#yule 1268

[forgottenkingdomsworld]

Royal Gift Giving, Istara

Players: @princesamouel @heirprincessliana @oraclepiperamelia @edmund-anjou @laniusaureliusthief @archerofthewest

25th December 1268

Edmund arrives for the gift giving. He steps into the vast hall, wearing his finest doublet and hose. His shoes brand new as he had to get some new ones for special occasions. His dark curls not as unruly as usual and he has grown a beard in the past month that is neatly trimmed. He looks around at the court, his pale eyes scanning it and giving a bow to other courtiers.

Joan stands guard near the throne, wearing her best military uniform. Her boots shinning from the nice polish and her sword at her side. The hilt shining as well from the polish. Part of her is missing her home, yet she is also excited to see what this place is like at Yule as well. Her thoughts on her little sisters and her parents. How she misses them.

Samouel loved Yule as much as anyone. But that was when he was surrounded by family. This year, his father seemed to forget what time of year it was and wandered up to Liath Mor, leaving Sam in charge of runnin his kingdom for him. So it was his duty to accept gifts on his father's behalf and risk being made to look a fool, or reject them and risk a century's worth of goodwill. He sat on the throne, waiting for the next courtier, when he recognised Edmund immediately (even as groomed as he was). He couldn't hide the smile that crossed his face and murmurs rolled through the hall that the Prince would obviously accept a gift from Edmund. Whether or not it was terrible.

Edmund looks around, taking his place behind a Duke as he will present his gift after him. He actually has two gifts, one from his brother and one from himself. He even has a gift for Sam privately which he hopes he can give to him later. He looks around, his eyes scanning for any trace of Caira and not seeing her at court which disappoints him slightly. He sighs and then smiles again when he sees

Sam had seen neither hide nor hair of Duchess Springs since his seventeenth nameday and had tried to ignore any rumours about her murder at the hands of the Black Knight. Even if his sister couldn't put the matter to bed, the men of the Royal family had to. Especially with what Edwin had done for him those years ago. Newly perked up from the chance to greet Edmund, Sam managed to politely hurry through most of the bowing and presenting and flattering. What might've taken him hours at the pace he'd previously been going took thirty minutes. And soon, Edmund was stood before Sam. Of course, they had to obey procedure, Sam couldn't just playfully mock him and let him return the favour. They had to be formal until the dinner.

Edmund stands before the prince, his servant and right hand man, Angus standing at behind him and holding the gifts. “Your royal highness.” He gives a flourishing bow and so does Angus behind him. “I present to you, these two goblets made with the finest silver from the mines of the land of Feladean from his grace, Duke Anjou and Duchess Rochelle. They are imbued with priceless jet. The scene is that of one of his majesty’s greatest hunts against the white boar.” Angus hands the goblets to Edmund who presents them to the Prince. Giving another bow.

Sam stands to accept the gifts, listening with interest as Edmund explained what they were. Priceless and worth more than most of the other nobles had bought for him or his father. It was uncommon for the Royal to step forwards to accept the gifts, but Sam made an exception for Edmund and the fine offerings. He moved silently, inspecting both goblets and their depiction of the hunt before he finally spoke. 'This is fine art, indeed. And the silver is nearly as fine.' Sam handed the goblets to the young page who had been carrying gifts away all day. 'Your brother should be proud to be able to offer such beautiful gifts. In return...' Sam gestured for another servant to bring something. 'Your brother and his wife should accept my gifts in return.' The servant held a chest engraved with the King's family crest. Inside, sat upon a velvet lining, was a scroll of music composed solely for the favoured nobles of the year.

“They are honored by such a fine gift your highness. As for myself, I have a gift to his majesty as well.” Edmund has Angus take the chest and he extends to show a small chest and opens it revealing small wooden carvings of the King and Queen used in decoration. They are hand painted, and detailed. “These were carved by the finest carpenter and sculptor in all of Feladean who lives under my countship.” He gives another bow, hoping the gift is acceptable. This is his first time presenting a gift to the royalty.

Sam stepped up and took the carvings from their casement. Admiring the art, there was no denying the craftman's skill. 'It's impressive. They're lovely. And the King and Queen will be honoured to mount these somewhere within the palace, I'm sure.' He wasn't used to being jealous of his father, but having those carvings... How many people had given his parents gifts for existing. 'And in return, you shall have a gift of your own.' Sam gestured for the servant to bring Edmund another box with the same sheet music as he'd granted Edmund's brother.

Edmund smiles as Angus takes the other chest, knowing he can give Sam his gift to him later. “Thank you, your highness, it is an honor to be here for your festivities this year.” He gives another bow before he moves for the other nobles to give gifts. Standing off to himself and observing everything. Still looking for Caira.

Sam squinted when he noticed how Edmund behaved when he left to allow others to offer their gifts. Something seemed off about it but he had no chance to bring it up before another noble pushed forwards with some offering to his father. Artemis excused herself from her seat and headed across the room towards Edmund. He was better company than her busy and frustrated brother, that was certain. And Sam wasn't alone in noticing Edmund's strange behaviour

Edmund sees Princess Artemis walk up to him and he smiles wide at her. Happy to see a familiar face and one he knows well. “You highness.” He gives a bow to her and continues to watch Sam receiving gifts. “How are you doing today? I figured you were with your parents up north.” He gives her his full attention, his thoughts fading from Caira and remembering the words his brother has told him. Winning the hand of Artemis would be very good for the family.

'Edmund,' Artemis said, offering her hand to him. 'I know. I was, too but I guessed that my brother might need some company down here.' She leaned in with a grin. 'And I didn't want him burning the place down when he got bored,' she whispered conspiratorially. 'You know how terrible he is with pretending to be something he's not. Polite.'(edited)

Edmund takes her hand and kisses it gently. A smile on his lips, he giggles softly at her words. Nodding his head in agreement, knowing how bored the Prince can get and not liking the pomp and circumstance associated with the crown. “You are wise to stay here with him then, that way you can keep him in line. How have you been? Haven’t seen you since the Nameday.”

'I've been well enough. There's a lot to keep me busy at Restgate. And you? Not many people get to say they've survived a Leshen and bandits,' Artemis said.

“That was simple luck and a bandit that wasn’t so bad. Got this scar though from the Leshen.” Edmund points to the scar that runs right across his face. Over his brow and eyes. His eye luckily unharmed.

'I can't imagine there being a bandit who isn't bad. They're all pretty vile.' Artemis looked out to the hall as other nobles mingled while they watched the gift giving. 'It is quite a vicious looking scar. But some noblewomen find it attractive.'

“Well this one didn’t kill me...saved my life in fact and let me go. He was an elf too.” Edmund adds as he looks over at her. Giggling again at the comment of his scar. “My brother said the same thing, he said to me. Maybe you can finally get married.”

'An elf?' Artemis frowned. Edmund getting friendly with bandits was one thing but becoming sympathetic to rebel elves? The idea was disturbing. 'You'll find a woman one day. Someone who isn't one of these... lovely young women.' She gestured to the weak-kneed sycophants who seemed to fawn over any young man with money and power - warts and all.

“Yes, the group he was with was human. Not rebel elves...I think he was a slave of some kind. He had these metal bands on his wrists.” Edmund speaks low to her so only she can hear him. Explaining the whole situation to her. He laughs again. “Oh yes, none of those women interest me at all. All they want is my inheritance. I want to fall in love.”

Artemis listened as Edmund described the odd world of banditry to her. It seemed so far away that she couldn't quite imagine it. 'None of these? But surely there has to be someone you like. It doesn't have to be a noblewoman. Or even... a woman at all.'

Edmund thinks on her words, there is one woman but he honestly thinks he will never hear from her again. Rumors of her being killed or worse has all that he has been able to find. “There was one woman... but she is beyond my grasp.”

'But you're one of the most desired young men in the Kingdom. That can't be true,' Artemis said.

“She’s married...” Edmund lowers his voice and looks at her. “Was married...I don’t even know if she’s still alive. I can’t find any information on her.” He admits to Artemis.

'Ah.' Artemis sighed and was suddenly aware just how difficult it would be for him. 'When was the last time you saw this young woman?'

“Years ago...I have been hoping I would see her but I haven’t...although there was a woman who reminded me of her at the Nameday Masquerade.” Edmund explains, looking over at Artemis. Happy that she is listening to him. “What about you? Anyone have your heart for marriage yet?”

'Me? No.' Artemis shook her head as if the entire concept of marriage was ridiculous to her. 'I don't think I'm suited to being a wife. Not since-' She sighed and cast a sad smile at Edmund. 'I've never wanted to marry, but I know I will eventually have to.'

“I understand, I know I’ll have to marry as well. We need heirs for the Dukedom of Feladean since my brother has had only daughters.” Edmund sighs as he thinks of both of their predicaments, both have lost their loves.

Artemis wouldn't be against negotating a marriage with someone like Edmund. Especially as he understood. And it was the logical choice, given that Edmund lost only to Orion. Orion. And marrying him would protect her from a potential negotiation with the widowed Black Knight. She'd sooner prick her eyes with pins than marry that creature. But Yule wasn't a time for her to plan a political marriage with Edmund without his permission no less. 'I'm sure your family will have a long and robust bloodline for generations to come. If worst comes to the worst, I'm sure Sam will change the laws for your family when our father passes.'

