Silver Beginnings

Who goes there? Ah... hello. My name is Sir Seth of Renais. I do hope we can get acquainted. ((Closed RP blog for the group FireEmblem-RP. Tracking the tag: silver-knight-seth))

[princeofrenais-blog-deactivated]

Prince Ephraim. I hope I find you in good health. I'm afraid that I have some rather terrible news for your ears...

"I am in good health, Seth, and I’m glad to see you seem to be in much the same." Ephraim nodded at Seth, but his look was solemn, as he could tell from Seth’s tone that it was quite serious. "Terrible news? ….very well, Seth. I am listening."

[princeofrenais-blog-deactivated]

The prince chuckled. “You’re quite correct to say that you did not think I’d approve. Eirika knows me far too well by now. Really Seth, you sometimes let your worries get the better of you far too often.” Although Seth did not hug Ephraim, though he wanted to, because he was afraid of how the prince might react, the blue-haired warrior took the initiative on his own and hugged Seth. He then stepped back for a moment though, and his expression became serious. "Seth, there is something I very much need you to understand." He looked the paladin straight in the eyes. "Some of this I probably don’t need to reinforce, but I feel I should." He inhaled, then let out a deep breath. "I don’t think there is any man that I know of that would be better for my sister. But you must take care of her as I’m sure you have been. But you also need to understand that she needs to be able to fight her own battles and do things for herself sometimes, no matter how much it may worry you. She did a lot of growing up while we weren’t watching, and I’ve come to understand that in the past few months. Most importantly, though, Seth…if anything happens to me, she will be the one to ascend to the throne. You must support her with all your heart and being regardless of what happens, especially should anything unfortunate befall me. She will always know how to guide Renais, and never lead it astray. Never let anyone believe otherwise. I entrust this all to you, because I know I can, Seth." He smiled at the knight again. "You’re a good man, and a reliable person Seth. Don’t forget that."

[silver-knight-seth]

"Of course, My Prince," Seth answered, his cheeks still yet to recover from the unexpected hug. As much as he knew that Prince Ephraim was still very different from (and yet the same as) his father, it was always the little things like sudden hugs or even a childish prank or two that reminded the Silver Knight that the twins of Renais were truthfully not much younger than he. "I apologize for allowing my own worries to precede the need to speak to you about our courtship first. I assure you, as it evolves over time, you will be the first to know of its progression."

He stood there, straight as a knight ought to be, listening quietly as Ephraim spoke. There was a small part of him that wished to protest, to tell the other man that there was simply no way in all of Magvel that Ephraim could possibly come to harm now that rebuilding was done and the most dangerous sight of these days was the common bandit. But even then, he knew it was not so; Darkling Woods still reeked of the miasma left by the Demon King, and every so often, a creature from lord would show its face again. The thought of those creatures was terrifying a best... and the idea that they would ever break through the prince's powerful lance was something much more troublesome. 

"There is nothing more I would rather do than to support her as she continues to grow," Seth answered, closing his eyes briefly. For a brief moment, he once gain saw the naive long-haired girl he used to watch in between his training as a squire. "But let us not forget that there are two sides to that coin. If you wish me to worry less for her, then by all means, My Lord, please, take care of yourself as well. As long as you live and are healthy, then I know the princess will be safe. Between your lance and my blade, there are none that would ever dare touch her. But should you fall, then Renais shall stand atop a precarious cliff. No matter how strong the support I give your sister, or the hand she guides the kingdom with, there will always be something there that will leave all of us, every man and woman who calls Renais their home, in great mourning. We will be weaker than before, though we will not show it." he paused, then smiled a little. "So, my prince, do be careful where you swing that lance." 

[silver-knight-seth]

Mirrors || Seth and Eirika

[restorationprincess-deactivated]

Eirika had stood to follow Seth back to the bank, but quickly realized she simply couldn’t. Her skirt was white. And soaked through. She immediately sat back down in the lake before he turned back and realized it. 

"The water is actually quite lovely," she said. That was a lie—the water was freezing—but the night air at least was warm. He’d offered his cloak, which would help cover her quite nicely, but the problem was getting out of the water to retrieve it. "Erm…perhaps you can bring your cloak to me, and I will get out of the water in my own time while you build a fire? I-I s-simply can’t bring myself to leave y-yet."

