a secret for that much longer, not with my family finally being back in the Realms.” The dowager finished with her heart in her throat. She’d never seen such an expression on her daughter’s face & it worried her. What’s more, the unchecked power in Daphne’s veins also concerned her. But that was something she couldn’t tell her, not with her emotions being so high & even a little aggressive.

SHE DID NOT FEEL ANY better, or calmer, at her mother’s reassurance that she would’ve been told, eventually. Why couldn’t she have known from the start? Why was Mordu being so secretive and why her mother couldn’t have been open with her ties to it from the start? For a second, she was excited about it; the thought of having cousins, and three of them, and an uncle made a dash of happiness spark in her heart, but too soon was it clouded by her temperament and by the betrayal she felt at her mother’s lies. Truthfully saying, it wasn’t such a terrible thing, the blood-ties with Mordu. But, she wasn’t feeling rationally tonight, not with the wedding, then the Voice, then the thought of the wedding night and everything it meant. She was at the very edge of her nerves and her mother’s tactful way of confiding in her was starting to push her over. 

Daphne eyed her mother with an ached eyebrow. “Of course you would’ve told me sooner or later, but of course it had to be on my wedding night and influenced by a bunch of... well, whatever it was, the Voice.” She hissed through her teeth, turning to face away from her mother. The night was still young, but the queen had started to feel ancient. It was then that she’s remembered she’s already met one of her cousins; the princess. “Princess Cornelia. I take it she’s my cousin?” The princess was kind and nice and sweet enough for Daphne to immediately take a liking to her, but now she wondered if it was their shared blood which coaxed her to trust her. “At least she’s nice.”

[lordofblackwood]

By One’s Self || OPEN

[queenellarion]

lord blackwood ; of iatris:

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

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

They had to.

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

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

[williamblackwyd]

alone at last || William and Daphne

[queenellarion]

king blackwyd ; beloved one:

He smiled at her admission, grudging as it might be. William felt a sense of triumph at how he had distracted her from her worries, drawn her out of her spiral. It would not be the last time speaking of it, but her having ties to Mordu did not disturb him. He truthfully did not know her well enough to have formed much of an opinion, but Mordu blood did not change the one he already had: that she was strong willed, passionate, wise, and a good queen. And he’d be damned if he let her mother ruin their wedding night with her confession.

“I look forward to spending the rest of my life finding them out,” he said, voice low. He twined one of her curls around his finger. He didn’t want to scare her, but by the Gnome she was impossible to resist. “Oh, assuredly,” he nodded. He placed his arms around her waist. “That was poor judgment on her part, and no doubt about it. Almost any time would have been better than tonight, and that’s a certainty.”

He was glad when she kissed him back, glad that he hadn’t taken things too far. William was not a Lothario, but he was not a virgin either. Not that he knew enough about the queen to know whether–well whether she had any experience. The thought troubled him, momentarily, reinforcing again just how little he knew about the woman who was now his wife.

He pulled back, though he kept the movement natural. His hand remained cupping her perfect cheek and he rested his forehead against hers. “I don’t want to do anything you don’t want to,” he said softly.

HE WAS QUITE THE CHARMER, her husband. But, he was also honest and kind, and he managed to soothe her temper which was an achievement on its own. And she, too, wouldn’t mind spending the rest of her life with him, sharing Eyden and her duties. A Queen and a King, equals in everything. “Well good, because I have no intention on making it easy on you.” She lightly chuckled and slid her hands to rest on his shoulders as she drew her closer. She’s reached her limit of talking about her mother, on her wedding night, so she only hummed in reply. Honestly, they could speak of Talya and the consequences of her secrets in the morning. Or in any of the upcoming days, when they are alone and at peace - when the Voices retreat to the back of everyone’s minds. 

Daphne cracked a small smile at his gesture and lightly nuzzled her nose against his. He was a true gentleman, but she had already known that. A words form Rowena here, or the one from Victor there, told her enough but so did the way he was interacting with everyone else. The queen knew he would never do something she was uncomfortable with, but right now, she wondered if she was uncomfortable with anything. “I want to.” She said in a gentle, but determined tone.