Edmund ponders a marriage between the two of them. It would be easy for them, they both know each other and he wouldn’t expect her to do anything she didn’t want to. They could have heirs and both be comfortable with each other. He looks over at her and hopes he isn’t being too bold. “What about marrying me?”

Artemis feigned surprise and put her hand on her chest. 'I couldn't possibly consider it without either my father's or Samouel's knowledge.'

“I could ask Sam later today if you would like.” Edmund looks at her, a bit of a smile on his face. He knows it would be a comfortable marriage with her and who knows maybe in time they might fall in love with each other as well. She is very pretty.

Artemis tried to fight her smile as the watched her brother admire a sword someone was gifting. 'I think I would. Very much so.'

“Then I shall bring it up to him later tonight. I hope you are happy.” Edmund swallows hard, his nerves beginning to show a bit. Watching Sam admiring a sword.

Artemis squeezed his arm before she bid him fare-well and headed back to her place as a princess. The promise of some protection from a potential future married to the man who killed Orion was the best gift given that day. It was another few hours when the gifts finally run dry. Many nobles were drunk from the alcohol served while they watched the proceedings. And Sam's cheeks hurt from the false smile. But the real one dawned on his face when he realised he could finally spend some time with his friend. 'Edmund!' Sam finally got to approach him, grabbing a cup of mulled wine as he passed a servant.

Edmund smiles as he watches her walk back to Sam. Thinking that maybe things are finally going to start turning around. Artemis will make a wonderful wife and he couldn’t ask for a better one. A few hours later, the banquet is getting ready to begin and he drinks some mulled wine. Having a conversation with a Knight from Feladean before he sees Sam and a lathe smile appears on his face. “Sam! Always a good to see you my friend.”

'Trust me, it's better for me. If I had to spend the evening talking to the crusty old Lords, I'd be driven to madness.' Sam rolled his eyes and sipped his wine.

“I don’t blame you. I had to listen to Earl Robert going on and on about every detail of his harvest figures of oats and how much he made from it. That was boring.” Edmund adds as he drinks his wine and then laughs. Knowing that both can’t stand how the typical nobles act.

'Ergh.' Sam scrunched up his nose at the idea. 'Try enduring a conversation with all of them. One by one. That's how my day has been.'

“You have my sympathy my friend. Plenty of wine for you tonight.” Edmund smiles as he looks at him, taking another drink of his wine. Wondering how best to ask Sam what he and Artemis talked about. “I Uh...I have something I need to talk to you about.”

Sam glanced at Edmund, raised eyebrows. 'Is it something that requires privacy?' he asked, assuming it was to do with the woman he 'loved' being declared dead through absence.

“Ummm...yes it does. Also I have a Christmas present just for you as well. Not something official, just for you.” Edmund smiles and hopes he doesn’t upset him with asking for his sister’s hand. He knows how protective Sam can be of his sister.

Sam gestured for Edmund to follow him out of the room and towards the steps up to the gallery.

Edmund fully his, his fingers running through his dark curls as he takes another sip of his wine. Walking up the steps into the gallery.

Sam closed the door behind them and turned to Edmund. 'I'm all your's.'

Edmund paces for a bit and looks at his friend. Giving a sigh. “You know that Duchess Caira has been proclaimed dead...she was the only woman I ever loved...but I do still need to marry. I am asking...” He breathes deeply and looks over at him. “Artemis and I have been talking, and I know she would make a fine wife. Would you allow me, her hand in marriage.”

Sam folded his arms as he listened to Edmund's request. It sent an unfamiliar lurch through his gut but he didn't immediately refuse. 'And what has Artemis said about this?'

“She agrees with the idea, we both know we would make each other comfortable. I do care for Artemis and you have nothing to worry about my friend. I will never hurt her, you have my honor.” Edmund looks at him, knowing that Artemis has been worried of being forced into a marriage and this would be best for her too.

Sam knew this would spit in the eye of both his father and (more terrifyingly) the Black Knight. But Artemis was an extention of himself. And everyone knew the rumours about Edwin. He'd already taken so much from Sam's family in the way of Orion. 'Then I will broach the subject with the King and express the... devotion and positive poltical implications. He won't be able to stop you both.'

Edmund smiles, looking at his friend. Reaching out to pull him into a large hug. Usually Edmund is way more refrained...but he’s actually happy. Happy that maybe his life can stop dwelling in the past. “Thank you Sam!”

Sam grunted in surprise and hesitated a brief moment before he finally reciprocated the hug. 'Don't thank me yet. Getting permission is easy compared to actually marrying her.'

Edmund laughs a bit and nods his head, knowing that actually marrying her was not going to be easy. “I know, but still, your permission is what I really wanted. Your approval of the match.” He looks down and then pulls out a dagger out of his boot. Handing it to him. “I had this made for you.”

Sam pulled from the hug and gave a tight smile. It was strange to think that one day he wouldn't be Artemis' sole reason in life. But it was better that he had a say in whether it was a positive future or not. 'Is this what you were planning on using if I declined?' he said in jest as he took the blade and admired its beauty.

“No, I actually wanted to give you something. I had it crafted from my blacksmith at the estate. I thought a dagger would be perfect. Perfect for you to use in courtly intrigues.” He laughs at that, seeing him admire the blade. Hoping he likes it. Edmund smiles bright, for the first time in a long time. He actually feels happy.

Sam balanced the blade in his hand and appreciated the craftsmanship. It would fit well, concealed on him. ‘While I’m not sure I would be stabbing people in court, I appreciate it.’ He slipped the blade in his boot and moved about to test its comfort. ‘It’s spectacular.’

Edmund smiles as he sees how much he likes the blade. Happy that he had the dagger made. Watching him slip it, into his boot. “I’m glad you like it, I thought it would be something you would have need of. Especially on hunts and such.”

‘Have you heard the old man in the Golden Oriole?’ Sam hesitated when he realised that he shouldn’t have mentioned something from his time looking for Lanius (unsuccessfully). ‘There’s this old man who swore that his little dagger was the difference between him being alive or dying at a boar’s rampage.’

“I have heard of old man there, always telling hunting stories as I recall.” Edmund adds as he hadn’t been there since Nameday. He had a drink with a few fellas there the night before the masquerade. “Well then, that dagger will protect you from a rampaging boar.” He smiles at his friend.

'Or cutting my way out of a foolishly placed trap,' Sam said playfully as he polished off his glass of wine. 'Was that all you wanted to talk about in private? People might start noticing that I'm missing if we don't head down.'

“That was all, I just wanted to give you that and to have your permission in seeking Artemis’ hand. I will be good to her.” Edmund places his hand on Sam’s shoulders. A form of affection between two good and old friends. Smiling and wanting him to know that he will be good to get. “Yes I know your adoring public will be missing you.”

Princess Liana showed up a bit late. Received a bit pressing letter from her father on the way into the castle. He stayed in Laith mor, waiting for Sam's father's presence as she ventured to Istria for the festivities with two servants by her side. One was holding a large wooden case and the other a basket of nicely wrapped gifts. Liana stood there, trying to wipe the anger off her face as she entered the hall, fingers fiddling with the gold lace draped over her baby blue silk skirt.

Piper had never been invited to one of these events, but she missed the last year's festivities due to her Lady Lyria's health, Lyria urged her to attend this one this year. So piper put on her best gown, one that wasn't worn in a while and showed up at the castle with a dagger in hand that Lyria told her to bring as a gift to the Prince. It was wrapped in a box, and she held it under her arm as she entered the room

Sam smiled at his friend and petted one of the hands on his shoulders. 'You're a good man. But I know good men make mistakes. Make a mistake that hurts her, I'll kill you,' he said playfully, but the depth of the meaning was there. He never lied, after all. 'Come on, then.' Sam gestured with his glass and started back down to the hall where everyone was milling about. He recognised several newcomers but couldn't be seen making an effort to approach them (lest he make others think he favoured them).

Edmund nods at his words, knowing that Sam probably would kill him or at least put him in jail for a very long time if he did hurt Artemis. He then gives a smile as he gestures back toward the hall and gives a nod. “I wonder if Earl Robert will corner me for conversation to talk about his oat production.”

Lanius decides that tonight of all nights would be the time to break into the palace. He hadn’t been able to find anything out about his new friend only that he was dragged out by palace guards. Meaning he was being held there against his will. He managed to knock out a couple of guards before he steals their uniform and puts it on. Entering through a window.

Liana's eyes weren't focusing on who was in the room. Her brain was too focused on the information that she had just recieved from her father. But she took a deep breath when she noticed Artemis, slowly making her way to her, and tapping her on the shoulder. Piper had a look around, and picked up a drink that was carried on a tray by a servant. She walked over to one of the tables, and took a seat. She felt way out of place here, considering her name wasn't on the list but Lyria's was. Lyria had written to the king before about her health and told him a head of time that Piper would be attending in her place.

Artemis was talking passionately about preserving forests for hunting purposes with a couple of men, all hanging off of her words. Even though she knew they'd still continue to petition her father to cut down half of Faring Forest so their hunt could be easier. She turned when she felt someone tap her shoulder and broke into a smile when she realised who it was. 'Liana! What a surprise. If you gentlemen might excuse me. Us ladies need to talk.' She took Liana's arm and walked her away from the men. 'How are you? I wasn't expecting to see you down here.' Sam wandered about, constantly being cornered by people he didn't have time for.

