#havrathen

[authaen]

Havrathen is Allergy Hell and it was made that way on purpose because Maihenans tend to have a lot of pollen allergies since they’re not used to that many flowers where they’re from.

The current Maihen ruler chooses his ambassadors depending on how severe their allergies are, and they wouldn’t be caught dead sneezing like a fool in front of Havrathens of all people.

[authaen]

Prince Antony is the first Bacleff in a long time to actively train himself with swords. The Havrathen royalty have really only ever trained enough to protect themselves in case of emergency, they do have guards for a reason.

Antony has always been sporty though, and very self reliant. He’s almost always got some sort of weapon on him, whether it’s his favorite longsword or not, and whether he needs it or not. He goes riding on his jet black horse when weather allows, and always has it on him. Some say he even sleeps with the thing.

[authaen]

Havrathen is nestled between Nathavan and Maihen, two countries that were fairly aggressive in their early years. Havrathen has always been the buffer between them, and unfortunately was ravaged for their expanding from both sides. The elvaan of Havrathen were not prepared for war, and were driven to the center of the country. They weren’t planning on so much aggression, and had not been anywhere near able to stand up to either army. Most fled further and further to the center of their dwindling country, but an unfortunate amount (which is to say any) were captured as slaves on both sides. It’s been said that Nathavan captured elvaan were treated better, but being enslaved is being enslaved.

At one point Maihen had total control of Havrathen, and got fairly far building another castle near the sheer cliff face with the labor of the elvaan who lived there. Havrathen was no match for the massive army that plowed through the forests. They weren’t even concerned with the elvaan other than to exploit them, and as such were not watching for signs of rebellion. Their main concern was getting the walls around the castle built.

They were eventually pushed out by Nathavan, who captured the city that would be known as Vaen, and finished the castle with their own stolen elvaan. They were only able to capture half of Havrathen for themselves. Maihen held a major chunk still, and that included just outside of Vaen. Nathavan built more walls while both countries were recovering from the battle to claim the castle, further into the Maihen-Havrathen territory. There was very little to be done to expand any more, as the mountains that shielded Maihen were too much to get over, and it was more important to build their defense anyway.

The elvaan of Havrathen in Nathavan hands took this pause in fighting to assemble themselves where they could. Mostly the dungeons under the castle, it was the biggest place they had where no one would get suspicious. Many of them agreed upon building secret places underground while the Maihenian’s weren’t looking when they were in control. Where they could find peace, and more importantly, channel their magic. 

Elvaan magic, at least Havrathen elvaan magic was very deeply connected to nature at the time, and the dirt walls of their hidey holes were just about enough to bring some power back to them. But not enough for any one person to do anything about it. For three years they built their powers in secret as much as they could, before Maihen attacked again. 

In all the confusion the second, bloodier battle of Vaen caused, no one really noticed the elvaan on both sides fleeing to what forest was left around the area. After Maihen won their castle city back, there was only a brief moment to breathe before the elvaan exploded (literally, and figuratively) out of nowhere to reclaim the land they’d been forced to destroy for 40+ years. Had Maihen not been weakened by Nathavan, and so fearful of keeping mages in their ranks Havrathen wouldn’t have stood a chance. 

Some historians forget to mention that what was left of the Nathavan soldiers fought along side the Havrathen elvaan, along with the young Queen of Nathavan herself. Not that it was for any noble reason, of course. Maihen would have taken Nathavan next, and there was a much better chance of negotiating peace with Havrathen after this was over than Maihen.

The most prominent leader in Havrathen’s rebellion was First Crowned  Aashain, a young man of presumably his late twenties, that gave his fellow captured elvaan hope that they would retake their homeland, even as young as he was. All others are said to have perished in the fighting.

Aashain landed the last, war ending blow on the Maihen’s king on top of the castle balcony, in full view of the entirety of what would become his nation to rule. Ancient historians (those who claim to have been there) insist that it was an incredible sight to behold.

As of today, Nathavan and Havrathen keep friendly, but Maihen is rarely heard from. It works mostly in shadow, and doesn’t have much land or any royalty that’s presented itself. This is concerning to both Havrathen and Nathavan, but as long as peace reigns, there is no use digging into them much. For the time being.