[ellcrion]

Secrets Told - Talya & Daphne

[queenellarion]

queen ellarion ; dearest mother:

She was aware that she made little to no sense. Truthfully speaking, she didn’t know how to tell her daughter that she sailed from the most mysterious kingdom there ever was; a kingdom that held magic & secrets of their own, & some secrets she still wouldn’t tell her. Time has come for only a handful of secrets to be told, but not all. “Daphne, my dove, I need you to understand that your father & I did what we thought was best at the moment. You were so young & by the time we had wanted to tell you, things complicated. When your father died, you were caught up in your duties & no time was good enough for me to tell you. But, after tonight, & after the threats that have been made at the feast, the time has come for me to tell you the truth.”

“You see, my dove, I’m not from Eyden by birth. Your father had known, when he married me, that I come from a place which, until recently, was deemed a legend. A fable & fabrication to amuse or scare children. But, the place is real & so are some of the stories.” Talya began & with a deep breath, offered her daughter a gentle smile. “My last name is Angmar, & the late king of Mordu, & their current general, are my brothers. King Adrian & his brother are my nephews, & princess Cornelia is my niece. Your cousins.”

SHE DIDN’T LIKE THE SOUND of that. She didn’t like the sound of that one bit. What has her father got anything to do with this? The Voice and whatever had her mother talking gibberish which didn’t suit her at all. The queen listened with a confused frown on her face, wondering what’s got her mother so worried and anxious. But then she spoke of some truth and as Talya kept speaking, things started to fall into place. Her expression changed from confusion to bewilderment, then back to confusion. Confusion turned to a disbelieving frown as her mother continued on her tale and she felt like she was drowning. She felt like there was a hurricane raging through her body, a hurricane which had swallowed lightning and she couldn’t hear anything except for her mother’s confession and the muffled roaring in her ears - lightning and water combined. 

Cousins. Uncle. All her life she’s wanted a sibling, she’s wanted more family and her mother tells her of it now? After all these years being quiet, she tells her now? On her wedding night. And her father had known! He had known and he, too, kept silent about it. The only reasonable explanation was that they didn’t trust her enough to confide the secret in her. For the first time in her life, Daphne had seen red before her eyes - of shock and anger and both feelings combined. “When were you going to tell me?” She hissed out the words through her teeth, jumping up from the bench as glaring at her mother with a betrayed look on her face. “All my life I tell you, and father, how much I wish for an extended family, for an uncle, or a sister or a cousin, and now you tell me this? When were you going to tell me? Were you going to tell me, or did the Voice scare you into sharing this with me?” 

[lordofblackwood]

By One’s Self || OPEN

[queenellarion]

lord blackwood ; of iatris:

HEARING SUCH A GENTLE WOMAN threaten such a harmful recompense amused the Lord. He couldn’t help but smile at her comment and nodded knowingly, “I’m sure your husband agrees with you as do I. The culprit had better be far away from here if he knew what was good for him.” A light chuckle accompanied the words as he shifted his weight and gaze for a moment. “Besides, whoever did it had poor taste. On a wedding night. Ridiculous. It’s like it came from one of the books I have read.” It was true that Victor found the theatrics sloppy, but he was also attempting to make light of it, hoping to draw Daphne’s worry away.

The friendly squeeze only assured Lord Laurel of the growing friendship between them. “Thank you, your majesty. It is quite an honor that even someone outside Iatris values my ramblings and advice. Besides, the pleasure was all mine when you called me to ask about William. I’m glad I got to get to know you better in our few meetings.” A warm and genuine smile graced the lord’s lips as he spoke before he nodded once more. “My time has been wonderful so far and no disembodied spectrum can change my mind otherwise. I was actually planning on remaining a bit longer, only to see if William needs anything before I return.”

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

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