Edmund wandered the room, his eyes glance over at Artemis and he gives a small smile. Hoping that she sees his smile before he is cornered by another nobleman to discuss how his brother is doing. Lanius walks carefully through the palace. Still trying to get used to the feel of the uniform. He didn’t know how these guardsmen wore this crap every single day. He hears music playing and looks inside to see a whole bunch of noblemen and noblewomen all gathered here. What could they all be doing here?

Liana nodded to the men, flashing them a gentle smile as Artemis pulled her to the side. Once alone, her smiled faded slightly but she was still happy to see her friend. "I wasn't expected to be here either until the last moment. My father wanted me out of Laith Mor. Wanted me to get away from some of the events happening outside the castle walls." she pursed her lips and straightened her back. "But I-I'm alright. " But her face said otherwise.

Piper sat, sipping away at her drink, surverying the room. When her eyes passed over the entrance doors, her eyes squinted as they noticed a face. She stood up slowly, placing her glass on the table. "Lanius?" She said softly as she slowly began to make her way back over to the doors.

Lanius sees Piper and his eyes widen. Number one he hadn’t been expected to see anyone he knew here and number two he hopes she doesn’t report him being here. “Piper...what are you doing here? Look at all these rich people.” He whispers to her.

Artemis returned the brief smile Edmund gae her before she returned to Liana. As happy as she was to know that Edmund hadn't been eaten alive by her brother (thus approved), she had bigger issues at that moment. 'Well, your father is a smart man. I can't imagine there being anywhere safer in all the kingdoms tonight.' But deep down, Artemis was plagued with worry. What had happened up there? And was her father safe? The idea of Sam becoming King right now was impossible. 'Come on. We'll have the servants fetch my favourite wine and we can watch the musicians. I hear they plan on singing something new tonight.'

Liana was grateful that Artemis was willing to not bring up why she felt the way she did at the moment. She didn't say anything else on the matter about her father, she just nodded and smiled. "I would enjoy that emensily Artemis." She said and then turned to one of the servants who handed her a blue wrapped box with a gold ribbon. "I brought this for you." she said handing the gift to her. Piper left the room, standing on the other side of the door with Lanius. "I'm here because my Lady told me to attend for her. " She whispered back to him, still holding the prince's gift tucked under her arm. She looked him up and down, never remembering that he was ever a guard. "Why are you dressed in a guard's uniform?"

Lanius looks at her, then the gift that is underneath her arm and then back out at the nobles...they are all holding gifts in their arms. “What is this some kind of gift giving event...like the royals need anymore gifts.” He huffs and swears a bit in his native language of his parents before looking at her softly. “I’m looking for a friend...he was abducted by palace guards. I think they arrested him but I’m not sure. He could be a guard here even.”

Artemis' eyebrows went up with surprise as she was offered the box. Few people liked to give her gifts outside of the family. And even they offered her practical things, like a visit to the forest to hunt or somesuch. So to be offered a gift from Liana was striking. 'Thank you.' She took the box and untied the bow, opening the box.

Piper straightened up and swallowed harshly when she heard that one of his friends was abducted. That was never a good sign. "I-I can help you look for him." she said touching Lanius on the arm. "Do you have any idea why he was abducted?" Liana smiled and watched her friend untie the ribbon revealing its contents. Inside the box was a bracelet. White gold chain with Sapphire and Amethyst alternating. On the clasp there was a small A and L next to the words Liath Istrian "I added the Liath Istrian and our Initials. You mean to much to me Artemis. You have been my best friend for so long. And I wanted to give you something that was ours."

Artemis was known to be the kinder, less impulsive sibling. But when Liana revealed what the bracelet meant to her, she couldn't help but pull Liana into an embrace. People around whispered, but Artemis didn't care. She finally stepped back and let one of the servants put the bracelet on her. 'I wish I got you something, now.'

“That’s the thing, I don’t know why he was abducted. I’ve traced every lead and it all comes back to here at the palace.” Lanius keeps his voice low so only Piper can hear him. Happy to see her and that she wants to help. “Maybe listening to the nobles will shed some light.”

Liana hugged Artemis back, closing her eyes as her friend embraced her. She never really hugged anyone out in the open lately, matters were too serious at home for even her own parents to show her affection. Once Artemis's arms were around her, she didn't want to let go. But she had to pull away and compose her self as she watched her servant clasp the bracelet on her wrist. She shook her head. She didn't expect Artemis to give her anything. Her friendship was all she needed or wanted. "You don't have to. Your friendship is a gift to me every day." She had a gift for Sam as well, but that would have to wait until later in the night.

Artemis admired the bracelet for a moment before she took Liana's arm and gave her a friendly nudge. 'I'll accept that, so long as you understand that my friendship leads to a lot of impromptu hunting trips.' She guided the way to the bards, who were playing a wordless tune.

Piper nodded and took a deep breath. She didn't expect coming here would insure a rescue mission. But Lanius was a friend and she would help him. "I'll see what I can find. Did you see the guards that took him away in there?" she asked pointing back at the hall. Liana chuckled slightly and she leaned into Artemis as she pulled her toward the bards. "You know I always loved those impromptu hunting trips of yours. Always gave us both a sparkle and a skip to our step afterwards."

'I do know. Why did you stop coming, again?' Artemis asked. And as if by divine intervention her question was answered by her brother. Bored of the old Lords lurking about him, Sam decided it was fine time to do something about it. He nudged Artemis as he pulled on a borrowed bard's hat and flashed both her and Liana a cheeky smile before he stepped up with the other bards with his lyre. No one else even seemed to notice him, not expecting him to be up there.

Lanius shakes his head, having no idea which guards took him and why. “No I didn’t, but then again it’s been awhile and I was very drunk when he was taken. Still guy paid for my room and food...he promised me he would teach me how to read. I owe this man.” Edmund smiles as he watches Sam go up with his lyre. He walks over to Artemis and Liana. “Good day again your highness, and hello your highness, a pleasure to make your acquaintance again.”

Liana was about to answer her but then Sam's cheeky smile came into view, and her smile was right back onto her face as she looked up at him., beginning to play. She never really heard him play all that much. But he was better than she thought he was. "Parents started to fill my days up with politics." she whispered to Artemis answering her question, though the real reason was because of Sam and Liana's relationship. When Edmund walked next to them, Liana smiled, happy to see another friendly face. "Edmund...how happy I am to see you again. How have you been since we last met?" Piper sighed, and figured it wasn't going to be this easy. But she nodded. "Alright. I'll keep an ear out for in there...and then come find you if i hear anything about him." she said patting his shoulder before ducking back into the hall.

Artemis knew the truth. And knew that there was little reason for Liana's parents to ban her from coming down to see her now she and Sam no longer lived together. It would take Sam longer to get up to her castle than it would before Liana left. But she wouldn't hold that against Liana. Not when they were all so controlled by their parents. 'Well, soon we'll have to make time for a real visit. One that's not for Yule or my brother's nameday.'

"I have been well. Things have been going well in Saergrim. Glad to be here to celebrate Yule with you all." Edmund smiles at Liana happy to see her as well. He watches as Sam starts to play the lyre, wondering what mischief he will get into. Lanius smiles, peering inside again and looking around. Looking as a bard starts to play. Wondering if that is the palace bard.

"I agree. And it must be a day where it's just us. No politics, no guards, or parents to control us." Liana looked back up at Sam "Your brother and Even Edmund should join us." She glanced over to Edmund. "Have you ever been on one of Artemis's hunting trips? Piper returned to the hall, her eyes fell on the princess Liana and princess Artemis, but doubted they would have any idea about Lanius's friend. She then decided to grab another drink and stand near some guards that were standing in the corner of the room.

'My brother would show off and ruin it for all of us. I don't think it's fair on the poor animals to let him loose on them,' Artemis joked, even though they all knew she probably shouldn't allow Sam to join them because their parents wouldn't approve.

Edmund looks up at her question, nodding and smiling. "Yes, I have, the last time I went has to be over seven years ago." He thinks on that and is reminded of it over the summer beford that fateful Nameday. He looks down and remembers how hurt he had been the years that followed when Sam no longer invited him to anymore events. Lanius decides to step inside cautiously, just standing at the door and pretending to guard it. Not realizing he has gotten the attentiom of a female guard that knows he's not one of their own.

'Yes. It's quite a pity...' Artemis cast Edmund an apologetic look, deeply sorry for her actions that led to the rift between Sam and him. 'But we'll make sure that's not the last.'

Liana listened to the two talk and she smiled, glanced back up to Sam. They were helping her push her thoughts to the back of her mind. Especially being able to see Sam dance around playing a Lyre. That brought a large chuckle to her. "Yes well, I plan on attending all of the next hunting trips that you plan Artemis...even if politics get in the way." She said nudging her friend slightly. Piper leaned against the wall, gift still tucked under her arm as she got closer to the pair of guards. Maybe they knew something

"Thank you, I always did enjoy your hunts. They were always the most fun." Edmund smiles at her and listens to Sam playing the lyre. Looking over at the two women. Enjoying the music and seeing Sam enjoy himself as well. Joan catches sight of the man in the guard uniform. Knowing he is no guard. She starts to walk toward him. Her hand slipping into her boot and pulling out her dagger.

