Still the Emerald Shield's Captain was awake when the first of the early risers returned to the world of the conscious. He had not left the ship the entire night, still dressed in full Regalia he found things to occupy himself, talking with those he had not seen in years. When all had retired for the evening he had made his way up to the deck and sat staring up at the stars. It was not uncommon for him to go for abnormally long periods of time without sleep even if he had not been jolted so by memories of old as he had the night before.
It was the woman who was a veritable center piece that had caused him his troubles, he had strained not to act based solely on the fact that he knew his sister would not allow such a thing to happen if there was not just cause. Though it was not so much the woman that had sparked his memory as it was the event.
Two words had invoked an avalanche in his mind, 'Display her'. Though what followed was the worst of it, 'Mount her to the table'. Even though it had been the gentlest form of what he had seen still every fiber of his being screamed at him to prevent it.
Before the sun had risen he returned to the citadel and deposited his armor there changing into his travelling clothes. He took only his sword and cloak with him when he returned to the ship, to wait upon his Sister.
Shanadar Siveni
*Father and son lurk within the shadows... the hulking beast that is Malcolm, cast in shadow... watching over all, leathery wings folded over his huge muscle bound shoulders...
A powerful taloned hand reaches down thrusting Donnalbane out of the darkness and into the light of the hall.... The young king looks back to the darkness from whence he came uncertainly...*
Go... Mingle...
*Said the father with a fond smile*
Uh... Hi everyone... *Donnalbane waves to all those gathered...*
Malcolm de Asandir
Knight Commander of Emerald Shield
The city had never changed, not for the length of time she had been gone.
Of course, that is nothing new. She had seen cities rise and fall, then rise from ruin again, all within time. This past absence was not so long. Comparitively.
The amethyst-eyed warrior moved through the streets with an innate grace that spoke more of control and poise than some magical grace lent to any royalty. A bow slung over her back, a sheathed blade at her hip, she had not changed so much. Her hair still remained a thick black plait, swinging now at her hips rather than mid-back as it was. Her eyes still retained the violet fire prized so much by many a friend and lover both.
Janqua remained tromping at her side, a brilliant, massive figure at her side. Talirisia laid a hand upon his flank as they walked - Though not so big as Reina's Koriel, Janqua was a figure worth much respect and even shades of fear.
Indeed, for those unused to a StormDragon - even those who are not used to such a beast walking as easy as you please among people - Janqua was creating quite a stir.
The raven-haired woman merely smiled, a kind of temerity that those have come to expect from her, if not delight in.
As she walked, she kept sharp gaze out for others of the Shield. Murmurs of Feasting and the like reached her gracefully pointed ears, but she knew it was long over, and no Shield would have remained - no warrior worth much could stand such pomposity for long, she felt.
Perhaps - just perhaps - she may run into one she knew. Or, if the Fates were feeling impudent this day - she may yet run into one she did not know . . . It's been a dull day. As days go.
Talirisia Sefan
Emerald Shield
The sun had begun the process of sinking back into the comfort of the horizion for the night, warm rays of its golden light sought occasional refuge behind a few stray clouds which lazily made their way across the sky. Azure ran to a deep amber as the day wore on.
Shanadar stood leaning upon the railing of the ship surveying the harbour. It had been long since last he had been on a ship quite a long time indeed, it had not been a very pleasureable experience. He was glad this to have a view of the Sea and did his best to remain out on the deck or in the rigging, helping where it was needed. The only things that would drive him indoors were high seas and possibly to eat, that and of course formal occasions such as the feast. The longer he spent in the innards of the ship the more he could feel the weight of the irons upon him again, he would go nowhere near the holds.
The breeze was refreshing carrying the salt of the ocean upon it and tossing his silver hair about playfully and pulling at his clothes. Shanadar realized that he was being enchanted by the sea and did nothing to hinder the process. He watched the city bustle about him, the throng in the markets, birds fliting about here and there, Tallerian soliders travelling about with their crimson capes flying behind them gallant as ever.
He had favoured a change of clothes as trudging about a ship such as this is a suit of armor was not only uncomfortable but a good deal of work as well. Standing now as he walked towards the bow dressed in a Forest green short sleeved shirt and billowing black pants he found himself facing the reality that he would eventually have to leave the ship.