And now her teeth were chattering. Great. She grit them, frustrated with herself.

[silver-knight-seth]

"Are you truly so fond of the lakewater?" Seth asked as he turned around, cloak in hand. It didn't make much sense to have the princess be confined to the freezing lake when there was a perfectly dry and cool bank to sit on. "After all, it- oh." unable to help himself, the Silver Knight felt a bright red flush work its way down his neck as soon as he realized the color of the skirt the Princess had chosen to wear that night. If Prince Ephraim could read his mind now, he was likely going to be forced to spend the days in the dungeons for a good, long while. 

"Please, My Lady, take my cloak," he muttered, averting his eyes to afford the young woman at least some decency. "You may use it to... cover up as best as you can." he wanted to add a very juvenile "I won't look, I promise", but refrained from it. Surely the Princess understood. "I am sure that you do not wish to catch a chill from this night... and that you do not wish to have to explain to your brother as to why you caught it in the first place." 

[princeofrenais-blog-deactivated]

Prince Ephraim. I hope I find you in good health. I'm afraid that I have some rather terrible news for your ears...

"I am in good health, Seth, and I’m glad to see you seem to be in much the same." Ephraim nodded at Seth, but his look was solemn, as he could tell from Seth’s tone that it was quite serious. "Terrible news? ….very well, Seth. I am listening."

[princeofrenais-blog-deactivated]

Ephraim let out a small chuckle at Seth’s jesting, but he did not let his solemn look disappear for long. He only transitioned to a small smile to reply jesting in likewise fashion. “Well then, I shall be certain to ask her to tone it down, for your sake, Seth.” But then that expression of serious contemplation returned to his face once again. He was very clearly absorbing what Seth had just told him.

"….I see." That was all Ephraim could say to start. He wasn’t quite sure where to begin, "I do trust your word that you have never touched her improperly. You are a noble man, Seth, and she would never allow it regardless. Still, this is quite a lot to take in." His tone was a bit stern as he continued. "I would have preferred to have known sooner, Seth…" suddenly the sternness eased up and disappeared from his voice as quickly as it had seeped in. "…after all, how is a Prince to give his sister and her loyal knight his blessing if he is not aware of it in the first place?"

[silver-knight-seth]

It was one thing to expect having his head chopped off and served up on a silver platter. Perhaps it was another thing entirely to suddenly jerk his head up to regard his prince, jarring the rather stiff knot that had built up in his neck over the past few days. Still, no pain in his neck could ever bother him, not when he was on the receiving ends of those sinfully beautiful words.

"A... blessing, my prince?" he asked, unable to think of anything short of running up and hugging the younger male then and there. Perhaps it was only through the force of his will alone that he did not do that. "I... apologize, Your Highness. I suppose we- that is to say, I- simply did not think that you would approve. No matter how noble my spirit, my title is... that is to say, my birthright is still..." this was much harder than he thought it would be. He could barely form thoughts, let alone the words to express them. "I suppose I ought to stop speaking now, before you change your mind." 

[silver-knight-seth]

Mirrors || Seth and Eirika

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For a moment Eirika could only focus on catching her breath, since she hadn’t had time to draw one before she fell in, but the sight of Seth laughing, with his fringe weighed down over his eyes, almost made her lose it again. She’d expected the fall would tense him up and send him on a tirade about unexpected changes in plan, as usual, but instead he looked completely at ease.

"I’m fine," she managed to answer, but worry overtook her. "I’m so sorry. I should have let you go. Are you all right?" She reached for his shoulder, the cloth of his shirt so soaked that she could easily feel the broad scarring beneath. It still hurt him sometimes, even after it had healed over; that was no secret. 

[silver-knight-seth]

"I am fine, My Lady. You are too kind," with that, he managed to wade his way back to the bank, where the horses were grazing as if nothing had happened. Naturally, he felt quite heavy and cold as he left, but he was sure what he felt was nothing compared to what the princess must have been feeling. He was a knight, after all; it was his duty alone to make sure that the princess was safe and well cared for. 

"I have a riding cloak that you may drape over you to warm yourself, if you wish," he said as he walked towards his saddle pack. "And I can build us a fire, if you will allow me. I am afraid that we ought not too dance for now. The worse thing that could possibly happen is that one or both of us would catch a chill. Prince Ephraim would surely be angry with me for allowing you to catch one." 