'Especially if politics get in the way! Nothing better than a good bit of hunting to bridge the gap between nations.' Artemis felt a kind of relief knowing that in the absence of her father and the Black Knight, her friends returned without much fuss. Sam tried not to upstage the real bards because he didn't much fancy another group refusing to return to perform here. After all, musicians tended to be proud creatures. Sam knew that, himself.

"That is does, my brother went to one of your hunts as well a couple of years ago." Edmund adds, remembering his brother telling him about it. Wishing he had been able to go as well but no invitation had been seng to him. He smiles as he listens to the music. "I haven't heard such good music since the Masquerade." Joan corners the man by the door, her dagger pointed at him before Lanius moves quickly and the two engagd into a scuffle over the dagger. Joan managing to knee him.

'Sam seems to find the best musicians when he's not upstaging them,' Artemis said before she took the glasses of her favourite wine and handed them to the other two. 'Here. Mulled to perfection.'

Liana took the glass of wine from her, and raised it to her lips before taking a small sip of it. It was sweet, but not too sweet to make the lips curl. Liana chose this over the brandy her father chose to drink. It was calming, brandy just made everything a bit more stressful. The two guards piper were standing near, weren't speaking about a man they captured. They were talking more on which royal they showed up with. So she had to move to a table in the middle of the room. Maybe she would hear some of the nobles that saw the scuffle.

Sam was so distracted by the music that he didn't notice the scuffle. More guards did however and moved in to help Joan pull Lanius out of the hall. Artemis swayed a little to the music and was tempted to get Sam to perform a song they could all dance to. And as if by instinct, Sam whispered something to the other musicians and they all started to play Artemis' favourite dance song.

Edmund takes the mulled wine and gives it a sip. Enjoying the smoothness of it and the sweetness. He truly did enjoy the mulled wine of the palace. “This is delicious, ahhh I recognize this song.” He smiles as he looks at Artemis, knowing that he has heard this song before. Lanius and Joan continue to scuffle, another guard coming to her aid and managing to punch him clear in the jaw. Smacking him hard into the wall as the two grab him and manage to restrain him. “Let me go!”

Liana smiled, swaying with Artemis as the music changed, linking arms with her. She recognized it and chuckled. "I remember this tune! always had us taking our shoes off and dancing in the middle of the hall." Piper wasn't getting anywhere, all the nobles were too drunk to know who was at their table. So she stood and began making her way out of the hall. Maybe she could do some searching herself. But when she walked out of the hall, her eyes fell on Lanius slamming into the wall. "Hey!" Piper said rushing over to the two guards and Lanius. "what reasons do you have for detaining this man?"

'Well, we all want to dance and no one here is going to stop us. So maybe we should all just dance.' Artemis stole their drinks from them and handed them off to a servant before taking both Liana's and Edmund's hands and spinning them. The guards pulled Lanius further into the hall so as to keep the fuss to a minimum. They looked between themselves and then at Joan for the answer.

Edmund laughs and smiles. Enjoying spinning around and dancing. Not having this much fun since the masquerade and he does enjoy being with Artemis and Sam again. It had been good to be reunited with them once again. Joan turns toward the woman, before inspecting the man that they have detained. She straightens her uniform and places her dagger back in her boot. “This man is not a member of the Royal guard. He is an imposter.”

'Protocol says for tonight, anyone found trespassing must be put in the cell until the morning,' said one guard. 'Lords and Ladies don't want disturbing.'

Liana joined the two of them on the dance floor, twirling her skirts and spinning herself around, and kicking her feet to the music. The thoughts that troubled her in the beginning of the night, seemed to be washed away from her mind. "Trespassing?" Piper said standing up tall. "That is my guard. I came here with him on Lady Lyrias request. He's only dressed like one of the guards in the castle because a servant spilled wine all over his clothes and gave him clean ones." Piper said taking a step forward. "Now please...unhand my guard."

As they spun, Artemis felt the relief of the promise of protection from a marriage to Edmund and the joy of having the forgiveness of her friends run through her. The only issue was that she caught a glimpse of something happening in the distance. Releasing the other two, she gestured for them to continue dancing. 'I'm thirsty. You two make everyone else join in.' Artemis smiled at them before she slipped away and joined the interrogation just outside of the banquet hall.

“This man is your guard?” Joan adds as she crosses his arms, looking at the man and then over at this woman. Her eyes scanning them both, trying to figure out if she is lying or not. “If he is a guard, why doesn’t he have any weapons. Well he does, but that weapon is not regulation issue.” She holds out the dagger that she found on him. Edmund watches Artemis go, a bit curious as to what she is up to but decides to dance with Princess Liana instead, not wanting to leave her alone to the usual noblemen trying to win a hand in marriage.

Piper stood her ground, keeping her head high as the two guards continued to hold Lanius against his will. "I ordered him to keep his weapons in the carriage, I didn't think he needed them in the ball tonight since the Istarian guards would most likely be the ones needing the weapons tonight. But I guess he snuck in a dagger just in case, for my protection."

'And why is he wearing the armour meant for solely the Prince's men?' Artemis said from behind Piper. 'I don't recall your Lady's men wearing the Sun crest.' She turned to the guards. 'What part of discretion did I not emphasise? The Prince doesn't need to deal with rumors and fuss like this.'

“You highness.” Joan gives a bow, as the other guards lower their heads while restraining Lanius. “This woman claims he has the uniform due to wine being spilled on his but he would never have been given the uniform of the Prince’s private guard.” Joan adds as he looks at him, her eyes narrowing, knowing he doesn’t belong here. Lanius’ eyes widen when he sees the Princess. Never in a million years did he think he would see her. His heart races in fear and he can feel his palms getting sweaty. Blood drips from his cut lip.

Artemis looked at Piper with growing incredulity and then back at Joan. 'Take him and his accomplice to the cell. A night there might even find them some honesty. Once you've done that, return to me and I shall discuss your handling of this.' She glowered at Lanius.(edited)

Piper didn't know what to say after that. She was so focused on trying to get Lanius out of holding, that she didn't see the Prince's Sun on his armor. What had he gotten her into. She stepped to the side, looking at the princess now, her lips not being able to form words. Who knew what this information would do to her station. When the words came out of Princess Artemis's mouth to take Piper to the cell, she began to shake her head furiously. But she knew no matter of words would get her out of this now. Her hand still clutching the gift wrapped box to the prince under her arm.

“Right away your highness.” Joan adds with a bow to the Princess. Taking the woman by the arm and the other guards leading Lanius out of the hall. “Come on you two, time to go have some fun contemplating your actions.” Joan adds as she starts to pull the woman along with her. Lanius looks down, feeling as of his whole world is crashing down. He didn’t care about himself being arrested but he didn’t want Piper to get arrested. “Look...just let her go...she has nothing to do with this!!! I threatened her...I held the dagger to her throat and made her get me inside the Palace.”

Artemis shook her head in disbelief when the group were finally out of sight of everyone important in the damned Kingdom. Luckily, they were mostly drunk so they probably wouldn't drag it up tomorrow. Probably. She returned to the other two to continue dancing as if she'd not just done her brother's job for him (to make his Yule more bearable)

Piper wanted to kick and scream, but if she put up a fight, who knew what worse things would happen to her within these walls other than being in a cell. It would be for only one night. That's it. And then she would convince Lanius to tell the actual truth, and not make it out as him threatening her

“A likely story...you forced her at knifepoint and she somehow miraculously helped you find a uniform of the Prince’s guard.” Joan rolls her eyes as her and the men and her continue down the stairs toward the dungeon. “You have to believe me...I’m not just anyone...I’m the Eagle....” He adds and Joan stops walking...holding the woman in her grasp and looks at him. Recognizing the name. “The Eagle is the most wanted thief in Istara. I highly doubt that.”

Edmund sees her return and smiles, although he sees some irritation in her face. “Everything alright?” He adds as he looks at Artemis approaching.

'Certainly!' Artemis smiled at Edmund and then glanced up a the stage where her brother was still performing. It seemed as if nothing had disrupted the celebrations, so at least that wasn't an issue.

Piper's eyes shot over to Lanius. She had heard the name Eagle many times passing through towns, even Lady Lyria spoke it's name worried that he would choose her estate to steal from next. Liana, out of breath from dancing to Sam's Lyre playing noticed Artemis. "I never knew your brother could play like this. How dare he keep something like this from us."

'It's no secret. Every year he upsets someone by upstaging them at something. If he wasn't my twin, I'd call him insufferable,' Artemis said with a playful glint in her eye.

Liana scoffed slightly. "Let me correct myself. I am never here to see it." She said with a smirk, as she glanced up at Sam. "I'm never around to see the majority of exciting things happen here."

Joan leads them to the dungeon and the jailer unlocks a cell for them. “Since you both worked together you can share a cell together.” She pushes Piper into the cell and the two make guards throw Lanius inside as well. “Oh and tell the Eagle we said hi.” Joan laughs and the other two laugh as well,. Locking the door and heading back upstairs. “Sam is always upstaging something, although I don’t remember him doing any of his usual antics at the nameday this year.” Edmund adds as he takes another sip of some mulled wine. Smiling at the two women before glancing up at Sam playing.

Piper stumbled into the cell, the box in her hand tumbling to the ground as she caught herself against one of the walls. She turned back, the sound of the key locking the cell into place. Liana's smile wilted slightly, remembering the conversation Sam and her had on his nameday. It was one that she planned on forgetting. But she had made him angry that day, and she never wanted to do that again. "I was drunk on his nameday, couldn't even remember how I got back to my room."