[vampirejest]

Traditionally, Havrathen royalty doesn’t marry

Not that they don’t have relationships, or can’t choose to share the throne with their partner (though, this is incredibly uncommon, and has only been done twice)  

First Crowned Aashain was alone for most of his life after his would be bride was killed in the rise of Havrathen, and he was left with the children they’d already had, so it’s just a thing to not marry in his memory as long as you’re on the throne

His daughter was the first one to decide that looks were more important than blood, thus the seed of vanity that Havrathen is known for was planted. And the reverence of the Throne’s hair, as it seen as a symbol of freedom and Aashain died with his hair to the floor. It’s uncommon for the Throne to keep their hair short, and once it gets long/big enough it’s not allowed to be cut. Trimmed, yes, but once the throne is taken it has to be grown out, or the respect of the kingdom is at stake/the Throne is seen as a bad omen. Previously thrones with cropped hair were a menace to the country and nearly destroyed it as it was being built

The First Queen’s deciding that looks were more important than blood also meant that any children that are born to a Baclef are eligible heirs for the throne! Obviously this became very, very difficult to keep track of in terms of kings (for the most part), so it became a thing a Throne or three down the line that if a king was not a) in a relationship with someone who could bear children or b) not in a relationship at all, it was to be discussed amongst advisers that an heir was going to be made, and who with

A few more Thrones down the line, it became a thing that there would be specific people that would, er, provide whichever baby element was missing to the Throne should they need it. Obviously they aren’t /always/ needed, so they tend to be maids/knights/advisers/ect also. Their identities are almost never revealed by anyone, for safety’s sake, but they are mostly in a higher ranking position in the castle. Anyone who has magic and also the head of something in the castle is probably a royal babymaker

who are going to get an actual name as soon as i think of one bc lo rd

[vampirejest]

Post Kerrithan and when Terrance is grown up a bit, Orewell is parked right ouside Castiel’s window half the time like a gargoyle

like not that he doesnt trust the knights around the castle but he totally doesnt trust the knights around the castle

[vampirejest]

i need this out of my system tbh.... i might draw later but writing is quicker and tests my patience less

this is fucking long and unedited n i lost steam at the end oops

“Not well?” The prince repeats in irritation. The guard near the training room sighs and places a hand on her hip.

“Yes, your highness, Athren has caught some sort of illness and can hardly get out of bed. My deepest apologies, but making him come here in his state wouldn’t be fair to either of you.” She says. Prince Antony’s face scrunches up, but quickly falls back to a disappointed expression. He shoves the sleeves of his loose white sparring shirt up to his elbows.

“There isn’t anyone else at all free, Radeliae? He can’t be the only one who could practice with me, can’t you-” She is already shaking her head before he can finish.

“Your highness, I was sent here just to tell you that he won’t be here. I- we’re fairly strung out as of late, you see. More and more knights getting sick...” She glances up at the prince. Knights, and guards especially have been warned about the unintentional pout that the Havrathen royalty gets when they don’t get what they want. Radeliae has become very familiar with it, but definitely not immune. She sighs once more and takes her keys from her belt.

“I- the most I can do is help you haul out the training dummies. I- I know it’s not really much but it’s something?”

“I appreciate the offer, but I might as well just not.” He leans against the cool stone wall and stares off down the hall.  “If Master Tadari isn’t sick of me by now I can just-”

“My, I do hate to interrupt,” A voice sounds from about halfway down the hall behind the prince. “But did I hear my name?” 

Antony curses under his breath and smooths his hair before turning around. The guard peers around him just to get a look at the mage who is quickly approaching.

“He heard-?” she begins, before she is distracted by the purple tail curling around her leg. Of course, his cabbat. Damn familiars. Who knows how long the ugly little thing was there for. Chessie purrs and rubs her face on Radeliae’s shin guard before trotting over to Yuguul’s side. 

Yuguul stops a good two feet in front of Antony and bows deep enough for the tips of his hair to brush the floor.

“Your highness.” He says before standing back up. Chessie winds herself around his ankles once before she runs off again. “Did I hear that you were paying me a visit in our lovely mage’s tower?”

Antony crosses his arms over his chest. “It’s rude to listen into other people’s conversations, you know.” He says, with perhaps the slightest hint of playfulness in his voice. Yuguul chuckles.

“My deepest apologies, Highness.” He says grinning. He glances toward the guard who’s awkwardly trying to avoid eye contact with him. “Apologies to you as well, knight Radeliae. I didn’t mean to offend.”

“It’s fine.” She says, appearing as if she is trying to merge into the wall. Yuguul lets out a brief sigh but focuses his attention back up to the tall prince. There is just too long of a pause before Antony remembers that a conversation involves talking, and not just staring at a person.

“I- Yes. It’s fine. This time, anyway. You really should keep a closer eye on that cabbat, you know. She could get in trouble o-or something.” Antony says, mentally beating himself up for every word that comes out of his mouth as he says it. Yuguul smirks.

“Is that an order, Highness, or just a friendly suggestion? Either way, your concern for my familiar is touching.” He says slipping around him and through the open training room door. “Now, what’s all this about you not having a sparring partner, Highness?” His heels click on the white stone of the floor as he walks around the big room lined with weapon racks and straw training dummies.