[princeofrenais-blog-deactivated]

Prince Ephraim. I hope I find you in good health. I'm afraid that I have some rather terrible news for your ears...

"I am in good health, Seth, and I’m glad to see you seem to be in much the same." Ephraim nodded at Seth, but his look was solemn, as he could tell from Seth’s tone that it was quite serious. "Terrible news? ….very well, Seth. I am listening."

[princeofrenais-blog-deactivated]

"She neglected to take a guard, even you, did she?" He let out a sigh. "I am not surprised, Seth. Eirika has been growing up quickly as of late. She protests very much to me when I am protective of her. She wishes to fight her own battles, Seth. We will both have to respect that. She’s starting to become as stubborn as myself, and that sort of scares me." He chuckled a bit at the thought. "I will speak to her on the matter though. I would prefer she at least take someone with her."

"As far as the matter of you courting her…" Ephraim started slowly, fixing his gaze upon Seth’s face. "Tell me truly Seth. I must know for certain before I can give my input on the matter. How long has this been occurring for, and to what extent?"

[silver-knight-seth]

"It is not so much of a matter of her being unable to protect herself, but more of a matter of protecting those bandits who dare cross her path," Seth said, a touch of lightness entering his voice as he spoke. "As much as I enjoy watching My Lady's skill grow and prosper on the battlefield, there is an issue with the sheer amount of bodies that can get left behind at the end of her finely hewn blade. And if there is not a body hitting the ground, then there is surely a bandit running off sobbing back to the base, where surely many bandits lie sobbing. Unfortunately, it is a blow to the ego of some of us knights." all of this was said with a small smile, to show he spoke in jest. 

"It has gone on for not two moons now," Seth answered, dreading the prince's reaction to what was most likely to come. "It has not evolved beyond affectionate touches and brushes of the mouth, nothing more." was there more to add? Well, there was definitely that one escapade to the lake, and that other time in the stables, but other than that... "I assure you, I have never touched her improperly." 

[princeofrenais-blog-deactivated]

Prince Ephraim. I hope I find you in good health. I'm afraid that I have some rather terrible news for your ears...

"I am in good health, Seth, and I’m glad to see you seem to be in much the same." Ephraim nodded at Seth, but his look was solemn, as he could tell from Seth’s tone that it was quite serious. "Terrible news? ….very well, Seth. I am listening."

[silver-knight-seth]

It was starting to get hard to keep a solemn face. He always reckoned himself a good actor, and honestly, this was perhaps among his best. As much as he was reluctant to play the part of the messenger- they were often on the wrong end of the lance, after all- this was nothing more than a way to make sure that the young man still remembered how to relax and laugh a little.

"It is your sister, Your Highness. She went to go help the people of the nearby village... and neglected to take a guard once again. I would have to ask that you speak with her regarding such matters." then, he added under his breath. "Also, I may or may not be courting her." 

[silver-knight-seth]

Mirrors || Seth and Eirika

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Eirika laughed to find herself at the lake first, after all. She dismounted to look all the more triumphant by the time Seth did the same. They stood on a tussock jutting out over the lake’s bright surface, admiring the night for a moment, before she couldn’t resist teasing: 

"It seems that you have lost your dance." 

She took his hand anyway, but something darted out of a nearby bush before he could retort—perhaps a fox. It screeched loudly and her mare panicked, bumping into her hard as she stomped. She fell backward with a shriek of her own, still clutching Seth, and then cold water closed over her head. 

[silver-knight-seth]

The lake was not deep, of course; it had no reason to be deep, and honestly, one would not enjoy dancing near a deep lake, particularly if the situation the two were finding themselves in now happened. However, as lakes were wont to do, the water was quite cold, having cooled down over the course of the day, despite seeming so warm and inviting only moments before. 

Unfortunately, as humans, the two required air to breathe, so it was with great reluctance that Seth captured the young woman in his arms and he swam up, breaking the once pristine lake surface as he gasped for air, clothes and hair dripping. He let out a light, breathless laugh as he looked down at the princess, watching as her hair clung to her face in clump, messy but still lovelier than anything the Silver Knight had seen before. 