'I'm sure Sam was showing something off somewhere. But I think he went to do it with people who haven't already been shocked by him before,' Artemis said. 'And he showed off on the hunt, too.'

Edmund laughs at her words, about Sam showing off, knowing for sure that he must have done that at sometime. “Yes I’m sure Sam showed off somewhere. Don’t feel bad. I was very drunk that night as well.” He adds with another giggle. Lanius gets up onto his feet, rubbing his hands as they are raw from the throw into the hard ground. He looks over at Piper, guilt on his face. “I’m sorry...you shouldn’t have defended me.”

Liana smiled and nodded, her eyes continuing to glance up at Sam as he continued to play. Piper began to pace the cell. Her eyes glancing from box to the cell door. What would Lyria do if she found out about this. “It-it was my choice to help you. It-it isn’t your fault.”

“It’s my fault...you would still be having fun and have your dignity....Bloody guards!” Lanius slams his fist into the bars, and then gives them a kick. His temper showing and he runs his fingers through his dark hair.

Sam was eventually urged by the bards to go enjoy his banquet but he knew they wanted to do their own thing and with the Prince overtaking the performance, they couldn't. So he relented, removing his hat and having a servant put his lyre away. He joined the others, a little flush from how long he'd been performing.

Piper jumped slightly from the sound of Lanius's hand slamming into the bars. "Lanius it isn't your fault." She said walking over to him, touching his hand. "I still have my dignity, and for me having fun, I came here not knowing anyone. I would be sitting in the corner of the hall sipping alcohol and getting drunk alone.." Liana clapped her hands, smiling at Sam as he made his way over to the three of them. "Wonderful performance Sam. Didn't know you had that in you!"

Lanius sighs, rubbing the blood off his lip and feeling her hand touch his. Some Yule this was turning out to be...him in a jail cell and dragging Piper into the mess. “Welcome to my life...I lied to you a lot in our past meetings. I’m a thief...” He admits as he looks at the bars again, wishing he could find a weakness to break them out. Edmund clapped as he leaned up against the wall. Sam was a good musician and his music always seemed to make the place more lively. “Great performance Sam, everyone seemed to enjoy it.” Joan walks back into the hall, looking for Princess Artemis and spotting her. Knowing she wanted a report. She straightens her uniform and walks up to where they are. Giving a low bow. “Sorry to interrupt your highnesses.”

Piper sighed and sat down on the ground, pulling her knees to her chest. "We all lie sometimes Lanius." She said softly, her eyes glancing at the box across the cell from her. "I just worry what Lady Lyria will say about this."

Lanius stares out of the jail cell, before he turns around and sees her sitting the cell floor. He walks over to her and sits across from her, looking at her and seeing how defeated she looks. “Well we tell her that I forced you into this and the guards didn’t believe you.”

Sam offered a playful bow to each of the applauding friends. ‘Why thank you.’ Before Artemis could stop Joan, she had already spoken and caught Sam’s attention. ‘Is there a problem?’ Sam asked.

Joan looks at the Prince and then at the Princess, knowing she was to report to her but with him asking it made her a bit nervous. “There was an intruder into the palace. It has been taken care of your highness.”

Sam looked between Artemis and Joan. ‘Well? How has it been taken care of? Why wasn’t I informed?’ ‘You were preoccupied.’ Sam turned to Joan and gestured for her to lead. ‘Bring me to the cells at once. Tell me what happened on the way.’

“They have brought to custody your highness. I will show you.” Joan adds with a bow again leads the way to the cells. “A male was wearing your private guard uniform and had a dagger on him. He is not one of our guard at all. A woman was defending him as her own guard but he clearly wasn’t a guard at all. He admitted to sneaking into the palace.”

Piper looked up at him and shook her head. "I will not lie to her that you threatened me. Because you did not threaten me." She said looking at him. "You will not be labeled a violent man because of this." Liana stood there, letting go of her skirts to fall down to the floor. She looked at Joan as she spoke, her hands now clasping around Artemis' arm glancing at her.

Sam followed Joan and listened to her account. ‘A serious offence. I want the guard tightened tonight. This man failed but someone might not be so unlucky.’ They headed down to the cells, the dark and damp a steep contrast to his outfit and flush of alcohol.

Artemis sighed and turned to the others. ‘More dancing?’

Lanius sighs, wishing she would just lie and tell them she was coerced into it. It would get her off and she wouldn’t have to worry about her. “I have been violent before...you should protect yourself and not worry about me.” Edmund watches as Sam goes with the guard. He strokes his beard, wondering why someone would break into the palace. His thoughts on Edwin Black, the man would pull anything for power. “Yes, dancing would be nice.” Joan walks down the spiral steps ahead of the Prince listening to him speak and knowing how dangerous it could have been. “I have confiscated he dagger. This is the one he used.” She pulls out out from her doublet and hands it to the Prince. Reaching the bottom of the stairs and motioning the jailer that it is just them.

Sam glanced at the dagger but didn’t bother taking it. He had the suspects themselves who would tell him more than a dagger could. And then he saw who was in the dark cell and his heart shot up into his throat.

Joan points to the cell and the two occupants in it. Lanius getting to his feet and glaring at her, before looking at the man all dressed in fancy clothes. “This is the two of them. “

Sam stepped forwards and leaned against the bars. ‘Why did you break in?’

"I am not just going to lie to get you into worse trouble Lanius." Piper said sternly. Her fingers continued to grip the fabric of her dress. "You have never been violent to me." And then the sounds of footsteps filled the jail walls and she looked toward the bars. At the sight of the prince, she stood up quickly, clasping her hands together.

Lanius walks closer to the bars, looking at the man, all dressed in finery. His lighter hair and the aroma...of wine on him. “Oh you know...I wanted to see how Royal pricks lived...” He gives a smirk and a laugh at that before his face turns serious. “You and your guards abducted a friend of mine on Nameday. I just got word he was dragged here by the guards. I came to spring him out.”

Sam’s jaw flexed a little and he knew it would be hard to avoid telling him everything without lying. But Sam never lied and confessing to being the very thing he broke in for was too strange to seem innocent. ‘Do you have a name? A description?’

“His name is Sam...wore a really fancy doublet...you know one of those lavish ones you either steal or pay a fortune for...had a bit of a middle class air to him alright...promised to teach me to read...I never forget friends like that.” Lanius adds as he looks at him, then glances at Joan who crosses her arms as she looks at him. Lanius turns and points to the other woman. “Now just let her go alright...she had nothing to do with this.”

Sam shifted from one foot to another, thankful for his real name being Apollo otherwise he’d have had a much harder time pretending he wasn’t the drunk man Lanius met. Turning to Piper, Sam wore a look of betrayal. ‘Did you help him in?’

Piper shook her head quickly. "No your highness. I came in my self and only noticed him because we have met once before in town." She swallowed and let her fingers relax. "I didn't even know he was a thief until this night."

Sam leaned against the bars, squinting at her as he judged the truth of her words. When he found she wasn't lying, he huffed a sigh and nodded. 'And you didn't think to tell a guard that a tresspasser was in the palace?'

Piper was so worried that he would see her words as a lie. But she would never catch herself lying to any prince or princess. "No. I saw a face of a person I had shared drinks with one night. Toured the town with him. It didn't cross my mind that he may have been tresspassing."

Sam decided in that moment that Piper had just been a hapless victim. Pushing from the bars, he jestured for the cell to be opened. 'It's not your responsibility to know. I apologise for the treatment my guards have given you.'

Piper let out a soft sigh of relief and she bowed her head to him. "It's quite alright your highness." her eyes then glanced over at the broken gift on the floor. She walked slowly over to it and picke dup the box, fixing it slightly before tucking it under her arm. She looked at the prince. "What will happen to him? If i may ask. He is my friend after all."

'That will depend on how he fares in questioning. From where I'm standing, he's broken into my palace, disarmed and stripped one of my guards - who we still haven't found - before he caused a fuss and nearly ruined Yule for everyone,’ Sam said.

Joan motions for the jailer to open the cell. Lanius stands back and let’s Piper leave the cell, knowing if he tried anything he would be dead if he managed to overpower them. The cell door closes and Lanius walks back up to the bars. “Yes...keep me in the cell. After all can’t have you privileged pricks have a bad evening...even if folks are starving out on the streets.” Joan looks down, knowing what he speaks is true. Yet, he shouldn’t be speaking to him that way. “Watch your tongue thief.”

Piper looked back at Lanius and sighed. She didn't want to leave her friend in there, even if it was only a few drinks and a tour of the town. "Lanius please..." her eyes were pleading, begging him not to make this worse for him. She agreed with him, that people were starving, and she wanted to do everything in her power to help those in need, but he shouldn't make things worse, not now.

'You should go back up to the others.' Sam gestured for Joan to escort her away. 'Leave me with him.'

“Yes your highness. Come my lady.” Joan motions for her to follow her. Her voice much calmer than before and she feels guilty for having been so rough with the woman.

Piper sighed and her shoulders fell slightly as she began to walk away with Joan. Her eyes still looking back at Lanius.

Sam noted that he'd have to send Piper a gift in apology for how people had treated her. Though he still wasn't too pleased by her decision to conceal the intruder. But it wasn't her job. 'Do you know who I am?' Sam asked Lanius, his voice low.