The mind of Cryll touched his own. The large white Stormdragon who was his charge and protector liked to keep contact with him and occasionally checking up on him. The warm friendly presence lingered a moment before slowly fading away. It was then when he looked out into the city he saw the large form of a dragon wandering methodically about.
Shanadar ventured indoors only long enough to retrieve a staff which seemed to be constructed of three sections, the middle of which was bound in leather with iron bands on either end. With his katana at his hip he dove over the side of the ship and emerged on the shore dry as a bone. He began to make his way towards the dragon, it had been long since he had last seen Talirisia Sefan.
Shanadar Siveni
Emerald Shield
'Tis good, one would suppose, that Talirisia had arrived on the tail-end of the Queenes' visit. This means that she could assume her place at her Queene's side - whichever is chosen, of course, for even she knew her skills came not lightly - and re-enter the fold.
Janqua lowered his seagreenblue head to nudge the wandering lady's shoulder. Unknowing of Shanadar's swim, the raven-haired warrior turns to enfold the great head in her arms, laughing delightedly, and ignoring - or perhaps entirely unaware - how the laugh turned a number of appreciative heads.
Talirisia Sefan
Emerald Shield
Shanadar found it odd that when he was dressed for formal occasions he was not wearing Siveni colors, but away form all the regalia day to day he found himself in the forest green, black and silver of his adoptive family.
As he traversed the streets towards the lumber form of the Storm Dragon he wondered what his sister would think when he told her of his humble beginnings, the last time he had spoken to her of his past he had had none. Since then many memories had returned to him some he did not like but there were none that he wished hadn't, for they formed the man that he now was.
Talirisa and her companion were still among the throng. He moved in beside her, still walking with his odd staff, leather bound at the center ending in iron rings and iron shod, Katana at his hip
"Its been a while since I've seen any of the shield around." He met her with a half-grin which usually found a place upon his lips.
Shanadar Siveni
Emerald Shield
Talirisia turned at the sound of the long-since familiar voice, her hair whipping around to bonk poor Janqua on the nose as he stood inspecting a market stall goods. She blinks, then grins. "Shan!" she gleefully greets the man, then chuckles and snaps to attention. "Captain Shanadar, sir!" she amends. "And I've just come into the city. Where are the Queenes? And everyone else? And where are we to be?"
Janqua whuffles and lightly noses Shan on the shoulder in fond greeting.
Talirisia Sefan
Emerald Shield
"The Queenes? Well, between the feasting they travel from the ship into the city everynight." Balancing the staff in the crook of his arm he hugged Janqua's head lightly. "As for us, we are to be where every we think we should be to provide adequate protection." His look was more serious now.
"I've seen more Crimson capes about than usual, Tallerian Soldiers. A Tribute nation, there should be any trouble from them but any foreign soldiers always put me on edge." He looked around instinctively. Breathing deeply, he sighed. "It feels good to be home. How have you been?"
Shanadar Siveni
Emerald Shield
*earth runs from the party, and looks back as she exits the crowd to check her bearings.her dress hiked up so she can move freely...but just as she turning her eyes front ward, she nearly collides with the conversing Shanadar..*
*she manages to avoid it, gracefully dodging, dropping her dress*
ah'm terribly sorry! *she smiles lightly recgonizing him, she bows to both he and Talirisia * I need to keep reminding myself to look where ah'm goin..
*the lady's eyes flicker accompaning the rose rising to her cheeks*
~Gia-Najho (Earth Song) S. Blackthorne
~*~The Princess Royale~*~
Just as he is finishing up a conversation and about to enter the banquet hall he turns to come face to face with a lady, she seems familiar but he couldn't quite place her immediately.
"I'm terribly sorry madam, where are you off to in such a rush?" The answer wasn't important, he was simply stalling for more time in which to discover her identity. The image of a small green tear drop and gold kept forming... he didn't understand why. Then it hit him. A necklace.
"Ea..Earthsong? Is that you?" He remebered seeing that necklace on her long ago when Donnalbane was still a wee child. He wondered if he was right.
Shanadar Siveni
*earth smiles gentle naturedly*
Aye, it's me..ah'd understand if you ahd not remembered..*she bows again and laughs to herself* It's a rare thing for me tah be dressed up proper..