"That was unexpected, to say the least. Are you faring well, My Lady?" 

[silver-knight-seth]

Mirrors || Seth and Eirika

[restorationprincess-deactivated]

"How like you," she said, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. Seth always found something to worry about. Still, he seemed at ease for the first time in a long time, and it was good to see. She even saw his leg twitch, like he was anticipating sending his horse into a gallop. Did he think she would begin a race without a fair warning?

Well, perhaps she was not above it.

His comment about dancing broadened her smile. “You believe those old tales about the fey? Even I am not so naive, any longer. I will give you a dance, however, if you desire it.” Her eyes flicked his way. He knew. He definitely knew: “And if you can beat me there.” 

She kicked her horse and rushed them toward the lake. She was nearly there before she chanced a glance behind her to see if he was about to overtake her.

[silver-knight-seth]

"You wound me, Princess," Seth said gently, leaning forward a bit in his saddle. It was a brand new one, made of some of the finest leather to be found, and thus far had yet to be broken in. "As I've told you before, there must always be someone there to watch for dandelions that dare pretend to be flowers." he paused for a second, then gave the most noncommittal shrug a knight of his station could offer to a woman of court, "It is always good to dream at times. It keeps us from going-"

And she was off. Great. 

Of course, his stallion was never one to simply let a victory slip by just because someone had the upperhand. Granted, the horse was normally one to wait for his master to kink in an order, but honestly, the bond between knight and beast was so strong by now that the horse- Abelard- had already begun galloping before Seth could so much as finish his thought.

It was a glorious feeling, racing the wind and the stars in an attempt to catch up with the princess, marked by the flow of her long hair. She was a lovely sight, to be sure, and Seth felt his heart more than simply sputter a bit as she glanced back at him, eyes sparkling and smile broad. Still, it would seem that the mare was bred wonderfully; she beat his powerful battlehorse to the clear, moonlit lake without a single hesitation. 

[silver-knight-seth]

*rapid licking powers activate!*

Does anyone know what to do when dealing with a horribly rude anon!? 

[silver-knight-seth]

*licks again*

This is making me incredibly uncomfortable! 

[silver-knight-seth]

Have you known your mother? If so, what was your relationship with her like? If not, do you wish to have known her?

She was a good woman. That is all that I truly know of her. She was alive when I was a boy, and yet I barely got to see any of her. I was usually out and about with my father, training to be a knight, and the like. She was often out doing her own duties in town, or helping others with their own. I only ever truly saw her late at night. 

[silver-knight-seth]

*licks*

[jumps back]

W-What is the meaning of this!? 

[silver-knight-seth]

Mirrors || Seth and Eirika

[restorationprincess-deactivated]

Eirika suppressed a smile as she hurried outside. Seth was still looking up at her window like one of the forlorn, lovestruck knights in her tales. While it would have been nice to have him climb up to declare his devotion, it would have also been a grievous waste of time and effort. The night was only so long. (Of course, she could have climbed out, too, but they would get enough raised eyebrows for being out past sundown, and she did not think rappelling down from her tower would be any better for their reputations.) 

And she was greatly looking forward to it. It was finally time for a break from the constant responsibility of restoring Renais, and she felt that she’d earned a single night with the man she was courting. A deep fluttering had been pooling in her stomach at the thought since the sun set. She couldn’t help but burst into a smile when she got close enough to see him well in the moonlight. 

He was too tall on his stallion to reach up to and kiss, so she just mounted the mare he’d brought in a fluid motion. “You look nervous, General. Is there a reason?” 

[silver-knight-seth]

"Is there not always a reason to be nervous?" Seth asked uncharacteristically playful as he released the reigns of the fine mare he had taken the time to bring. He had selected this one specifically for her kind nature and, most importantly, speed. He had the feeling that the Princess would love to race him to the nearest lake, if at all possible, and it was only fair that he would bring her a true beast that could match any fat warhorse. (Not that he was calling his stallion fat, mind you) 

"I hope that you are not too opposed to me bringing you out so late," Seth continued as he prepared for the inevitable kicking of the mare's flanks, commanding the beast to leave Seth and his (not fat) stallion in the dust. "Normally, I would suggest an afternoon, one where we are both not too bogged down by our duties, but I have heard tell that Willi often dance at the lake's edge at moonlight. Perhaps we will be able to resist their charms and dance alongside them." 