“I am sorry for the rough treatment my lady.” Joan adds in a low voice for only her to hear as they walk back to the main hall. Walking up the spiral stairs again. Lanius’ brown eyes probe the man in front of him. The way he was dressed and the words your highness gave it away. “You are Prince Apollo something something...son of the King. Should I care huh?”

'You should care. Because you're wearing my man's armour. Is he dead?' Sam asked.

“No he’s not dead. I knocked him out and stole his uniform.” Lanius looks at him. “Uniform is a bit stiff I must say...don’t know how they wear it.,.especially that woman guard of yours...is she your plaything your highness. I heard you get to screw whatever.”

Sam's jaw flexed and he huffed a dismissive laugh. 'You're disgusting.' He didn't even want to dignify that with an answer. 'The man you're looking for is gone. This Sam.'

Lanius laughs at his remark, he leans against the cell bars. His fingers moving through his dark hair. “He’s gone huh?” He wipes the blood from his lip once more.

'The man you're looking for is not here. And the fact that you broke into a heavily guarded palace just to find him is incredibly foolish,’ said Sam.

“I told you...I was going to spring him out. He gave me a purpose..paid for my food and board that night...I always pay my debts back.” Lanius looks back at the prince, wondering why he was even down here talking to him.

'That's a lovely sentiment. But exceptionally stupid. If my father was here, you would've been killed where you stood. But I will grant you the benefit of the doubt. If I release you, you will be forever forbidden from any royal properties.' Sam needed to put distance between him and Lanius. If his father discovered he'd befriended and promised things to a thief, he would be in far more trouble. 'Even if the property is opened for celebrations.'

“Yes I know, your father isn’t known for merciful treatment of thieves.” Lanius adds, looking down and trying to think of what to say. He had often imagined what he would say to the royals. He would tell them off for the harm they have caused others. “You Uh...when you become King someday...just think of the little guys. Like Sam did. I know he was some higher class fella but he looked at me like I was an actual person and not some trash heap.”

'Maybe he would look at you like some 'trash heap' if he knew what you've done.' Sam folded his arms and leaned back onto one leg.

“I’ve been trying to survive! My family is piss poor! They came to this country for a better life but all they got was thrown into the slums.” Lanius looks at the prince, his face full of anger. Knowing that, that’s what he thinks he is, a trash heap.

'Your story is changing, is it? Because just a moment ago, you broke in to rescue someone. Now you're saying you broke in to... What?' Sam said.

“I broke in to save my friend who helped me. Believe me...I would never break in to steal from you. I’m not that pathetic.” Lanius sneers back at him, his temper beginning to rise again. His fingers digging into the bars.

'Do you want to be released any time this Yule? Or should we wait for the King to return to make his judgement?' Sam never, ever intended for Lanius to stay in the cell. Not even for a night. Especially not to let his father come home to it all.

Lanius sighs, looking over at him. Knowing he wants to get out of here and not come back. He breathes deeply and looks at him. “I want to get out of here.”

There were no guards and Sam would be an fool to, but he opened the cell door.

Lanius slowly steps out of the cell. Looking over at the prince and honestly is surprised that he opened the cell door. “Thanks...Have a Happy Yule sir.” Lanius gives a nod.

Sam could've sworn that Lanius would recognise him, even without the mask. But he breathed a small breath of relief when Lanius simply thanked him. He wished it would be different. He wished he could teach him how to read. But his father - and his knight - were foul towards Sam's friends. Lanius would disappear one night and never be seen again. Just as the Duchess Springs had. And Orion.

Lanius stops before he leaves and turns to look at the Prince one last time. “If you see Sam, tell him thanks.” He then hurries up the stairs out of the dungeon. Glad to be out of here. He thinks he should go home and see his mother and father.

Sam bit his lip and gave a solemn nod, struggling with the charade. He didn't lie to Lanius but he felt as if he had. And it was hurting him to the core.

Lanius exits the palace, looking back at it and knowing he has been banned from it. Like that has ever stopped him. He grins and runs into the night, heading home for the first time in a long time.

Sam headed up out of the cells and into the bright light of the halls above. Running a hand through his hair, he felt quite unfit to celebrate. 'You,' he said, gesturing to a servant who seemed to be shirking their duties. 'I want you to fetch me the Lady who came in place of Lyria. Have her bought to the orangery.'

Edmund sees Sam enter back into the room and walks over to him. Wondering what was going on about an intruder in the palace. “You alright there? You have been gone awhile. Not that anyone has missed you, all the nobles are too drunk to care.” Edmund looks at the others and shakes his head. The upper nobility always did disgust him, he never truly fit in.

'I'm fine,' Sam said, quite coarsely before he added, 'Thank you.' He forced a smile and neatened himself up. 'I've just got some things I have to do.'

Piper had been escorted back to the hall by Joan. She was quiet the whole way. Guards felt that they would be able to treat people anyways they wanted. Be as rough as they wanted with people and expect them not to lash out. Once in the hall, she turned to look at Joan. "I forgive you...you were just doing your job."

“If there is anything you ever need just let me know. My name is Joan.” She gives a small smile and her amber eyes light up. She leaves her back in the hall and goes back to her duties as a guard for the night. “If you need any help let me know.” Edmund adds as he looks at his friend and then heads back to mingle with the other nobles.

A servant hurried up to Piper. 'His Highness the Prince has requested your presence in the Orangery, milady.' Sam thanked Edmund with a squeeze of the arm and nodded before he stepped away and headed off to collect something before he made his way to the orangery.

Edmund mingles with the various guests before he walks over to where Princess Liana and Princess Artemis are.

Artemis sat chatting to some drunk Lords, trying not to tell them to go away because she was already spoken for.

Piper squinted slightly and sighed, she smoothed out her dress slightly and nodded. "Alright...I'm-i'm not so sure where that is. Do you mind pointing me there?" She said with a soft smile. Liana was sitting at the same table, being bombarded by the same lord once they felt as though getting through to Artemis was lost. But she hadn't come out and said who was courting her back in Laith Mor. One more secret to keep from the land.

Edmund smiles at the two women being bombarded by lords, all trying to win their hands in marriage. He leans against the wall before he takes a seat at the table they are sitting at. “Hello your highnesses, I see you are having conversation with many nobles today.”

The servant nodded and gestured for Piper to follow them to the orangery, which was all the way on the other side of the palace. 'We are, indeed,' Artemis said, using Edmund as an excuse to send the Lords away.

Edmund looks at the Lords and then over at Artemis and Liana. Grabbing a cup mulled wine and slowly sipping it. “What do you and Sam have planned for Yule?”

‘Who knows what my baby brother is up to. But I plan on going into the city to give away some of my old things for a clear out,’ Artemis said.

Piper followed the servant to the orangry, stifining as they got in sight range of him. She swallowed, her hands gripping the broken box in her hands. She thanked the servant once arrived. Liana sat up, smoothing her skirt slightly before bringing her glass to her lips. "I'll join you there after I see your brother...I have a gift for him as well, and I want to give it to him before all of us are too drunk to think." She said smiling at the two of them. "but you two don't wait for me...I'll catch up."

“I’ll go with you if you would like. I have some things I want to give away as well. Plenty of clothes and such.” Edmund smiles and watches as Liana gets up from her seat. “Sam is a bit stressed so I’m sure your gift will have him smiling.”

Sam stood with his hands clasped behind his back as he stared up at the statue depicting the ancient hero he was named after, made for his very birth. The thing was beautiful and a feat of artistry. But it was over the top and too lavish for something to be hidden away in the lesser-appreciated parts of the palace. When he heard Piper arrive, he turned to face her and gestured to the table nearest to him. 'A token of my apologies. My men should never have manhandled you or dragged you to the cells.' He had no idea that Artemis was the one who commanded it.

Piper couldn't help but gawk at the sight around her. She had never seen something so extravagant in her life before. Her shoulders relaxed a bit more as she neared him. The edges of her skirts were slightly dirty from scuffling with the cells, but other than that, she kept herself put together. She nodded and gave a small smile to him in return, placing the box on the table as she took a seat slowly. "They were just doing their jobs. " She said placing her hands on her lap. "What became of Lanius? If I may ask, he was a friend of mine."

On the table, the gift Sam had offered Piper was a fine writing set. It contained an empty-paged book imported from distant lands bound in white leather from an animal most people in Istara had never seen before; a carefully clipped quill with a silver nib often referred to as Phoenix feather and rare deep blue ink that smelled of an exotic perfume. He glanced at the gift she'd set beside his own. 'If he has any sense, he's gone home to lick his wounded pride.' Sam started pacing slowly in long lines.(edited)

Piper kept her hands on her lap in case the gift on the table wasn't meant for her fingers to touch. Thank god She thought to herself as she heard that Lanius was let free. She was sure that He was going to keep him in there the whole night. She followed his own sight to the box on the table. "Oh...this-this is from Lady Lyria. She told me to give it to you in celebration of Yule. She-she hasn't been feeling well and asked me to attend in her place."

'You've missed the gift-giving,' Sam said plainly as he picked the box up. 'What is it?' he asked as he opened it.

Inside there was a dagger, sharp and well fashioned. On the hilt of the dagger there was carved into it the Prince's Sun. With a red ruby on each side of the dagger. "Lady Lyria's husband." Piper stopped herself. "Her late husband had it made for you earlier in the year. He was...a member of your guard. Passed away seven months ago. She thought you should have it."