Antony and Radeliae follow him in, Radeliae just to be sure he doesn’t try anything.

“Well, I was intending to train my sword arm today, but unfortunately it seems as if there is a sickness going around the barracks. My usual partner has fallen ill and I am unable to find a replacement.” Antony explains, watching Yuguul curiously as he approaches him.

“Ah, a shame, then. And to think you’re already dressed for the occasion and everything.” Yuguul flicks the bottom of his training shirt. The guard visibly tenses at him being so close to the prince, but he pretends not to notice. The prince tenses as well, and rushes to tuck his shirt further into his pants. 

“I- Yes, yes it’s- why is it are you here, again, Master Tadari?” Antony asks as he watches Yuguul head towards a weapon rack. 

“Well, your Highness, if you really are desperate for a sparring partner I am free today.” He says, picking up a dull sword and weighing it in his hands. Antony snorts.

“What do you know about swords?” He asks, watching the mage put the sword back and produce a ribbon from his sleeve to tie back his hair.

“Why your highness, I may be a mage, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know anything about swordplay.” He flashes Antony another grin. Frustratingly, the prince feels his face heat up. He swallows and quickly shakes himself out of it

“Your highness,” The knight pipes up, “I don’t think you should-”

“Radeliae.” The prince cuts her off, not taking his eyes off of Yuguul. “I don’t see why I shouldn’t see what he can do. Besides. You have other things to attend to, don’t you?” He glances over his shoulder. She opens her mouth to protest, but closes it. She looks to Yuguul, then back to the prince and sighs, defeated.

“Sir?”

“Dismissed, Radeliae. Give Athren my well wishes won’t you?” She gives a short nod before bowing and leaving the room, her armor clinking together as she heads down the hall. Antony turns his attention back to Yuguul.

“You can’t really fight in that thing, can you?” Antony asks nearing the wall where the two handed swords hang.

“You can’t really fight with those things, can you?” Yuguul teases, returning the much smaller one that he had picked up. “I suppose you’re right, though.” He says, beginning to pull his coat over his head. “I don’t remember if I am wearing a shirt under this though, Highness. My apolog- oh no, there it is.” He tosses the shiny grey mass of fabric aside unceremoniously. “Oh, look, we match!”

Yuguul has a similarly baggy white shirt on, though his exposes even more shoulder than Antony’s. The sleeves are nearly skin tight, where Antony’s are not, though. That is about the extent of them matching, though. Antony’s pants are tight and he is wearing far more practical shoes.

“Mmmh. Are you sure you’re not going to use magic, Yuguul? I don’t like a cheater.” Says Antony, walking across the room with a sword nearly the length of his leg. Yuguul grins and tightens his ponytail. It’s slightly unnerving for Antony to see his hair back. Not even the threat of catching it on fire was ever enough for him to tie it.

“Of course not, Antony.” Says Yuguul, retrieving his practically-just-a-dagger sword. The prince feels a chill go up his spine at the sound of his own name. “Unless you want me to. Perhaps the threat could break your own ancestral magic out of its dormancy, hm?” Antony rolls his eyes.

“Please. I’ve had enough with magic for the time being. At least I actually know how to do this.”

“Enough with magic...” Says Yuguul, false offended. He puts a hand over his heart. “I take great offence to that, Antony.” Antony rolls his eyes and firmly grips the hilt of his sword.

“Oh, of course you are. I hope you don’t bruise easily, Yuguul. Are you sure you don’t want a shield. Or, perhaps an actual sword?”

“Your highness, could you possibly be stalling? I know it will be hard to stare at my gorgeous features while you’re trying to knock me down, but my goodness...” Yuguul grins, framing his face with his free hand.

“Alright, alright, enough. En garde!” Antony takes the first swing, and Yuguul quickly widens his stance and gets a good grip on his dull practice sword. Instead of ducking, as Antony is used to his opponent doing, Yuguul leans back, narrowly getting a blade to the nose. The smile is still plastered on his face when he quickly leans into a hand stand, keeping hold of his sword, and then back into a standing position. Antony brings his heavy sword back around and this time Yuguul ducks, rolls forward, and smacks Antony hard in the back of one of his knees with his sword hilt.

“Argh!” Antony almost immediately drops to his knees dropping his sword with a loud clatter. Yuguul chuckles and puts the dull blade near Antony’s throat.

“Do I win?” Yuguul asks, walking around to offer Antony his hand. 

“Ugh, yes, that time. And give me a second! That hurt dammit...” Yuguul watches with a smug little smile on his face as Antony rubs the back of his leg.