[bxnivolus-deactivated20150706]

Open Starter - A Fine Morning for Fishing.

[bxnivolus-deactivated20150706]

Franz was focused much more on the fishing, so he didn’t hear Seth very well, but. After a couple more time’s of Seth calling him out, Franz jumped immediately.

"S-Sir Seth!"

He accidently dropped all his things unto the ground and hurried to pick them all up. “I-I’m really sorry about this…w-what is it that you needed?”

Franz had the worst luck after all, first the fishing, now embarrassing himself in front of his superior.

[silver-knight-seth]

"I do not need anything, unless you are willing to drop your day off to go on border patrol," Seth answered, smiling a little at Franz' actions. He paused for a moment, then continued. "I honestly didn't know that you fished on your free time. It's good to know that." 

If there was one thing Seth prided himself on, it was the fact that he knew when it was time to sit down and relax, and when it was time to pick up his lance, stab the nearest enemy, hop on his horse, and hope that no one was carrying Armorslayers. Hence why the Silver Knight easily sat down beside his young companion, crossing his legs and hugging his knees. 

"You are almost making me envious... I've been considering taking a day off for a long while. But every time I come close to requesting it from King Ephraim... well, a new worry always comes to bother me and that is nothing less than annoying." 

[bxnivolus-deactivated20150706]

Open Starter - A Fine Morning for Fishing.

[bxnivolus-deactivated20150706]

Franz was focused much more on the fishing, so he didn’t hear Seth very well, but. After a couple more time’s of Seth calling him out, Franz jumped immediately.

"S-Sir Seth!"

He accidently dropped all his things unto the ground and hurried to pick them all up. “I-I’m really sorry about this…w-what is it that you needed?”

Franz had the worst luck after all, first the fishing, now embarrassing himself in front of his superior.

[silver-knight-seth]

Seth resisted the urge to laugh at the poor knight. Obviously, he had not expected to run into the general while he was out on his leisure time. Still, he was rather glad to see Franz; after all of those knights on duty, it felt rather nice to know that Franz was capable of wearing something other than his usual plate of armor.

"It's fine, Franz," Seth said, leading his reluctant horse over to where the younger knight sat. Once he stopped, he allowed the stallion free reign over the sweet waters of the creek. "I simply saw you and thought to greet you. I did not think you would be out so far along the border of Renais. How fare you? I hope you are not hurt in any way." 

[bxnivolus-deactivated20150706]

Open Starter - A Fine Morning for Fishing.

It was a nice and windy morning for Franz, who was having a nice calm time fishing, his horse resting behind him.

"It’s been some time…and still no catch…" He sighed, but he didn’t despair, it was such a nice morning and he could smell all the flowers nearby. 

"Well, I just need to wait some more then, it’s a nice day and I’ve plenty of time, I just hope they don’t go on without me…"

[silver-knight-seth]

Seth had been riding and patrolling the borders when he stumbled upon the river, happy to see that it remained clear as ever. With a small smile, he got off his horse and led it by the reins to the river, where he knew that it would greatly appreciate a cool drink of water. While he was doing this, a certain crop of golden hair caught his eye.

He smiled and raised his hand, shielding his eyes to make sure that the knight on the riverbank was who he believed it was. Thus confirmed, Seth raised his hand in greeting.

"Sir Franz! It is good to see you!" 

[silver-knight-seth]

Mirrors || Seth and Eirika

It wasn't supposed to be this hard. And yet, no matter how much he turned these thoughts over in his head, telling himself that she would love it no matter what, it just seemed so very wrong. After all, what good was a night ride to the lake with a princess by his side if he couldn't dazzle her with what little his purse could buy?

He understood that perfection was not necessary. He understood that he was courting her and that his conduct would be fine, so long as he did not force anything. He understood that she would love the night, whether or not he did procure a gift for her. Still, he couldn't simply whisk Eirika away on a night ride, away from duty and protocol and everything else in between, without at least making sure that she would enjoy the night. 

He wasn't quite sure what he was doing, sitting on his stallion, a mare at his side. He was staring up at her window, as if expecting her to leap out and shimmy down the wall. In many ways, he could see her do that. But in many others... well, it was best that he not think about it, should they come true.