Upon first glance, he was about to brush it off as yet another dagger but Sam's tight expression fell when he recognised the work. And Piper only continued to confirm it. 'He was a good man. My best, before Edmund.'

Piper let out a breath. "Lady Lyria herself wished to be the one who would give it to you but." she leaned forward. "She has fallen ill again. She almost did bring it to you herself, if I didn't convince her it would be dire to her health."

'Her health is more important than gift giving. I will write her a letter in thanks.' Sam gestured to the gift he'd left her on the table. 'Go join the others. Don't forget to take your gift.'

Her eyes fell back on the journal in front of her and her heart stopped for a bit. It was meant for her. Her fingers reached out and touched the pages. “It’s-its beautiful. Thank you your highness.” She said finally looking up at him. “I-I will put it to good use.” She said standing. Before she headed back the way she came, she looked at him and smiled. “It was nice to finally meet you your highness. Piper Kingsley.” She said giving him a soft smile.

‘Apollo Samouel. Call me Sam,’ he called after her, holding the dagger from her mistress close.

Edmund decides to leave the gathering for a while. Standing in the garden and watching the snow fall ever so gently. His cloak keeping him warm and dry. He is actually missing Yule back in Feladean. The celebrations less extravagant.

Artemis took the opportunity to step out when she noticed Edmund had. She needed to see if he was okay, and ensure that Sam had approved of their decision.

Edmund turns as he hears footsteps and smiles when he sees her walk into the garden. He pushes back his hood and lets the the snow fall on his dark girls. “Your highness, the snow is beautiful isn’t it.”

Piper's walk seemed to turn happy as she returned back to the hall, holding her new priceless journal in her hands. Oh how she will fill this with medical remedies once she returned home to Lyria in the new year.

Liana smiled as her two friends left her for the town, her fingers gripping her cold wine glass to her lips as she took another sip. Her eyes scanned the hall entrance in hopes Sam would return soon.

Lanius walks in the snow, he had ditched the uniform and wears some clothes he found. He looks up at the snow, seeing it fall and thinking just how much his life is an utter mess. A mess that he created. He leans up against the wall, blowing hot air on his cold hands.

'It's lovely. But I had planned on going hunting tomorrow. So there's that plan ruined.' Artemis wrapped her arms around herself to stave off the cold. 'Did you come out here to escape the drunkards?'

Around Lanius, people were hurrying out of the snow towards taverns and their homes, cooing over 'Prince Samouel' and how all the nobles in the kingdom were in the palace tonight.

Edmund sees her wrapping her arms around herself and takes off his cloak, placing it over her shoulders to keep her warm. Knowing it is quite chilly. “Hunting in the snow is fun...been a long time since I have done that. As for escaping the drunkards yes.” He laughs a bit at that before he looks back at her with a smile. “I do miss home a bit. In Feladean we tend to have simpler celebrations for Yule.”

Lanius hears the celebrations, thinking about his own family home. He hadn’t been home in years. His family hadn’t approved of his profession. He sighs and just covers his face with his hands.

Artemis thanked him for offering the cloak and held it tight around herself. 'It's not fun if the animals are all hiding in their little hidey holes. But how does Feladean celebrate?'

More noblemen began to walk over to Liana but she politely excused herself from the table and beckoned for one of her servants to follow her. She walked out of the hall and outside, wrapping her hood around her body. She needed some air after thoughts finally came back to her.

“Well back home at my estate in Saergrim. The people there send me gifts of all sorts. I tell them every year not to but that insist. I give them gifts in return of something they need and then I hold a big feast for all of them. I even help in the kitchen cooking it. It’s a custom for the Lords of Feladean to wait on the commoners at Yule.” Edmund smiles as he explains everything. The snow continuing to fall on his head but talking about home makes him feel warm inside.

'Oh! My family does similar on the Feast of Fools. If you've never seen Sam trying to cook or wait on someone, you're missing out,' Artemis said.

“It’s a great time, I have a lot of fun and I have heard from others that I’m actually a decent cook. Maybe I’ll make you a meal at Saergrim someday.” Edmund smiles at her, thinking of Sam’s approval of their marriage. He hopes he makes a good husband.

‘I’d love that, immensely.’ Artemis smiled up at Edmund, now able to see a husband of convenience. He was always just a friend but given recent circumstances, her mind was changing to more practical avenues. ‘Oh! What did Sam say about our proposition?’

“I’ve learned a lot since I’ve taken the countship of Saergrim. You would like it there, the people are very good and loyal as well.” Edmund smiles and hears her question. His smile growing even more. “Sam approves and gives us his blessing. He said it is good news for the wedding.”

‘You should come see Restgate if we’re to show our homes to eachother.’ Artemis said before Edmund mentioned Sam. Artemis’ face lit up and she felt like a girl again. But not for the reasons most women would be overjoyed for having permission to marry who they wanted. ‘Then I shall inform my father immediately. He’s so desperate for my to finally approve someone, he won’t care who it is. Even better, we know he’ll approve of our families joining.’

Edmund smiles as he sees how happy she is with the news. Knowing that his brother will be ecstatic that he is finally marrying. “I would love to see Restgate. I have never been there but you and Sam always talk about it.” He thinks of their future wedding and wonders what it will be like.

'He does? I don't think he's ever been!' Artemis laughed and pulled the cloak tighter around herself. 'My father will negotiate terms and titles, but I want you to know we'll likely live in my castle. Unless father gifts us somewhere.'

“It will be weird not living in Saergrim. I have become quite found of that place.” Edmund laughs a bit, looking at the snow and then over at her. A smile on his lips appears. “I am pleased that you want to marry me.”

Artemis wanted to remind him that this was for practicality and that they both loved others. But she was sure Edmund already knew that fact pretty well. 'And I'm pleased to know I could turn to you in my hour of need.'

“Anytime, You are a good friend Artemis and I would not want you to be unhappy. I know we can be happy with each other.” Edmund smiles as he watches the snow fall. His thoughts think of Caira for just a moment and then he brushes them aside. She is long gone.

Artemis threaded her arm through Edmund's and leaned against him in as close friends do. 'Happier than apart, I can assure you.'

“Yes, it has been rather lonely the past few years. It will be nice to have a companion all the time.” Edmund thinks on the past years, knowing it will be nice to have a wife, have someone he can talk to. He hopes that someday he has what his brother has. A wife that he loves one day.

'Well, I hope that we will spend some time doing our own tasks. I can't imagine you'd want me over your shoulder every time you go drinking or to war,' Artemis said.

Edmund laughs at that, knowing they will want to have their own time away from each other. “Hopefully there will be no going to war any time soon. As for drinking...I do like to go to the tavern once a week.”

‘Good. We have to remember that this isn’t because we adore each other,’ Artemis said. ‘We are friends and I hope we’ll stay that way, rather than become codependent or resent each other.’ She’d seen it happen before and wouldn’t lose her respectability by becoming beholden to him.

“I understand...what about children if I may ask?” Edmund stumbles a bit over his words, feeling a bit nervous even mentioning them. Knowing he wants to have a few and a son to inherit the Dukedom after he is gone. “We will need heirs.”

'We will. And we will also need to consummate the marriage to prevent any opposition to the pairing. Those gory details will be decided for us, whether we want to or not. But I can't see there being any reason why we can't do what's needed without causing issue with each other.' Artemis smiled at Edmund, sure he was anxious about her feelings on the matter. 'It's no more than our parents and generations before have had to do.'

“Yes, that is is. I know my brother was arranged with his marriage as well.” Edmund adds as he looks at her. Knowing that he does want children and whatever children the marriage brings he will love and cherish them. “I do want children so they will be loved by me.”

'As the princess of the kingdom, it's expected of me. If something happens to Sam before he...' Artemis faltered. 'Any son of mine would become King.'

“Just know, I would never force you into it. You have to want to...” Edmund looks down, not wanting to think of Sam’s death and also he wants her to know that he will not force himself upon her if she does not want intimate relations.

'I know,' Artemis said with a warm smile as she squeezed his arm. 'That's one of the many reasons as to why I agreed to your suggestion.'

Edmund smiles, leaning closer to rest his head on hers. Just like a good friend would do, watching the snow fall. “Happy Yule Artemis, I cannot think of a greater gift than our marriage.”

Liana stood under the falling snow, the servant carrying the last two gifts in his hand. The night was growing colder, and she yet wasn't able to have some time with Sam. She stood on the lightly lit bridge, her hands planted on the railing as she looked out onto the frozen lake. After a few moments, she glanced over at the servant and smiled. "Return to the hall, I'll take the gifts for Samoul for now." the servant nodded and laid the boxes on the bench next to liana and then returned to the hall.

Samouel remained in the orangery for a while before he decided he would wander. As irritating as the nobles could be, sitting in the orangery was cold and boring. He decided he'd take the shortcut through the gardens to his room and started his way through.

Liana grew tired of waiting on the bridge set in the garden. her fingers were cold and she was beginning to shiver. She was about to grab the gifts and head back inside before she saw a figure walking through. It was Sam. She stood up straight and smiled, waving her hand. "Sam!"

Sam turned when the shadows called his name and squinted into the darkness. That was when he spotted Liana. 'I didn't think you came,' he said, meeting her halfway.