*her yes calm* ah'd hope to catch mah mother before she headed out..ah'm on a bit of a..vacation..ah'd hope to see dear friends before ah'd return to that hideous world..but tell me, as mah details are tedious..how are you..it as been a while
~Gia-Najho (Earth Song) S. Blackthorne
~*~The Princess Royale~*~
She returns Earth Song's bow with a nod of her head, smiling all the while. "It's been a while, Lady. It is very good to see you again. But I am, like you, on my way to the barge. Janqua and I have some catching up to do, duty-wise."
She slants an amethyst look to Shanadar. "Does the barge have room for a dragon, or must Janqua meet me at the next destination?"
Talirisia Sefan
Emerald Shield
*earth's eyes have wandered away for a moment to the dragon, wide and child like..despite having been raised about them and for a while by them she can't help be a little amazed girl at times..*
oh, yes pleasure to see you again..*smiles*
~Gia-Najho (Earth Song) S. Blackthorne
~*~The Princess Royale~*~
Shanadar smiles slightly remember all the things that have happened since he was last here.
"I am well, much has changed since last I visited these lands. Many things have returned to me and I am a new man."
He turns his attention to Talirisa. "I'm afraid that Janqua, like Cryll, will have to meet us at the next destination but at least she'll have another to keep her company. Though I don't think we shall be traveling too far, I would assume that the Queenes will be holding court sometime soon."
Something in Earth's eyes catches his attention, something most would not notice unless similar experiences had been shared. It was hard to explain... something hardened with despair, desire, destitution. the smile still holds upon his lips. "Tell me, what is this hideous world you are resting from?"
Shanadar Siveni
Emerald Shield
it's a long story..*voice goes very soft for a moment, but returns* Ah shouldn't widdle your time with it..*still smiling*
~Gia-Najho (Earth Song) S. Blackthorne
~Preparations complete and young Talek fast asleep with little or no protesting, the Ramoshai guarding him while the High Princess readies her personage for the Ard Rhigan's barge.~
~All Siveni regalia in place and donning the sidhe cloak, she leaves the Inn followed Caledonia. They walk side by side to the Ard Rhigan's barge and notice up ahead a knight of the Emerald Shield walking to the Ard Rhighan's barge as well.~
~Sidhe cloak concealing the fine haze of rose and/or yellow gold and silvery chiffon gauze adorned with the Siveni sash, her Siveni crest emblazened on her sabre, her body adorned with rose and yellow gold as well as silver interlacings. Her form seeming to be ethearial as her form is dusted with gold powder and her silken fiery gold tresses with few adornments, as tis the style of the Siveni.~
~Approaching the High Princess remains still encompassing her world and remaining within the veils as her training dictates. Her earlier training of Earthfyre instilling all to the moment when she will be face to face with the Ard Rhigan and Rhigan.~
~She stands now on the dock a few feet away from the knight of the Emerald Shield.~
Failte! Tis well and good to meet thee this eve...*S*
Princess Kai'Fylorn Siveni
~*~Lady of Elphindale~*~
The warrior turns to bow deeply to the High Princess, a smile upon her lips. She gestures with a flourish. "If you are alone, Highness, I would wish to accompany you upon your trek tot he barge," she says quietly, all respect given in voice and demeanor.
Talirisia Sefan
Emerald Shield
The High Princess smiles warmly to the warrior and stepping forward walks in time with her.
"Yea do nay have to...*pause* But tis well to be scorted by a warrior of the Emerald Shield.
Caledonia falls back a space to walk beside Janqua. Kai`Fylorn veils the bright smile with a stilled demeanor.
The entrance to the barge a few feet away Kai`Fylorn waits while the guard announces our arrival on the barge.
Princess Kai'Fylorn Siveni
~*~Lady of Elphindale~*~
*it takes aerth a moment to relize it is she who is being addressed*
oh *flushes again* sure..Ah came here to see people *smiles warmly* and you'd be fine people to see!* not holding posture like a lady should, rather sways on her heals like a nervous child*
~Gia-Najho (Earth Song) S. Blackthorne
~*~The Princess Royale~*~
Shanadar looks at Earthsong. "Well, every princess deserves an escort, don't you think?" He grins slightly, "Shall we?" Offers her an arm. They begin to walk a little ways towards the Barge. "If you ever want to talk about things that are troubling you I'm more than willing to listen," He turns to look at her. "My life hasn't been the most fun filled either." His eyes betray the lightness of his tone telling of another story altogether.