“What was that, thirty, twenty seconds?” He teases. “Blazes, what kind of training are they giving you here, Highness?” Antony huffs, attempting to stand up, but wobbling.

“Training against soldiers! Not... whatever that was supposed to be. Ah... How hard did you hit me? Ancestor above...”

“Oh, so hurtful. ‘Whatever that was.’ Do you want me to see if I can fix your leg, Highness? At least enough for you to move? You don’t strike me as someone who only wants to go one round.” Antony rolls his eyes, but nods. Yuguul kneels down next to him and presses his fingers against the back of his knee. Antony winces, but curiously watches a blue light pulse from the mage’s hand.

Yuguul keeps his hand there for a few seconds before taking it back.

“There bette-” Yuguul catches the prince’s eye, who quickly turns his head. “You know, we are really going to have to work on your staring habits. So rude, Antony.” He gently baps Antony’s kneecap and stands back up. “Better, my glass boned prince?” He offers his hand once more.

Antony takes it, rolling his eyes again.

“Don’t push it, Tadari. Thank you for healing the wound you caused in the first place. I can move, at least.” Yuguul snickers and retrieves his sword from the floor, Antony does the same.

“Once more, Highness? May I do the honors?” Antony steadies himself and gives Yuguul a short nod. “Then en garde!”

Yuguul launches himself at Antony with a very loose grip on the hilt of his sword. Antony has just enough time to put the flat of his sword up to defend himself. Yuguul grins and kicks off the flat, sending Antony backwards. He keeps his footing, but only just so. Yuguul lands in a three point stance and rolls forward as Antony runs at him, making it between his legs and behind him. Antony quickly swings around, as not to let Yuguul knock him down the same way twice. Yuguul rolls backwards and jumps back up when he’s far enough away again.

“Doing better, this time, Highness.~” he says, looking for an opening on the prince. Antony draws nearer and swings down, almost like he’s aiming to split Yuguul in two. Yuguul jumps to the side, then forward, elbowing him in the ribs. Antony wheezes, but manages to pull back his sword in time to hit his opponent in the gut. Yuguul stumbles back, the breath knocked out of him, but still trying to avoid getting hit. Antony manages to spin fast enough to use the flat of his blade to smack Yuguul in the back, knocking him to the ground face first.

“Oof!” Yuguul’s head makes an ugly smacking sound when he hits the stone floor, which goes nicely with the clattering of his small blade. “Alright, ow...” Antony snickers and kneels next to him.

“You alright, Tadari?” He asks, grinning. Yuguul rolls over onto his back and drapes one of his hands over his forhead dramatically.

“Absolutely not. I bit my tongue on my way down. Come look at it.” Antony, perhaps against his better judgement, scoots himself a little closer, setting his sword down. Yuguul quickly retrieves his letter opener sword and jumps on Antony, pinning him to the floor and, once again, holding the blade to his throat. 

“No fair, we were done!” Antony protests, squirming under Yuguul. Yuguul keeps his wrists pinned with one hand. The prince feels the heat rising to his face in his struggles to escape.

“Never let your guard down! You’ve obviously never been to Vrathaen, Highness. Or, at least, the less desirable areas of my gorgeous home country.”

“Get off of me!” He says wiggling even more.

“Oh alright, fine, Antony.” Yuguul releases his hands and tosses his sword aside, standing up and away from him. The bun Antony had his hair up in is starting to come undone. He sits up and blows some stray strands out of his face.

“Shall we go once more, Highness? I’m starting to enjoy this, I think. It’s been a while since I’ve gotten into something so physical.” Sighs Yuguul, rocking on his heels. He holds his face in his hands with a dreamy expression. Antony huffs.

“I wasn’t going to let you out of here until I actually knocked you down anyway.” Antony retrieves his sword from the ground with a determined gleam in his eye. Yuguul grins and darts for his sword.

“Excellent! En garde!”

Hours seem to pass in the training room. The sound of swords clattering echo out the hall, and some intrigued maids had stopped to watch the prince to get pummeled by the newest addition to the castle’s mage staff. A few concerned ones left buckets of water near the door just so they don’t need to call anyone for it. The sky is red and orange and blazing through the windows by the time they finally decide to call it quits. 

[vampirejest]

Yugi is absolutely terrified of Syraah bc she knows what he is but he works close enough to her and Upaith’s tower for her to keep an eye on him

Upaith can also kind of sense him, but she pays less attention because she’s got other things on her mind

Syraah’s at least curious enough to let him stay without warning Castiel, but she’s threatened Yuguul a few times

[vampirejest]

i love comin up w bullshit fantasy names

I’ve got:

Authaen (world)

Havrathen (country)

Navethen (country)

Vrathaen (country)