Liana smiled and picked up the boxes meeting him halfway. “I didn’t think I were to attend either but my father insisted.” She said with a soft breath. “I wanted to be here this year. It’s been so long since I attended the Gift giving in Istaria”

'And they pick the first one where I happen to be accepting the gifts on my father's behalf?' Sam said with a small smirk.

Liana chuckled slightly and her fingers held onto the boxes tightly. "Things are happening back in Liath Mor. My father didn't want me to be there around this time of happiness" She glanced down at her fingers. 'Could-could we go somewhere where my hands aren't freezing? I feel as though I won't be able to get my jewelry off tonight if I stay in this cold for much longer."

'I was heading to my rooms, if you're not opposed?' Sam gestured towards the far end of the gardens.

Liana smiled and nodded. "I don't mind at all." she said and glanced in that direction. "So where have you been all night? After stealing the show from those Bards."

'I had to deal with some palace duties,' Sam said as he walked her to his rooms.

Liana smiled, her body thankful for finally getting out of the cold. She brushed off some of the new snow that had fallen on her hood. "It never stops, always something even on Yule." She said shifting the box in her hands. "I'm glad it didn't take all night though."

'It'll be easier when I'm King. I'll have other people doing the work. My son, for example,' Sam teased as they walked through the doors into the wing of the palace and down the quiet, warm corridor. It was almost as if no one was in the palace at all with how quiet and still this side was. 'Here.' He pushed the large wooden door open to reveal his rooms, connected to each other with arches. The first room was a reception room that hosted space for guests to be entertained and to play games.

Liana smiled and chuckled at his joke. She looked around in his quarters, her eyes adjusting to the light. She set two boxes on the table and then took her hood off and draped it over the back of the chair. It has been quite some time that she was in his quarters alone. "i almost forgot what your quarters looked like." she said with a soft smile. "First time i've been in them without a guard or servant."

'They've changed a little. Father saw my absence as the best opportunity to remove the things he deemed 'unworthy' of a prince.' Sam huffed a resentful chuckle. 'Lucky for me that I have a lovely palace of my own to fill full of art.'

Liana looked around a moment before turning toward him slowly. "I and I hope you can fill it to the brim with all of your favorite art pieces." She said clasping her hands together. "Maybe I can supply you with a piece of art one day, for you to hang in here, as a reminder of our..." She swallowed. "Our friendship."

'I don't think I've seen any of your art,' Sam said as he started to the table full of food he was given at lunch. He poured each of them a glass of wine and offered it up to her. 'I'd like some. But not here. It would be burned. Even after my father's death.'

Liana looked away from him. Today she didn't want to push things that were a sore topic. "Not many people have seen my art. It's something I usually keep to myself." She swallowed and walked closer to him. "please...open your gifts...the small ones from me."

Sam offered a small, curious smile as he took one of the gifts from her. 'What is it?' If it was another dagger, he'd scream (not literally, of course).

Liana handed him the large one first. Wrapped in dark blue paper, and a gold ribbon. Inside there was a bow and a quiver, both made of elkwood. And inside the quiver, were 25 arrows, with the tips a sapphire blue, and the tails a peacock feather. "My mother thought they suited you. Very majestic, and noble were her words."

Sam couldn't hide the smile that crossed his face as he admired the bow and its arrows. It was a finer gift than any his father had recieved that day. And made even more worthy by who gave them to him. 'She used the right ones to describe this bow. It's magnificent. Like the weapons in the stories we used to hear as children.' He turned the bow in his hand and measured the draw length and poundage. Perfect, as expected. 'The elf King had bows made with peacock feathers. What was the song?'

Liana smiled and took a step closer to him. "Dancing Feathers." she said, chuckling slightly. She ran her own fingers along one of the arrows.

'Dancing Feathers,' Sam repeated as he watched her admire the arrows, too.

Liana glanced at him and smiled softly. Her eyes fluttered back to the arrows, her fingers running along the tip of it slowly. "My mother said that there's a slight enchantment on them too. What that is she didn't share with me." She chuckled. "Or she might of meant that when you fire them, the damage will be enchanting."

Sam's eyes lingered on Liana's fingers before he turned his attention back to her. 'That's a bit disconcerting. Now I don't know if I'm supposed to shoot enemies or friends,' he teased.

Liana raised a brow and chuckled looking at him. "Shoot who you will. No matter, enchantment or not, your shot is always enchanting." she said before taking a soft breath.

'Oh, who wrote that one,' Sam said with a teasing wince. 'I'm flattered, but we both know that's not true. Last thing I shot tried to gore me.'

Liana rolled her eyes and nudged him slightly. "I wrote it." she countered. "And I mean it." she turned and walked over, grabbing the smaller gift, holding it in her hands.

'What's this?' Sam asked as he set the bow down on the nearest table.

"This is from me." Liana said handing him the box. "Something that comes from my heart. Something that you are able to have out in the open that is a piece of me."

Sam was tempted to joke about finding a heart in the box, but the look in her eyes made him refrain. 'Thank you.' He opened the box.

Inside the box was an silver arrow pin. The tip was a ruby and the tail was a firery opal. The same inscription was on the pin, Liath Istarian. Liana’s eyes searched his face. "If you apply heat, or dip it into water, our initals will appear." she said softly

Sam's thumb trailed over the silver pin, lingering over the inscription. 'It's a fine-' he hesitated when he realised he'd already said that far too much that day. 'I love it, Liana,'

Liana looked up at him, dropping her hands to her sides as she watched him look over the pin. "You can say you hate it you know." her voice was gentle, but it was teasing. "The only thing you'd be hurting was my feelings." She said with a smirk. She leaned herself on the table, pressing her hands on the top.

'It really is beautiful. You know it is.' Sam gestured to it. 'I'll wear it whenever possible.'

Liana nodded and her shoulders fell slightly. "I made sure that our initials were secret, but known to us." her smile faded slightly, blinking back tears. "A symbol that we will always have eachothers backs. Elvish or human."

'I know.' Sam set the box with the pin aside, fully intending to wear it the next day. 'But until our fathers have settled their differences, our friendship cannot be called an alliance.' He turned to face her. She had tears in her eyes and the smile was gone. So he reached out to touch her cheek. 'You're cold.'

Liana swallowed harshly and closed her eyes as he mentioned their fathers. She shifted where she stood and then when she opened them, she felt his hand on her cheek. "I wasn't talking about our fathers. One of the reasons why I am here tonight is because my father wanted me to get away from the slaighter happening at home." she said reaching up to grab his hand, holding it in hers.

Slaughter? Sam felt the blood drain from his face. As much as he felt for Liana, his father was there. His father was in the country and there was unrest. He forced a smile and turned to Liana. There was nothing he could so, so he had to just enjoy tonight. 'I'm glad you're not in danger.'

Liana could see the fear in his eyes. She pulled him closer to her. "Your father won't be harmed. The slaughter is happening in the lower class among other lower class members. They won't dare harm your father."

Sam wished he could believe that. But it was instinct to fear for his father's life. He wrapped his arms around her and held on as if she was the one that needed comfort.

Liana clung onto him, knowing that her words didn't have that much of an effect on how he felt about the situation. "i'd rather be here than Liath Mor anyways..." she said softly. "Artemis, Edmund, You...you three mean the world."

'It won't stay that way,' Sam said as he held her. 'We don't get to choose what happens in our futures.'

Liana looked up at him. "I know...I know that I have no control with what happens in our futures." She swallowed hard. "But I-I want to do whats right...and make a difference for my people. For our people as allies.."She looked away from him. "And-and im scared of even that."

Sam wanted to tell her that she had more choice than most women. Most people, perhaps. He thought it might console her. But he stopped himself, knowing it would probably come off as minimising her struggle. 'I know that your people will benefit from having you as queen, no matter what happens.'

Liana took a deep breath and dabbed at her eyes slightly before looking up at him. For once she didn't want or feel the need about talking about politics. She didn't want it to be in her mind for once. "Lets...lets not talk as a princess and a prince tonight. At least...not right now.. I just want to stand here and be with you. Alone."

Sam smiled down at Liana and nodded. 'Agreed. It's a shame I don't have anyone to play us music. Or I'd have asked you to dance.'

Liana smirked. "Well...you don't always need music in order to dance Sam."

‘Don’t you? I suppose you should show me how. You have me curious,’ Sam said wearing a playful smile.

Liana chuckled and held her hand out for him after pushing herself away slightly. "have you forgotten the countless of balls Artemis and I practiced our first dances with boys when we were children?" she said smirking at him. "You joined in once or twice."

‘I believe I spent most of those practices making sure you didn’t dance with no music,’ Sam teased. He fell into step as they started to dance. ‘And the only reason I joined in was because your tutor saw it as fit punishment for making you both laugh. What she didn’t realise was that I loved to dance.’

Liana started to sway with him in the silence that filled the room. "Well i have my tutor to thank, because you continue tp be my favorite dancing partner.." she smiled softly. "Apart from Artemis that is."

'Artie would've killed both of us if she thought you'd forgotten about her,' Sam said with a chuckle.

Liana chuckled and shook her head. "I could never forget about Artemis. She's my best friend. And you would kill me if I ever forgot about her." she said twirling around slowly.

Sam admired Liana as they danced in the quiet room, illuminated by the dimly lit fire. He didn't care if the rest of Yule was a failure, so long as he got to spend it with her.