He can tell that she's not used to being called a princess. "Still uncomfortable with all the titles? I know how you feel, it took me a while to get used to being called 'Lord Shanadar'."
Shanadar Siveni
Knight Captain of the Emerald Shield
*she smiles gently* thank you.. *chuckles lightly* I ahd been prepared to scale the walls just to see her..*arm gently in his* but I think now such measures are not nessecary..*she is quiet for amoemnt* and than yeh, if I feel there is something to be spoken, I will think of yeh..
Ah have not been called a princess since ah was a cub..now occasionally ah hear it again and it's surreal..*braids swaying across her face as they walk* it's very strange..
~Gia-Najho (Earth Song) S. Blackthorne
~*~The Princess Royale~*~
Shanadar smiles slightly. "At least you had heard it when you were young, it was completely foriegn to me... In fact rather backwards." He didn't clarify anything leaving it open to speculation. They walked up the gangplank. As they both stepped onto the ship he bowed adn Announced her arrival.
"The Princess Earth Song Blackthorne" those present on the deck, who weren't in the rigging or currently doing something that did not allow it, Bowed or knelt. A small cluster of Tallerian Soliders who were milling about stood oblivious until Shanadar leveled a glare at them, after which they quickly followed suit.
He turned to Earth, giving he rthe whole royal treatment. "Where does the Princess wish to go?" There was a slight grin on his face and it was obvious that he had played the role of servant more than once before.
Shanadar Siveni
Captain of the Emerald Shield
Turning around surprised at the announcement as she stands there with Janqua and Caledonia waiting for Talirisaia to return. She spins about racefully to face the announcer.
"May I ask? * lilting voice halted at what her eyes beheld*
Uncle Shanadar! *she walks swiftly to him, her eyes darting at another* earth?! By the Gods tis been too long! *embracing her neice Earthsong*
Delight filling her aquamarine eyes with joy at this sudden surprise. She stands expectantly gaging what their responces will be at seeing her here unexpectantly as well
Princess Kai'Fylorn Siveni
~*~Lady of Elphindale~*~
Suddenly, a voice rings out, "The Aidan, High Princess Kai`Fylorn Siveni!"
Those that but bowed, now knelt to the High Princess. Soon enough, the Emerald Shield warrior returns to the High Princess' side. She bows smartly in depth equal to Kai's rank, bowed a little less deeply to the Princess EarthSong - as equal to HER rank, deep enough - and salutes Shanadar. A gleam of teeth is seen once, then not again. She apparently has fun with this.
Talirisia Sefan
Emerald Shield
*at Kai's bow, she took to recgonition to what respects were given, she didn't know them, or had she would not have cared..in her home, her realm, one only came apon proper stations down south, were her friend the Empress Iwilani Lexington reigned..in Novia, the only rank noted at all is pack leader, it's sake is for order, and she has never actually had to prove that leadership..she smiles in return to Kai as they pass*
*once aboard with Shanadar, she has forgotten nearly all she was vacationing from..this was amusing, some elaborate game she now got to participate in and she drank every minute of it*
*she smiles* Mah Lord Shanadar, ah'd believe A'hve come to see my parents before they take back to their businesses..
*she is very fond of Edain..a first since her mother died, as she never got along with other females..other of Archos's acquatinces cared less for his adopted childer, like she and her brother Tombfyre, but Edain had taken her just as she was, earth appreciated that*
~Gia-Najho (Earth Song) S. Blackthorne
~*~The Princess Royale~*~
Kai graciously bows her head to Talirisia, Earthsong, and then Shanadar. Turning back around to the men, she waves her hand breifly for them to rise, her hand waivering upon one man. Kai turns to Talirisia, breifly looking to the man, speaking in Elven to her and then turning to Caledonia with a simple nod.
Caledonia's eyes flash for a second, she turns and ascends back into town, looking to Janqua briefly.
"Please tell this man to announce our arrival to the Ard Rhigan's Chatelaine."
High Princess Kai`Fylorn Siveni
~*~Lady of Elphindale~*~
Copyright 2000. Written by Daniel Deschambault,Karina Tucker,Jared Smith, Erin Alwardt, and Jenifer Johnston, respectively. Kindly used with permission.